Dealstock is an annual community event that highlights young talented musicians and singers within our community on a professional level while simultaneously raising money for the Sephardic Community Center (SCC; also known as ‘The Center’) in Brooklyn, NY. Music booming, gifted kids entertaining, socializing at its best, and raising money for a great cause; this event truly shows you what our community is all about.

Bracelets were your ticket in, they cost $36 ahead of time or $52 at the door. The crowd was littered with light pink and light blue caps and tees with “Dealstock’” written on them as well as a few lightning rods to symbolize rock music. The entry fee funds along with the t-shirts and baseball caps sold at the event no doubt raised a ton of money for The Center.

Walking through the crowd, the only way I could describe the experience is warmth. This was a great place for our community’s youth to bond and mingle in a different way than competing at a tournament or walking around a Chinese auction. You could tell it was the youth’s territory. From the stylish hippie flower halos to the laid back friendly manner in which friends greeted each other. The energy of the crowd was almost surreal, I could feel the excitement in the air as everyone watched their friends and family members perform.

I know I stayed extra late to proudly watch my brother, Joey Sabzehroo (famously known as Poe), sing and play guitar. He was announced and greeted with a welcoming chant “Poe! Poe! Poe!” from the audience and I could feel my mother's heart soar with joy as she looked on, observing from stage right.

Lynda Russo's performance of Imagine by John Lennon was adored by the crowd. With Michael Tebele on the keyboard, they sang together and inspired peace and unity.

“My experience was great and amazing,” Lynda said when asked about her performance.

“I was so nervous at first because I don't usually sing, but once I got on the stage I felt good and confident. I felt the community love so much. They are amazing and so supportive,” continued Lynda, “I chose to sing Imagine because I don’t only want peace in the community, but all around the world as well and the song Imagine was perfect for spreading peace.”

Another highlight from Dealstock was our community’s very own Instagram star, Elliot Tebele. He made an appearance and volunteered to announce another popular community Instagram sensation ‘DSass’ (@dsasschronicles). ‘DSass’, clearly beloved by the audience, did a little stand up comedy which he’s known for, using all of our community’s famous lingo. The crowd all cheered him on intently wanting more, he was feeling the positive vibes and yes, the love.

With my ticket in, in addition to the entertainment, all attendees were fed! A barbecue was set up, constantly pumping out fresh and delicious grub. There was a dessert table that had seemingly endless cookies and fruit for hungry concert goers to enjoy. You could truly see the attention to detail that was made while planning this event: shout out to Lee Oknin and her team for organizing!

Photos by Marlene Massry.

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.