St. Louis has music in its DNA—the blues, ragtime, early rock and roll—so it’s fitting that we incorporate music into celebrating Jewish holidays. The musical extravaganza Hanukkah Hullabaloo has been a staple here since 2011. A newer annual tradition, now in its third year, is the Passover Project: A Musical Seder, presented by the Jewish Light. Both events benefit from a talented lineup of top local musicians, led by Brothers Lazaroff.
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Passover Project, which will take place Wednesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at City Winery St. Louis. The idea grew out of a few creative examples from other communities around the country. The Jewish Light wanted to create a Passover gathering that feels fresh and fun while bringing people together and showcasing the incredible musical talent we have right here in St. Louis.
The lineup includes not only the Brothers Lazaroff but also Rob Koritz, Anita Jackson, Joey Ferber, Michael Tzinberg, David Goldenberg and DJ Boogieman among others. The result is an interactive seder that’s welcoming for families but engaging for adults, weaving together songs, poetry, grooves, readings and creative reflections on the Passover story.
The Passover Project bears little resemblance to the seders I experienced growing up in University City. My food memories of those involve matzah balls that had the consistency of ProV1 golf balls, thanks to my mom’s misreading of the recipe on the Manischewitz box. Food at the Passover Project is on a higher plane. The brisket on the special Passover menu at City Winery is heavenly.
Like a traditional seder, the evening includes candle lighting, prayers and wine—four glasses, in fact, available as a special Passover flight (City Winery wine is very good). Guests will also find matzah and macaroons on each table, along with a seder plate. Some not-strictly-kosher seder dishes created by City Winery’s culinary team will be available for purchase, along with items from the regular menu. (City Winery requires a $25 per-person food and beverage minimum for adults.)
Proceeds from the Passover Project benefit the Jewish Light. All of the musicians and performers donate their time to make the evening possible. The goal is to create what organizers like to call a “friend raiser,” while also shining a light on the importance of Jewish journalism and its future.
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One of the wonderful aspects of the close-knit nature of the St. Louis Jewish community is that you frequently run into friends—new and old—at events. At the Passover Project and Hanukkah Hullabaloo, I always see familiar faces, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
The Passover seder is an opportunity to tell an ancient story and learn from it. The Passover Project does that in a way that’s entertaining, meaningful—and very St. Louis. Music, food and community. It’s hard to imagine a better combination.
The Passover Project is scheduled for April 8 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6), at the City Winery at the St. Louis Foundry. Ticket information is available at: https://bit.ly/Passover-Project-2026
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