Get ready, St. Louis. The much-anticipated Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival is back, bringing its unique blend of art, music and food to a new location. After previous celebrations on the campus of Washington University in 2018 and 2022, Sababa 2024 will now take place at the Staenberg Family Complex near Creve Coeur on Sept. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The J, in collaboration with the St. Louis Jewish Federation, promises a day filled with rich cultural experiences, headlined by four musical acts and amazing Jewish-style food and art.
| RELATED: Photos: A look back at Sababa 2022
The music
Music lovers are in for a treat with an eclectic lineup of performances that capture the essence of Jewish and global music traditions:
- Gili Yalo: Hailing from Israel, Yalo blends Ethiopian roots with a modern mix of soul, funk, psychedelic, and jazz, creating a sound that is as unique as it is captivating.
- Joe Buchanan: This Texas-born artist brings Southern charm and soul to Jewish music, offering heartfelt country tunes steeped in Torah and the trials of the human spirit.
- Charlie Kramer, Lucy Greenbaum & Greta Rosenstock: These local St. Louis favorites and Jewish song leaders join forces for a one-day-only performance, perfect for families attending after Sunday School.
- Klezundheit!: Missouri’s only klezmer big band, Klezundheit!, is set to deliver a high-energy, danceable performance that is sure to get everyone on their feet.
The food
No festival would be complete without great music and incredible food, and Sababa 2024 is no exception. This year, plan to eat well as the festival is being catered by Zelda’s, one of the leading kosher catering companies in the Midwest. Known for their fresh, scratch-made dishes, Zelda’s will be serving up a menu that includes meat and pareve options, all prepared with proprietary recipes that have been perfected over the years.
Here is the menu from Zelda’s:
Classic festival food
- Beef hot dogs
- Grilled brats
- Classic beef hamburgers
- Quinoa and black bean burger
Jewish cultural food
- Pomegranate braised brisket sandwich
- Chicken schnitzel sandwich
- Hot corned beef sandwich
- Chicken Shwarma kabob plate
- Grilled marinated eggplant
- Jumbo potato knish
Dessert
- Fruit cup
- Classic chocolate babka
- Chocolate chip mandel breit
Sides
- House made French fries
- Israeli salad
The art
In 2024, Sababa organizers prioritized works by artists creating Jewish-themed art or with a connection to the Jewish community. Here are all the artists and their respective mediums:
- Cindy Larimore: Painting and mixed media
- Tsila Schwartz: Calligraphy and illumination
- David Alper: Glass, flameworking
- Sallie Volotzky: Glass
- Ilanit Michelson: Ceramic
- Isaac Baran: Wood, metal and electronics
- Angie Spain: French beaded flowers
- Bar Rodin: Jewelry
- Elaine Unell: Ceramics
- Margo Tzadok: Acrylic
- David Coblitz: Photography
- Sam Zitin: Wood (or wood/resin)
- Jessie Cargas: Steel sculptures
- Deborah Weinstein: Ceramics
- Lizz Caplan: Acrylic
- Fay Balk: Glass — Jewelry, Judaica and homewares
- Elianna Dryer: Papercutting, watercolor, oil and prints
- Stephanie & Scott Rhea: Metal
- Aura Kavadlo: Jewelry
- Teresa Reeves: Glass
- Susanne “Gaucha” Paykowski “Berlin”: Photography
- Hana Solomon: Painting
Join the Celebration
What: Sababa: Jewish Arts & Cultural Festival
When: Sept. 29, 10:30 to 4 p.m.
Where: The Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur
For more details: Visit sababastl.com
