Sonoma State jammed out with a performance from the band Veretski Pass filling up nearly every seat at the Schroder Hall venue on Oct. 6. The band returned to SSU grounds, as they have been invited multiple times throughout the years to share their musical talents, for yet another performance inviting students and residents of Sonoma County to enjoy. This time, their appearance was a part of the Jewish Music Series held every other Thursday at SSU, where various bands and musical artists perform different types of music inspired by Jewish heritage or influence. 

Veretski Pass consists of three musicians, Cookie Segelstein on violin, Stuart Brotman on bass, and Joshua Horowitz who through their performance transitioned from two instruments, an accordion and a unique instrument called the tsimbl. The trio specializes in the genre of Jewish Folk and Old Country music and has been constructing various forms of music as a band since 2002. According to Segelstein, their “music s a mix of all styles of music” and is “mixed with all types of compositions”.

With an excited audience that consisted of people of all ages, the band made their appearance and began to play almost immediately after a brief introduction. Song after song a brief explanation was given informing everyone of the origin of what was being performed, and each description of a song was presented in a comical yet informative manner that truly entertained the audience, causing the arena to be filled with people who were constantly laughing yet engrossed in the music style and band itself. 

The band named off a variety of the different songs they have created over the years with sounds echoing through the Hall from the two string instruments and Horowitz’s accordion and tsimbl following the rhythm. 

When it came to their concluding act, the trio informed the audience that their last two songs were in support of those suffering due to the current events with the war in Ukraine. Both concluding songs played had connections to Ukrainian music, as the band had explained their strong emotions regarding the war, having not heard from close friends currently in Ukraine, and hoping for their safety.

After the first of the two concluding songs had ended, Veresski Pass took questions from the audience. Most of the questions asked referred to information about the members’ instruments, and how they are played, and once all questions were answered it was time for the band to present their final song. 

The closing song of their performance was the shortest of the night, but was meant to be a tune that would be uplifting according to the band, as it is usually played when wanting to make people dance. The tune was inspired by a Hungarian minority who lived in Ukraine. With the final song concluded Veretski Pass looked to the audience and bowed then immediately left the stage. 

Sonoma State presents a variety of musical artists within its Green Music Center (GMC) from local artists to global rock stars. The next band performing as part of the continuation of the Jewish Music series will be Cantor Arik Luck: The Jewish Soul on Oct 21. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to take part in the event.