Cantor Kelly Onickel
As I write this, I am in the early stages of planning my next concert on April 4, 2027. The first thing I do when planning a concert is figure out what the theme will be. At first, I thought I would do a Motown concert. Although I lived just outside of Detroit, where Motown, a portmanteau of “Motor” and “Town,” began, I did not really grow up listening to this genre. It was not until I was in my late teens and early 20s that I came to really appreciate it. I think at some point I will do a Motown concert, but it just doesn’t feel like the right time. So, I was stuck. My last concert and fundraiser featured my two favorite genres, Jazz and Broadway. Then, for my practicum, installation and ordination, I shared my Jewish Journey in Music. What should I do next?
Then I thought to myself, “It will be almost one year since my ordination, and one of the things I am committing to in my cantorate and rabbinate is my interfaith and community work, so why not have this be the theme?”
Then I remembered this amazing song that I sang when I was a senior in high school, “Just One Voice” by Barry Manilow. The song speaks to the power of one voice to begin something meaningful and inspire others to join in. Here are the Lyrics:
Just one voice, singing in the darkness – All it takes is one voice – Singing so they hear
what’s on your mind and when you look around you’ll find
There’s more than one voice – singing in the darkness – Joining with your one voice
Each and every note another octave hands are joined, and fears unlocked
If only one voice would start it on its own – We need just one voice facing the unknown
And then that one voice would never be alone – It takes that one voice
It takes that one voice – Just one voice, singing in the darkness – All it takes is one voice
Shout it out and let it ring – Just one voice, it takes that one voice and everyone will sing!
Mark your calendars for Cantor’s Concert 2027, “One Voice,” on April 4 beginning at 1:00pm.
If you would like to help with this event, please let me know at (248) 388-0190 or chazanittbs@gmail.com.
Cantor Kelly Onickel