A Wide-Open Conversation with Robert Klein and Joe Alterman

Award-winning comedian Robert Klein grew up in a Jewish family living in the Bronx surrounded by music. While studying at Yale’s School of Drama, he auditioned for Chicago’s famed improvisational troupe Second City. In 1975, Klein was the first comedian to appear in a live concert on HBO where his set included a bit about antisemitism. Join Klein for a wide-open conversation about his childhood; his thoughts on the history of the Jewish people, antisemitism, the Holocaust, and Israel; his decades-long career as a performer; as well as the connection between music and comedy, including some of Klein’s “harmonica shtick.” In conversation with Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah.

This program is part of The Pulse: Moments That Matter, a series of frank conversations on culturally relevant topics with musicians, comedians and other entertainment industry professionals to illuminate how being Jewish has shaped their experiences, both personally and professionally. Sponsored by Neranenah and MomentLive! as well as Moment’s Antisemitism Project, supported by the Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation.

Mister Kelly’s nightclub, owned by Jewish brothers George and Oscar Marienthal, launched the careers of legendary performers like Barbara Streisand, Richard Pryor, Bette Midler, Steve Martin and Tim Reid. The Chicago club “smashed color and gender barriers to put controversial voices on stage and transformed entertainment in America in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.” David Marienthal, son of George Marienthal and executive producer of the film Live at Mister Kelly’s and Alison Hinderliter, curator of Chicago’s Newberry Library exhibition “A Night at Mister Kelly’s,” discuss the Marienthal brothers’ success and how their clubs changed show business. In conversation with Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah. Sponsored by MomentLive! and Neranenah.

Throughout singer/songwriter Matisyahu's almost 20-year career, “Jewish heritage remains a central theme throughout his life and music.” Known for his hit song One Day, which he performed at the November 2023 Israel Rally in Washington, DC, Matisyahu will talk about his religious and musical journeys. He will also share what it was like to be on the road post October 7 with his recently released album Hold the Fire and having several venues cancel his performances because of his support for Israel. In conversation with Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah.

This program, sponsored by Moment Magazine's MomentLive! and Neranenah, is in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month.