Blab Music
Nariya Cleveland Records Nine-Song Album in Cleveland Heights
Three days, 55 voices, and a historic theater – the result is a full‑spectrum album that will debut this fall.
On a weekend in early 2026, Rabbi Micah Shapiro’s Nariya Cleveland completed a three‑day live‑studio recording at The Heights Theater in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The session captured nine original songs written by Shapiro, all of which the group plans to release in audio and video formats later this year.
The first day featured an eight‑piece band, while the final evening expanded to an eleven‑piece ensemble, a 55‑member chorus, a live studio audience, lighting and video production, and professional recording engineers. Roughly 35 chorus singers were local Cleveland residents; the rest came from across the United States.
Among the musicians were nationally recognized Jewish guitarist Joey Weisenberg, who joined as guitarist and co‑producer of one track, drummer Anthony Taddeo of Ala Boara, and trumpeter/flugelhorn player Theresa May. Shapiro’s six‑year‑old son, Levav Alpert, performed as one of two drummers, marking his first professional recording.
Shapiro founded Nariya Cleveland in April 2024 after more than two years of community work. "Nariya Cleveland is built around concentric circles of singers, doing immersive singing together to create a deep container of song for Jewish prayer space and a progressive approach to how we gather for Jewish ritual," he told the Cleveland Jewish News.
The recording session was described as a collaborative effort that brought together local and visiting Jewish musicians, singers, and prayer leaders. "People really rose to the occasion together and feel like they’ve built something together that didn’t previously exist," Shapiro said. "We also got to show it to out‑of‑town guests, which was special."
All nine songs were recorded in a single take for each track, with the production team capturing both audio and visual elements. The final product will be released in audio and video formats, offering listeners a full‑spectrum experience of the live performance.
Nariya Cleveland’s initiative aligns with Shapiro’s broader mission of creating a modern, inclusive space for Jewish prayer and music. The project is part of a monthly musical Shabbat gathering that has been held since 2024, according to a feature in the Cleveland Jewish News.
Using The Heights Theater as a recording venue underscores a growing trend of turning established live‑music spaces into high‑quality studio sites. The venue’s vintage equipment and acoustics were highlighted by the production team as key to capturing the ensemble’s sound.
The album is slated for a fall 2026 release, a time when Jewish communities often seek new musical offerings for holiday celebrations. Specific release dates and distribution channels have not yet been announced, but the Cleveland Jewish News noted that the album will be available on major streaming platforms.
Beyond the album, Shapiro indicated that Nariya Cleveland will continue to host musical Shabbat gatherings, community concerts, and educational workshops. The organization has received support from local Jewish community groups, though no formal partnership announcements have been made.
The recording session also served as a showcase for young talent, exemplified by Levav Alpert’s participation. Shapiro emphasized the importance of involving younger generations in communal music‑making.
As the project moves toward its fall release, the community anticipates a blend of traditional Jewish themes and contemporary musical arrangements. The nine tracks are expected to reflect the project’s dual focus on accessibility and artistic excellence.
The Nariya Cleveland recording marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing effort to enrich Jewish musical life in Cleveland. Its collaborative nature, diverse lineup, and professional production set a precedent for future community‑driven musical initiatives.
The album’s release will likely influence how Jewish communities approach music production, offering a model that balances local participation with high‑quality recording standards. The project’s emphasis on both spiritual depth and musical skill may inspire similar efforts in other cities.
In summary, Nariya Cleveland’s three‑day recording at The Heights Theater captured nine original songs by Rabbi Micah Shapiro, featuring a mix of local and visiting musicians, a large chorus, and professional production. The album is slated for a fall release in audio and video formats, continuing the project’s mission to make Jewish music accessible while upholding high artistic and spiritual standards.
On a weekend in early 2026, Rabbi Micah Shapiro’s Nariya Cleveland completed a three‑day live‑studio recording at The Heights Theater in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The session captured nine original songs written by Shapiro, all of which the group plans to release in audio and video formats later this year.
The first day featured an eight‑piece band, while the final evening expanded to an eleven‑piece ensemble, a 55‑member chorus, a live studio audience, lighting and video production, and professional recording engineers. Roughly 35 chorus singers were local Cleveland residents; the rest came from across the United States.
Among the musicians were nationally recognized Jewish guitarist Joey Weisenberg, who joined as guitarist and co‑producer of one track, drummer Anthony Taddeo of Ala Boara, and trumpeter/flugelhorn player Theresa May. Shapiro’s six‑year‑old son, Levav Alpert, performed as one of two drummers, marking his first professional recording.
Shapiro founded Nariya Cleveland in April 2024 after more than two years of community work. "Nariya Cleveland is built around concentric circles of singers, doing immersive singing together to create a deep container of song for Jewish prayer space and a progressive approach to how we gather for Jewish ritual," he told the Cleveland Jewish News.
The recording session was described as a collaborative effort that brought together local and visiting Jewish musicians, singers, and prayer leaders. "People really rose to the occasion together and feel like they’ve built something together that didn’t previously exist," Shapiro said. "We also got to show it to out‑of‑town guests, which was special."
All nine songs were recorded in a single take for each track, with the production team capturing both audio and visual elements. The final product will be released in audio and video formats, offering listeners a full‑spectrum experience of the live performance.
Nariya Cleveland’s initiative aligns with Shapiro’s broader mission of creating a modern, inclusive space for Jewish prayer and music. The project is part of a monthly musical Shabbat gathering that has been held since 2024, according to a feature in the Cleveland Jewish News.
Using The Heights Theater as a recording venue underscores a growing trend of turning established live‑music spaces into high‑quality studio sites. The venue’s vintage equipment and acoustics were highlighted by the production team as key to capturing the ensemble’s sound.
The album is slated for a fall 2026 release, a time when Jewish communities often seek new musical offerings for holiday celebrations. Specific release dates and distribution channels have not yet been announced, but the Cleveland Jewish News noted that the album will be available on major streaming platforms.
Beyond the album, Shapiro indicated that Nariya Cleveland will continue to host musical Shabbat gatherings, community concerts, and educational workshops. The organization has received support from local Jewish community groups, though no formal partnership announcements have been made.
The recording session also served as a showcase for young talent, exemplified by Levav Alpert’s participation. Shapiro emphasized the importance of involving younger generations in communal music‑making.
As the project moves toward its fall release, the community anticipates a blend of traditional Jewish themes and contemporary musical arrangements. The nine tracks are expected to reflect the project’s dual focus on accessibility and artistic excellence.
The Nariya Cleveland recording marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing effort to enrich Jewish musical life in Cleveland. Its collaborative nature, diverse lineup, and professional production set a precedent for future community‑driven musical initiatives.
The album’s release will likely influence how Jewish communities approach music production, offering a model that balances local participation with high‑quality recording standards. The project’s emphasis on both spiritual depth and musical skill may inspire similar efforts in other cities.
In summary, Nariya Cleveland’s three‑day recording at The Heights Theater captured nine original songs by Rabbi Micah Shapiro, featuring a mix of local and visiting musicians, a large chorus, and professional production. The album is slated for a fall release in audio and video formats, continuing the project’s mission to make Jewish music accessible while upholding high artistic and spiritual standards.
