Cantor Kent’s show Shards is a masterclass in storytelling. The way he weaves his stories together, the audience is fully along for the ride every moment of the way. The show is not linear; it is a brilliant tapestry of memories, imagined conversations, and songs, giving a powerful personal and family history that resonates for many. While his stories are deeply personal and unique, they are universally relatable. Any community will be profoundly enriched after a visit from Cantor Evan Kent.
Rabbi Rochelle Tulik, Temple B’rith Kodesh, Rochester, New York
Bio
I’m an actor, singer, cantor, and a storyteller and I currently live in Tel Aviv. Before moving to Israel, I was the cantor at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles for 25 years.
I’m a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, and I received my cantorial ordination from Hebrew Union College. I also earned a doctorate in music education from Boston University.
I’m currently on the faculty of the Levinsky-Wingate Academic College where I teach in the department of Music Education. For over a decade, I was also a faculty member of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem where I taught liturgy and sacred music.
I’ve appeared in many musical productions throughout Israel and you can see me on television and internet commercials promoting many hi-tech products.
My one-man show “Shards,” has been presented throughout Israel, in Europe, and throughout the United States. “Shards” has recently become a book (Routledge Press) and is a behind-the-scenes look at the development, writing, rehearsal, and production of this one-person musical performance.
When not singing, acting, or teaching, I’m an avid long-distance runner and I’ve completed many marathons, half marathons, and ultra-marathons.
“Cantor Evan Kent’s visit to our congregation was incredibly moving for all ages as we joined together through deep and soulful song, prayers, poetry, storytelling, and learning. From our religious school students, to our Shabbat worshipers, to our adult learners, to those who yearned for connection to and nostalgia for their own family’s immigrant journeys, there was extremely meaningful programming for all members of our congregation during Cantor Kent’s four day visit. He worked with our clergy team to make sure he always understood who was in the room and what their needs were and tailored his programming to meet our congregants where they were. I cannot recommend enough that you invite him to visit your community for a truly exceptional weekend.”
Rabbi Rachel Ackerman, Temple Shalom, Chevy Chase, Maryland
Musical Theatre
Evan has performed, sung, and puppeteered in musicals and theatre productions across the world for audiences large and small.
Watch Evan’s musical theatre showreel video to see him performing in a range of classic musicals and stage productions.
“Evan Kent is a wonderful actor and superb vocalist, but above all he is an inspired raconteur, and over the course of his narrative he shows us over and over that storytelling is a high art.”
Boris Wolfson, Associate Professor, Amherst College
Acting
As well as sining and performing in musical productions, Evan has performed in a range of acting roles for TV, commercial and promo work.
If you’d like to talk to Evan about acting bookings, please get in touch…
Here are a few examples of Evan’s acting in action…
“I grew up going to Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles, with Cantor Kent’s voice booming at Shabbat services, High Holiday services, and Bat and Bar Mitzvahs. Every time he opened his mouth in prayer and song, it was a direct line to spirituality.”
Jaime Lowe, freelance writer and New York Times contributor
Singing
Evan Kent is an experienced and accomplished singer and songwriter and has written and recorded many songs over the years. Here are a few examples of his favourite songs…
Songs from Shards
Songs from the Synagogue
“Cantor Evan Kent is amazing. He is engaging and dynamic in every setting, whether leading services for a full sanctuary or teaching a lesson with twenty participants. He has a powerful voice, and his spirit and brilliance shine through both spoken word and song. His depth of knowledge of Jewish history, culture, and musical tradition is inspiring. And he knows exactly how to balance performance and participation.”