NORWICH – Internationally renowned musician, performer, activist and educator Peri Smilow is set to be at the Norwich Jewish Center this Sunday, May 1, as the Center’s second featured guest in its ongoing cultural events series.

Smilow is said to have a unique ability to move people with her music, singing and speaking. She aims to impact children and adults to gain understanding and make connections with others of various ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“She is passionate in her commitment to community and in making social change,” read a release from the Norwich Jewish Center. “She combines her love of all things Jewish with an ability to touch people with her words and music – singing and playing – to transmit a deep love of heritage and people who want to make a difference.”

Smilow’s works have been heard not only throughout the US, but also in Canada, England, Singapore and Israel.

Her music is not only based on her faith, but also on her experiences as a cancer survivor, wife, and mother. She celebrates the importance of her relationships with loved ones, friends, and the greater community.

When asked why Smilow was chosen as the second guest in the Center’s cultural series, he had a plethora of reasons.

“First, she is just very, very good at what she does,” said Chirlin. “We [Don and his wife Sally] saw her in Albany and it was just phenomenal.”

Chirlin also explained that his mother and father, Morris and Helen Chirlin, both now deceased, were very involved in the community and were members of the Norwich Jewish Center since the 1940s. Chirlin said his father, Morris Chirlin, was the manager at Fishman’s, a member of the Common Council, and was involved in various other community events and organizations.

“This is how her visit ties in as part of the cultural contribution aspect, and the importance of it,” Chirlin said.

Additionally, Smilow is a relative of the Chirlins. Don and his sister Donna Nowack are proud to call Smilow and her husband family.

Smilow’s husband is Budd Mishkin, host of ‘One on 1 with Budd Mishkin, in which he interviews and profiles prominent New Yorkers with significant connections to New York City.

“The Chirlin family is a very large Jewish family based out of Albany, and some of the family plans to come for the Smilow event,” Chirlin said.