Articles and News

Memphis, TN--While business takes up much of a successful jeweler's life, many still find the time to pursue interesting hobbies or interests that have nothing to do with gems or jewelry. Jay Mednikow is one such jeweler. In his spare time, Jay sings in and manages the band DeltaCapella, an a cappella band (a group singing without instruments). He and his band entertained at Centurion 2012 in Scottsdale and wowed the audience. It was a side of Mednikow that many had never seen before, nor even knew existed.

"It's a hobby I've had since high school," says Mednikow. "I discovered contemporary a cappella while in college and never stopped singing after that. It's a great hobby for me, completely different form my day job."

Mednikow runs his family's 100-year old jewelry business in Memphis. But he sang with the Harvard Din & Tonics while in college and with the Duke Pitchforks while in business school. Then he took a 17-year break from singing a cappella, because in 1990 there were few avenues available to continue singing a cappella music after school. But in 2007, Jay's desire to do it again led him to found DeltaCappella, a twelve-man contemporary a cappella group. He has become a proponent of post-collegiate a cappella music. Jay's wife and three children, thankfully, support him in his musical endeavors.

Jay Mednikow, front, and his band, DeltaCapella, performing during Centurion Scottsdale 2012.

Do you have an interesting hobby or know a jeweler who does? The Centurion wants to know! Please drop us a line for a new periodic feature about jewelers' hobbies and interests outside of business. Contact either Hedda Schupak, editor, at hedda@centurionjewelry.com, or Caroline Stanley, contributing writer, at caroline@redjewel.com.