Carmel teen Ilana Felix, 16, was born to be a star. Her musical path throughout her life thus far recently paid off when she was named part of Jewish Rock Radio’s Jewish Stars Season 3.
The Beginning
Growing up in a musical family, it was no surprise that she would take a deep interest and passion about music coupled with sharing the Jewish culture and ideologies connected to Judaism. Felix’s dad is a self-taught pianist, and her mother was a very active choir singer in high school. She also has musically influenced cousins; one who was in Straight No Chaser, an A capella group based out of Indiana University. 
Felix started her musical career early by singing Shabbat prayers and songs when we she attended Beth-El Zedeck’s Early Childhood Center. She is still a current BEZ member and continues to sing in their programs and services. 
“I grew up attending family concerts and I have always loved music,” Felix said. “Singing at synagogue has always been a huge part of my life and has shaped who I am today.”
As a young teen, Felix continued her Jewish world experience at JCC Camp Chi. A counselor, Emma Jane, soon became the most pivotal person in her musical experience. Felix said Jane wrote her own music and played the Ukulele. She was inspired by Jane and she soon got her own ukulele – her first instrument – and began to write her own music. She now plays guitar and three different types of Ukuleles.
Felix says the songs she writes are a mix of calm pop, R&B, and Jazz. She practices her own renditions of popular songs by slowing down the tempo and putting her own spin on them. Some of her most influential artists include Adele, Billie Ellish, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and pretty much any pop artist from the 1980s and early 2000s.
Now mid-way through high school at Carmel High School, Felix is a member of the Ambassadors, the school’s varsity mixed show choir where they compete and host concerts. 
Jewish Stars
In her free time, Felix is also an active member for BBYO – B’Yachad KIO Region. She was on the board for three terms, serving as a Jewish Service Leader and Vice President. Most recently, she is the chapter song leader.
From BBYO, she was selected to attend the Song Leader Boot Camp (SLBC), which is where she learned about Jewish Stars. 
Jewish Rock Radio’s Jewish Star North American Talent Search is an initiative designed to identify emerging music performance talent in the Jewish community with a passion and desire to impact the Jewish world. Participants create video submissions individually, or as part of a group, showcasing their talent, along with an application sharing how they would use their talent to have a positive impact on not only their community, but also Jewish communities everywhere. A group of nationally renowned Jewish music artists and educators review the entries and determine 20 individuals to receive exclusive opportunities to expand their skills so they can make an even greater impact on their communities and Jewish world.
Felix was urged to audition by SLBC leadership and in October 2020, she sent in an audition tape of her singing V’shamru because it’s one of her favorite prayers during Shabbat. A month later, she found out she was in the Top 10 for teens under the age of 18.
“It’s all been a blur,” Felix said. “I seriously wasn’t expecting anything to happen.
Jewish Stars receive:
Widespread recognition on all JRR platforms including social media, press, and website 
International exposure on an exclusive JRR broadcast 
Personalized consultation with JRR to help them take the next step on their journeys to impact the Jewish world
FREE registration for the 2021 SLBC National Conference for Immersive leadership and performance skills training
Networking with top talent in the Jewish artist community
“We are being mentored to become the next big thing in the Jewish world and on Jewish Rock Radio,” she said.
Felix’s Beth-El Zedeck family has been and continues to support her on her Jewish musical journey.
“We are cheering for her,” said Rabbi Dennis Sasso. “Ilana is a Star student at Beth-El Zedeck, an award-winning Confirmand, and a High Holy Days youth singer. Her sweet voice has delighted our congregation for many years.”
To follow Felix’s musical journey, you can follow her on YouTube at http://bit.ly/illanalilly. Visit https://jewishstar.jewishrockradio.com/ to learn more about Jewish Stars.