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Dance, listen, and celebrate the joyful power of Klezmer music with one of the East Coast’s most exciting and innovative Klezmer bands!
Hailing from Western Massachusetts, Myrtle Street Klezmer is an ecstatic exploration into the past, present, and future of klezmer music – the traditional celebratory music of the Ashkenazi Jews. Their high-energy music draws on Balkan, Greek, Arabic, Rock, and Jazz music, in addition to favorites from the classic and contemporary Klezmer repertoire. MSK works in the tradition of the old-world klezmer musicians, singing in Yiddish, Hebrew, and Ladino, and teaching audiences about the background and meaning of the music and the tradition. Since 2021, they have been connecting with audiences across New England through performances, workshops, and presentations. Core members include Jason Ditzian (bandleader, clarinet), Myk Freedman (guitar), Jesse Olsen Bay (vocals, bass, bouzouki, percussion), Bea Carlson (vocals, accordion), and Doug Plavin (percussion).
Prior to the concert, MSK member Jesse Olsen Bay will offer a workshop from 6-7 pm in singing niggunim, traditional wordless melodies often used as a form of prayer in Jewish religious and spiritual traditions, and that are foundational to Klezmer music. The workshop will offer participants the chance to learn about the history and context of these melodies, and to sing some of them in a supportive and relaxed environment. No prior singing experience required, open to people of all religious and spiritual backgrounds. Pre-registration is encouraged by emailing info@chocolatechurch.com.
