An ecstatic exploration into the past, present, and future of klezmer music – the traditional celebratory music of the Ashkenazi Jews.

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. Our 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 culture. Since 2021, we have been connecting with audiences through performances, workshops, and presentations across New England.

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). MSK has received awards/support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, among others.