programs
Gems at the J | Klezmer
Welcome to our vibrant klezmer community!
Join us throughout the year for joyful klezmer jams, spirited concerts, and cultural events that celebrate the rich musical traditions of Eastern European Jewish life.
During our klezmer jams, musicians of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join in on the music. Bring your instruments and follow along with the sheet music provided. Not a musician? No problem, just come to listen to the music!
All Klezmer Jams are $18 when purchased in advance or $20 at the door. Individual programs at the JCC can be purchased using the form below.
THANK YOU to our sponsors Progressive Acoustics, Yiddish Culture Festival and Or Zarua is helping us make Klezmer at JCC possible and keeping the music alive! Click here to learn more about becoming a sponsor!
Click here for recordings of past Klezmer Jams
Use the form below to sign up for individual Klezmer programs at the JCC!
May Klezmer Featured Artists: Ken Ulansey and Phyllis Chapell
Ken Ulansey (woodwinds) and Phyllis Chapell (vocals and guitar) have been blending their instruments and voices together for over 15 years, recording in each other’s many projects, mixing influences, and broadening each other’s musical outlooks. Together they draw from traditions as diverse as the Middle East, Europe, Brazil and Latin America, Asia and, of course, the American songbook. Their travels through most of these cultures lend a rare authenticity to their music. Their Jewish music program is diverse, including songs in Yiddish, Hebrew and Ladino… with colorful personal and historical backgrounds to provide context and (hopefully) excitement!
Phyllis Chapell has won awards for her original music and has been named one of the top 500 jazz vocalists of all time. Ken Ulansey is a Penn Council of the Arts and PEW Foundation winner, leads is own multi-genre/multi-dimensional ensemble (Philadelphia Magazine Best of Philly!), has toured extensively in Europe, Asia and the States, and has played on over 200 recordings.
Our next Klezmer events are:
April 12: The Ancient Law Film Screening at Bryn Mawr Film Institute with live Klezmer Score with Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin, 1-3pm
April 12: Klezmer Jam with Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin, 6-8pm
May 3: Itzhak Perlman: In the Fiddlers House at Marian Anderson Hall in Philadelphia, 7pm (Program not at the JCC. Click here to sign up)
May 31: Rescheduled Klezmer Jam with With Ken Ulansey & Phyllis Chapell, 3-5pm
POSTPONED TO FALL June 21: Klezmer Jam with Hankus Netsky, 4-6pm
