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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 Yiddish Culture Festival & 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

February 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!

Our next Klezmer events are:

February 22: Klezmer Jam with Ken Ulansey and Phyllis Chapell, 3-5pm

March 15: Klezmer Jam with Adrianne Greenbaum and Friends, 2-4pm

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)

June 21: Klezmer Jam with Hankus Netsky, 4-6pm

Use the form below to sign up for individual Klezmer programs at the JCC!

Click here to register for Itzhak Perlman in Philadelphia on 5/3!