The Klezmers Play On - Show Sampler

Sponsored in loving memory of Sarah & Harry Laker.
Yiddish singing sensation Daniella Rabbani, Cantor Michael Smolash and virtuoso ensemble Balkanika, led by Dan Nadel come together for an uplifting concert of the very best of Yiddish and Klezmer music.
The Klezmers Play On:
Yiddish music has seen our people through thick and thin. It laughs and dances with us. It weeps with and comforts us. It fills our hearts with a spirit of joy and resilience no matter the challenge of the times. Although the world keeps hitting the Jewish community with slings and arrows, the dauntless heart of our Jewish music will get you smiling as you drink in the best of Klezmer and Yiddish song. True masters from New York City join our own Cantor Smolash for this uplifting concert as the klezmers play on!
Daniella Rabbani loves Yiddish language and song. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette called Daniella, “the living embodiment of this fun, often sensuous music”. Music that has taken her across the country to venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Summerstage all in NYC and The State Theater in Warsaw, Poland with The National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene. Off Broadway with The Folksbiene, Daniella left audiences “twirling in the streets” (NYTimes) in the Drama Desk nominated The Golden Land and many other productions. Her TV and Film work includes WB’s Oceans 8, CBS’ God Friended Me, FX’s The Americans and more. She is the host of the podcast Mom Curious
and can be found on Instagram (@daniellarabbani). More information at DaniellaRabbani.com
Cantor Michael Smolash is honored to be serving as a cantor at Temple Israel since 2004 with the finest clergy team in the world. He sits proudly in the Stephen Gottlieb z”l Cantorial Chair. He has coproduced four albums of Temple Israel’s music, which were featured on the URJ’s Ruach CD, JKids Radio, and the Biennial Convention album where Michael led Friday night services. A pioneer of the use of RUclips videos for synagogue outreach, Cantor Smolash’s produced videos have garnered three million views to date. He is also a student of Australia’s Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf, one of the foremost Kabbalah teachers today, and has taught Jewish mysticism at Henry Ford Hospital’s Provider Health Summit, Legacy Heritage’s OnBoard program, the Interfaith Leadership Council, and more. The Winnipeg Sun raved that Michael “Knows how to bring down the house with his shtick, song and dance.” Raised in a Yiddish speaking family, and a fifteen year veteran of professional music theater, Cantor Smolash is always thrilled to combine these two loves in concert.
Balkanika presents a 21st century NY exploration of folk, Roma and Ladino (Judeo-Español) music from The Balkans. The band's original arrangements highlight the diversity and depth of the region's culture, from its exhilarating folk dances and virtuosic instrumental playing, to the Ladino songs beloved by its once-thriving Sefaradi Jewish community.
Dan Nadel is an Israeli born guitarist and composer, whose personal style combines flamenco, jazz, and Middle Eastern influences. His debut album, Brooklyn Prayer, was released in 2005 to critical acclaim, and was followed by recordings and performances as a bandleader, a solo performing artist, and an in-demand collaborator. Dan is the music director for Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in Manhattan and director of the 92NY's new program Bridges in Sound.
Shoko Nagai is a versatile musical performer and composer. Since moving to the U.S. from Japan and studying classical and jazz music at Berklee, she has adapted her mastery of the keyboard to prepared piano, accordion, Moog synthesizer, and other instruments. She is a veteran of the New York's Klezmer, Balkan and experimental music scenes.
Ismail Lumanovski's synergistic blend of natural talent and training combines the spirit of folk music with the discipline of classical music. A graduate of Juilliard's masters program in classical performance as well as an improviser and performer of Macedonian, Turkish and Gypsy music, he tours with the New York Gypsy All-Stars and Secret Trio.
Satoshi Takeishi is a native of Mito, Japan. His work as work a drummer, percussionist, and arranger for the past four decades has been in high demand by artists around the world, in styles ranging from jazz, classical Latin, middle eastern, electronic and experimental.
Laker Family Endowment
Temple Israel is beyond grateful to the Laker family for their landmark endowment. This generous gift provides perpetual funding for both this annual Sarah & Harry Laker z”l Memorial Concert, as well as the annual Beverly & Irving Laker z”l Guest Artist. Our community has been blessed with the gift of decades of music. Thank you to the Laker family for getting our toes tapping once again this afternoon!

[@cedarsmolash7460]

This Yiddish concert is a true mechaye! The performers' talent and passion bring such simcha and energy to the stage. Each song is a beautiful celebration of our rich heritage and culture. It's incredible how the music connects us to our roots and fills the heart with pride. The musicians' skill and the soulful melodies are a sheyn zakh, creating an unforgettable experience. Thank you for sharing this magical performance with the world! Bravo! 🌟

[@michaelsmolash8531]

Music to my ears!!!

[@TempleIsraelMI]

Thank you once again to the Laker family for sponsoring this fabulous concert!

[@shmaltzman]

Magnificent!!!

[@aylasmolash5189]

great concert, dad. 👍

[@cedarsmolash7460]

😂