Schedule

Schedule is a proposal and subject to change.

Friday, October 9

8:00 PM

Shabes-tish for all! Led by Deborah Strauss and Cantor Jeff Warschauer

A tish (literally the Yiddish word for table) is a special occasion – a chance to sit together, sing with words and without, bang the table, dance, raise a glass and take a break from the regular week of work and responsibilities.

Our KlezCalYidFest tish is for everyone; no background, previous knowledge or affiliation needed. Join us!

Der Goylem: A Puppet Spectacle

Saturday, October 10

10:00 – 11:30 AM
Lecture

Critical Yiddishland

Critical Yiddishland is a dynamic group text-study and discussion that gets everyone thinking and talking about contemporary Yiddishkayt. In this session, we will explore the different ways that “Yiddishland” has been understood throughout the past century and discuss how we imagine, describe, and participate in the contemporary Yiddish cultural scene.
Singing Workshop

Singing Workshop

Instrumental Workshop

Instrumental Workshop

11:30 AM

Jam Session

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Dance Workshop

Take My Hand: Yiddish Dances for Everyone

In this repertoire workshop, Avia Moore and Deborah Strauss will teach dances from the core repertoire of the Yiddish dance tradition.
Singing Workshop

Singing Workshop

Instrumental Workshop

Instrumental Workshop

3:00 – 4:30 PM
Dance Workshop

Musical Shers (and other Repertoire Treats)

In this repertoire workshop, Avia Moore will teach Yiddish dances in a variety of styles, from circles and squares to pairs. Come and be surprised and delighted!
Lecture

The Jewish Labor Bund

Does a Jewish socialist organization founded in pre-revolutionary Russia have relevance for Jewish social activists today?
Instrumental & Vocal Workshop

Cantorial Modality & Improvisation: The Bal-Tefile

This unique approach is a powerful way to develop new improvisational and compositional ideas. We will use the modal and motivic building blocks of the Bal-tefile (the lay prayer leader) as our point of departure. These basic yet profound motivic patterns are at the heart of Eastern European Jewish prayer and musical style. We will also include a quick review of the modal systems of cantorial and klezmer music.

This hands-on workshop is open to both instrumentalists and singers, and is designed to move at an advanced pace. No previous knowledge of Hebrew or liturgy necessary.

4:30 PM

Jam Session

7:00 PM

Concert: Efnt Dem Toyer / Open the Gate! by the Strauss/Warschauer Duo

The Strauss/Warschauer Duo presents an uplifting concert about love, unity, and the strength of Di goldene keyt, the golden chain of Yiddish culture that spans the generations.

Sunday, October 11

10:00 – 11:30 AM
Food Workshop

Joys and Zoyers of Fermentation

Mike and Sasha are thrilled to share the joy of fermentation! Start your day with learning the basics of making your own sauerkraut. Taste a variety of traditional and radical sauerkrauts.

If you would like to go home with your own jar of sauerkraut, please bring your own cutting board and chef’s knife. We will have finite supplies so email sasha.waniewski@gmail.com to reserve your jar!

Instrumental Workshop

Make The Bride Cry!

In one lesson, Josh will methodically teach the teeny-tiny formulas that make up the Kale Bazetsn and the Yiddishe Doina. These two semi-improvised tune types were the bread and butter of every klezmer, as they were designed to fulfill the mitzvah of making the bride cry at the wedding. Josh will guide the perplexed through the forest of confusion that often surrounds these beguiling genres in one crash course. Bazetsns and Doinas are fun and easy to play. Trust Josh. He’s spent years struggling with them.
Dance Workshop

Yiddish Dance Style

What makes Yiddish dance feel Yiddish? In this workshop Avia Moore and Deborah Strauss will explore the rich stylistic vocabulary that gives Yiddish dance its flavour. This class is open to all levels but will be oriented towards understanding gesture rather than learning steps.
11:30 AM

Jam Session

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Vocal Workshop

Yiddish Songs and Melodies of Love, Kindness, and Community

Together we will learn beautiful Yiddish songs and Hasidic melodies that will help us connect to one another, lift our spirits, and express our deepest feelings. All are welcome, ages zero to 120. No previous experience or knowledge necessary. Join us!
Instrumental Workshop

Instrumental Workshop

Dance Workshop

Yiddish Dance Leading

A session for those who love leading on the dance floor, whether interested, emerging, or established. Avia Moore will share leading tips for keeping the dance floor moving, safe, and joyful.
3:00 PM

Concert: Levyosn