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Musical Roots that move the heart
The multi-faceted Jewish heritage comes alive for today’s audiences through the band’s innovative, rhythmic, and exciting interpretations of Ashkenazic and Sephardic music. This band is, in fact, a m’chaiya! (In Yiddish: a real joy, a real pleasure)
Trad beats for the feet The band’s energy is infectious, so they make sure everyone’s feet get moving in the right direction by leading folks through simple and fun traditional line and circle dances. M’chaiya can also bring percussion and encourages the audience to join the band on stage to play along when possible. Yiddish-lyric swing music favorites, like Bei Mir Bistu Schein, are a highlight.
Unique instrumentation The Ensemble M’chaiya, Chicagoland’s first revival Klezmer band, shapes its distinctive sound with mandolin, violin, flute, cornet, guitar, and tof. Accordion, bass, trumpet, bouzouki, drum set can be added. Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, French, Turkish (!) and English lyrics, sung in two-part harmonies, complement the instrumental pieces. Band size ranges from duet to quintet.
From California to Europe Since January 1983 the Ensemble M’chaiya has pleased audiences in concert, at festivals, schools, universities, synagogues, clubs, and parties. Engagements have included two tours of Denmark, Chicago’s P.O.C.E.T. Jewish Festival six times since 1986, a special “Thanks to Scandinavia” commemoration program, National Public Radio, as well as opening a concert for Israel’s famous singer, Yehoram Gaon. The Ensemble M’chaiya is ready to be a m’chaiya for you!
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