The closing concert will feature a special performance by Michael Alpert, Sasha Lurje, Stuart Brotman and Craig Judelman, presenting Songs of the Jewish Ukrainian Heartland, in solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine

 

The closing concert of Seattle Yiddish Fest will feature our faculty - Michael Alpert, Sasha Lurje, Stuart Brotman and Craig Judelman - fresh off their west coast tour where they have been performing Jewish Ukrainian music and raising money for Ukraine. As war rages on in one of the main homelands of Yiddish culture, we join together to sing the songs and tell the stories of our shared homeland. Songs of forbidden loves, boy soldiers, the wonders of nature and looming dangers, these songs of the last centuries have sadly never been more relevant. Ukraine was also the source of our most important collections of old time klezmer tunes. In this program three of the world’s most in-demand Klezmer musicians bring together this diverse repertoire to paint a picture of Jewish life in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with our friends fighting for their freedom.

 

Michael Alpert is one of the most well known living Yiddish culture bearers, having been involved in the revitalization of Yiddish music and dance on both coasts of the US and abroad since its inception in the late 70’s. Known for his work with bands such as Kapelye, Brave Old World, Itzhak Perlman and more, the 2015 recipient of the Nation Heritage Award is joined by two of the driving forces in the thriving Berlin klezmer scene - celebrated Latvian singer Sasha Lurje and Seattle-raised violinist, composer and arranger Craig Judelman.

 

After teaching and performing together at klezmer festivals and workshops around the world, from Israel to Sao Paulo, Krakow, Montreal, New York and everywhere in between, these artists launched this new trio in 2020. Sadly after playing only 2 concerts, Covid got in the way. Now they join together in the midst of another tragedy to celebrate our shared cultural heritage, raise money for important work being done in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the victims of this horrible invasion.

 

 

Please note, this event is not included in the Weekend Festival pass. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. It is likely to sell out so please reserve tickets separately here

and you can donate to our crowdfunding campaign at here