Search the Guide:
Entertainers, Performers
* Listings with an asterisk are part of the JUF/JF partnership of agencies serving the Chicago and worldwide Jewish community.
Alan Avrum Levin |
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3009 W. Granville |
Musician/singer/comedian performing one-man shows. Also one-man band at weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs with Israeli, Chasidic, klezmer, and American music. |
Alberto Mizrahi |
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Anshe Emet Synagogue |
Cantorial and classical artist in nine languages, including Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Italian, and Greek. |
Allan Kaye Orchestras |
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5145 W. Fairview |
Traditional-contemporary Chasidic, klezmer, Israeli, American music with male vocalists for pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktails, dinner/dance reception. |
Artists of Note |
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2430 Prairie Ave. |
Storyteller and puppeteer: performances, workshops, writing, and presentations. |
Ashira Orchestra |
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915 Shermer Road |
Contemporary and traditional Chasidic, Israeli, klezmer, and American music. Weddings and events Chicago and nationwide. Vocalists available from Chicago, New York and Israel. |
Bernie Warman |
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20684 Eugene Ave. |
Pianist-vocalist using electric keyboard. Yiddish, Israeli, Latin, American music. Ceremonies, parties, receptions, simchas and holiday celebrations. |
Bizar Entertainment |
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151 S. Pfingsten Road |
Band and DJ, for all occasions including bar/bat mitzvahs. |
Cagen Music LLC |
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915 Shermer Road |
Don Cagen Orchestra, Big Beat, Incognito, Orchestra Chicago, and Ashira. Nationally renowned musicians for weddings and special events. We have produced the entertainment for over 4,000 Chicago weddings, plus hundreds of destination weddings nationwide. We bring you once in a lifetime music for your once in a lifetime event. |
Charlene Brooks |
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7855 N. Kilbourn Ave. |
Singer, songwriter and actress performing cabaret, Jewish, Hebrew, Broadway and jazz. Cantoral soloist. Author and performer of "Life Stinks! And Other Things My Mother Taught Me," a popular show based on life and experiences of being the daughter of two Holocaust survivors. |
Chicago Klezmer Ensemble |
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721 Case Street |
Authentic traditional klezmer music for simchas, concerts, and educational events. |
Danza Tedesca Strings |
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2315 Harrison Street |
Israeli, Jewish, classical, and pop music. |
Debbie Sue Goodman |
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60076 |
Performs stand-up comedy based on her humorous books, "Still Single" and "Still Dating." She is also an author of the book, "My Husband the Stranger." Debbie Sue is an author, comedian, impersonator, vocalist and a dating advice columnist. She has written a screenplay/play titled, "Dating Dilemmas," and also won an award two years in a row for, 'Best Comedian' in Chicago. |
Dr. Stephen Z. Cohen |
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400 E. Randolph Street, Suite 1503 |
Acclaimed Jewish humorist presents heimishe and nostalgic entertainment/lectures. With his inimitable telling of classical jokes and stories along with his insightful commentary, it's not just funny, it's smarter than that! For organizations, temples, synagogues, universities, private events. |
Eileen Berman |
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9830 N. Karlov Ave. |
Vocalist performs cantorial solos, show tunes, pop, Hebrew/Israeli, Yiddish, opera, classical. |
Ensemble M'chaiya |
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Artist Management: Modal Music Inc. |
Acoustic, innovative, and energetic Klezmer band that gets everyone's heart and feet dancing to Klezmer tunes set to Gypsy grooves, rhythmic Sephardic and swinging Yiddish songs, and Israeli dance tunes. To make sure you are on the right foot, the band teaches and leads you through the fun yet simple line and circle traditional dances. Two to six musicians are available for concerts, private events, dances, educational programs, and more. On request, Big Band Swing to 1950s acoustic rock and Beatles songs are available as are World Music styles related to Klezmer. |
HATAV Orchestra |
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5736 N. Drake Ave. |
Variety of Jewish music, featuring Chasidic. |
HaZamir Chicago |
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4117 Greenwood St. |
HaZamir: the international teen choir is an inclusive and dynamic choral ensemble that is comprised of 36 chapters around the US and Israel. The Chicago chapter is conducted by Dr. Steve Singer, rehearses weekly, and is open to Jewish - identifying musical teens entering 8th through 12th grade. Auditions are held each year in late August and early fall. |
Herb Hartman |
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3848 W. Roscoe Street, Suite 1 |
A cantor for Conservative or Reform services and wedding ceremonies. |
Jazmer |
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2165 St. Johns Ave. |
Jewish, American, Eastern European (klezmer/Yiddish), Sephardic, Israeli, 20th-century jazz and popular music. Israeli dance leading available. For weddings, bar mitzvahs, private parties and concerts. |
Jeff and Janis Musical Entertainment |
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8021 Keeler Ave. |
For over 20 years our duo has presented delightful musical programs for special events, parties, celebrations, and educational events. Programs include popular Jewish and American music, show tunes, folk, standards, and several educational/musical presentations exploring the lives of Jewish composers who created gems of the Great American Songbook, songs of Chicago, music of the 60's, genres of Jewish music and more. Contact us for more info and follow us on Facebook! |
Jewish Performing Arts Academy |
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Sager Solomon Schechter Day School |
Instruction for high-school students in Jewish song--vocal and instrumental--and dance; four groups: the Shiga'on Singers, the Shiga'on Dancers, the Maxwell Street Junior Klezmer Band, and the Jewish Community Youth Orchestra; performances for community organizations and events. |
Joel Frankel’s Musical Merriment, The K’vell-ing Groovies |
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5323 N. Bernard Street, Suite 720 |
Engaging, interactive performances featuring original and popular songs for younger audiences and those young at heart. Solo to quartet, fun to funner. |
JRC's Heavy Shtetl Klezmer Band |
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822 Central Ave. |
Klezmer band made up of members of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation. |
Kari Howard |
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64 Woodley Road |
Singer/actress performs Jewish composers of Broadway |
Kaufman Orchestra |
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Phone:
(708) 528-2069
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Professional musicians for wedding receptions, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, gatherings. Klezmer with folk dancers. Jewish, jazz, and pop music. |
Key Tov Orchestra |
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Phone:
(773) 465-3667
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Seasoned orchestra for all simchas. |
Keystone Chamber Ensemble |
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Skokie |
String quartet, specializing in weddings, private/corporate parties: classical, light classical, modern/contemporary and Jewish music. |
King's Men Orchestra |
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7455 N. Maplewood Ave. |
Wide variety of American, Jewish, klezmer, and Israeli music. |
Kol Sasson |
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8939 Karlov Ave. |
Hebrew, American, and Israeli folk songs. |
Kol Zimrah |
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Jewish Community Singers |
Kol Zimrah, which means "voice of song," began in 1996 as a community choir. The group now includes representatives from 21 synagogues as well as several unaffiliated members. Its mission: sustain and interpret the great tradition of Jewish choral music, serve as a musical resource for the region, and encourage the composition of new Judaic choral works. The volunteer choir, conducted by Cantor Pavel Roytman, who is also the choir's music director, performs in concerts, synagogues and community events. |
Kolay Noam Orchestra |
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2844 W. Touhy Ave. |
Chasidic, Israeli, and Yiddish music. |
Larry Brent Orchestra |
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4208 N. Harvard Ave. |
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Leah Shoshanah |
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2827 W. Sherwin Ave. |
Singing with guitar accompaniment and song leading for Shabbat, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, parties and special events. |
Listen Up! Jewish Vocal Band |
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4117 Greenwood Street |
Crazy Awesome Jewish A Cappella. Humor, harmony and vocal pyrotechnics make Listen Up! a great choice for musical entertainment for your community event, fundraiser, simcha, or special events. With an impressive repertoire that spans Israeli, Jewish folks, Beatles, Motown, Yiddish Swing, and so much more. Jewish singing and harmony at its finest. |
Liz Zoller Cohen |
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Phone:
(773) 251-1382
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Singer, pianist, cantorial soloist. Popular, standards, jazz, Broadway, Jewish music and liturgy, cocktail piano for all occasions. |
Lynn Hazan |
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1401 W. Olive St. |
Storytelling, dramatic presentations and interactive workshops for all ages on Judaism and the Jewish experience for holidays, life cycle events, communal celebrations. Special programs on personal narratives, Jewish humor and global Jewish experience (including Sephardic and Ethiopian Jewry). |
Marlene Baron |
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1280 Rudolph Road |
Vocalist in many musical styles. |
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band |
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4025 Harvard Terrace |
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band has delighted audiences for over four decades with their joyous, soulful spin on Jewish music. In addition to playing concerts, they also provide music for weddings, bar mitzvah parties, anniversaries, and other celebrations. Their Klezmer Music Foundation sponsors The Junior Klezmer Orchestra, The Salaam-Shalom Music Project, and four congregational klezmer bands. Violinist Alex Koffman was featured soloist with Chicago Sinfonietta at Symphony Center, and the band played in the world's first klezmer opera with Lyric Opera. Their sold-out 40th anniversary concerts were held in 2023 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. |
Mesamechai Leiv Orchestras |
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Phone:
(773) 508-0902
, (888) 592-3345
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Modern and traditional Jewish music for all occasions. |
Michael Lerich Productions |
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1200 N. Branch St. |
Music and entertainment with orchestra for social and corporate events. |
Miriam Lewis |
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169 W. Chatham Lane |
International Song Stylist. Song for every occasion. Vocalist performing songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, Italian, Russian, Polish along with Broadway tunes and popular standards. Available for dinner shows, meetings and private events. |
Mobile Music Interactive Entertainment |
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3031 Commercial Ave |
For over four decades, Mobile Music has been bringing joy, energy, and unforgettable memories to celebrations across Chicago and the North Shore. Led by the most experienced and dynamic Emcees, DJs, Interactive Dancers, and Performers, our team knows how to create the perfect atmosphere for every simcha. From Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to weddings, corporate gatherings, and life celebrations, we combine professionalism with passion, ensuring every moment feels personal, meaningful, and filled with excitement. Always appropriate and always tailored, our entertainment packages are customized to fit your unique needs and budget. Why trust your once-in-a-lifetime moments to anyone else? Let us help you celebrate with music, excitement, and memories that will last forever. Since 1978, Mobile Music Interactive Entertainment has been more than just music - we've been part of your family's story. Contact us today and let's make your next celebration extraordinary! |
Modern Klezmer Jazz Quartet |
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744 S. Ashland Ave. |
Jewish music for all occasions. Jazz for cocktails and receptions. |
MondlBroyt |
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7616 N. Kolmar Ave. |
Ensemble specializing in klezmer freylach folk music; some Israeli music, songs of Yiddish theater. |
Nancy Shapiro-Pikelny |
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Phone:
(847) 859-9166
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Acclaimed storyteller of Jewish folktales, family lore, original narratives and historical stories, including her renowned Holocaust story "A Window of Beauty." Educational and entertaining performances and workshops for adults, families and children. |
Naomi Bayer |
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1920 Greenwood St. |
Vocalist/guitar player, programs for children and adults; Hebrew, Jewish, folk, and contemporary. |
Naomi Weiss-Weil |
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Phone:
(626) 644-1042
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B'nai mitzvah tutor and cantorial soloist. |
Noah Marcell |
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2742 W. Jerome St. |
Vocalist/instrumentalist in Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, Gypsy, and klezmer music. |
Personalities Inc. |
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3328 Commercial Ave. |
North Shore interactive D.J. company. Bar/bat mitzvahs and corporate affairs. All parties customized to clients needs. |
Rabbi Roy Vey |
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Phone:
(815) 541-2692
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Comedy and Illusion for almost any occasion. |
Ruby Harris Band, The Wavehunters, Segula Orchestras |
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9633 N. Kedzie Ave. |
All styles of music for every event and occasion. Pop, Jewish, jazz, klezmer, rock, folk, bluegrass, Irish, Chassidic, Broadway, 20th century, vaudeville, classic rock, Israeli, U name it! |
Scintillating Productions: Hedda Hopper & Greta Garbo Musicals |
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1958 N. Oak Park Ave. |
Original, 90-minute, one-woman musicals on Hedda Hopper, the gossip columnist in the hats, and Greta Garbo, the mysterious Swedish film star. Skillfully written and brilliantly performed by master of musical theater and cabaret, Jillann Gabrielle. Well researched, gloriously fun, and thought-provoking crowd pleasers! |
Shakshuka |
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1201 W. Wrightwood Ave., Unit 18 |
Israeli and Sephardic music, spiced with jazz. |
Shalechet Aviv/Nitzanim Israeli Folk Dance Troupe |
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822 Westwood Lane |
Israeli and Jewish dances for all occasions. |
Shiga'on Singers |
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Jewish Performing Arts Academy |
A choir for high-school students that performs Jewish, Israeli, and Yiddish selections for community events. |
Shircago |
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345 W. Fullerton Pkwy. |
Jewish a cappella vocal ensemble in original arrangements. Renaissance music to modern Israeli, American pop, religious, secular; for b'nai mitzvah, luncheons, conferences, and by private engagement. |
Shirlee Todd |
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2165 St. Johns Ave. |
Singer of Yiddish theater and folksongs, Hebrew, Ladino, Russian, Spanish, and English pop and theater music, for all occasions. |
Shoshana Russell |
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Chicago |
Elegant Violinist: Shoshana performs Weddings, Parties, Corporate and life events such as Bridal and Baby Showers, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, ceremonies, cocktail hours, gallery openings, community and senior centers and Simchas. From Classical music to Traditional Hebrew melodies to Rock, Pop and Broadway. Also specializes in Israeli, Gypsy, Russian, Polish and European melodies. Will travel to perform in Chicago and Suburbs and Milwaukee. |
Showtimers |
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405 Janice Court |
Medleys from Broadway; Russian, Jewish folk music, comedy, sing-alongs. |
Silver Beam Music |
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4019 N. Oakley Ave. |
Front singer and rhythm guitarist for The Schticklers, The Laketown Buskers, The Teflons, The Silver Stars and more. Her appearances range from solo to trio to full band and encompass Vintage Swing, Old-time Country, Jewish gems, and originals. She is on the faculty of the Old Town School of Folk Music in four departments: Vocal, Guitar, Dance and Percussion. She is highly regarded as a warm, engaging, positive and interactive performer and faculty member. |
Sima Miller |
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8610 Avers Ave |
Sings Yiddish, Israeli, Ladino, and Russian songs, American show tunes. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkFCHvgIWLMXUtC5S98QYyA |
Smoked Fish Productions |
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2815 W. Greenleaf St. |
A comedian performing one woman shows. |
Solange Sior |
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326 Wilcox St. |
A vocalist in show tunes, opera, pop, and Jewish songs. |
Stewart Figa |
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401 E. Ontario Street |
Vocalist in Yiddish theater music. |
Stories by Stuhlman |
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6617 N. Mozart St. |
Jewish storyteller. |
STORM Interactive Entertainment |
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3031 Commercial Ave |
Looking to take your simcha or special event beyond the ordinary? STORM Interactive Entertainment blends the energy of world-class DJs, Emcees, and Interactive Dancers with the excitement of live musicians, vocalists, percussionists, and even cirque-style performers. The result A one-of-a-kind celebration that dazzles, delights, and keeps every guest engaged from start to finish. As part of the Carey Smolensky Productions family of companies, STORM has brought unforgettable experiences to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and corporate events locally, nationally, and around the globe for decades. Whether you're planning an intimate simcha or a large-scale production, we'll create an atmosphere filled with excitement, artistry, and passion always tailored to your vision and your budget. |
Storyteller Susan Stone |
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1320 Wesley Ave. |
Award-winning storyteller shares Jewish folklore, Chasidic and personal tales at schools, festivals, services and simchas. Susan tells stories to enlighten, entertain and illuminate the human condition. Performances, workshops, for adults and families. Most recently she has been featured at festivals in Warsaw, Lodz, and Lublin, Poland. Funny, poignant and mystical. She also performs with a Muslim and a Christian Woman in a show called: "Sisters of Story" www.sistersofstory.weebly.com Funding can be provided from the IL Arts Council. |
Syd Lieberman |
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2522 Ashland Ave. |
Storyteller of folk tales, short stories, and original pieces. |
The Junior Klezmer Orchestra |
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The Klezmer Music Foundation, Inc. |
Since 1994, musicians and singers of the Junior Klezmer Orchestra have studied the art of Klezmer-traditional Eastern European Jewish music and Yiddish song-with members of the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. Many have gone on to professional musical careers. We rehearse twice a month on Sundays from 2:30-4:00 pm (including snack) at Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah, just off the Edens Expressway in Wilmette. Our students range from fifth grade to senior year high school. We perform at the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival, the Skokie Festival of Cultures, and other venues. |
Tum Balalaika Klezmer Band |
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Buffalo Grove |
Tum Balalaika Band known as the 'longest Hora band'. Why? Because, people just don't want to sit while music is playing! Make your event unforgettable! With the very best Klezmer, Israeli, Yiddish, Russian, Ukrainian and Gypsy music from Europe and around the world. |
Yana Fayn |
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Phone:
(847) 668-7464
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Singer, teacher, performer, Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, Italian and Broadway for all occasions. Liturgical music from Shabbat services to High Holidays. Bar and bat mitzvah tutoring and service. |
Yiddish Arts Ensemble |
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511 Woodlawn Ave. |
A professional touring theater troupe that performs in English, incorporating traditional Yiddish stories with klezmer music. |
Yom Chadash/Matan Meitel |
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Phone:
(773) 344-4394
, (847) 724-3731
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