Entertainers, Performers

* Listings with an asterisk are part of the JUF/JF partnership of agencies serving the Chicago and worldwide Jewish community.

Aaron Koppel's Chicago Jazz

Phone: (224) 202-1543
Email: aaron.koppel@gmail.com
URL: http://www.aaronkoppelmusic.com
Contact: Aaron Koppel

Performs music from "Fiddler on the Roof" to Frank Sinatra to the Beatles, and was on the 2009 Grammy nominating ballot for Best Instrumental Jazz Album.

Alan Avrum Levin

3009 W. Granville
Chicago
IL
60659
Phone: (773) 251-0243
Email: avrumlevin@hotmail.com

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

Anshe Emet Synagogue
3760 N. Pine Grove Ave.
Chicago
IL
60613
Phone: (773) 868-5111 , (773) 230-2277
Email: amizrahi@ansheemet.org

Cantorial and classical artist in nine languages, including Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Italian, and Greek.

Allan Kaye Orchestras

5145 W. Fairview
Skokie
IL
60077
Phone: (847) 675-7706
Fax: (847) 699-1993
URL: http://www.allankaye.com
Contact: Allan Kaye

Traditional-contemporary Chasidic, klezmer, Israeli, American music with male vocalists for pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktails, dinner/dance reception.

Artists of Note

2430 Prairie Ave.
Evanston
IL
60201
Phone: (630) 557-2742
Email: jmurdock@artistsofnote.com
URL: http://www.marilynprice.com
Contact: Joann Murdock/Marilyn Price

Storyteller and puppeteer: performances, workshops, writing, and presentations.

Ashira Orchestra

915 Shermer Road
Northbrook
IL
60065
Phone: (847) 559-0900
Email: info@cagenmusic.com
URL: http://www.cagenmusic.com/entertainment/ashira/
Contact: Don Cagen

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

20684 Eugene Ave.
Prairieview
IL
60069
Phone: (847) 459-5247

Pianist-vocalist using electric keyboard. Yiddish, Israeli, Latin, American music. Ceremonies, parties, receptions, simchas and holiday celebrations.

Bizar Entertainment

151 S. Pfingsten Road
Deerfield
IL
60015
Phone: (847) 564-1269
Email: info@bizaronline.com
URL: http://www.bizaronline.com
Contact: Doreen

Band and DJ, for all occasions including bar/bat mitzvahs.

Cagen Music LLC

915 Shermer Road
Northbrook
IL
60062
Phone: (847) 559-0900
Email: info@cagenmusic.com
URL: http://www.cagenmusic.com
Contact: Don Cagen

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

7855 N. Kilbourn Ave.
Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: (847) 721-6076 , (847) 675-6731
Fax: (847) 675-6087
Email: charlenebrooks@rcn.com

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

721 Case Street
Evanston
IL
60202
Phone: (847) 475-3905
Email: cke@muziker.org
URL: http://www.muziker.org
Contact: Kurt Bjorling

Authentic traditional klezmer music for simchas, concerts, and educational events.

Danza Tedesca Strings

2315 Harrison Street
Glenview
IL
60025
Phone: (847) 832-1424
Fax: (847) 832-1411
Contact: Terese or Howard

Israeli, Jewish, classical, and pop music.

Debbie Sue Goodman

Phone: (847) 340-1161
Email: debrasue-60076@msn.com
URL: http://www.stillsingle.org

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

400 E. Randolph Street, Suite 1503
Chicago
IL
60601
Phone: (312) 565-0555
Email: leslie_fox@msn.com
Contact: Leslie Fox

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

9830 N. Karlov Ave.
P.O. Box 712
Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: (847) 674-0035
Email: eileenjoy@aol.com

Vocalist performs cantorial solos, show tunes, pop, Hebrew/Israeli, Yiddish, opera, classical.

Ensemble M'chaiya

Artist Management: Modal Music Inc.
P.O. Box 6473
Evanston
IL
60204-6473
Phone: (847) 864-1022
Email: news@mchaiya.com
URL: http://www.mchaiya.com
Contact: Modal Music Inc./Terran Doehrer

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

5736 N. Drake Ave.
Chicago
IL
60659
Phone: (773) 539-1965

Variety of Jewish music, featuring Chasidic.

HaZamir Chicago

A chapter of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir
Weinberg Center
1551 Lake Cook Rd,5th Fl Music Lounge
Deerfield
IL
60015
Phone: 734-476-3187
Email: HaZamirChicago@gmail.com
URL: http://www.hazamir.org
Contact: Marla Aviva Bentley, Conductor

HaZamir Chicago, a chapter of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, is open to Jewish teens in grades 9-12 who love to sing. 

Herb Hartman

3848 W. Roscoe Street, Suite 1
Chicago
IL
60618
Phone: (773) 583-7463

A cantor for Conservative or Reform services and wedding ceremonies.

Jazmer

2165 St. Johns Ave.
Highland Park
IL
60035
Phone: (847) 433-2842
Email: shirlee_jazmer@ameritech.net
URL: http://jazmerband.com

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

8021 Keeler Ave.
Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: 847-651-6592 , 847-677-5821
Email: jwin27@aol.com
URL: http://www.jeffandjanis.com
Contact: Jeff Winter

For over 15 years our duo has presented delightful musical programs for special events, parties, celebrations, and diverse organizations. Programs include popular Jewish and American selections, show tunes, folk, standards, and we offer educational/musical presentations exploring the lives of Jewish composers who created gems of the Great American Songbook. Follow us on Facebook!

Jewish Performing Arts Academy

Sager Solomon Schechter Day School
3210 Dundee Road
Northbrook
IL
60062
Phone: (312) 427-5570

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

5323 N. Bernard Street, Suite 720
Chicago
IL
60625
Phone: (773) 965-3335
Email: joel@joelfrankel.com
URL: http://www.joelfrankel.com

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

822 Central Ave.
Wilmette
IL
60091
Phone: (847) 853-8050
Contact: Marilee Cole

Klezmer band made up of members of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation.

Kari Howard

64 Woodley Road
Winnetka
IL
60093
Phone: (847) 441-5926

Singer/actress performs Jewish composers of Broadway

Kaufman Orchestra

Phone: (708) 528-2069
Email: irinkaufman@yahoo.com
Contact: Irina Kaufman

Professional musicians for wedding receptions, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, gatherings. Klezmer with folk dancers. Jewish, jazz, and pop music.

Key Tov Orchestra

Phone: (773) 465-3667
Email: info@keytov.com
URL: http://www.keytov.com
Contact: Elliot Dvorin

Seasoned orchestra for all simchas.

Keystone Chamber Ensemble

Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: (847) 676-9647 , (847) 525-0651
Email: keystonemusic1@aol.com
URL: http://www.keystonemusic.com
Contact: Linda Loiben

String quartet, specializing in weddings, private/corporate parties: classical, light classical, modern/contemporary and Jewish music.

King's Men Orchestra

7455 N. Maplewood Ave.
Chicago
IL
60645
Phone: (773) 465-2663
Contact: James or Robin Dvorin

Wide variety of American, Jewish, klezmer, and Israeli music.

Kol Sasson

8939 Karlov Ave.
Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: (847) 674-0344
Email: slorge2@aol.com
Contact: Susie Lorge

Hebrew, American, and Israeli folk songs.

Kol Zimrah

Jewish Community Singers
Phone: (773) 203-6711
Email: mamitzen@sbcglobal.net
URL: http://www.kolzimrah.org
Contact: Michael Mitzen, President

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

2844 W. Touhy Ave.
Unit B
Chicago
IL
60645
Phone: (773) 465-7412

Chasidic, Israeli, and Yiddish music.

Larry Brent Orchestra

4208 N. Harvard Ave.
Arlington Heights
IL
60004
Phone: (847) 392-4910

Leah Shoshanah

2827 W. Sherwin Ave.
Chicago
IL
60645
Phone: (773) 517-9042
Email: leahshoshanah@gmail.com
URL: http://www.leahshoshanah.com
Contact: Leah Shoshanah

Singing with guitar accompaniment and song leading for Shabbat, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, parties and special events.

Listen Up! Jewish Vocal Band

4117 Greenwood Street
Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: (773) 973-3375
Email: steve@jewishsong.com
URL: http://www.jewishsong.com
Contact: Steve Singer

Crazy Awesome Jewish A Cappella. Humor, harmony and vocal pyrotechnics make Listen Up! a great choice for concerts and special events. The Chicago Tribune raves, "uniquely compelling... fresh and full of appeal." With an impressive repertoire of Israeli and Jewish music spanning decades and styles, Listen Up! can tailor performances to delight audiences of all ages.

Liz Zoller Cohen

Phone: (773) 251-1382
Email: cohenliz@me.com

Singer, pianist, cantorial soloist. Popular, standards, jazz, Broadway, Jewish music and liturgy, cocktail piano for all occasions.

Lynn Hazan

1401 W. Olive St.
Suite 2
Chicago
IL
60660
Phone: (312) 369-9802
Email: lynn@lhazan.com
URL: http://www.lhazan.com
Contact: Lynn Hazan

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

1280 Rudolph Road
Suite 2D
Northbrook
IL
60062
Phone: (847) 562-1185
Fax: (847) 562-1187
Email: marsings@aol.com

Vocalist in many musical styles.

Maxwell Street Klezmer Band

4025 Harvard Terrace
Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: (847) 675-4800
Fax: (847) 675-4880
Email: maxwellstreetband@gmail.com
URL: http://www.klezmerband.com

The band has delighted audiences for three decades with their joyous, soulful spin on Jewish music. They are equally skilled at swing, ballroom, classic rock and roll, Motown and Latin dance music. Their Klezmer Music Foundation sponsors The Junior Klezmer Orchestra, The Salaam-Shalom Music Project, and three 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.

Mesamechai Leiv Orchestras

Phone: (773) 508-0902 , (888) 592-3345
Fax: (773) 751-2231
Email: info@mesamechaileiv.com
URL: http://www.mesamechaileiv.com
Contact: Gershon Friedman

Modern and traditional Jewish music for all occasions.

Michael Lerich Productions

1200 N. Branch St.
Chicago
IL
60692
Phone: (312) 266-0101

Music and entertainment with orchestra for social and corporate events.

Miriam Lewis

169 W. Chatham Lane
Round Lake
IL
60073
Phone: 847-528-7005
Email: miriaml1008@yahoo.com
URL: www.miriamthesinger.com
Contact: Miriam Marie Lewis

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

160 Lexington Dr, Suite A
Buffalo Grove
IL
60089
Phone: (847) 808-1500
Email: info@cspworldwide.com
URL: http://www.mobilemusiconline.com
Contact: Carey Smolensky

DJs, emcees and interactive dancers for bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings and corporate events since 1978. Always appropriate, with packages customized to fit specific needs and budgets.

Modern Klezmer Jazz Quartet

744 S. Ashland Ave.
La Grange
IL
60525
Phone: 708-638-6377
Email: shelleyyoelin@yahoo.com
Contact: Shelley Yoelin

Jewish music for all occasions. Jazz for cocktails and receptions.

MondlBroyt

7616 N. Kolmar Ave.
Skokie
IL
60076
Phone: (847) 676-4356
Contact: Donna Rubinson

Ensemble specializing in klezmer freylach folk music; some Israeli music, songs of Yiddish theater.

Nancy Shapiro-Pikelny

Phone: (847) 859-9166
Email: storytellernancy@gmail.com
URL: http://www.storytellernancy.com

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

1920 Greenwood St.
Wilmette
IL
60091
Phone: (847) 256-7440

Vocalist/guitar player, programs for children and adults; Hebrew, Jewish, folk, and contemporary.

Naomi Weiss-Weil

Phone: (626) 644-1042
Email: naomiomi999@yahoo.com

B'nai mitzvah tutor and cantorial soloist.

Noah Marcell

2742 W. Jerome St.
Chicago
IL
60645
Phone: (773) 465-6428

Vocalist/instrumentalist in Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, Gypsy, and klezmer music.

Personalities Inc.

3328 Commercial Ave.
Northbrook
IL
60062
Phone: (847) 272-7892
Fax: (847) 272-7894
Email: info@personalitiesinc.com
URL: http://www.personalitiesinc.com
Contact: Lou Loiben

North Shore interactive D.J. company. Bar/bat mitzvahs and corporate affairs. All parties customized to clients needs.

What's New in the Guide

Rachael's Creations

Handmade, unique Judaica crafted from polymer clay, including mezuzah cases, shabbat candle stick sets, menorahs and seder plates. Pieces are adorned with a variety of elements including wire, beads, stones, mica powders and alcohol inks. Many gifts can be personalized with English or Hebrew letters.

Rabbi Menachem Slavaticki

Rabbi Slavaticki is a highly experienced Mohel who has performed numerous circumcisions over the years. He is known for his expertise, professionalism, and compassionate care for both the baby and the family.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

At Menchie's, we provide delicious frozen yogurt and sorbet made with all real and natural ingredients. We have very unique flavors that adhere to everyone's needs including Dairy-free, Nut-free, No sugar added, and Low Carb. Not to mention, all of our flavors are Kosher! We are known as one of the best Kosher dessert places in the city of Chicago! We also have lots of fun coloring sheets and a chalkboard at our store so that families can take their time and enjoy the fun and welcoming environment of our frozen yogurt shop. We bring the community together over delicious, Kosher treats at Menchie's Frozen Yogurt.