Little Chef plays for dancing at the second Phoenix Eastern European Folk Festival at 7:00pm. Starting at 12:00pm, enjoy dance and music workshops on Bulgarian, Serbian, Turkish, Polish, and other Balkan traditions, along with a special guest lecture and cultural exhibition. $30 admission. Learn more.

Little Chef visits Prescott, Arizona for a concert of klezmer music and Yiddish songs featuring David Leviyev (vocalist), with special guest Ben Negley (trombone). Tickets available at the door: $15.00 members, $20.00 Non-Members, children 18 and under free! Learn more.

Little Chef performs Yiddish songs and klezmer classics for a private 80th birthday celebration in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival concert featuring musical performances by Jordan Wax and the Little Chef Klezmer Band with special guests, and dancing led by Miryam Coppersmith.

Jordan Wax is a songwriter from New Mexico who performs dynamic solo-accordion/vocal arrangements of new work in Yiddish. His innovative compositions are rooted in his three decades of relationship with elders who have imparted the subtleties of spoken Yiddish and musical sensibilities of the of the professional klezmer musician class. His debut album, The Heart Deciphers, released in November 2024, blends klezmer/lautari ensembles from Moldova with rock aesthetics from the American Southwest. As the first full-length studio album of songwriting to come from his generation in America, the album and live show are testaments to secular Yiddish creativity and cultural continuity in the face of incredible odds.

Miryam Coppersmith is a Philadelphia-based performance artist and educator. Miryam has apprenticed with master Yiddish dance teacher Steven Lee Weintraub since 2019. Together, they have created several performances together and taught at the Yiddish New York festival. Miryam teaches Yiddish dance workshops and leads social dancing at concerts, Jewish holidays, simchas/celebrations, and more.

Little Chef Klezmer Band is Phoenix's premiere professional Yiddish music ensemble. In January of 2024, LCKB performed in a multi-day artist residency with accordionist Christina Crowder, showcasing recently-discovered klezmer manuscripts from Ukraine, culminating in a concert at Beth El Phoenix. The project was supported by the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, ASU Jewish Studies, and the East Valley JCC, and was featured in the Phoenix Jewish News. Little Chef Klezmer Band has performed throughout the Southwest US, including in El Paso, TX, and at Albuquerque’s Klezmerquerque festival in a guest appearance with Jordan Wax.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

Yiddish has been interwoven into Ashkenazi Jewish life for centuries. University of Arizona Professor Dr. Gil Ribak will provide an overview of the history and structure of the Yiddish, discuss the interplay between Yiddish and the rabbinic canon, and provide examples of its inherent humor and wit.

Presented with support of ASU Jewish Studies.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

Guest artists Miryam Coppersmith and Jordan Wax lead a Yiddish Zingeray (singalong). Whether learning this music for the first time or recalling old favorites, participants will come together to share in the beauty of Yiddish songs. Yiddish / singing experience not required.

Miryam Coppersmith is a Philadelphia-based performance artist and educator. Miryam has apprenticed with master Yiddish dance teacher Steven Lee Weintraub since 2019. Together, they have created several performances together and taught at the Yiddish New York festival. Miryam teaches Yiddish dance workshops and leads social dancing at concerts, Jewish holidays, simchas/celebrations, and more.

Jordan Wax is a New Mexico-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer. His debut album, The Heart Deciphers, blends klezmer/lautari sounds from Moldova with American Southwest rock aesthetics. Wax creates bilingual children's programming that helps families establish positive contexts around linguistic diversity, including his upcoming release Pantakozak and Other New Yiddish Songs for Kids.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

Join dance leader Miryam Coppersmith to learn about the history of “dancing Jewish" and explore the different rhythms and dances of Eastern Europe. Dancers of all ages and backgrounds will get to experience unique rhythmic improvisation, characteristic gestures and shapes, and the communal nature of Yiddish dance.

Miryam Coppersmith is a Philadelphia-based performance artist and educator. Miryam has apprenticed with master Yiddish dance teacher Steven Lee Weintraub since 2019. Together, they have created several performances together and taught at the Yiddish New York festival. Miryam teaches Yiddish dance workshops and leads social dancing at concerts, Jewish holidays, simchas/celebrations, and more.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

See, hear, and play klezmer instruments from the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) collection.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

Enjoy traditional Ashkenazi pastries available for purchase from Samz Sweetz, a Phoenix-based baked goods vendor.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

Jordan Wax presents a concert of bilingual Yiddish/ English songs for kids and families, including selections from his forthcoming full-length studio album of original contemporary Yiddish music for kids and families: Pantakozak and Other New Yiddish Songs for Kids.

Lunch available for purchase in advance.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

Linger Longer Lounge presents Jordan Wax, Little Chef Klezmer Band, and Jerusafunk, with dancing led by Miryam Coppersmith. This event is 21+. $10 admission; free with registration for 12.7 festival at Beth El Phoenix.

Jerusafunk (JFUNK) is a six-member psychedelic world funk ensemble from Arizona known for their adventurous sound and unforgettable live energy. Described as “highly danceable yet unconventional,” JFUNK fuses traditional funk, jazz, klezmer, disco, and Latin rhythms with avant-garde sensibilities and a fearless spirit of exploration. JFUNK has performed across the U.S. and Mexico, earning accolades like Top 10 Artists to See Live in Arizona (Phoenix New Times) and recognition as a Tempe City Arts Qualified Artist (2023–2025). Their discography includes the acclaimed JFUNK (2021), The Hierophant (2017), and Sweat & Glitter (2015), with media praise from Spin Magazine, Mr. Bongo, and AZ Central. They’ve shared stages with musical luminaries including George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Deerhoof, Ozomatli, MarchFourth Marching Band, and Har Mar Superstar, and have been featured at M3F, PhxArt Amplified, iAM Music Festival, and Back to the Beach Fest.

Jordan Wax is a songwriter from New Mexico who performs dynamic solo-accordion/vocal arrangements of new work in Yiddish. His innovative compositions are rooted in his three decades of relationship with elders who have imparted the subtleties of spoken Yiddish and musical sensibilities of the of the professional klezmer musician class. His debut album, The Heart Deciphers, released in November 2024, blends klezmer/lautari ensembles from Moldova with rock aesthetics from the American Southwest. As the first full-length studio album of songwriting to come from his generation in America, the album and live show are testaments to secular Yiddish creativity and cultural continuity in the face of incredible odds.

Miryam Coppersmith is a Philadelphia-based performance artist and educator. Miryam has apprenticed with master Yiddish dance teacher Steven Lee Weintraub since 2019. Together, they have created several performances together and taught at the Yiddish New York festival. Miryam teaches Yiddish dance workshops and leads social dancing at concerts, Jewish holidays, simchas/celebrations, and more.

Little Chef Klezmer Band is Phoenix's premiere professional Yiddish music ensemble. In January of 2024, LCKB performed in a multi-day artist residency with accordionist Christina Crowder, showcasing recently-discovered klezmer manuscripts from Ukraine, culminating in a concert at Beth El Phoenix. The project was supported by the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, ASU Jewish Studies, and the East Valley JCC, and was featured in the Phoenix Jewish News. Little Chef Klezmer Band has performed throughout the Southwest US, including in El Paso, TX, and at Albuquerque’s Klezmerquerque festival in a guest appearance with Jordan Wax.

This event is part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

Open Drom Sessions is a new monthly jam at The Dark Side dedicated to the music and spirit of Klezmer, Balkan, Turkish, Flamenco, Bulgarian, and beyond—a celebration of music without borders.

Each session begins with a set from a house band, then the floor opens up for a community jam. Bring your instrument, your voice, your iPad—or just your ears. Come dance, sing, play, or simply listen. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about these traditions.

December’s session features Yiddish singer-songwriter Jordan Wax as part of the 2025 Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival, made possible by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, and ASU Jewish Studies.

The event is 21+, so grab a beer, settle in, and join the circle.

Register at tinyurl.com/opendrom-jordanwax.

Little Chef Klezmer Band performs at the first Open Drom Sessions event.

Open Drom Sessions is a new monthly jam at Dark Side dedicated to the music and spirit of Klezmer, Balkan, Turkish, Flamenco, Bulgarian, and beyond—a celebration of music without borders.

Each session begins with a set from a house band, then the floor opens up for a community jam. Bring your instrument, your voice, your iPad—or just your ears. Come dance, sing, play, or simply listen. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about these traditions.

The event is 21+, so grab a beer, settle in, and join the circle. Bring your instrument, not your opinions—we’re here for the music and nothing else.

Register here.

Little Chef Klezmer Band performs a concert in El Paso, Texas featuring klezmer favorites and Yiddish songs with vocalist David Leviyev.

Music Workshop | 1:00 pm

Dance Workshop | 3:00 pm

Concert & Dance Party | 7:00 pm

Dance leader Miryam Coppersmith will team up with Phoenix’s Little Chef Klezmer Band (LCKB) for the Phoenix Klezmer and Yiddish Dance Festival. Coppersmith and LCKB bandleader Max Schwimmer will present educational dance and music workshops, appropriate for participants of all ages and backgrounds. Participants in the music workshop will learn how to perform traditional klezmer melodies in a distinctive klezmer style, and dance workshop participants will explore the basics of Yiddish dance. All participants will be able to show off what they learned at the evening dance party and concert alongside LCKB and Coppersmith.

The Phoenix Klezmer and Yiddish Dance Festival is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. Festival events are open to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Learn More and Register.

Christina Crowder, a leading researcher and performer of klezmer music, will perform a concert with the Little Chef Klezmer Band, spotlighting newly-available klezmer repertoire. Crowder’s visit is part of the “Trampled Manuscripts'' international residency touring program, showcasing a collection of about 1,400 songs from present-day Ukraine and Belarus, originating from the late 1800s and early 1900s, and made available to researchers and performers within the past three years. The “Trampled Manuscripts” touring program brings together local musicians and Jewish communities to engage in historical repertoire, deepening understanding of Ashkenazic expressive culture and encouraging audience members to adapt tradition into contemporary practice.

Christina has been performing and researching Jewish music for thirty years, beginning in Budapest, Hungary in 1993 as a founding member of Di Naye Kapelye, and continuing with a Fulbright grant to Romania to document Jewish music in 1999, and since 2002 with an active research, teaching, and performing career in the US. She is Executive Director of the Klezmer Institute, which has been awarded three NEH Grants for Institute projects (2021-2025).

The “Trampled Manuscripts" residency project is funded by a grant from the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, with additional support from ASU Jewish Studies and the East Valley JCC.

A presentation and conversation with the Klezmer Institute’s Christina Crowder.

This talk will present two NEH-funded Digital Humanities initiatives of the Klezmer Institute: The Klezmer Archive Project, and the Kiselgof-Makonovetsky Digital Manuscript Project. These interlinked projects are using creative project design and novel technologies to center musicians and practitioners in the research process, and are developing groundbreaking tools for the documentation of heritage culture.

This program will be interesting for students in Jewish Studies, music and musicology, anthropology and folklore, and anyone interested in crowdsourcing methodologies and digital humanities.

Free admission, no registration required. Download flyer here.

The “Trampled Manuscripts" residency project is funded by a grant from the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, with additional support from ASU Jewish Studies and the East Valley JCC.

Short performance featuring Max Schwimmer (saxophone), Dominique Holley (accordion) and Andy Gonzalez (tuba). The Simcha Showcase is a one-stop-shop for anyone planning a bar/bat mitzvah, wedding, or other Jewish celebration. Meet top Arizona Jewish event vendors including DJs, event planners, photographers & videographers, caterers & bakers, photo booths, and more. Free and open to the public, registration required. Learn more.

Music for dancing at a 75th-birthday party, including classical Yiddish song selections with guest vocalist Hazzan Bernard Savitz.

More here.

Community-wide celebration in honor of Israel’s 75th birthday with over 47 local Phoenix Jewish organizations coming together to host a fun, interactive event for all ages.

Learn more here.