Linger Longer Lounge presents Jordan Wax, Little Chef Klezmer Band, and JFUNK, with dancing led by Miryam Coppersmith. This event is 21+. More details TBA.
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.
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.
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 and ASU Jewish Studies.