Arts Alive

Arts Alive will present an evening of original, contemporary Klezmer music, featuring Western Massachusetts-based ensemble Myrtle Street Klezmer (MSK). MSK is an ecstatic exploration into the past, present, and future of Klezmer music – the traditional celebratory music of the old-world Ashkenazi Jews. An ensemble of innovative musicians hailing from the new generation of jewish-diasporic culture bearers, MSK has been connecting with audiences through performances, workshops, and presentations since 2021. Core members include Jason Ditzian (bandleader, clarinet), Myk Freedman (guitar), Jesse Olsen Bay (vocals, bass, bouzouki, percussion), Bea Carlson (vocals, accordion), Doug Plavin (percussion) and Dan Baker (tuba, banjo). MSK has received awards/support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, among others.

Prior to the performance, members of MSK will present a public workshop on the history and practice of Klezmer music for musicians.