LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Flexible content and program length to fit your library’s needs and interests.
Put your audience’s soul in touch with their soles! The uplifting energy of Chicagoland’s first revival Klezmer band will get hearts and feet dancing to its eclectic repertoire of hot Klezmer tunes with Gypsy grooves, swinging Sephardic and Yiddish songs, and energetic Israeli dance tunes.
Our band has a repertoire with hundreds of melodies and dances drawn from the many different Jewish cultures so our programing is very customizable in terms of what can be presented.
Programs can range from half an hour to as long as you need and can focus on a specific area of interest such as Chanukah music or delve into specific aspects of Jewish identity such as the Sephardim.
So, whether your library needs a Concert program that can highlight the theme of your reading series or needs a Lecture program that focuses on a specific aspect of Jewish culture, we are happy to talk about how a presentation will enhance the experience of your patrons.
Traditional Roots and Gypsy Beats to move the heart and feet!
Exploring a World of Jewish music through Klezmer, Yiddish, Sephardic, and Israeli music and dance for all ages.
Traditional Roots and Gypsy Beats to move the heart and feet!
Exploring a World of Jewish music through Klezmer, Yiddish, Sephardic, and Israeli music and dance for all ages.
Living, interactive culture
Awareness of the world, society, and history all increase when the Ensemble M’chaiya introduces folks to the traditional music and dance of the many different Jewish cultures, such as those of the Balkan lands.
Gorgeous musical scales like Hijaz ride on asymmetrical rhythms while the Ensemble M’chaiya plays traditional ethnic instruments, like the Bulgarian end-blown flute and Balkan drums alongside the violin, mandolin, and guitar. Vocals are sung with up to two-part harmonies.
Audience members learn dances, sing simple songs in non-English languages, and drum along on the band’s percussion.
Sephardic music’s Mediterranean sound
Discover the delightful multi-cultural songs of the Ladino-speaking Jews.
Sephardic music’s Mediterranean sound
Discover the delightful multi-cultural songs of the Ladino-speaking Jews
Living, interactive culture
Awareness of the world, society, and history all increase as the Ensemble M’chaiya introduces folks to the traditional music and dance of the Sephardim which is a beautiful blend of Spanish, Jewish, and the Balkan sounds and languages.
Gorgeous musical scales like Hijaz ride on the asymmetrical rhythms of the Balkans as the band plays traditional ethnic instruments, like the Bulgarian end-blown flute (Kaval), and Balkan percussion, alongside the violin, mandolin, and guitar. Vocals are sung with up to two-part harmonies.
Audience members learn dances, sing simple songs in non-English languages, and drum along on the band’s percussion.
Holiday music and dance
Discover Purim and Chanukah anew!
Holiday music and dance
Discover Purim and Chanukah anew!
New rhythms and a wonderful mix of Ashenazic, Sephardic, and original songs
The Ensemble M’chaiya will light a new love of the holidays in everyone’s heart with an innovative and creative approach to traditional songs from both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic cultures. For example, the Chanukah program includes a modern song from Bosnia and songs written by the band.
As always, the band loves to get folks directly involved with the music by bringing hand percussion for the audience to play, by encouraging everyone to sing along, and by teaching / leading simple yet fun line and circle dances.
Our lectures blend insightful information on the subject matter and use illuminating examples of music to underline the content. When possible, the audience is directly engaged by singing, playing percussion, and dancing.
Klezmer in America
Discover what Klezmer is, how it came to America, and how it helped shape American popular music.
Klezmer in America
Discover what Klezmer is, how it came to America, and how it helped shape American popular music.
In Klezmer in America, audiences discover what Klezmer is, how it came to America, and how it helped shape American popular music. The story comes to life via the engaging examples of Klezmer tunes chosen to underline the spoken content.
Audiences will learn how Big Band leaders like Benny Goodman incorporated Klezmer into America’s unique musical style, Swing.
For those who enjoy direct involvement, folks can drum along on band-supplied percussion and the band will lead folks through a Klezmer dance or two.
The Long Road
Follow the shared path of two historically wandering cultures: the Roma (popularly known as “gypsies”) and the Jews.
The Long Road
Follow the shared path of two historically wandering cultures: the Roma (popularly known as “gypsies”) and the Jews.
Living, interactive culture
Awareness of the world, society, and history all increase when the Hi-Dukes introduce folks to the traditional music and dance of over twenty cultures, such as those of the Balkan lands.
Gorgeous musical scales like Hijaz and Sabach ride on the asymmetrical rhythms of the Balkans while the Hi-Dukes play traditional ethnic instruments, like the Bulgarian end-blown flute, Greek baglama, Middle-eastern drums, and world-famous ocarina alongside the violin, mandolin, and guitar. Vocals are sung with up to three-part harmonies.
Audience members learn dances, sing simple songs in non-English languages, and drum along on the band’s percussion.
“… listeners will find it hard to keep from leaping up to dance” so, when asked, the band leads audience members thru fun yet easy trad circle / line dances. (All while playing an instrument at the same time!) So, whether you need an audience-rocking program that matches the season’s theme or a band that knows how to engage folks with a Lecture’s subject by getting them dancing, this band provides suitable programming for every setting.
To make sure folks connect with the powerful roots music, the audience is encouraged to drum along on percussion as well as sing along. Everyone, from toddlers to seniors, get to join in the very accessible fun!
Unique instrumentation
This may be the only Klezmer band in the world using a Kaval (end-blown Bulgarian Flute) as a main instrument! The core instrumentation also includes Mandolin, Violin, Guitar, (both Balkan drums) and Percussion along with two vocalists. From there you may choose additional musicians including a saxophonist, a bassist, and other instrument options.
Most of our musicians are multi-instrumentalists, a fact which allows the band to create an ever changing color, but whatever the sound, every number grabs attention, gets feet tapping, urging folks to dance.
Band size can range from a powerful, budget-pleasing duet or trio up to a slamming six-piece band that will energize the largest crowd. Whatever size you choose, you’ll get the right size band to match your interests and budget!
Klezmer and Sephardic music for the world
The Ensemble M’chaiya* gives substance to the meaning of its name by playing it your way! If you don’t see what you are looking for, contact us! Our presentations are very flexible and customizable.
Whether in America, Canada, or Europe, whether on a major festival stage or in a home for an intimate private party (as well as anything in between), the band’s high quality music, distinctive sound, attention to details that are important to you, and reasonable prices will be a ”life giving pleasure” for you.
* In Yiddish, “m’chaiya” means “A life-giving pleasure”
Flexible and affordable
We are happy to customize our programs to fit your interests and to adjust the band’s size to your budget and needs.
