Susan Watts and the Fabulous Shpilkes

Susan Watts and the Fabulous Shpilkes in concert at Adat Shalom synagogue in Bethesda, Maryland. Susan is the daughter of Elaine Hoffman Watts, and is a fourth-generation klezmer musician.

This all-star ensemble consisted of Susan Watts: trumpet, vocals; Ilene Stahl: clarinet; Kirsten Lamb, double bass, vocals; Aaron Alexander, drums; and  Josh “Socalled” Dolgin; keyboards, accordion, vocals, out-genius. Judy Sweet led the spirited dancing, with Mrs. Toretsky's Nightmare joining in.

KlezKanada 2024

I recently was photographer in residence at KlezKanada, in Quebec Province. It was a week of amazing music everywhere at all times, Yiddishkeit, long walks, late nights, beautiful scenery and beautiful souls.

Many thanks to Avia Moore and David Moss of KlezKanada for including me as part of the faculty, and to all the rest of the KlezKanada staff, volunteers, music-makers, new friends and old. A sheynem dank.