The BoyChiks - “Your friendly DC neighborhood anti-fascist Klezmish band”

The BoyChiks - “Your friendly DC neighborhood anti-fascist Klezmish band”- played a lively set at the 5th annual Petworth Porchfest in DC.

Thanks to the gracious host and to the musicians: Eric Wolff- Trombone; Ellie Cooper- Clarinet; Lauren Maunus- Euphonium; Rachel Proctor May- Sousaphone; Abe Plaut- Trumpet; and Ashwin Iyengar- Marimba. 

Folger Student Shakespeare Festival 2025

I documented this year's Folger Student Shakespeare Festival. Lively interpretations of the Bard's plays were staged by students from Poe Middle School, Montgomery Blair High School, Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts, Falls Church High School, Ballou High School, Quince Orchard High School, Bullis Prep, Swanson Middle School, Ashreinu, and other regional school drama programs.

Thanks to Garland Scott for the assignment, the education staff at the Folger, and the Mistress of the Revels.

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.