Local klez favorites Hal Aqua and The Lost Tribe play klezmer and Yiddish fusion music — an exuberant musical experience, rooted firmly in traditional Jewish modes and melodies and driven by contemporary rhythms and danceable grooves. The band’s versatile musicians have a deep respect for their source material, from the evocative tunes of Eastern European Jews and Roma to the sinuous rhythms of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Their songs draw equally from the Yiddish tradition of social action, the spiritual fervor of Chasidic music, and the get-off-your-butt-and-dance party vibe of a Jewish wedding.

Personnel: Hal Aqua (guitar, mandolin, vocals); Annie Aqua (violin, vocals); Ben Cohen (accordion, bass, vocals); Michael Paff (drums, percussion); and Miriam Rosenblum (clarinet, tin whistle, recorder).

https://halaquaandthelosttribe.bandcamp.com

Rabbi Joe Black is a pioneer of Jewish Contemporary music. He has performed for congregations and communities around the world. His recordings and books have received accolades from sources as diverse as The New York Times, Haddasah Magazine, Parent’s Choice, The American Library Journal, and Kids First: The Coalition for Quality Children’s Video.

He is a two-time winner of American Songwriter Magazine’s Lyric contest. He has also published two children’s books for the PJ Library, a songbook, and recorded five critically acclaimed albums of Jewish music. His compositions have been recorded by numerous artists and he and his music are featured in a variety of Contemporary Jewish Music compilation CD’s. His poetry and prose have been published widely. He recently published There Once Was A Man From Canaan: The Five Books of Limerick – a collection of limericks for every Torah portion. As a musician, Joe is known for his guitar virtuosity, soaring voice and lyrics that are at the same time funny, inspirational, and thought-provoking. His music is an extension of his Rabbinate. This past December, after an 18-year hiatus, Joe began recording his fifth album of original music. He serves as Senior Rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Denver, CO, a position he has held since 2011.

https://rabbijoeblack.com/about

Blending ancient eastern melody with western influence and Latin rhythm, MishMish brings an electrifying Balkan-Arab fusion to Colorado. Their members bring together musical backgrounds in Klezmer, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and samba to weave together a groove-heavy sound that will make you want to get out of your seat and dance. Through new takes on familiar melodies and folk tunes, MishMish will guide the audience on a mesmerizing journey through the Balkan region and beyond. Featuring Annie Aqua on violin, Florin Alaxandrescu on accordion, Rose Fuller on vocals, Corey Garretson on bass, and Eric Alterman and Adam Loudermilk on percussion.

www.MishMishBand.com

Gora Gora Orkestar brings the sounds of the Old World to the Rocky Mountains performing high-energy Balkan and Klezmer music. Formed in 2009, this 11-piece brass band is dedicated to making the audience dance with driving rhythms and innovative approaches to the traditional music of Eastern Europe. Since its formation, Gora Gora has focused on learning this music with attention and authenticity, and its members have had the chance to learn from experts in the field at events such as Balkan Camp and KlezKanada.

Gora Gora Orkestar has had the opportunity to perform across the country, including festivals in Boston, Austin, and Seattle, and recently at a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. Gora Gora strives to foster building a klezmer and balkan musical community in Denver, hosting a monthly dance and music collaboration called Festo Festo. This event has featured 15 bands and dance troupes from around the region, and has grown into a thriving celebration of community and culture.

https://www.goragora.org/home