Two of the most exciting groups in contemporary klezmer and Yiddish music unite for a memorable double bill. Each ensemble draws inspiration from distinct branches of the klezmer tradition: an old-world European string band and a mid-20th-century, clarinet-led band. Together, they bridge epochs in Ashkenazic musical history, creating a modern and original soundtrack of the diaspora. Jake Shulman-Ment and Abigale Reisman: Two Strings Violinists Jake Shulman-Ment and Abigale Reisman are two of the most highly regarded contemporary klezmer musicians on the planet. They have joined forces to record Two Strings, a brand-new powerhouse string band album that unites their stunning virtuosity, deep roots in traditional Yiddish and Eastern European musical idioms, and fearless sense of exploratory improvisation. With striking authenticity as instrumentalists and vocalists, Abigale and Jake weave together a rich tapestry of original compositions, original settings of early 20th century radical leftist Yiddish poetry, and recently rediscovered pieces from forgotten manuscripts. Haunting and ecstatic, their sound blurs lines between old and new, feeling equally at home under a Jewish wedding canopy, in a grand concert hall, or in a drunken tavern. They are joined by longtime co-conspirators Pete Rushefsky on tsimbl and Raffi Boden on cello. Ira Temple & Michael Winograd Ira Temple and Michael Winograd are staples of NYC’s vibrant Klezmer and Yiddish music community and cultural tapestry. Together they have played concerts, festivals, weddings and coming of age celebrations, and are both recent members of the cast and orchestra of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway. Accordionist and Songwriter Ira Temple founded the radical Yiddish music group Tsibele, is the longtime director for the Aftselakhis Spectacle Committee Purimshpil, and performed in New York’s activist street band The Rude Mechanical Orchestra. “Strange Tongue - Mistame-Loshn,” their newest solo album, comes out this October on Borscht Beat Records. and features a collection of traditional Yiddish songs, reimagined and expanded in English - marrying queer, trans songwriting with the urgent, living breath of Yiddish culture as it is vibrantly practiced today in Brooklyn. Clarinetist Michael Winograd lives in Brooklyn. His band, The Honorable Metnshn, has brought Klezmer and Yiddish music all over the world. He has performed and collaborated with today’s leading figures in Jewish music including Yitzak Perlman, Frank London, the Klezmatics, the Klezmer Conservatory Band and more. Michael is featured on dozens of recordings, including The Beautiful Game and Live at Madison Square Garden with Vulfpeck. His original music has appeared in television, film, theater and dance performances. His upcoming release, TANZ! Live in New York City, presents a re-creation of the iconic 1956 klezmer album TANZ!, featuring clarinetists Dave Tarras and Sam Musiker.