Yiddish Folksong Series with Sarah Larsson

Yiddish folksongs carry the stories of ordinary Jewish folks’ lived experiences, carried across place and time. In this season’s program, Sarah Larsson will teach beloved popular and lesser-known songs from Yiddish folksong tradition, focusing on the poetry of the Yiddish language texts, the stories behind the songs, and core principles of Yiddish folk singing technique. This is a class for all ages and ability levels — if you have never sang in front of people before, are a fluent Yiddish speaker or professional singer, all are welcome. We will enjoy the heart of the songs together, with an opportunity to share within a public Community Sing/Kumzits (songs shared around a campfire).

Sarah Larsson is a student of some of the most renowned singers of Yiddish folksong tradition today — including Ethel Raim, Michael Alpert, Svetlana Kundish, and Josh Waletzky. One of the organizers of Klezmer on Ice and the Longfellow Village Band, Sarah Larsson has brought Yiddish and Klezmer music education to Twin Cities communities since 2018. Larsson also performs with The Nightingale Trio, which has been called “earthy and serene” and “amazing” by Minnesota Public Radio host Steve Staruch.

Dates: 6:30-8pm Tuesdays June 20, 27, (No class July 4), July 11, 18, 25.

Final celebration and song share at public Community Sing/Kumzits (songs shared around a campfire): Thursday, August 3rd (A program of Bo’u Nashir – Come, Let’s Sing! Details coming soon.)

Location: Sabes Center Senior Lounge

Cost: $50 for entire series, scholarships available.

Contact Riv Shapiro at [email protected] with questions, access needs, or for financial assistance.