Mazel Tov Orchestra brings Yiddishkeit to Jimmy Mak’s for Hanukkah
By Jewish Review
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Mazel Tov Orchestra plays its annual Hanukkah concert at Jimmy Mak’s on Dec. 8, beginning at 8 p.m.
Continuing a tradition started 10 years ago, the klezmer band will perform Hanukkah songs, as well as classic klezmer repertoire, Latin arrangements of Yiddish favorites and some experimental jazz arrangements of Jewish melodies.
“This will be our first time performing in the beautiful new Jimmy Mak’s location,” said bandleader Sammy Epstein. “At our first performance in at the former location in March 2006 we had a standing-room-only crowd all night!”
Jimmy Mak’s is a nationally recognized jazz venue. The club moved in 2006 to its new quarters, which is diagonally across from its original location at the corner of Northeast 10th Avenue and Everett Street.
According to Epstein, “The new facility has a great feel with wonderful acoustics, an elegant stage and more seats.”
A smoke-free establishment, Jimmy Mak’s offers a complete menu of Mediterranean cuisine and a full bar. Children are welcome for dinner and for the first musical set that begins at 8 p.m. They are permitted to stay until 9:15 p.m.
Mazel Tov Orchestra’s centerpiece vocalist, Carolyn Joyce, sings much of the material in Yiddish. Epstein said her lush alto voice and striking stage presence contribute immensely to the band’s live performances. She is the featured vocalist on the band’s CD “Yiddishe Tam.”
“I’m thrilled that we’ll be performing again at Portland’s premier jazz club,” said Joyce.
Epstein said, “We expect to sell out as we did the last time we played at Jimmy’s. With more seating at the new location, we hope that we won’t have to turn people away.”
Dinner reservations are strongly recommended to guarantee seating. Call Jimmy Mak’s at 503-295-6542 to make reservations for the Dec. 8 show. There is a $10 cover charge.
For more information contact Epstein by e-mail at Sammy@mazeltoveorchestra.com or by phone at 503-282-2668.