B’nai Sholom to Host Fundraiser of Music, Poetry and Stories to Aid Mississippi Tornado Victims

The many talents of the region’s Jewish community will be on display at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation’s open mic and benefit concert Saturday, May 6, 7 p.m. at the synagogue, 420 Whitehall Road, Albany, New York.

Hosted by singer/songwriter Phil Teumim, the event will showcase the singing, storytelling, poetry recitation and musicianship of the Jewish community.  All funds raised will go to aid the North Mississippi Rural Legal Services – Tornado Disaster Legal Assistance Project.  The project helps residents of north Mississippi with legal issues resulting from their losses caused by the recent tornadoes that devastated part of the state.

Free admission; donations are encouraged and appreciated.

The first part of the evening will be an open mic.  Everyone is invited to perform: sing a song, play an instrument, tell a story, read some poems or tell a joke or two.  Listen and appreciate, or perform and be appreciated.

After intermission, enjoy a concert by the evening’s featured artists: songs by premier acoustic trio Phil Teumim, Will Vail and Jeff Klamka, Gypsy jazz by Gadjo and stories by professional storytellers Frank-Lee Speaking.

Coffee and light refreshments will be available.

Advance registration by email to filibuck@gmail.com is highly encouraged to ensure a performance spot on the program.

For more information, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office: 518-482-5283 or office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us.

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About Phil Teumim, Will Vail and Jeff Klamka

Hailing from Bethlehem, Teumim and Vail perform traditional and contemporary songs together, separately and as two-thirds of the Delmariners all around the Capital District.  Their performances emphasize charitable and other pro bono events and include in their repertoire folk songs, sea shanties, cowboy songs and originals.  Klamka (not pictured) is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Slingerlands.

About Gadjo

Gadjo is a recently formed quartet playing Gypsy jazz, swing and French café music.  Members include David Ray on violin, John Whitbread on guitar and vocals, Larry Stallman on bass and Steve Stringer (not pictured) on drums.  Whitbread and Stallman are long-time participants in the local bluegrass, folk and Gypsy music scene.

About Frank-Lee Speaking

Dee Lee Wind and Frank Wind (Frank-Lee Speaking) are professional storytellers from Loudonville who have performed storytelling concerts and workshops for children, family audiences and adults for decades.  They have been privileged to perform at festivals and concerts throughout Great Britain and Europe.  The Winds are members of the Story Circle of the Capital District.