Myrtle Street Klezmer returns to Bath arts center, and the walls come down | Column
Myrtle Street Klezmer Heads Back to the Chocolate Church for a Night of High‑Energy Klezmer
Bath, ME – September 25, 2026 – The Chocolate Church Arts Center will host the return of the eclectic western‑Massachusetts band Myrtle Street Klezmer on Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Annex. After an electrifying debut last year, the venue is once again opening its doors to the band’s “celebratory” music, which blends traditional Ashkenazi klezmer with Balkan, Greek, Arab, jazz and rock influences.
The concert follows a free, one‑hour workshop titled Renegade Klezmer that begins at 6:00 p.m. in the same space. The workshop invites musicians and non‑musicians of all skill levels to learn a few songs, experiment with improvisation, and explore the music’s spiritual side. Attendees are encouraged to bring instruments, though they can participate with just their enthusiasm.
“Myrtle Street Klezmer’s sound is rooted in the rich history of klezmer while staying firmly grounded in the present,” said Matthew Glassman, executive and artistic director of the Chocolate Church Arts Center. “If last year’s debut was any indication, you’ll want shoes you can dance in.”
Myrtle Street Klezmer’s lineup features Jason Ditzian on clarinet; Myk Freedman on guitar; Jesse Olsen Bay on bass, bouzouki, and percussion; Bea Carlson on accordion; and Doug Plavin on percussion. Their repertoire spans Yiddish, Hebrew and Ladino lyrics, and their instrumentation reflects the diverse cultural tapestry that klezmer traditionally embodies.
The band, known for drawing from “Balkan, Greek, Arab, rock, and jazz traditions alongside classic and contemporary klezmer,” described the music as “promiscuous, curious, and spirited,” and emphasized its role as a social, celebratory form that encourages dance and community.
Ticketing information for the concert is available through the Chocolate Church Arts Center website or by calling (XXX) XXX‑XXXX. The 6:00 p.m. workshop is free of charge.
The event promises a night of exuberant music, spirited dance, and a reminder that the borders of culture are often just invitations to collaboration.
