Jewish music series features Ladino and Cuban artists this summer

-Courtesy of Broad Street Communications

Launched online in June 2020, the Songs of Our People Songs of Our Neighbors series explores music from varied Jewish traditions and diverse cultures — from the historic and traditional, to the contemporary and reimagined. Through conversations, live and pre-recorded performances, and audience Q&A, this series uses music to better understand the complex, culturally diverse communities which make up the Jewish People, and our nation.

This summer, this series focuses on Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) and Latin artists. From the Spanish Inquisition until World War II, Ladino was the primary language spoken by Sephardic Jews throughout the Mediterranean. It’s a rich source of Jewish poetry, proverbs, folktales, and more. The “flame-keeper” of Ladino music, Flory Jagoda, passed away this year at age 97.

Events:

Susan Gaeta
Wednesday, July 21
As the apprentice to the late Ladino artist Flory Jagoda, Susan toured with Flory and her children. She’s dedicated her life to spreading Flory’s music and story. The event features music from Susan’s projects “Trio Sefardi”, “Minnush”, and “Sing Her Songs.”

Susana Behar
Wednesday, August 18
Susana is a Ladino musician who was born in Havana, Cuba, lived in Venezuela for 17 years, and is now based in Miami. She was most recently the artist in residence at the Miami History Museum.

Pedrito Martinez
Wednesday, August 25
Grammy-nominated master Afro-Cuban percussionist and vocalist Pedrito Martinez, a Santeria Priest, was born in Havana, Cuba. He’s a member of the Nuevo Jazz Latino program at Lincoln Center and has collaborated with Paul Simon, James Taylor, Wynton Marsalis, and Quincy Jones.

Where:  Virtual on Zoom, Facebook, and the NMAJH website.

The public is welcome to tune in online for free, with a $10 suggested donation

Visit https://www.nmajh.org/virtual-museum/ to learn more.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. NMAJH presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.