(AMHERST, Mass.) – The Klezmatics, Eleanor Reissa, Joanne Borts, and Michael Winograd are among the internationally acclaimed performers taking the stage at Yidstock: The Festival of New Yiddish Music, returning to the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst from Thursday, July 10, through Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Now in its thirteenth year, Yidstock showcases both celebrated luminaries and emerging voices in the genre. This year’s four-day festival features seven concerts, four hands-on workshops, and nine in-depth talks, all celebrating the rich traditions and contemporary expressions of Yiddish music, language, and culture.

In addition to those listed above, other artists performing at this year’s festival include Yoshie Fruchter and R. Deborah Sacks Mintz in their new duo called ReynHartsik; fiddlers Jake Shulman-Ment and Abigale Reisman; and a special closing-night concert, The Great Yiddish-American Songbook, with Frank London’s Yinglish Orchestra & Singers, featuring vocalists Eleanor Reissa, Judy Bressler, Lorin Sklamberg, Joanne Borts, and Sarah Gordon.

Vocalist and Broadway actress Joanne Borts is making her Yidstock debut with her new project, Lush & Hora. Michael Winograd will be joined by an all-star band in a re-creation of the landmark 1956 klezmer album, TANZ!, by Dave Tarras and Sam Musiker. Hankus Netsky will be in residence as a musician and lecturer; Judy Bressler and Asya Vaisman Schulman will be leading dance workshops; and multi-instrumentalist Brian Bender and accordionist Christina Crowder will be leading and accompanying instrumental and dance workshops.

Additionally, a handful of artists will participate in public conversations moderated by Seth Rogovoy, Yidstock’s artistic director, who will deliver his annual talk, The Essential Klezmer, to kick off the festival on Thursday, July 10, at noon.

“This year’s lineup represents what is best about Yidstock,” said Rogovoy. “Concertgoers will enjoy a mix of festival veterans and artists making their Yidstock debuts, plus familiar artists with new programs and collaborations. It all adds up to a dynamic pageant of new, exciting, and ever-evolving Yiddish and klezmer music.”

“Yidstock is a vibrant celebration of Yiddish music and culture,” said Susan Bronson, president of the Yiddish Book Center. “We’re excited to once again welcome an extraordinary lineup of performers and an enthusiastic audience for a dynamic weekend of concerts, conversations, and creative exchange.”

The full schedule of events—including concerts, instrumental, vocal, and dance workshops, artist conversations, talks, and film screenings—is available at Yidstock, where tickets can also be purchased.

Tickets are now on sale, including a Livestream Concert Pass for those unable to attend in person.

About the Yiddish Book Center

The Yiddish Book Center recovers, preserves, teaches, and celebrates Yiddish literature and culture to advance a fuller understanding of Jewish history and identity. Over the span of 45 years, the Center has launched an extensive array of bibliographic, educational, and cultural initiatives and programs. For additional information, visit Yiddish Book Center.