ALBANY – Many talents of the region’s Jewish community will be on display at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation’s open microphone and benefit concert Saturday, May 6, 7 p.m. at the synagogue, 420 Whitehall Rd., Albany.

PHIL TEUMIM and WILL VAIL

Hosted by singer/songwriter Phil Teumim, the program  will showcase the singing, storytelling, poetry recitation and musicianship of the Jewish community. Those attending will be invited to perform: sing a song, play an instrument, tell a story, read some poems or tell a joke or two. After an intermission, the evening’s featured artists: acoustic trio Phil Teumim, Will Vail and Jeff Klamka, Gypsy jazz by Gadjo and stories by professional storytellers Frank-Lee Speaking will be offered.

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 losses caused by the recent tornadoes that devastated part of the state. There will be no admission cost, but those attending will be encouraged to make donations.

Hailing from Bethlehem, Teumim and Vail perform traditional and contemporary songs together, separately and as two-thirds of the Delmariners. Klamka is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Slingerlands. 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 on drums. Whitbread and Stallman are long-time performers of the local bluegrass, folk and Gypsy music.

DEE and FRANK WIND

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. 

Advance registration by e-mail to [email protected] is encouraged to ensure a performance spot on the program. Information and sign up is at www.bnaisholomalbany.org or by contacting the B’nai Sholom office: 518-482-5283 or [email protected].