'Soul to Soul' Concert Celebrates Jewish-Black Solidarity Sunday

The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF), in association with hip-hop icon Russell Simmons and Rabbi Marc Schneier, presents a cross-cultural exploration of African-American and Yiddish music at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, on Sunday January 15 at 2pm. Conceived and directed by NYTF Artistic Director Zalmen Mlotek, the popular concert commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2017.

An electrifying theatrical revue that explores the intersections between African-American and Yiddish folk traditions, "Soul to Soul" features a cross-cultural cast including "The Golden Bride" star Lisa Fishman; renowned Israeli cantor Magda Fishman, and the African-American vocal powerhouses Tony Perry, and opera sensation Elmore James (also Broadway's "Beauty and the Beast" and "Big River"). The concert, featuring a sensational 4-piece combo led by Mlotek, is presented in English and Yiddish with English and Russian supertitles.

"This concert is about building community," says Mlotek. "In a year of unprecedented resurgence in Yiddish, 'Soul to Soul' continues to trace the important through-line we started with 'The Golden Bride.'"

"Soul to Soul" is a joyful and moving concert exploring the parallel experience of two minority peoples' path to find America's promise of freedom, overcome segregation, prejudice and economic hardship. This concert features stirring songs in Yiddish and in English, culminating in a high-energy collection of enthralling songs from the Civil Rights era.

"Our commitment to bridging diverse communities through the celebration of culture is incredibly important in this time of political turbulence," says NYTF's chief operating officer and executive producer Christopher Massimine. "We use music as a tool to continue MLK's legacy and spark conversation and understanding in a time when the country is once again in a state of unrest."

The 102-year-old National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene presents "Soul to Soul" -- a musical statement of solidarity as we stand together to drown out the voices of hatred with a defiantly joyful song -- on Sunday January 15 at 2pm, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage's Edmond J. Safra Theatre, 36 Battery Place. The concert is presented in collaboration with The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding -- Rabbi Marc Schneier, president; Russell Simmons, chairman. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for NYTF and MJH members; $40 premium tickets, $28 preferred seating for members. To purchase call (212) 213-2120 x230 or visit www.nytf.org.