The Jew in the Folk Muse

The Jew in the Folk Muse: An afternoon of original songs born (or sprung) from Jewish Roots

Chuck Brodsky

Chuck Brodsky is a 31 year Asheville resident who has been touring for 34 years all across the USA, Israel, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, England, Lithuania, Latvia, and Canada. He was recently inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame for his songs about Baseball, and 22 of his songs are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame library. He’s performed at the Hall of Fame 3 times. His 13 CDs include funny songs, poignant songs, Baseball songs, songs about the Holocaust, and several others with Jewish content. His music has been used by ESPN, NPR, NFL Films, Sony Pictures, Dr. Demento, ABC’s Good Morning America, and the film “Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story” His “We Are Each Other’s Angels” was sung by Kathy Mattea in a film, and many of his other songs have been recorded by various artists.

“Down-to-earth lyrics about ordinary folk sung in an often jocular, and always entertaining style . . . He may be compassionate, but there’s always at least a modicum of black humour somewhere along the line to keep his audiences on their toes.”
—-Jerusalem Post

“Reflects the good old U.S. of A., warts and all…colorful tales…reminds us there’s a whole wide world outside our doors.”
—-Rolling Stone

“Old fashioned story songs brimming with wit and compassion…off-center, off-the wall and incisively funny. He will appeal to everyone who likes their music with a side of thought.”
—-New York Times

Deborah Silverstein

Deborah Silverstein is a lifelong singer-songwriter, recording artist, visual artist and musical playwright. She was a founding member of the Boston-based New Harmony Sisterhood Band, whose album, And Ain’t I a Woman, now resides in the Smithsonian Folk Life Collection. Her solo release, Around the Next Bend, on the Flying Fish/Rounder label, was nominated for the Boston Music Awards Folk Album of the Year. Her song, Draglines, about strip mining in her native Western Pennsylvania Appalachian Mountains, became an environmental anthem, recorded by numerous folk artists, both in the US and abroad. Deborah sang and recorded for many years with an all-woman a capella quartet, Taproot; and with Shirella, a women’s ensemble performing gospel-influenced Jewish music. Before moving to Asheville in 2021, Deborah performed with her Band of Erics, who backed her on her 2016 solo album, Precious Time. She performs locally at farmer’s markets and occasional shows with her country/folk string band, The Hillside Ramblers. Deborah’s musical “Riveted” (script, lyrics and music) will be produced at the Hendersonville Playhouse as part of their 50th Anniversary Season, in May, 2027. Deborah sang as a teenager in her hometown, Johnstown, PA Rodef Sholom, choir, and has been singing with Kol Simcha at Congregation Beth Ha Tephila, since her move to Asheville. She is honored to have this opportunity to feature the songs from her repertoire that are rooted in her Jewish soul.