Other Locations
- Alameda County
The Joy of Jewish Music and Dance
With Peter Bonos, Kim Goldov, Aaron Kierbel and dancers Janetta Redžić and Alex Sandrovici
Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA
For the November 15, 2026 session, Romanian/klezmer connection taught by a surprise vocal star visiting from Romania along with Orchestra Euphonos’ Peter Bonos (trumpet), Kim Goldov (violin, from Seattle), Aaron Kierbel (percussion) and Čardak dance leaders Janetta Redžić and Alexandru Sandrovschii.
Romanian folk music and klezmer share melodies and dance rhythms shaped by centuries of musical exchange. As Jewish communities emigrated from Romania, many of the everyday connections that sustained this musical exchange weakened. This hands-on workshop will teach guests music, singing, and folk dance and help reforge those connections.
Session format: In the first 2 hours, participants choose between music or dance instruction. Then after a snack, all regroup to share what they’ve learned. Extra time continues the instructor led dance party.
Basic instrumental proficiency is recommended for musicians. All instruments, singers, and dancers are welcome.
Registration is $25 – $54 sliding scale, which may be purchased in advance for faster check in, or at the door.
Kids 18 and under can attend free.
No one turned away for lack of funds. Arrange volunteer/trade or reduced price entry in advance, or with the person at the door.
Instructor Bios
Peter Bonos is a San Francisco Bay Area musician, bandleader and event producer based in Piedmont, California. He plays trumpet, oud and euphonium in klezmer, Balkan brass, Turkish and related Eastern European and Mediterranean traditions. He leads Orchestra Euphonos, is a founding member of Fanfare Zambaleta, and co-founded Duygu & Friends. Peter also produces the Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at The Starry Plough in Berkeley, bringing musicians and audiences together for concerts, dancing and community celebration. | peterbonos.com
Aaron Kierbel is an Oakland-based drummer, percussionist, educator and founder of RhythmALLogy, an interactive drumming program that brings people together through rhythm, movement and play. A founding member of internationally touring band Rupa and the April Fishes, and the Gonifs, Aaron has performed in more than 30 countries and collaborated with numerous Bay Area artists. His engaging workshops use drumming and creative expression to foster joy, connection and community among participants of all ages and abilities. | aaronkierbel.com | www.rhythmallogy.com
Janetta Redžić is a Bay Area-born dancer, instructor, and founder of Čardak, a pan-Balkan folk dance ensemble. Raised in a Bosnian family, she began dancing at age six with Sevdah and later performed with Seattle’s Radost Balkan Folk Ensemble. Drawing on Bosnian, Macedonian, Serbian, Bulgarian, and other Balkan traditions, Janetta brings people together through movement, cultural celebration, and community. Her teaching emphasizes inclusion, connection, and the joy of traditional dance. Janetta Redžić will be joined by Alexandru Sandrovschii, a Moldovan Jewish member of Čardak, in leading the dance portion of the workshop. | Instructor profile
Kim Goldov is a Seattle-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and longtime performer of klezmer and Eastern European folk music. A member of the Freylakh Klezmer Band since 1987, he has toured throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. He performs with the Talne Trio, exploring historical klezmer repertoire alongside original compositions. Kim has also performed with Radost Folk Ensemble, Yeni Ses, Bucharest Drinking Team, and SeaMuse, drawing on a wide range of Jewish, Balkan, and Turkish musical traditions.
2026 - 2027 Season
| Date | Leaders |
|---|---|
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11/15/26 |
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12/13/26 |
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1/24/27 |
To be announced |
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2/21/27 |
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3/21/27 |
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4/18/27 |
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5/16/27 |
To be announced |
Additional donations are welcome to help sustain, grow, and cover the cost of this series. Additional donations would help cover travel costs of out–of–town instructors and many costs that are currently offset by donations. Donate here and please select “Joy of Jewish Music and Dance” in the dropdown menu.
The series is made possible by volunteer time and expertise of organizers Mike Perlmutter, Zina Pozen, and Bruce Bierman, as well as the financial support of Noah Youngs, Amos Lans, Ben Lerman, and other generous individuals, fiscal sponsorship and support by KlezCalifornia.