Susan Felix Stay Amazed Dance Party, with Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band and Friends

“Stay Amazed” was the motto of Susan Felix, a remarkable woman renowned in many community, art, and dance circles in Berkeley who lived an inspired 85 years and continues to inspire even after her passing February 4, 2023. Susan was known for her joy, her wisdom, her humor, her kindness, her creativity and artistic expression, her care in relationships, her fabulous outfits, and her exuberance on the dance floor. As a continuation of the many events marking, mourning, and celebrating her life, we are dedicating this dance party to her. Dancing was one of her true loves and is a fitting way to celebrate her and to carry on her spark of joy. And as we come together in steps, songs, and circles, we’ll also collectively raise money to support Susan’s family and help offset medical bills and expenses they are facing from extended care for Susan and her granddaughter. Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band will donate their proceeds from the night to Susan’s family. Part of the regular Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal, this event will be held at The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley.

Read more about Susan in Berkeleyside, and the J Weekly. Listen to Susan talk about her life.

Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band will feature an extended cast of ~16 performers, including Bruce and Gilberto leading dance!

Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Band:

Mike Perlmutter – clarinet
Zina Pozen – accordion
Chris Bastian – bass
Johnny Blood – helicon
Ivan Velev – tapan
Sean Tergis – doumbek/tapan
Jonathan Kipp – percussion, accordion, vocals, vibraphone
Bruce Bierman – dance leader
Gilberto Melendez – dance leader

With special guests:
Josh Wirtschafter – violin
Diane Wirtschafter – vocals
Ariel Luckey – vocals
Michael Saxe-Taller – baritone horn
Achi Ben Shalom – guitar and vocals

Starting at 10pm, continue the party with Michelle Alany and the Mystics (Psychedelic Balkan, Klezmer and Sephardic-inspired all-stars), a fiddle-driven musical feast of Mediterranean and Eastern European-inspired folk and original music. The band brings together players that share years of international touring, cross-cultural collaborations and depth of musicianship. It features captivating Sephardic (Judeo-Spanish), Balkan and Klezmer original and traditional melodies on clarinet, accordion, percussion and strings.