Boston’s thriving arts scene is hearing a new beat, thanks to Nat Seelen, clarinetist and founder of the Boston Festival of New Jewish Music. Now entering its fifth year, the festival aims to give Jewish music a modern identity while honoring its deep roots.

From Klezmer Roots to a Modern Revival

Seelen, who trained at the New England Conservatory, began as part of the Klezmer ensemble Ezekiel’s Wheels. Inspired by earlier musicians like Hankus Netsky, who launched the American Klezmer revival in the 1970s, he wanted to expand Jewish music beyond nostalgia.

In 2021, during the pandemic, Seelen launched the festival to give local Jewish artists a place to perform. What started as small livestream concerts has now grown into a citywide series. “It’s become something people look forward to, a true Boston tradition,” he said.

Blending Tradition and Innovation

The festival showcases musicians who merge traditional sounds with jazz, electronica, and experimental music. Some artists perform in Hebrew or Yiddish, while others explore instrumental pieces without lyrics. According to Seelen, these performances represent “a new Jewish sound for a new generation.”

The focus on inclusivity and creativity has kept the festival away from political tension. Supported by local New England organizations rather than international sponsors, the event highlights Jewish identity through art instead of ideology. “There are probably people who would be protesting somewhere else — but instead, they’re here at our concerts,” Seelen noted.

Looking Ahead

The 2025–26 season opens October 5 at the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge, featuring both emerging and veteran Jewish musicians. Seelen hopes to take the festival on the road soon. “Playing new music every night for a month in different cities — that’s what really makes an impact,” he said.

As the festival continues to grow, Boston’s Jewish soundscape is evolving from its Klezmer heritage into something distinctly modern — a living bridge between past and future.

👉 For more updates on international affairs, culture, and Jewish community perspectives, visit Zushi’s List.

Read the full article from the original source:
The Forward – In Boston, a Klezmer musician is plotting a Jewish musical revolution
Source: The Forward, October 2025