Visions of latkes danced in their heads
Sometimes it seems as if Christmas music and Chanukah music are engaged in a battle of the bands — one is Goliath, the other is underdog David (can you guess which is which?). The Idelsohn Society’s new CD release “Twas the Night Before Hanukkah” is a historical survey of music that traces the holiday’s evolution. A release party next weekend will feature performers Sway Machinery, Luther Dickinson, Thao and Rebecca Bortman, among others.
9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at Brick and Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission St., S.F. $15-$18. www.brickandmortarmusic.com
saturday/8
“Songs for Chanukah, Christmas and the Solstice.” Jazz-pop singer and poet Lisa B (Lisa Bernstein) performs. At Musically Minded Academy, 5776 Broadway, Oakland. 8 p.m. $12-$15. www.musicallymindedacademy.eventbrite.com.
Matisyahu. Grammy-nominated singer and rapper with Hassidic, rock and reggae influences. At Nob Hill Masonic Center, 1111 California St., S.F. 7 p.m. www.matisyahuworld.com. (See story, 30)
monday/10
Dana Berger and Dan Toren. Israeli singer-songwriters perform. At Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 10:30 p.m. $45-$55. www.jewishfed.org.
tuesday/11
Meshugga Beach Party. Performance by surf guitar–style band whose members play dressed like Hassidic Jews. At Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. 8 p.m. $20. www.meshuggabeachparty.com.
thursday/13
Klezmer Chanukah dance party. With Heather Klein’s Inextinguishable Trio, Anthony Mordechai Russell, Bruce Bierman and Saul Goodman’s Klezmer Orkestar. At Subterranean Arthouse, 2179 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 9 p.m. $10-$20. http://klezmer.brownpapertickets.com.
Sol Tevél album release show. Band led by Israeli-born Lior Ben-Hu focuses on connecting Hebrew roots with world cultures. At Brick & Mortar, 1710 Mission St., S.F. 9 p.m. $10-$13. www.soltevel.com. (See story, 31)
saturday/15
“Pomegranates and Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music.” Veretski Pass, Oakland Folkharmonic and Inspector Gadje perform. At Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. 8 p.m. $22.50. www.thefreight.org.
wednesday/19
Chanukah with Kugelplex. Bay Area klezmer band performs. At Oakland City Center, Broadway at 13th Street, Oakland. Noon. Free. www.oaklandcitycenter.com/events.
thursday/20
Meridian solstice party. Charming Hostess and Kugelplex perform dance music. At Meridian Gallery, 535 Powell St., S.F. 8 p.m. $10. www.meridiangallery.org/en/concerts.htm.