From Craig David to Wilco, 10 essential Jewish music acts to catch this summer

Oi Va Voi
Back in 2003, Oi Va Voi shook up the Jewish and world music scenes with Laughter Through Tears, an album that took a fusion of klezmer, soul, jazz and club beats to stages worldwide — and launched the career of KT Tunstall. Now, all of the band’s founding members have reunited for a 20-year anniversary show — their first performance since 2005. Complete with clarinet, violin, percussion and the silky vocals of Tunstall, it promises to be nothing short of joyful as the band mix dance grooves with the folk music of their Jewish heritage.
Evolutionary Arts Hackney, London, July 22

Craig David
The Southampton-born pop star, whose mother is Jewish, has a catalogue of classic garage tracks including Re-Rewind, Fill Me In and 7 Days that is guaranteed to turn arenas into thrumming dancefloors. Newer songs from his eighth album, 22, add a fresh, slick R&B sound. Perfect summer anthems with a healthy dose of nostalgia for 30 and 40-somethings.
Newmarket Racecourse, July 21; Camp Bestival, Dorset, July 30; Crystal Palace Bowl, August 13

Prom 60: Vladimir Jurowski/ Kirill Gerstein / Thomas Adès/ Kurt Weill
A quadruple bill of Jewish classical artists. The Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra makes its Proms debut under chief conductor the Russian-Jewish Vladimir Jurowski. Pieces from two composers with Jewish roots appear on the programme: Kurt Weill, and London-based Thomas Adès, whose Piano Concerto is bold and contemporary, with jazz flourishes. Adès’ piece was commissioned by the Jewish Russian-American concert pianist and former child prodigy Kirill Gerstein, who is the concert’s soloist.
Royal Albert Hall, London, August 31

Wilco
You may not know it, but Jeff Tweedy, frontman of the alt-country band Wilco, converted to Judaism and brought up his sons in the faith with his Jewish wife. As well as headlining the End of the Road Festival, the Chicago band are treating fans to a rare gig at London’s Forum. The performances will feature songs from Wilco’s latest release, Cruel Country, and from their back catalogue of 12 studio albums. You can request a song for either show via the band’s website.
Forum, London, August 30; End of the Road Festival, Wiltshire, August 31

Fat Tony
Often called the most famous DJ you’ve never heard of, Fat Tony (born Tony Marnoch) performed at the Israeli Embassy’s Israel 75 party in June — and he knows how to get a party started. During his 40-odd year career, the DJ has held residencies at legendary London clubs Turnmills, Ministry of Sound and Egg. He also recently performed at Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s wedding reception.
Camp Bestival, Dorset, July 27-30

Liraz
l An Iranian Jew who grew up in Israel with Farsi-speaking parents, Liraz Charhi has never been allowed to visit Iran. She channels her frustration by producing politically defiant tracks with musicians from Tehran. Her last album, 2022’s exhilarating Roya (meaning “fantasy”), was covertly recorded in Istanbul with Iranian musicians including women as risk-defying as herself. Liraz will appear at the World of Music, Arts and Dance (Womad) festival later this month, where attendees will hear a glorious blend of modern and retro Middle Eastern electro dance.
Womad, Wiltshire, July 29

Iván Fischer conducts Ligeti, Bartók and Beethoven at Prom 39
This year is the centenary of Hungarian-Austrian Jewish composer György Ligeti, and who better to conduct a Prom that marks what would have been the 100th birthday of one of the most avant-garde composers of the 20th century than the maverick Iván Fischer. Budapest Festival Orchestra soprano Anna-Lena Elbert will join him and the BFO to perform Mysteries of the Macabre – three arias from Ligeti’s opera Le Grand Macabre.
Royal Albert Hall, London, August 13

Ezra Furman, on tour 28-31 Aug
The US singer-songwriter has released six critically acclaimed solo albums, provided the soundtrack to the Netflix show Sex Education — and is an unmissable live act. Through furious punk-rock to expansive, horns-drenched indie-rock, Furman explores Jewish identity, anxiety, love, and global affairs. Her most recent release, 2022’s All Of Us Flames, was vivid, bold and thrillingly urgent. An observant Jew, she is passionate about the Torah’s teachings — her song Book Of Our Names was inspired by the second book of the Torah.
Various, August 27-September 3

Leo Green Experience
The Jewish saxophonist has worked with everyone from Paul McCartney to Bob Dylan, and was hailed “the greatest sax player I have ever worked with” by Jerry Lee Lewis.
Backed by a top band of session musicians, Green promises beloved classics played with a soulful twist. Expect tributes to artists with whom he has worked such as Van Morrison, with the track The Healing Game, which features one of Green’s finest solos.
Ronnie Scott’s, London, August 25-26