About

Professor David Gilden

Trumpet

Jennifer Marshall

Fiddle

Tom Crail

Tuba, bull Fiddle

Ben Saffer

Clarinet

David Ansel

Tsimbl

Svetlana Saenger

Vocals

The Band

Dylan Blackthorn

Accordion, vocals, and foley

Sam Goldberg

Flute

Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour, founded in 2007 by Samantha and Dylan M. Goldberg-Blackthorn, and Kronk (Sick), is a traditional Jewish music ensemble devoted to preserving and reimagining the klezmer and Yiddish folk music of Ashkenazi Jewry. Their work celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Eastern European Jewish communities, intertwining history, music, folk tales, Yiddish, tradition, and contemporary artistry.

The band expanded in 2012, welcoming Jennifer Marshall, Ben Safer, David Ansel, David Gilden, and Tom Crail, whose diverse talents added new dimensions to their sound. In 2018, they were joined by the exceptional Svetlana Saenger, a vocalist from Belarus, whose emotive interpretations bring a powerful magic to their performances.

Based in Austin, Texas, Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour is a cornerstone of the local Jewish music scene, performing regularly as a working band at venues throughout the city. Beyond live performances, the band is dedicated to education and cultural preservation. They produce innovative multimedia shows, run a free school of music to share their knowledge, and collaborate with the Traditional Jewish Music Foundation to safeguard and celebrate Jewish musical traditions.

The Journey of Mazel Tov

Samantha Goldberg and Dylan Blackthorn, founders of Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour.

Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour's music embodies the spirit of Ashkenazi Jewish life—celebration, yearning, resilience, and meaning. Drawing inspiration from the klezmer orchestras of the early 20th century and the Yiddish folk songs of Jewish immigrants, Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour combines traditional sounds with a rebellious Texan flair, making these timeless traditions resonate with modern audiences.

Mentored by luminaries such as Mark Rubin, Sherry Mayrent, founder of the Mayrent Institute for Yiddish Culture, and Professor Itzik Gottesman, a Yiddish language and song expert, the band has cultivated a profound understanding of klezmer and Yiddish music. Their dedication to authenticity has led them to perform and learn worldwide, from Mexico to Eastern Europe, Ireland, and England. Whether playing for festivals, intimate gatherings, or street corners, Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour creates an unforgettable musical experience that honors the resilience and creativity of Ashkenazi Jewish culture.

Get our digital album

Our latest album, Shoyn Avek der Nekhtn, is now available on bandcamp! Option to buy individual tracks available.