Rachel Rosenberg

Rachel has performed a wide variety of Jewish music in the Chicago area for many years.  Her work has ranged from coffee houses, song leading and choirs to serving as a cantorial soloist.  Rachel shows her versatility as she provides vocal and percussion.

 

Chuck Rosenberg

Chuck has grown up playing music encompassing Jewish to jazz.  He has been a camp song leader and has performed in a number of bands over the years.  Chuck plays acoustic 12 string guitar and mandolin.

 

Steve Yastrow

Steve is an accomplished musician having graduated from Indiana University with a degree in music composition.  Steve has performed in numerous bands with styles varying from jazz to rock.  Steve brings his unique guitar virtuosity to the music of Shakshuka, playing both acoustic and electric guitars.

 

Shimon Levi
Shimon is master darbouka player and instructor.  He is skilled in a wide range of Middle Eastern hand percussion styles and instruments. Originally hailing from Beer Sheva, Israel, Shimon has performed in a wide variety of venues in Israel, Europe and in the U.S.

 

Mike Heimlich
Mike is a long time bass player and singer in the popular Jewish Chicago folk group Kol Sasson.  Mike brings his high energy and bass talents to Shakshuka while adding a new element of vocal harmonies with Rachel to the group.

 

Ari Rosenberg

Ari plays in the saxophone section of the University of Illinois jazz band as well as playing bass for the University musical productions and various instruments as a member of other local bands.  Ari has served as a camp song leader and is accomplished on both the saxophone, guitar and bass.  Ari is the son of Shakshuka’s Chuck and Rachel Rosenberg.

 

Patrick “Packy” Lundholm
Packy is a graduate of the University of Illinois’ music program and is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist musician.  Packy brings his tasty drumming to Shakshuka’s fusion of Middle Eastern and jazz music.  Packy and Ari were high school classmates and were each recipients of their school’s top jazz musician award in their respective senior years.

 

 

Who are we?

Israeli and Sephardic music spiced with jazz

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Shakshuka has continued to morph and evolve as new musicians bring new sounds, ideas and talents to the group.  At the core are the founding members- Rachel, Steve and Chuck and our commitment to infusing the Israeli and Sephardic music that we love, with new energy and interpretations.  Here is a rundown of our Shakshuka family of musicians that make this band so special and such a privilege for us to play together.