Workmen’s Circle Defies Intense Heat and Legal Dispute to Revive Free Yiddish Concert at Cain Park

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Over 150 people endured heat index temperatures soaring past 100 degrees to attend the Workmen’s Circle’s 43rd Annual Free Yiddish Concert in the Park, held Sunday, June 22, at the Evans Amphitheater in Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. This event, a treasured tradition for nearly five decades, returned this year after a hiatus caused by a funding dispute with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, which has withheld access to a long-standing endowment fund created by the 125-year-old nonprofit.

Workmen’s Circle PR Director said, “The event usually sees an excess of 1,000 people but this year was different for many reasons. The organization's legal issues with the Federation tied up the money and raising it on our own was challenging, as we had to break from the ways that this was traditionally done, but where there is a will there is a way and we made it happen. The heat kept so many people indoors, and I understand that. I cannot tell you the number of texts and emails I received from people who wish they could have attended but didn't leave their house due to the temps.”

Local and international performers offered a vibrant mix of Yiddish music as attendees braved the heat. Cleveland pianist George Foley opened the show. He was followed by San Diego-based Yale Strom and Elizabeth Schwartz of the acclaimed Hot Pstromi, then by Ann Arbor klezmer-funk ensemble Schmaltz.

Board member Jeannie Greminger, who has served eight years with the organization, including four as chair, said “I thought it went amazing. The heat was over 100 with the index, and we had over a hundred people come out and enjoy the show.”

A volunteer who also works for the city of Cleveland Heights said, “It was a little hot, but better than a downpour in my opinion,” praising the final act: “They know how to jam.. it was a fun time.” Food was supplied by Milky Way and Rascal House, serving both performers and guests throughout the afternoon.

The Workmen’s Circle Educational Center of Ohio has organized this cultural celebration for nearly 50 years, presenting concerts, lectures, readings, seders, and maintaining a dedication to Yiddishkeit throughout. The organization, founded in 1900 continues to promote Yiddish language, liberal activism, and mutual aid through its network of branches.

This year’s concert committee was formed after a board restructure following the 2022 event. With federation-held endowment funds inaccessible, board members stepped in to raise necessary funding to ensure this year’s show could happen.

Organizers say next year’s event will again be free and, for the first time, professionally filmed for remote audiences, even as the legal dispute with the Jewish Federation over the withheld principal continues. Workmen’s Circle Chairman Neal Grossman and Yiddish Concert co-chair Amy Roth extended their thanks to the community, performers, Cain Park staff, volunteers, and the city of Cleveland Heights.

“As a secular Jewish fraternal organization, we are committed to keeping Yiddish culture alive in Ohio,” said Grossman. Efforts to build support and donations are ongoing via the official Workmen’s Circle Facebook and Instagram pages.

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