art by Beckie Kravetz

Ellen Kushner (writer, narrator, vocals) is the host of PRI’s remarkable radio series Sound & Spirit, which Bill Moyers calls “the best program on public radio bar none.” Before developing Sound & Spirit she hosted NightAir and Caravan on WGBH Radio (Boston), and was the writer and host of the Nakamichi International Music Series of classical concert music distributed by Public Radio International (PRI). She is the author of acclaimed works of literary fantasy, including Swordspoint, the multiple award-winning Thomas the Rhymer, The Fall of the Kings (co-written with Delia Sherman) and The Privilege of the Sword. Her short fiction has appeared in The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror. In addition to Esther, Ellen is the author and narrator of The Golden Dreydl: A Klezmer "Nutcracker," which she performs with Shirim Klezmer Orchestra (available on CD from Rykodisc) and is now a chapter book for young readers. She is a popular teacher and lecturer at a variety of venues from fantasy & science fiction conventions to church and synagogue pulpits.

Michael McLaughlin (music director, piano, accordion, guitar, vocals) is the pianist/accordionist and composer/arranger for the Klezmer bands Shirim and “radical Jewish music” band Naftule’s Dream, and is a co-founder of the international performance art group Terra Nova. He was the musical director for the award winning group which backed Senegalese drummer Ibrahima Camara, and has had the good fortune to play with the world-renowned pioneers of Ska, the Skatalites. He is currently on track for a Doctorate in Musical Arts at New England Conservatory where he studies with Lee Hyla.

Josef Kessler (fiddle, vocals) has been a mainstay in the Irish music scene in Boston, toured the United States and Canada for five years with the ethnic rock group Boiled in Lead of Minneapolis, MN, and has been featured in large music festivals including the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Berlin Jewish Music Festival. He and his father, Jack Kessler, a famous Jewish cantor, play together at many events in Philadelphia, New York, and abroad, and are part of the band Atzilut, whose work includes the album “Souls on Fire: Music for the Kabbala” and Concerts for Peace, bringing Jewish and Arab musicians together celebrating the common roots of Arab and Jewish music.

Mary Casey (guitar, vocals) is a folk musician and recording artist who has been singing and playing Celtic and folk music for over 20 years, performing in coffee houses, folk festivals, and benefit concerts in North Carolina and across New England. She has recorded extensively with singer-songwriter Carolyn McDade, and most recently performed with Gail Rundlett and Dimitri Eleftherakis at folk venues and festivals in the Boston area.