Schmaltz & Pepper

Schmaltz & Pepper is a quintet that spins Eastern European Jewish folk traditions into something entirely, irresistibly their own. The band brings together Eric Abramovitz, principal clarinetist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra; Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist and arranger Drew Jurecka; virtuosic violinist, vocalist, and composer Rebekah Wolkstein; JUNO-nominated bassist Michael Herring; and JUNO award-winning pianist Jeremy Ledbetter.

Their repertoire is almost entirely original — drawing on Yiddish swing, jazz, Roma music, and classical sensibilities. Their debut album won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Instrumental Compositions in 2026. Following a sold-out 11-show tour of Florida in 2025, the band returns to Florida in January 2027 and continues touring across Canada and the USA.