The Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble will light up the stage on June 7, joined by four other leading lights from Winnipeg’s multicultural music and dance community.

“Woven Threads” will be more than a Chai concert. It will be a rich, multicultural extravaganza celebrating diversity and friendship through music and dance. Chai is partnering with the Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble—representing Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community—and there will be guest performances from the Aboriginal School of Dance, representing Winnipeg’s Indigenous community; La Troupe Jeunesse de la L’ensemble folklorique de la Rivière-Rouge, representing the Franco-Manitoban community; and Magdaragat Philippines, representing Winnipeg’s Filipino community.

“We are proud to invite our fellow artists to join us,” says David Vamos, Chai’s Vocal and Artistic Director. “And while we see the concert as a way to shine a light on the multicultural tapestry that makes Winnipeg so special, we also see it as a very entertaining event. All of our guest groups are established, popular ensembles and we are very excited to share the stage with them.”

At “Woven Threads”, Chai will perform a few numbers on its own and will also perform together with Rusalka. All four guest ensembles will perform on their own. Chai is also pleased to welcome the YONA Children’s Choir to the stage.

“YONA amazed our audience last year,” says Vamos. “The performers are 7–14 years old, but they deliver a powerful and professional sound.”

At “Woven Threads”, to be held at the Club Regent Event Centre, the Chai Folk Ensemble will be honouring long-time Chai supporters, Tova and Larry Vickar.

“I can’t think of a better way to honour Tova and Larry than with a concert that celebrates diversity,” says Sadira Garfinkel, President of Chai’s Board of Directors. “The Vickars are not only philanthropic, but they have been tireless advocates of intercultural dialogue.”

Aside from Chai, Tova and Larry are proud supporters of many organizations in the community including the Jewish National Fund, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, and the Combined Jewish Appeal, among others. In the broader community, they have been active supporters of L’Arche Winnipeg (an organization that provides homes for the intellectually disabled), the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Siloam Mission, and many others. The couple has been honoured by the Jewish and Filipino communities, and Larry has been active with the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association and the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, from which he has received their highest honour.

“The Vickars wear their pride in Judaism, Israel, Canada, and Winnipeg on their sleeve, and so do we,” adds Garfinkel. “We are deeply grateful for Tova and Larry’s support and enthusiasm for what Chai brings to the community.”

Sponsorship opportunities for Chai’s “Woven Threads” and concert tickets are now available. Advertising opportunities in the event program are also available. Please contact the Chai office for more information.