The Petticoat Lane Foxtrot

Alan Dein, compiler of the album “Music Is The Most Beautiful Language In The World: Yiddisher Jazz In London’s East End 1920s To 1950s”, presents the remarkable story of long-forgotten Jewish-themed jazz 78rpm discs when swinging hot dance bands were still all the rage on the streets of London. The wonderfully evocative lyrics, in both Yiddish and English, reflect the Jewish immigrant experience. These are joyful songs about food, community and markets. There’s a selection of humorous tunes, and the inevitable weepies too. The original recordings will be accompanied by photographs and artefacts from the era.

Alan will also reflect on the musical stories of East London’s Jewish community from singers, songwriters, conductors, and cantors to musicians, managers, proprietors of record shops and club owners. Their stories are entwined with the development of the British recorded music industry.

Alan Dein is an oral historian and radio broadcaster. He has presented documentary features for BBC Radio for over twenty five years, and has worked on oral history projects for a wide range of institutions and community groups.

This event is part of Tsitsit Fringe Festival 2023.