Shira Kline is a New York based performer and music educator. She travels with her band, ShirLaLa, throughout the country and internationally bringing a dynamic, interactive program of joy and spirit, story and song, not to mention all out rock-star dancing and grooving! Brought up in the world and tradition of music, Shira celebrates with communities and shares her love for Jewish life and prayer.

Featuring the talents of drummer Lee "Free" Frisari (Circus Amok) and guitarist Avi Fox-Rosen (The Amazing Frozen String Quartet), ShirLaLa touches the lives of children and their families at synagogues, museums, schools, festivals and community centers including the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, The Toronto Ashkenaz Festival, The Jewish Museum on Fifth Avenue, the Alyeska Resort in Alaska, the Limmud Conferences in England and New York and Terra DiLei in Umbria, Italy. She is also a founding company member of Storahtelling: Ritual Theatre Revived. In its 10th year, Storahtelling is considered a trailblazer and a revolutionary approach to Judaism: "Deep inside tradition, way outside the box." She trains and works extensively with Amichai Lau-Lavie and Peter Pitzele (Bibliodrama).

ShirLaLa has released three popular albums of Outrageously Hip Jewish Kiddie Rock for Shabbat, Chanukah, and Pesach. Visit her online at www.ShirLaLa.com where you will also find "Blog Sameach", a teacher and parent resource center full of stories, coloring pages, holiday recipes, and inspiration for lessons and programming.

In addition to performing, Shira is a worship leader and presents engaging programs for children and adults including Tot Shabbat, adult Jewish music meditation and professional development for early childhood and music teachers. In 2008, she served as adjunct faculty for Hava Nashira and has led ongoing programs for families at Temple EmanuEl in New York City for the past ten years.

Shira holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and has spent many years engaging in Torah Study in formal and informal settings.

Her motivation stems from a family who infused every moment of life with a love of Judaism - special homemade foods, singing and dancing to Jewish music, exploring and reveling in all holidays, ethics, lessons learned through Jewish eyes. Her father taught her meditation as a form of prayer at an early age. Her mother brought in each Shabbat with beautiful candle-lighting and homemade challah and at bedtime her father sent her to sleep with sweet dreams of Shabbat angels.

What they say about Shira:

“Shira Kline’s Earth Worm Disco is AWESOME! Its outrageously fresh and creative, with songs to nourish your brain, your body, and your heart. The message is uplifting and timely throughout, and the production is stellar. You and your family are gonna love it! My favorite is The Sun Shines Down on Every One. I get dizzy in the most delightful way listening to it!”
Billy Jonas, family performer, Parents’ Choice Gold Winner (2000, 2002, 2009)
www.billyjonas.com

"Earth Worm Disco is ShirLaLa's "one giant leap" into new musical territory and, in my opinion, a ringing success!"  Read full review...
Nick Deysher, Singing in the Bathtub

"Spectacular!  A home run.  It needs to be a Broadway musical."
Ellen Allard
Peter and Ellen Allard, Specializing in Music for Young Children
peterandellen.com

"Shira Kline is not playing at being cool. She is cool."  Read full review...
The Blog at 16th and Q Posted on May 12, 2009 by CPO By Joshua Ford, Chief Programming Officer, Washington DCJCC

"There is lot of noise being made about New York-based performer Shira Kline at the moment. Famous for her interactive rock concerts for children, which combine story and music..." Read full article...
London Jewish Chronicle

"I had so much fun my armpits are sweaty and stinky!" - Isaac, age 5, Memphis TN

"...The ShirLaLa Chanukah phenomenon is catching on!" - The Jerusalem Post Arts & Entertainment

"I was boweld over with how dynamic her songs are, how much energy she has, and how fun [she is] - Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

"The songs are adorable, the performances top rate and the production beautiful" - Craig Taubman, Jewish Recording Artist and Producer, Los Angeles CA

"Shira has the unique ability to make Judaism both fun and accesible for many who feel disconnected with their Jewish souls" - Rabbi Eric Solomon, Congregation Tehillah, New York

"Her energy, voice, strength of character, and passion for the work she does shine through" - Laura Spitzer, Jewish Professional National Organization, and Parent

"She touches people deeply as she creates services which inspire both personal reflection and communal bonding. Her musicianship and voice flow with grace across the spectrum of Jewish music" - Mark X. Jacobs, past executive director, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life

"She has the ability to reach children through her exhuberant personality and exceptional musicality" - Ellen Birmbaum, Assistant Director, 92nd St. Y Nursery School

"Thank you just doesn't seem enough for all of your work at our Kallah. Your enthusiasm, spirit, and commitment to Judaism are inspiring" - Jan Goodman, Women of Reform Judaism

"With your angelic voice, spirit, and commitment... The service surpassed our greatest dreams and expectations" - Patty Goldstick, Executive Director, Congregation Tehillah

"Shira is a vital, enlivening, and spiritually inspiring presence in all settings" - Mark X. Jacobs, New York

Go to Workshops and Programs

KIDS’ ROCK MUSIC GOES GREEN!
Shira Kline’s EARTH WORM DISCO Celebrates Eco-Music for Kids

Go to Press Release

For more information go to www.shirlala.com