NANCY GADDY aka

“MRS. SCHMALTZ”

Nancy has entertained under the pseudonym of “Mrs. Schmaltz” for many years, offering up an eclectic blend of international music, with a particular focus on Yiddish, Klezmer, Eastern European, Mediterranean and Israeli genres. Lively, festive and hauntingly beautiful, this music, which has been deeply rooted in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa, has had a heavy influence on American popular and folk music.

The rich melodies stemming from the Klezmer and Yiddish Theatre traditions are timeless in their appeal, and have served as an inspiration to such American music giants as George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Burt Bacharach and Stephen Sondheim.

Mrs. Schmaltz presents an entertaining, enlightening and informative program that pays tribute to the best and most endearing music of the Jewish-American tradition. Nancy can also custom tailor her repertoire and performance to suit any particular programming or party needs. Vocal entertainment with musical accompaniment in the form of a duo, trio, quartet or quintet for any type of gathering – be it elegant or informal, intimate or grand. Larger units such as a six-eight piece dance or show band are additionally available for larger parties and lavish affairs.

Nancy’s captivating production Beyond the Borscht Belt – A Musical Journey from Shtetl to Metal takes audiences on a musical adventure that begins in the remote villages of Eastern Europe, moves to the Second Avenue music halls on New York’s Lower East Side, shines at the resort colonies of the Catskill Mountains, dances through Miami’s Deco clubs, and plays a significant role in shaping American comedy, culture, and popular music.

Beyond the Borscht Belt features an eclectic mix of Yiddish and klezmer gems, jazz, rock, Latin fusion, big hits from the Big Band era, novelty songs, and classics from the Great American Songbook — all influenced by the lively melodies that emerged from the shtetls of Eastern Europe