Cantor's Coffee House: Double Chai Record Release Concert
23 Nov @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Temple Emanuel (Social Hall), 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover
Cost: Free for Temple Emanuel members; $18/person for guests
Join Cantor Rachel Reef-Simpson as she welcomes Double Chai, the duo of her son, Ian Simpson, and his musical partner, Jeremy Sipe, to Temple Emanuel for an evening of inspiring, uplifting, and spirited Jewish music. From New York City to Los Angeles, Double Chai’s songs bring joy to congregations and camps across the country.
This special evening will begin with Havdalah followed by a dessert reception. The concert will include two 45-minute sets with an intermission.
Listen to a preview of Double Chai’s music and songs from their self-titled debut album here; view their promo video here.
Advance Registration is Required; Sign Up →
About the Musicians
From Boston to Dallas to Los Angeles, for the past decade Ian Simpson (below, left) has been bringing his distinct sound to communities across the country. His soulful voice and technical guitar chops breathe bold life into his compositions and performances. As the song leader in residence at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Ian has the privilege of making music every day at Wilshire’s religious schools, elementary schools and early childhood centers, as well as directing the music programs at Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2021, Ian spent two years as the full-time song leader of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas.
A love of camp song leading and Jewish education propelled Jeremy Sipe (below, right) into the world of Jewish music. A multi-instrumentalist and classically trained pianist, Jeremy combines his rich musical background with his passion for Jewish liturgy and tradition to create soulful, musical offerings. While serving as the music director at Crane Lake camp from 2019–2022, Jeremy also served as the coordinator for t’filah (prayer) education at Central Synagogue, where he worked to foster a love and appreciation for Jewish prayer and music among synagogue youth. In June of 2023, Jeremy traveled to Israel for a year to begin his studies at the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion cantorial school, and his experience during this tumultuous year helped to affirm the value of his work, serving the Jewish people and strengthening connections to Judaism through his art. He returned in May 2024, and now currently serves as a cantorial intern at Central Synagogue while simultaneously pursing his studies at HUC’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music.
