Schmekel is a prominent force in the Brooklyn, NY hipster music scene. Mixing klezmer scales with punk sensibilities, Schmekel (which means “little penis” in Yiddish), challenges listeners to think critically about Judaism, queerness, and the sounds that accompany both. Schmekel’s humor inspires audiences to laugh and dance wildly. Schmekel has played at events and benefits for organizations such as JFREJ (Jews for Racial and Economic Justice), Nehirim (GLBT Jews), FIERCE (queer youth of color), and IDA (queer artist collective/farm), as well as colleges and universities such as Yale, Brandeis, Bard, and the New School. In their New York City home, they have played at venues such as Public Assembly, the Delancey, the Knitting Factory, Southpaw, and the Jewish Community Center. They can be found raising a ruckus with other weirdo punk bands in clubs, bars, and basements across the Eastern seaboard. Schmekel has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Advocate, The Jewish Daily Forward, and Original Plumbing. Schmekel doesn’t have a leader. The band is a four-queer partnership with a DIY production ethic. Schmekel makes music and decisions through collaboration and consensus. Its members consist of Lucian Kahn on guitar and vocals, Ricky Riot on keyboard and vocals, Nogga Schwartz on bass and shofar, and Simcha Halpert-Hanson on drums.