Mood Mix with Elchonon Gartenhaus

Learning in kollel during the day and energizing simchahs at night, ELCHONON GARTENHAUS is a musician and bandleader from Lakewood who has been playing at events since the age of 12. He has released music with Shmueli Ungar, Lipa Schmeltzer and others, and his most recent project is a nostalgic Shmuel Kunda medley.

HOW I GOT STARTED

It was at my grandparents’ Chanukah party when I was five or six. My grandmother had a keyboard set up, and I just started playing it and figured out some songs.

MY FIRST GIG

I played at school events in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, but the first time I got paid was at the bar mitzvah of a kid in my class. I was twelve, I spent days practicing and rehearsing, and I got paid $40. I played my first wedding when I was 15.

A MUSIC ARTIST I ESPECIALLY CONNECT TO

Yosef Karduner. I love his authenticity and simplicity. There is something very real about his music, and it is also utterly calming to listen to.

MY FAVORITE TYPE OF EVENT

Concerts, because people come there specifically to hear the music. The music is the whole point, so you really have to be on top of your game. Also, I thrive on the pressure of it, because dealing with pressure makes you a better musician and stronger person.