Ashkenaz Festival: Queen Kong

Queen Kong is a Toronto-based ensemble known for its explosive blend of contemporary klezmer, jazz, and modern folk traditions. Led by drummer and composer Lorie Wolf, the group is currently preparing to release its new record, Mitsve Tants (2026)—a project that reimagines traditional Hasidic wedding melodies through groove-driven arrangements, improvisation, and the band’s unmistakable ensemble intensity. Queen Kong has earned national recognition in Canada, winning the Canadian Folk Music Award for Instrumental Group of the Year, along with multiple nominations including Instrumental Composer of the Year. The ensemble’s members are active contributors to Canada’s folk and jazz communities, performing at major festivals and collaborating across a wide spectrum of artistic projects.