Join the WIMN as we count down to 2023!

Every day ’til December 31, we’ll be sharing our favorite gear, artists, releases, and all things music. Be sure to check back daily as we ring in the New Year.

First up, we’re wishing all who celebrate a Happy Hannukah! Join us in uplifting a breakout Broadway star embracing the season who’s releasing some gorgeous records in her own right, Julie Benko.

Julie Benko is an award-winning actress, singer, and writer based in NYC. You can currently catch her on Broadway every Thursday as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. For her performance as Fanny, she was named the 2022 Breakout Star for Theater in the New York Times, among other honors. As a singer and musician, most recently, Julie’s vibrant new album Hand in Hand (Club44 Records), created in partnership with her spouse, composer Justin Yeager, is now available on hard copy and wherever music is streaming. 

Hanukkah officially started last Sunday, December 18, and Julie’s got content going nonstop on her TikTok to celebrate. In a lovely series of posts, she sings traditional songs and breaks down the meanings of the words and the music.

@jujujuliebee Tune in Dec 18th at 7pm for the first night of Chanukah! Link in bio 🕎❤️ #yiddish #chanukah #jdc #charity #ukraine #humanitarian #balalaika #music ♬ original sound – Julie Benko

@jujujuliebee Happy first night of #Chanukah! Link in bio for JDC event about aiding refugees in #Ukraine. #maoztzur #hanukkah #jewish #holiday #charity #hebrew ♬ original sound – Julie Benko

This series will continue throughout the holiday, so follow Julie to share in both her and her followers’ infectious joy for the season! While you’re at it, give Hand in Hand a spin. It’s the perfect energy for winter evenings bathed in light. Huge shoutout to a special friend of the WIMN, NYC-local Women of NAMM’s ReVoicing the Future host Natalie Morrison, for sharing Julie with us.

From all of us at the WIMN, we wish you all a Hanukkah filled with blessings and family!