Max Bartos + Jake Kitchin TALK Antisemitism in NYC + Rita Wilson | JTWJE #jewishamericanheritagemonth Special 5

May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.

As JAHM concludes, I am very excited that singers, songwriters, and bandmates Max Bartos & Jake Kitchin are the final guests on this Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar special series!

Max is New York’s resident motherfolker! His folk and Americana music pairs introspective lyricism with anthemic folk-rock energy. As the frontman of Max Bartos and the Motherfolkers, the crafts songs are rooted in storytelling and emotional honesty, with a modern acoustic sound shaped by influences such as Mumford & Sons and Noah Kahan. His latest release, Waiting At The Crossroads (2025) captures a defining chapter in his artistic evolution, expanding his folk and Americana foundation with richer dynamics and a more confident, fully realized identity. Fresh off a 30-date U.S. tour with The Misfit Toys, he continues to build momentum on the road. This spring, he joined acclaimed singer-songwriter Brendan James as direct support on a 14-date national tour from March 11 through April 1, further cementing his reputation as a compelling and emotionally resonant live act. Recently signed with Noble Steed Music, Max is steadily carving out his place in the modern folk landscape through intentional songwriting, immersive performances, and a growing catalog that connects deeply with listeners.

Jake Kitchin has had a passion for the arts ever since he was young. Having grown up as a professional actor in New York City with a deep love for tap dancing, he has had the opportunity to work with people such as Steve Martin and Walter Bobbie. In 2023, he graduated magna cum laude with a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College. In 2020 and 2021, he was honored to sing on stage at Madison Square Garden during The Eagles’ Hotel California Tour. In addition to performing as an actor, Jake is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He plays guitar, mandolin, and bass, drawing inspiration from folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz, and classic rock. He currently plays mandolin live and in the studio for Max Bartos and the Motherfolkers, a folk/bluegrass-inspired project. In Spring 2025, Jake released his debut album - a collection of jazz standards titled On a Clear Day. He is currently preparing to record and release an album of his original folk music.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Max Bartos & Jake Kitchin shared how they met, how they deal with antisemitism and anti-Zionism in the music industry and on social media, and how they opened for Rita Wilson.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.