We are the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band
And who are you?
I'm Lori, leader of the band.
First tell me, what exactly does klezmer mean?
It's a Yiddish word, and it means "musician." The fiddler on the roof - he was a klezmer.
What kind of music do you play, then?
Happy music. Toe-tapping music. Music to smile at, to dance to...Jewish music!
Ah, then you have to be Jewish to like klezmer music?
Do you have to be Italian to like pizza? Klezmer music is fun - and fun is international
Do you play horas?
Do we play horas! Of every kind! And waltzes, polkas, freilachs and shereles too.
How about a foxtrot, a two-step or maybe some swing?
We're right at home. And by the way, jazzy music from Yiddish theatre is a specialty of ours. And we even sing, too - not just in English, but in Yiddish and in Hebrew and Russian.
What if my needs are a little different?
No problem. Everyone has special needs. So we can put on a show, or just play quietly while you eat. We lead adults or kids in dances, give educational programs, or MC, as you like. I'd be happy to meet with you to help you plan your event step by step.
Before I commit myself, where can I hear you?
You can hear all of us in your own home - on LP or cassette. You can call me to orderr one, or get it at the stores. If you'd like just a taste, I'll send you our demo tape. And when we play at public performances, I'll tell you where.
I'm planning just a small affair. Can we still get together?
Of course. If you would like music for your small affair, we can provide a smaller ensemble. If you're planning something larger, like a wedding or a concert or fund-raiser, then the whole band is what you need.
Suppose I have more questions?
So you'll call me. We'll talk. (847) 675-4800! |
 |
You've heard of Naftule, the fiddler?... How he could play? With such zest! I tell you, it would almost knock him off his own feet. And then there was that sweet boy, Beryl. Believe me if I say it - when his little clarinet laughted, you had to smile. And when it wept - ah, you would feel such a catch in your throat, and you too would feel like weeping.
When the band started to play together - a bow thumping across the strings of a fat bass fiddle; trumpets blaring; trombones flashing; and drums beating a cadence - what joy was felt, what freilachkeit there was! Ahd oh, what dancing!
You've never experienced such a thing? You don't know what I mean? Then come listen. The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band makes music like that today, the way klezmer music used to be. Come, we'll play for you. And then, you'll know.
|
Skokie, IL 60076 USA