Video from “Israeli Klezmorim in Concert!”

Live from Israel: In KlezCalifornia’s first online concert on March 19, we presented two of the top bands playing klezmer in Israel. You may still see the concert by buying a ticket now. You will have through April 2 to watch and enjoy! Scroll down now to buy your ticket!

THE KALIMUTKE PHILHARMONIA is a paranormal fusion of two beloved traditions – early 20th century jazz from Paris (gypsy swing) and klezmer. KALIMUTKE was formed by four musicians for the Yiddishshpiel production of Yidl Mitn Fidl in Tel Aviv, with a new musical arrangement by Frank London. The strong chemistry of the band was obvious to the entire cast and crew, as the band would keep playing during breaks and even after shows. In addition to original compositions, they play tunes by Dave Tarras, Naftule Brandwein, and more. With Gilad Ephrat – contrabass. Gilad Harel – clarinet, Daniel Hoffman – violin, and Yaakov Hoter – guitar. Watch them play Gypsy Klezmer Swing.

S.F. Bay Area residents may remember Daniel Hoffman, an American-Israeli klezmer violinist, composer, and documentary film producer. As founder of the klezmer-jazz fusion ensemble, the Klez-X, and co-founder of Davka and Trio Carpione, he was a mainstay of the San Francisco Bay Area klezmer scene (including countless weddings, b’nai mitsveh parties, and concerts) until he moved to Tel Aviv in 2005.

DI GASN TRIO (Yiddish: trio from the streets) is an Israeli band chiefly influenced by music of the Balkan region and klezmer music of Eastern Europe, blending additional elements of jazz, Arabic, and classical music. The fusion of these two musical “worlds,” though seemingly far apart but actually embracing one another, created a unique musical result. Di Gasn Trio maintains the musical styles of Eastern European cultures, while renewing and refreshing the sounds to produce a new Israeli folklore. With clarinetist Gal Klein – clarinet, Yanush Hurwitz – accordion, Asaf Rabi – contrabass, Ori Naveh – percussion. Watch them play Chompolon from balconies in Tel Aviv.

In Israel, the word “klezmer” means roughly, “religious Ashkenazi music.” In this concert we present “klezmer” as that music is known in the diaspora.

Tickets: $18 and $36. To buy a ticket, scroll down and complete the form. Please buy a $36 ticket or make an additional donation if several people will be watching. Donations in addition to the ticket price are tax-deductible and welcomed! The cost of this event is subsidized by a gift from The Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture.

Tickets are on sale through March 31. If you buy a ticket now, we will send you a link to the concert video, which will be available through April 2.

KlezCalifornia relies on donations to cover the costs of online lectures, workshops, kumzitsn, play readings, and more. Donations of $18, $36, $108 (or whatever you can afford) are greatly appreciated to enable us to continue to connect you with Yiddish culture.

To keep you informed of future events, we enroll those who buy tickets in our free monthly newsletter which includes klezmer and Yiddish culture events in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. You may unsubscribe at any time. KlezCalifornia does not share its lists with other organizations.