The Klezmatics
SFJAZZ Center, Miner Auditorium
Sunday, December 20, 2015
4 pm and 7:30 pm
Since forming in 1986, in New York's East Village, GRAMMY-winning Jewish klezmer luminaries The Klezmatics has spearheaded a revival of the once almost-extinct klezmer tradition and added its own twist. Listeners will note a modern and somewhat cheeky measure of punk rock thrown into the mix. Part of its Spend the Holidays with SFJAZZ series, SFJAZZ presents the debut appearance of the Klezmatics during the Festival of Lights. The group will give two performances of seasonal music from its 2006 album, Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah. The album sets Woody Guthrie's lyrics to original Klezmatics compositions.
The Klezmatics group is at the forefront of modern Yiddish culture, even as it's seen contributing artists come and go. The original members include Lorin Sklamberg on lead vocals and accordion, bassist Paul Morrissett, and trumpeter/keyboardist Frank London. Their album Wonder Wheel, was a GRAMMY-winner, and their most recent release is 2011's Live at Town Hall, which came out concurrently with the documentary film The Klezmatics: On Holy Ground.
If you attend the show, you'll find lots of great dining choices, from quick bites to white-tablecloth service, around SFJAZZ, located in the San Francisco Civic Center. It's easy to get to from Hotel Nikko on the Muni Metro subway trains. Just board at the Powell Street Station and exit at Van Ness Station. If you drive, there are several public parking garages in the area. Tickets for the Klezmatics show are $20-$65. For more information visit the SFJAZZ website.