The New York Klezmer Series

The New York Klezmer Series is now on Thursday Nights, in Brooklyn at the wonderful Jalopy Theater.

The New York Klezmer Series (NYKS) has been presenting Klezmer Music and Yiddish Dance in New York City since 2010.  Originally The East Village Klezmer Series, we have occupied various spaces in Manhattan for our 12-14 week seasons, which consist of once a week concerts, workshops, jam sessions and occasional dance parties.   

 We present  music concerts, music and dance workshops, and open klezmer jam sessions in an intimate setting. Founded by Rabbi Greg Wall and Aaron Alexander, and inspired by the week-long Yiddish Culture events, Klez Kamp, and Klez Kanada, the NYKS aspires to present the music in a respectful setting and allow the artists freedom to present their vision. The series consistently presents world class artists in an intimate setting, in addition to providing education and a place for all to come and participate in this wonderful and often neglected part of Jewish and American Culture.

Klezmer music is the instrumental party music of the Jewish People from Eastern Europe – (Ashkenazim). It’s origins are in the 16th century, and it has evolved and assimilated local influences (Russian, Romanian, Ottoman, Hungarian etc.) wherever Ashkenazim have lived since. It is essentially Yiddish music – the instrumental music of people who spoke (and speak) Yiddish. It came to America with the immigration of Jews from Eastern Europe beginning in late 19th century, and has had a wonderful history in America, where it also assimilated American music traditions. Hasidic nigunim (wordless melodies), Yiddish theater music and Yiddish folk song are all related and will be represented at the series.

Tantsheiser (Dance Parties): Once a month or so we present a Tantshoyz – Yiddish dance party, with a Yiddish Dance specialist, and a professional dance band. Past dance leaders have included Steve Weintraub, Michael Alpert,  Zev Feldman, Avia Moore, and Deborah Strauss.

We have a Klezmer Instrumental Workshop every week that we have a concert, often led by the concert artists of the day, or by Artistic Director Aaron Alexander. This workshop has been running for over five years and has developed a devoted following. We work on repertoire, style, form, ornamentation, groove, arranging and more. Often the participants have an opportunity to play the current pieces at the jam session after the concert, further deepening their mastery of new material.

read more: http://www.nyklezmer.com