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The Klezmatics: Transforming Klezmer, Redefining Boundaries.
BIOThe Klezmatics are Grammy-winning klezmer superstars who revolutionized Yiddish music. Emerging from New York City’s East Village in 1986, they infused Eastern European Jewish roots with bold contemporary themes like human rights and anti-fundamentalism. Their eclectic sound blends Latin stomps, jazz riffs, and rhythms from the Balkans, Middle East, Africa, and America.
For nearly 40 years, The Klezmatics have reimagined klezmer, inspiring generations of musicians. Their achievements include 13 acclaimed recordings, tours across five continents, and collaborations with artists like Itzhak Perlman, Tony Kushner, Chava Alberstein, and Arlo Guthrie. They are the only klezmer band to win a Grammy, earning the 2006 award for Wonder Wheel: Lyrics by Woody Guthrie.
Their music has enriched theater, dance, film, and television, appearing in A Dybbuk, Pilobolus Dance Theatre’s Davenen, and PBS’s Great Performances. They’ve reached millions through shows like Late Night with David Letterman, NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion, and HBO’s Sex and the City.
The Klezmatics have performed in 20+ countries at venues and festivals like Carnegie Hall, WOMAD, Colours of Ostrava, and Yiddish Summer Weimar. Honors include the German Critics Award, New York Jewish Music Award, a GLAMA, and multiple Billboard World Music chart-toppers.
Through their vibrant, danceable music, The Klezmatics transcend labels, redefining Jewish culture and leaving a lasting mark on global music.
40TH ANNIVERSARY
In 2025, The Klezmatics are excited to be gearing up for their milestone 40th anniversary. The band is planning the reissue of their landmark recordings, augmented with previously unpublished material, and new albums are in the works, including a tribute collection featuring an impressive roster of The Klezmatics’ long-time musical partners and friends. A worldwide anniversary tour is on the horizon, along with unique collectible merchandise and an exhibition of artifacts curated from the band’s four-decade history. The Klezmatics: Socially conscious ecstatic klezmer music celebrating Yiddish culture and fighting injustice since 1986.
The Klezmatics live in Sony Hall,
NYC 2025 (feat. La «The Man in a Hat»
The Klezmatics current line-up:-
Richie Barshay
percussion
A dynamic percussionist known for his work with the Herbie Hancock Quartet, has been hailed as "a major rhythm voice on the rise" and continues to perform, record, and lead outreach projects worldwide.
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Matt Darriau
kaval, clarinet, saxophone
Matt Darriau, a multi-instrumentalist and "musical polyglot," has infused the Klezmatics' sound with jazz, Balkan, and Celtic influences since 1995, while also leading his own genre-blending projects and earning recognition as a key innovator in modern jazz.
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Lisa Gutkin
violin, vocals
Lisa Gutkin, a versatile violinist and composer, brought her diverse musical background—ranging from classical and Irish folk to bluegrass and rock—to the Klezmatics, where she became a key creative force, even earning Pete Seeger's praise for her songwriting.
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Frank London
trumpet, keyboards
Trumpeter and composer Frank London, co-founder of the Klezmatics, has been a driving force in contemporary Jewish music, contributing to hundreds of recordings and projects that blend klezmer, jazz, and world music with bold innovation.
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Paul Morrissett
bass, tsimbl
A longtime Klezmatics member and versatile multi-instrumentalist, blends his love for Eastern European and Scandinavian folk traditions with his passion for dance music, bringing a deep rhythmic energy to the band's sound.
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Lorin Sklamberg
lead vocals, accordion, guitar, piano
Co-founder and lead singer of the Klezmatics, is renowned for his transcendent and emotionally powerful voice, which has shaped contemporary klezmer music while also influencing Jewish spiritual and folk traditions worldwide.
PRESS«The Klezmatics aren’t just the best band in the klezmer vanguard; on a good night, they can rank among the greatest bands on the planet».
— Time Out New York
«Since coming together in the mid-’80s, The Klezmatics’ members have resided at the genre’s forefront while pushing it in new and innovative directions».
— NPR
«But while the band have done a sterling job promoting interest in Klezmer and Yiddish music, you can’t overlook what they’re adored for — catchy, pulse-quickening party tunes and heart-warming melodies — just try to watch them and not a) weep or b) stop yourself dancing».
— Jewish Chronicle
PROGRAMS OFFERED
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The Klezmatics are planning their 40th Anniversary Worldwide Tour, offering programs tailored to various venues, audiences, and seasons. From celebrating four decades of klezmer innovation to festive Hanukkah shows, collaborations with renowned artists, and interactive dance parties, The Klezmatics promise unforgettable performances.
1 Klezmer rEvOLUTION
40 Years of Klezmer Innovation
Celebrate four decades of klezmer with The Klezmatics’ iconic tunes. The socially conscious setlist reflects global events, resonating with modern audiences.
2 Happy Joyous Hanukkah
The Klezmatics’ beloved holiday program inspired by Woody Guthrie’s lyrics blends klezmer and Guthrie’s words for a joyous Festival of Lights.
3 Havana Nagila
The Klezmatics and Arturo O’Farrill
Grammy-winner Arturo O’Farrill joins The Klezmatics to fuse Jewish and Latin music, exploring the rich cultural dialogue of NYC’s melting pot.
4 Brother Moses Smote the Water
In a powerful collaboration, The Klezmatics and «Kosher Gospel» pioneer Joshua Nelson celebrate Jewish, Black, and shared human identities through music.
5 KlezMagic
With Young Klezmer Bands
The Klezmatics team up with emerging bands like Kommuna Lux, blending traditional klezmer roots with fresh, creative energy.
6 KlezDance Party
An interactive celebration of klezmer music and dance, led by a Yiddish dance guide, inviting all to move, connect, and celebrate together.
7 Landmark Album Reissue Shows
In honor of their 40th anniversary, The Klezmatics perform dedicated concerts celebrating reissued albums with rare material and stories.
WHY BOOK THE KLEZMATICS?
Global Recognition
Grammy-winning pioneers of contemporary klezmer,
The Klezmatics are celebrated worldwide for their nearly 40-year legacy of musical innovation and cultural impact.
Strategic Digital Presence
With a strong social media and streaming presence,
The Klezmatics collaborate with presenters to maximize outreach, driving ticket sales and audience engagement.
Unmatched Momentum
As they approach their 40th anniversary, The Klezmatics remain a powerhouse, with sold-out tours and a growing fan base fueled by reissued albums and digital engagement.
