The Klezmatics and Friends in Sony Hall, NYC January 8, 2025

November 1st 2024
Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor Accordion USA News

The legendary New York Yiddish band ,The Klezmatics, will perform with friends in Sony Hall, NYC on January 8, 2025. They have changed the face of contemporary Jewish culture through their uniquely original and expansive work in the fields of klezmer music and Yiddish song, blending klezmer’s aching East European Jewish tunes with raucous Latin stomps, wild jazz riffs and provocative Balkan, Middle Eastern, African and American rhythms.

The Klezmatics

Their career achievements span 13 full-length recordings, countless international concert tours and festivals across five continents, and collaborations with renowned icons of music, theater, television, radio, cinema and dance. The Klezmatics are the subject of an acclaimed documentary film (On Holy Ground) and the recipients of numerous international accolades, including a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.

Klezmatics
Klezmatics

During their 40 years together the Klezmatics have collaborated with such brilliant artists as violinist Itzhak Perlman, Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner and Israeli vocal icon Chava Alberstein, plus many other prominent artists working within multiple genres.

Today, with three original members—Lorin Sklamberg (lead vocals, accordion, guitar, piano), Frank London (trumpet, keyboards, vocals) and Paul Morrissett (bass, tsimbl, vocals)—still on board, alongside longtime members Matt Darriau (kaval, clarinet, saxophone, vocals) and Lisa Gutkin (violin, vocals), the Klezmatics are one of the most successful proponents of klezmer music in the world.

In December 2024 the band is touring USA with the “Toward the Light” Hanukkah tour and releasing “Happier Joyous Hanukkah” EP with some archival unreleased tracks as well as tributes to The Klezmatics from other band. On January 8, The Klezmatics start 2025 by playing in the renowned Sony Hall in NYC where the band is also planning to announce the beginning of the upcoming band’s 40th anniversary in 2026. The band will be joined on stage by very special guests for this event.

The Klezmatics and Friends on January 8, 2025

In 2026, The Klezmatics celebrate their 40th anniversary. This milestone will include the re-issue ofmany of their landmark recordings which will include previously unpublished material. The band is also in the early stages of planning new recordings, including a tribute album featuring their long-time world music collaborators and friends. They are also working on a world-wide celebration tour, unique collectible merchandise, an exhibition of artifacts from across The Klezmatics’ four-decade history and possibly an updated documentary film and career-spanning coffee-table book.