Klezmer music started among the Jews of Eastern Europe, and from the get-go, it allowed itself to be influenced by and merged with whatever musical influences it came into contact with.
Exciting and innovative, The Alexandria Kleztet has been combining traditional Eastern European/Jewish music with diverse influences for more than a decade.? New arrangements of traditional melodies and original songs by members of the band draw upon jazz, classical, world beat, rock and other musical genres to create a unique and entertaining sound.
Formed in 1998, the band is based in the Washington/Baltimore area and has performed throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including annual appearances at the Kennedy Center and regular concerts at the Peabody Institute.? They began touring internationally in 2007 with an appearance at the Semanas Musicales festival in Chile. they have brought their distinctive brand of this musical tradition to diverse venues throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including appearances at the Kennedy Center, the Washington Folk Festival, the Baltimore International Festival, the Peabody Conservatory, as well as a healthy assortment of bookstores, festivals, and coffee shops--plus, the usual mix of weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs! The Kleztet has won 15 Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies).
Led by woodwind player Seth Kibel, the band includes violinist Helen Hausmann, bassist Scott Harlan and percussionist Tim Jarvis.
The Alexandria Kleztet recently released its fourth album, Peace, Love and Coffee.?In addition to original compositions, the recording features fresh arrangements of traditional melodies and creative re-workings of songs by Kurt Weill and John Williams.
The Alexandria Kleztet plays a monthly program for us, free to FSGW members, on Saturday evening, February 22, 2014 at 8:00 pm at the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 Sixteenth St., NW. Non-members may join the society that evening and receive free admission, or pay $15 each. Tickets and memberships both available at the door.
The building is fully handicapped accessible, and walkable from the Silver Spring Metro station on the Red LIne, or take the S-4 bus. If you're planning to drive and usually use the Kalmia Road bridge to exit Rock Creek Park at the North end of the District, you'll need to plan an alternate route, as the bridge is closed for reconstruction this winter.
"The Alexandria Kleztet may not be international stars yet, but under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Kibel they will definitely get there."? -- Sing Out (Summer 2006)
