The Klezmatics

The 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. Through their vibrant, danceable music, The Klezmatics transcend labels, redefining Jewish culture and leaving a lasting mark on global music. Time Out New York : “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.”