Maxwell Street Klezmer Quartet at Congregation Beth Shalom

The Maxwell Street Klezmer Quartet will be performing with vocalist and cantor Hasha Musha in the Annual Hanukah Concert at 12 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Congregation Beth Shalom.

The Maxwell Street Klezmer Quartet is simply "Sensational!" affirms the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation.  Klezmer combines two Hebrew words, "kley" (vessel) and "zemer" (song).  Klezmer music has been performed in Europe by itinerate musicians since the Middle Ages.  Sometimes called Jewish jazz, klezmer music draws on many local musical styles including Balkan rhythms and Turkish modes. The Maxwell Street Klezmer Quartet retains the soul of the Old World in its interpretation of klezmer music while adding its own creativity, spirit and humor to create a performance that is expressive, entertaining and uplifting.

The band has performed across the U.S.A. (including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center) and Europe.  This is the first time Congregation Beth Shalom is featuring the Maxwell Street Klezmer Quartet.  "I'm thrilled to sing with these world-class musicians," says Cantor Perman.  "Their music is so much fun!  This is a great way to welcome Hanukah, the Festival of Lights.  We want to share this rich musical heritage with our community.  I hope that our neighbors will join us in this authentic taste of "an exhilarating, delightful, high-voltage performance" Judisher Kultur, Munich, Germany.

This concert will appeal to people of all ages.  The performance will be on Sunday, December 5, 2009, 12:00-1:30 p.m.  Adult tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. All children are admitted FREE.   Please call the synagogue office 630.961.1818 to reserve tickets.  Bagels and schmeer will be served during intermission.

At 1:45 p.m. there will be a KLEZMER MASTER CLASS for music lovers and instrumentalists.  Please contact Rita Kramen rekteach@sbcglobal.net to preregister.  Sheet music will be provided for instrumentalists.  Advance tickets for the Klezmer Master Class are $10.  At the door, tickets are $15.  Tickets are good for the concert and Klezmer Master Class.