The Klezmatics

Editor’s Note:  Following is one in a series of short stories profiling many of the performers in the National Folk Festival on Aug 22-24 in Bangor.

East European Jewish party music kind of says it all.

Led by the resounding rhythms of clarinet, violin and a shake of trumpet, the Klezmatics have been breathing new life into klezmer music for 17 years while staying true to its Yiddish roots.

Backed by accordion, base and drums, the New York-based sextet has spread its lively, but thought-provoking performances from the Midwest to the Middle East.

“We’re always concerned the music sounds like where it’s coming from,” said Klezmatics accordionist Lorin Sklamberg, “and people generally dig what we do.”

Klezmer isn’t traditionally an improvisational style, but each musician brings specific stylings to the table in shaping the songs, Sklamberg said.  From waltz to jazz and blues to world fusion, musical backgrounds play a part in the big picture.

“The people in the band kind of apply their individual musical palates to the band,” Sklamberg said.  “We really do put ourselves in the music.”

Klezmer roots reach back to the 16^th century, but the Klezmatics manage to inject contemporary influences by way of their subject matter.  Although klezmer traditionally is known as an instrumental form, the lyrics give voice to the group’s “politically progressive” side, Sklamberg said, which includes a repertoire of Yiddishworker songs and socialistic and humanistic anthems.

As a gay lead singer, Sklamberg also tries to fit the lyrics to more closely match who he is.

“In the few love songs we do, we change the gender of the songs,” Sklamberg said.

While not all the members share a Jewish background, klezmer also has granted Sklamberg a closer tie to his birthright.

“It helped me find a voice as a musician and a singer, so I’m indebted to this culture for giving that to me,” Sklamberg said.

The Klezmatics perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, on the Heritage Stage, and 8:30 p.m. on the Railroad Stage.  The group plays again at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, on the Railroad Stage, and 5:15 p.m. on the Heritage stage.