Yiddish Book Center, Amherst, MA
July 17-20,
2014
Now in its third year, Yidstock 2014 will once again bring a
stellar lineup of klezmer legends and international stars to the stage at the
Yiddish Book Center with concerts and music-related talks, workshops, and more.
Yidstock 2014 offers a rare opportunity for festival goers
to take in performances by several generations of the most accomplished and
influential klezmer musicians, including those who revived the music in the
1980s, those who made it blossom in the klezmer renaissance of the 1990s, and
those who are blazing new trails well into the 21st century.
On the bill are The Klezmatics and the Klezmer Conservatory
Band, widely considered to be the two greatest modern klezmer bands in the U.S.
Other headliners include Berlin’s Daniel Kahn & the Painted Bird, one of
the most creative and cutting-edge Yiddish ensembles; Basya Schechter: Songs of
Wonder featuring poetry by the great Yiddish poet and theologian, Abraham
Joshua Heschel, put to new music by Basya Schechter, founder and leader of the
Jewish world-beat group Pharaoh’s Daughter; and the Nigunim Trio, featuring
Lorin Sklamberg and Frank London (both of the Klezmatics) and pianist Rob Schwimmer,
performing original and traditional nigunim and zmiros. The curtain will come
down on Yidstock 2014 when Frank London’s Klezmer Brass Allstars, featuring
acclaimed Yiddish vocalist Eleanor Reissa, take to the stage for the closing
concert Sunday evening.
A series of workshops is also on the schedule, including
those in dance, instrumental klezmer, Yiddish song, and a multimedia journey
through the history of klezmer music.
Yidstock draws festival goers from around the country.
Concerts usually sell out in advance. For more information, the complete
schedule, and to purchase tickets visit www.yiddishbookcenter.org or call
413.256.4900. All events take place rain or shine.
