Photos and review by Valkyrie Lofgren
The Klezmatics put on a lively performance at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, MO this past Wednesday, May 20! Originally slated for January, the band was advised to reroute from Memphis to avoid getting stuck in severe snowstorms, and the show had to be rescheduled. It was great to have them back in town for the Whitaker World Music Series… and some nicer weather.
The show opened with a curtain talk, moderated by David Lazaroff of the Brothers Lazaroff, where the band talked klezmer, evolution of their music and the genre, and what it means to protest through song. They played a mix of old songs and new songs, including the title track from their new album “We Were Made for These Times.” The Klezmatics are known for engaging their audience with set lists that flow seamlessly through every emotion- this set was no exception.
I was lucky to link up with Lorin Sklamberg, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, a few days before the show to talk about the tour and the new album (full interview here). The Klezmatics are a klezmer band in the technical sense, but their music draws influence from punk, jazz, classical, Latin, and a variety of other world musics, and it would be a disservice to limit them to any one genre. This was my first klezmer concert, but I’ll definitely see The Klezmatics again the next time they come through my city!
While there were no special musical guests for the St. Louis date, the band has some exciting collaborations with local artists in many cities on this tour.
Be sure to check out their tour calendar and the new album and join The Klezmatics in celebrating 40 years of making music!
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