What is Klezmer?

Klezmer is Eastern-European Jewish Folk Music. In the old country, this music was primarily played for Jewish weddings and served a functional purpose. Today, this vital music serves as a link to the way of life which has now been almost completely lost.

Klezmer has always been a kind of hybrid music. Originally, the Jewish musicians (known as Klezmorim) would mix and trade songs with local and travelling musicians. Because of this, the music took on Gypsy, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Rumanian, Hungarian, Turkish and many other national flavours. Today, Klezmer music has mixed with rock, jazz, bluegrass and the avant-garde to give it a more modern sound, and universal appeal.

Who is KlezFactor?

KlezFactor’s first album, The Golem of Bathurst Manor, has garnered critical and audience acclaim and was hailed by Wholenote Magazine as “daring and creative.” Keith Wolzinger of the Klezmer Podcast wrote that “KlezFactor takes us to their world of first-rate musicianship, dynamic improvisation and innovative arrangements.”

KlezFactor has performed all over Toronto, notably at Toronto’s venerable jazz venue, The Rex Hotel, as well as numerous smaller clubs. KlezFactor is a regular band at the popular “Bella, Did Ya Eat?” Brunch at the Free Times Café and in September of 2006, they performed a set of original music at the Ashkenaz Festival at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. They have also performed at several City of Toronto events including Wintercity 2007, and the city’s “Tuesday Night Live” summer festival in 2006 and 2007 at the 1500-seat Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre at Earl Bales Park.

KlezFactor’s music has been heard around the world, with traditional radio play in Canada, the United States and Russia. They have also been heard on internet radio via “Radio Free Klezmer” and Canada’s CBC Radio 3. Music from The Golem of Bathurst Manor has been featured in podcasts in the USA and Spain, as well as in DJ sets by dj tagada in Paris, France, and in a viral video for Jewish Mayhem Magazine.

Led by accomplished reed-player and composer Mike Anklewicz, KlezFactor features exciting young musicians with diverse musical backgrounds, including progressive jazz musician Ali Berkok (keyboards) who leads Arkana Music; world music fusion artist Jaro Dabrowski (guitars); rock and jazz bassist Michael Smith; celtic, rock and jazz fiddler Ben Plotnick; and jazz, funk and rock drummer David MacDougall.

What is KlezFactor up to?

2008 is going to be an exciting year for KlezFactor. Planned is a busy January through March, including shows at Toronto's Free Times Cafe, Factory Theatre, Concord Cafe and the Trane Studio. In addition to a busy gigging schedule, they will return to the recording studio in February to begin work on their second album, to be released in the second half of 2008. Visit our "Band" page to see some more info about the band members. Visit our "Sound Clips" page to listen to some of our music. Visit our "Performances" page to see when and where we're playing.

Where else can I find KlezFactor on the web?

KlezFactor can be conveniently found at our Myspace page, as well as our Facebook page. We keep all of our internet homes updated regularly and we post full length streaming sound clips from live shows as well as our first album, The Golem of Bathurst Manor.

How do I contact KlezFactor?

Simple. Please see below.

For information - info@klezfactor.com
To book KlezFactor, please contact:
Marilyn Gilbert Artist Management, Inc
1153 Queen St. W., Suite 201
Toronto, ON. Canada M6J 1J4
tel: 416-410-8224
fax: 416-604-5330
Marilyn@mgam.com
To view our EPK, visit Sonicbids, click here