Klezmore Festival 2026

ABOUT THE KLEZMATICS "We Were Made For These Times" marks the 40th anniversary of the Klezmatics with a powerful new work rooted in protest, hope, and resilience. Released on International Workers' Day, the album unites Jewish, Black gospel, Latin American, Crimean Tatar, and avant-jazz voices, creating a shared musical language of solidarity for the world we live in now. More than just an album, it is a living project - where music and visual art come together as acts of connection, expression, and collective action. The Klezmatics, born in 1986 in the East Village of New York, transformed Klezmer into a vibrant art form - full of spirit, wit, and unstoppable groove. Their music combines ecstatic dance rhythms and poetic Yiddish lyrics with the sharpness of urban life, bridging spirituality and subversion with unparalleled virtuosity. "The Klezmatics are not just the best band in the Klezmer vanguard; on a good night, they can count among the greatest bands in the world." — Time Out New York Richei Barshay - Percussion Matt Darriau - Kaval, Clarinet, Saxophone Lisa Gutkin - Violin, Vocals Frank London - Trumpet, Guitar Paul Morrissett - Bass, Tsimbl Lorin Klamberg - Lead Vocals, Accordion, Guitar, Piano