This summer, we have planned a very special event in honor of our 100th year: Day of Music on July 13, 2013! This FREE 12-hour festival will showcase Houston’s diverse musical landscape. Attendees will spend the day at Jones Hall listening to dozens of free performances, beginning with a family concert in the morning and ending with a concert of favorite symphonic works in the evening. In between, on several different stages jazz groups, rock and blues bands, ethnic ensembles, choral ensembles and classical music groups will fill the air with a diverse range of sounds. Plus, attendees will have the chance to sample some of Houston’s finest food truck fare next door at Jones Plaza at The Day of Music Food Truck Fair, sponsored by Houston First. Leading up to the event, we will post several stories by our participating artists so that you can have a chance to learn some background information on the music you’ll be hearing at the festival!
Day of Music: July 13, 2013, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
Featured Artists: The Best Little Klezmer Band in Texas
By: Dan Strba
SHALOM Y’ALL!
This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Best Little Klezmer Band in Texas, which my wife, Marcia Sterling and I formed in 1993. Since then, the band has performed at thousands of community events including weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, concerts, anniversaries, and other joyous occasions.
Klezmer, by its very nature, IS celebration music. The traditional style was born hundreds of years ago in Eastern Europe, and by the early 20th century Klezmer had made it’s way to the US along with millions of seekers of democracy and freedom. Klezmer’s indomitable spirit was soon infused with jazz, the indigenous American art form, and an exciting new hybrid was born.
Here at Klezmer Central, the tradition continues as we seek to infuse different musical styles into our performances. So be on the lookout for our upcoming new fusion album, Meshugenah Mambo!
In 2004, The Best Little Klezmer Band collaborated with Houston Ballet on the world premier of Ketubah, a Jewish wedding ballet set to our Klezmer music and played live at Wortham by our 11-piece band. In 2012, HB reprised Ketubah and now there are plans to perform the work with ballet companies throughout the U.S. and beyond.
We are very excited to be a part of the Houston Symphony’s 100th anniversary celebration and the Day of Music. What a great way to connect with the Houston community, honor our wonderful institution, and make new friends.
So come on out to Jones Hall on Saturday July 13th, kick up your heels and DO ‘DA HORA!!
To learn more about The Best Little Klezmer Band in Texas, visit www.texasklezmer.com
The Best Little Klezmer Band in Texas will perform at 11:30 a.m. on the rear lobby stage.
