KlezCalendar

The Kleztraphobix are one of the most exciting Bands on the Contemporary Klezmer scene. While firmly entrenched in the Klezmer tradition, the Kleztraphobix draw on the diverse musical experiences of it's member musicians to create a fresh, vibrant expression of the art of Klezmer. The individual musicians of the Kleztraphobix are Psachya Septimus (Accordion), Rich Melnikoff(Percussion), Ron Caswell(Tuba), Michael Cohen (Clarinet), and Jordan Hirsch (Trumpet). Individually and collectively, they have played every type of music imaginable, from the NYC Opera to Funk to Big Band Swing to Bluegrass to Modern Jazz to Rock and Roll to Zydeco to Cantorial, and of course, Klezmer. A great love for the rich repertoire of Eastern European Klezmer informs their music, while their eclectic experiences propel them to expand their musical language, incorporating everything from Macedonian folk tunes to free improvisation. The Kleztraphobix are committed to creating new Klezmer music, and often feature the original compositions of the members of the Band. This balance of tradition and modernity creates an invigorating, exciting, musical experience.

The Kleztraphobix have brought their high energy brand of music to Concert settings from Maine to Washington as well as clubs like Tonic, Knitting Factory, Lizard Lounge, They have even been seen performing in the "Borscht Belt." They have performed special tribute shows to Shlomo Carlebach, and have had a number of collaborations with famed Cantor Ben Tzion Miller.