KlezCalendar

The last few years there's been a surge of interest in the traditional music of Eastern Europe. Cornelia St. Cafe is celebrating all the different ways in which Klezmer and Gypsy traditions have worked themselves into the contemporary NYC music scene. The week-long festival includes Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys, showing that the blend of Shtetl Klezmer and Down Home Bluegrass is smoother than you would imagine; Jeff Perelman with members of Romashka, Village Klezmer and Max & Minka, drawing upon their own travels throughout the former Soviet bloc to bring you infectious Eastern European Klezmer music, Gypsy (Rom) music, Balkan music and more; Jay Vilnai's Vampire Suit, exploring the interconnections of Balkan music, Middle- Eastern grooves and improvisation; and Susan Watts, the youngest generation of an exciting klezmer dynasty that reaches back to the Jewish Ukraine of the 19th century, bringing a rich repertoire of many original songs written for weddings, family members and joyous occasions.

Trumpeter and vocalist Susan Watts represents the youngest generation of an exciting klezmer dynasty that reaches back to the Jewish Ukraine of the 19th century, beginning with her great grandfather, bandleader and composer, Joseph Hoffman.

A fourth generation musician, Susan is the sole living purveyor of a klezmer style trumpet and sound which electrified Jewish American audiences for decades. Her engaging voice and one of a kind vocal style will carry you through a full gamut of emotions, will inspire you and "send chills up your spine". Audiences around the world are dazzled and delighted by Susan's unique virtuosity.

Daughter of the great Klezmer drummer, Elaine Hoffman Watts and granddaughter of the renowned xylophonist and percussionist Jacob Hoffman, Susan is continuing her family's legacy. Her repertoire is comprised of tunes that were handed down to her by her great grandfather, grandfather and mother. This rich repertoire includes many original songs written for weddings, family members and joyous occasions.

In addition to performing with a variety of noted Klezmer musicians from around the world, Susan has shared the stage with Dudu Fischer, Theodore Bikel, Claire Barry, Boban Markovic, DJ So-Called, Alicia Svigals, Margot Leverett, Henkus Netsky, among others. Susan is a member of Frank London's Klezmer Brass All-Stars, Mikveh, and The Klez Dispensers. Recently, she scored and recorded the soundtrack for the award winning film, Breath and recorded the soundtrack for a documentary on Philadelphia klezmer, A Joyful Noise. Susan teaches at klezmer festivals, is an ambassador for women's rights around the world and loves good coffee, fine vodka, singing and playing her trumpet.