Elaine Watts, Philadelphia, PA, 4 December 2010
Eatala: A Life In Klezmer: New documentary premiere & concert honors Elaine Watts and four generations of Philadelphia Jewish musicians
WHO: Elaine Hoffman Watts, Susan Lankin Watts & band
WHAT: Premiere of new documentary about a ground-breaking woman & concert of klezmer music from waltzes to freylechs, representing the legacy of four generations of Jewish musicians (Hoffman family) renowned in Philadelphia
WHEN: December 4, 2010 at 7:30 PM (Tickets: $10 - $30 through http://crossroadsconcerts.org)
WHERE: Crossroads Music / 801 S. 48th Street (Produced by the Philadelphia Folklore Project)
Tickets ($10 - $30) are available through Crossroads Music (http://crossroadsconcerts.org/)
The documentary Eatala: A Life in Klezmer is a loving portrait of Elaine Hoffman Watts, a renowned klezmer percussionist. The film shows how Elaine (her Yiddish name is Eatala), a feisty and determined musician, has broken barriersas a musician, a working mother, and in her persistent devotion to her familys klezmer music. Drawing on performance footage, family movies, historic photographs, and interviews, Eatala traces a klezmer tradition sustained over four generations in a single family with a good dose of humor and joy. Eatala features performances by Elaine Hoffman Watts, Susan Lankin Watts and an all-star klezmer band with Josh Dolgin, Jay Krush, Rachel Lemisch, Hankus Netsky, Henry Sapoznik, and Carmen Staaf. Directed by Barry Dornfeld and Debora Kodish. Produced by the Philadelphia Folklore Project.
A klezmer concert featuring Elaine and Susan Watts and other musicians follows the screening. A special reception with refreshments for Chanukah will conclude this evening celebrating the accomplishments of some extraordinary Philadelphia musicians.