Also performing at KLEZMERQUERQUE 2007 are ABQ’S own:

The Rebbe’s Orkestra-Klezmer and Judaic band

Incorporating the sounds and rhythms of Jewish music from many parts of the world, The Rebbe’s Orkestra brings a unique style to Klezmer–the instrumental dance music of East European Jewish people, instrumental pieces from the Middle-East, folk songs in the languages of Yiddish, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), Hebrew, Arabic and Romany (the language of the Roma/Gypsies), traditional fiddle tunes and songs from New Mexico, as well as traditional music from the Mediterranean and the Balkans.  Recording and performing in the southwest since 1996, The Rebbe’s Orkestra has been exploring the ways in which Jewish people have interacted with surrounding musical traditions over the centuries to produce music which is unique and uplifting. From Spain to Iraq, Poland to the Mediterranean: The Rebbe's Orkestra plays tunes and songs as widely divergent as the geography and yet with surprisingly similar themes.

The Rebbe’s Orkestra is: Beth Cohen – violin, mandolin, tenor banjo & lead vocals; Randy Edmunds – guitar; Barbara Friedman – electric bass; and Debo – accordion.

"Spanning styles from klezmer to Israeli and Middle Eastern to Sephardic, The Rebbe's Orkestra perform a lively set, infused with a respect for tradition as well as a playful sense of humor and joyousness that erases many of the stigmas attached to 'world music'."  Michael Henningson, Music Editor -Weekly Alibi, New Mexico.

www.isound.com/mp3s/rebbes_orkestra_klezmer_and_judaic_band

http://arnoproductionsnm.com/index.htm

Alavados is Nahalat Shalom’s in-house ensemble which plays beautiful music for High Holidays services, monthly Freylekhe Shabbes services, and other special holiday services. Nahalat Shalom is fortunate to enjoy the talents of Alavados members Barbara Friedman on electric bass, Ian Brody on cello, and violinists Gabrielle Rosen and Jeff Brody who are all members of the congregation. Alavados is directed by Nahalat Shalom’s cantorial soloist Beth Cohen, who also sings and plays guitar in the group.

The Nahalat Shalom Community Klezmer band (aka “The Community Klezband”) began as a child’s (with some parents) ensemble that first performed a few Yiddish songs and klezmer dance tunes for a community Hanukkah service in 1995. Performing for many community and private events in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas, this intergenerational group grew to include 15-20 professional, semi-professional and amateur instrumentalists from several New Mexico communities. The community Klezband  is directed by Nahalat Shalom’s cantorial soloist and music director Beth Cohen. It is open to the public and rehearses on Sundays from 2-4pm. Don’t miss The Community Klezband at Klezmerquerque’s Friday night concert and dance party! Adrianne Greenbaum and The Rebbe’s Orkestra will also be playing and joining the band after a short concert of their own.

Rikud Yiddish dance troupe grew alongside The Nahalat Shalom Community Klezmer band. The troupe was founded by Nahalat Shalom’s Rabbi emeritus Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb who was trained and inspired by her good friend, klezmer dance master and klezmer dance collector Erik Bendix. Erik has also worked closely with members of Rikud – training them to be dance leaders and teachers. Rikud has also studied with the Moldavian Yiddish dance master Sulim Zaltman who made his first trip to the USA to teach and perform at Klezmerquerque 2005. At Klezmerquerque 2006 the troupe studied and danced with klezmer dance master Steve Weintraub. Rikud rehearses on Sundays from 2-4pm with The Community Klezband and it is also open to the public. This year (2007), Rikud will be leading the dances on Friday night with dance artist Steve Weintraub. Grab a hand and join the line!