Naples Klezmer Revival Band

By Jerry Pyser, Director

Founded by Stu Warshauer in 1994, the Naples Klezmer Revival Band continues to bring the warmth, joy and fun of this very special genre of music to the Naples community as we approach the upcoming season.

While the core repertoire of the band is the traditional Eastern European (“Ashkenazi”) music of the 16th to 19th centuries, Sephardic, Israeli and adaptations of the music of the synagogue and the Yiddish theater are included. The band has also expanded its repertoire over the years to include jazz and popular dance music, adapting to the needs of audiences, just as the Klezmer musicians who emigrated to the U.S. in the late 1900s and early 20th century found it necessary to change their musical styles.

The Naples Klezmer Revival Band consists of Bill Bacillen, clarinet and sax; Pat Bracy, piano; Ari Schneider, violin; Jerry Pyser, accordion; and Arnie Saslavskly, drums.

You will have the opportunity to hear the Naples Klezmer Band at two public performances this season:

• Community-wide Chanukah Celebration at Mercato on the lawn, Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.

• The Klezmer Band Concert & Jewish History program, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m. at the South Regional Library in Naples.

At both, you will be treated to a wonderfully upbeat, uplifting and creative musical event. We look forward to seeing you all there! Reservations for the concert at the library can be made via the Collier County Library system. Patron seating is $50 each and can be reserved via www.jewishnaples.org

For information on how to book the Naples Klezmer Revival Band for your event, please contact Jerry at pyser421@ gmail.com. If you want to be part of the band, please email me.