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Meet the Klezmakers
"The Klezmakers put a smile on the face of everyone listening to them. They are all top-notch musicians whose music touches the heart."
– Ellen Bob, Bob & Bob Fine Jewish Crafts & Books
Alan - Guitar
Alan started playing folk guitar in college as a way to meet girls. It took him 25 years, but he finally met one. He's now happily married with a 10-year-old daughter and still plays folk music (which is what Klezmer really is).
Bruce - accordion
After many years of marriage and even more tickling the ivories, Bruce needed a new outlet when he reached the half-century mark. Instead of a Porsche or new girlfriend, he went for a different main squeeze: the accordion. Like his cousin, Phillip Glass, Bruce has music in his Jewish blood, and he loves to express it through Klezmer - a fun and energetic way to relate to his religion through music.
Daphna - violin
Classical violin was Daphna's first love, which she abandoned for several years while concentrating on her career as a singer/songwriter. But she picked up her violin again on a lark, and now she can't seem to put it down, all for the joy of playing klezmer music, to which she believes she is genetically predisposed. She is very grateful to be in such a happy band!
Elaine - vocals/drums
Elaine grew up in the Old Country - New York City - so, of course, she had to move to California to learn about Yiddish theater and Klezmer music! She enjoys singing in all different languages, so learning Yiddish to sing the music of Goldfaden, Secunda, Warshawsky and Ellstein was a real treat. Elaine is also enjoying a new role in the band, indulging in a long-held desire to own and play a bass drum.
Kurt - bass/cello
As a child, Kurt was forced to play cello because there were too many violins. He picked up the bass a few years later, spending an entire summer playing "I Shot the Sheriff" in his bedroom through a very large and very loud Fender amp. He plays Klezmer to channel yet-undiscovered Jewish roots, often on a hybrid electric upright piccolo bass.
Larry - keyboards
Larry switched from trumpet and trombone to piano when he learned that it would not require mastery of diaphragmatic breathing. Some years after winning the coveted Graduating Class Musician award from Brooklyn's famous Erasmus Hall High School, he and his family wound up in the Bay Area. Larry plays regularly with a jazz combo in addition to the Klezmakers.
Rachel - flute/piccolo
After trying several other instruments as a child, Rachel finally settled on the flute at age 12. Now that she's grown up, she's delighted to be playing her piccolo with a band that doesn't require marching on football fields on bitter cold nights while wearing an unflattering and itchy uniform.
Tom - clarinet
Tom grew up in the far away and exotic land of San Jose. He has made it all the way north to Palo Alto. As is true of many clarinet players, he enjoys Klezmer music because it's fun, and because it lets you play lots of notes real loud.
For bookings and inquiries:  Alan Rappoport • 650-365-9477 • arappoport@alanrappoport.com
© 2008 The Klezmakers. Photography by Richard Mayer.