Klarinet Archive - Posting 000387.txt from 1995/08

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Jazz/Klez in DC area
Date: Tue, 29 Aug 1995 22:27:10 -0400

Lucy,
I cannot speak to the Jazz scene in the DC area (although it is
quite active) but I am a Klezmer clarinetist and I work regularly with
my "Machaya Klezmer Band" throughout the Baltimore/DC area. We do a
Klezmer Club every other Sunday night at the Chevy Chase Holiday Inn (on
Wisconson Ave.) to which all are invited (call first for reservations - we
sometimes sell out). Our recordings are on sale at House of Musical
Traditions and local Jewish book stores. Incidentally, there are NINE
bands in the DC/Baltimore area which use the word Klezmer in their name
or promo material and there are two other clarinetists who actually know
their provervial ass from their elbow when it comes to the style (as well
as a pretty darn good Klezmer sax player). You just haven't been looking
in the right places. Do you ever get the Washington Jewish Times? How
about the FSGW Newsletter? The Washington Post has done two stories on
our group and regularly lists us in the Weekend Calendar.
If you're interested in jazz clarinet, Kenny Devern is often to
be heard in Annapolis (only 30-40 minutes from DC). Happy hunting. Come
on down to the Klezmer club sometime. We start up again after the
holidays on Oct. 8.

Fred Jacobowitz

On Tue, 29 Aug 1995, LUCY M. JILKA wrote:

> Does anyone know of any Jazz or Klezmer groups in the Washington, DC area
> which feature clarinet? As far as I can tell, while DC has several jazz
> venues, there are no clarinettists playing at them & there is no klez
> scene whatsoever.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Danny.
>