Since 1987, the Ventura Klezmer Band has been performing traditional Jewish party music at weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, concerts, festivals, and other simchas throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties.
Band Manager Marty Flam:
klez18@sbcglobal.net
phone: (805) 647-3839
| WHAT WE DO Whether you're looking for a band for your upcoming wedding, anniversary, bar or bat mitzvah, simply want to add a touch of tradition to a small family simcha, or looking for fun, off-beat entertainment for your next corporate event, the Band stands ready to work for you. (We've also done our share of concerts, fund-raisers, and festivals, so don't hesitate to contact us for events small or large.) (back to top) SONG LISTS: Israeli Dance Great American Songbook SOUND SAMPLES:
TESTIMONIALS: "I have had the privilege of celebrating innumerable simchas with the Ventura Klezmer Band, over many, many years. What never changes is their enthusiasm, dedication, musicality, and the Yiddish connection that the band helps create. Real, uniquely Jewish experiences are few and far between. This is the real deal, and a
mechiyeh." "We
had a great time and your band helped us get our evening off to the right "The
power of your band to bring all those at the bar mitzvah to a place of memories through
the beautiful presentation of traditional Klezmer music as well as to bring all of us to
our feet to do Israeli dancing made our simcha even more joyous. In brief, all
of us were touched and deeply moved by your musical selection, the obvious
skill of very gifted musicians, and the enchanting voice of your lead
singer. Thank you, thank you for adding so much to our simcha." "Thank you again for a wonderful program of music presented at our wedding... the
guests kept complimenting us on our selection of band and musicians for the event. Your
playing was terrific! And your singer was wonderful. "The band was great and added so much to the occasion. You really followed my
wishes to the letter and helped make the atmosphere as I wanted it to be: soft at the
right moments and loud and raucous when we wanted lively dancing. I loved your attention
to detail and the warmth of your playing. I could not have picked a better group" "WOW! You guys are hot! I just received your CD "West Coast Klezmer" and
I've already used three tracks on the air. My listeners on WNWR and wnwr.com in
Philadelphia love your sound, and I'll be playing a lot more of it. Thanks for a wonderful
new addition to my daily klezmer show." "You guys were TERRIFIC! Nothing but compliments from everybody. You helped make
the dinner a roaring success, and we all thank you for a wonderful performance. I hope we
can do it again next year." "The Partners for Hope Chapter of the City of Hope had hired the Ventura Klezmer
Band for a major fund-raising event. It was very successful, and we had many requests for
a repeat performance. Recently we hired this group again, and again we had great success.
We would recommend them without hesitation. They put on a wonderful show." INSTRUMENTATION: ABOUT WEDDINGS: The Ventura Klezmer Band offers:
There are two main parts of a wedding to consider---the ceremony and the party. The ceremony is usually played by just two or three musicians. We can play quietly as your guests gather, and then do special music for the entrance of the bride and groom. We also have led the wedding party to the chupa, which can be tremendously festive. Our band can serve two different functions at a wedding party. For those who mainly want a DJ playing current hits for dancing, we can start the celebration off with a suite of traditional Jewish dance tunes. People love gathering for a hora, and the twenty minutes or so of exuberant music makes guests really feel like they're taking part in an authentic Jewish event. We can make suggestions regarding lofting the couple on chairs, having guests dance for their pleasure, and other traditional practices. For couples who prefer live music for the whole evening, then we're delighted to stay and play into the night. Our repertoire focuses on the traditional sounds of eastern European Jews, but we can play classic American songs from Gershwin, Porter, and others. Want anything in particular? Just let us know. Our skilled musicians will learn anything you'd like them to play for you. We can arrange for a CD player to be connected to the sound system to keep the music
going when the band takes a break. BAR/BAT MITZVAH FACTS We often play during an after-ceremony kiddish lunch, or as guests gather before an evening affair. The mood is celebratory and completely haimish. We're happy to play an exuberant hora set, which can be followed or preceded by Israeli dance music. Please contact band manager Marty Flam if
you have questions. CONTACT and BOOK THE BAND We play in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties, as well as the very occasional gig in San Luis Obispo. The Band encourages you to contact us; we'd like to make your party, festival, or fund-raising concert a huge success. Our rates are reasonable, but our calendar does fill up, so please call as early as possible. Band Manager Marty Flam:
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