The Yiddish Book Center's

Wexler Oral History Project

A growing collection of in-depth interviews with people of all ages and backgrounds, whose stories about the legacy and changing nature of Yiddish language and culture offer a rich and complex chronicle of Jewish identity.

Lorin Sklamberg on the Story Behind the Founding of The Klezmatics

Watch now:

Lorin Sklamberg, lead singer for The Klezmatics and YIVO sound archivist, discusses his early years in New York City leading up to the formation of the Klezmatics.

This is an excerpt from an oral history with Lorin Sklamberg.

This excerpt is in English.

This interview is part of the Yiddish and the Arts: musicians, actors, and artists series.

Other video highlights from this oral history

Lorin Sklamberg On His Early Experiences With Jewish Music

2 min 38 sec

A Low Fat, High Fiber Kugel

1 min 34 sec

1987-1994: Lorin Sklamberg Describes YIVO At A Moment of Transition

4 min 47 sec

Developing A Style and Finding A Voice For The Klezmatics

6 min 6 sec

Why You Won't Hear Me Singing About The Old Country: Lorin Sklamberg on The Klezmatics Repertoire

4 min 21 sec

"It Was More Like a Resuscitation": Lorin Sklamberg's Thoughts on Klezmer Revival

3 min 58 sec

Sing Your Truth: Advice to Aspiring Jewish Musicians

54 sec

More information about this oral history excerpt

Themes: