At a KlezKidz concert you’ll hear the wail of the clarinet and the rousing sound of Israeli dance music. You’ll watch bottles being balanced on the heads of dancers, and you might even learn some new steps! KlezKidz brings an interactive concert of World Jewish music and mirth to any setting.

What started out 11 years ago with a few kids, augmented by parents who “used to play,” has grown into a 40-piece ensemble with regular rehearsals and a dozen yearly concerts. KlezKidz features instrumentalists between the ages of 8 and 80. Performing alongside KlezKidz is KidsChorus, a group of youthful singers, who often step into the audience to teach easy dances. The musicians are sponsored by Temple Beth Am.

KlezKidz welcomes instrumentalists of all ages and stages who can read sheet music. KidsChorus welcomes young singers ages 8 and up who love to sing, perform and don’t necessarily read sheet music. Repertoire includes Jewish folk songs, Chassidic rock, Israeli, Yiddish swing and works by contemporary Jewish composers. There is no audition process for KlezKidz or KidsChorus, and Temple Beth Am membership is not required to participate.

KlezKidz perform at Temple Beth Am for Simchat Torah and Purim and out in the community at the University Village Chanukiah lighting, Kline Galland Home’s December birthdays party, the Northwest Folklife Festival and a Farmer’s Market or two. Rehearsals happen on 8 to 10 Sundays a year at 12:30 PM in Temple Beth Am’s sanctuary.

For more information, please contact Wendy Marcus, Music Director.