Shirim Klezmer Orchestra performs their Klezmer Nutcracker and other hannukah favorites at Johnny D’s in Davis Square(17 Holland St., Somerville, MA, 617-776-2004) on Wednesday, December 20, 8:30pm. Warming up will be Yiddish acoustic pop singer from Berlin, Germany, Fabian Schnedler. Tickets are $10.
Shirim’s klezmer rendition of the Nutcracker is a brilliant cross-cultural achievement which is fun, serious and rocking all at once. They distill the classic ballet suite down to its folky essence and will change the way you think of Tchaikovsky forever. Emphasizing the Eastern European elements of the score with witty intelligence and playful irreverence, Shirim redefines the modern melting pot of "world music." Its overwhelming virtuosity in both the performance and musical conception harken back to the manic genius of Spike Jones' classical parodies and the artistry of Ellington's classic transcription.
The band will also premiere their new Hannukah tune “Oy, Hannukah, Oy” and some other tunes appropriate to the season. Dancing will be encouraged, especially to the Klezmer Nutcracker movements: “Kozatsky ‘til you Dropsky,” “Waltz of the Ruggelah,” and “Dance of the Latkes Queen.”
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