The Midwest's Premier Klezmer Band Since 1983
If you want to know more about our education and outreach activities, visit our not for profit organization at klezmermusicfoundation.org.
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Who is the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band?
About Us
Founded in 1983 by Lori Lippitz, Maxwell Street Klezmer Band has played at Carnegie Hall, toured Europe, and provided the celebratory soundtrack for Chicagoland’s simchas (Jewish celebrations) for almost 4 decades. The band marked its 40th “Bandiversary” at The Old Town School of Folk Music in 2023. They were featured with The Lyric Opera of Chicago in the world’s first klezmer opera, and performed with Chicago Sinfonietta in a classical klezmer composition created for violinist Alex Koffman (“Klezmer Rhapsody” by Ilya Levinson) at Chicago’s Symphony Center. They have five commercial CDs (Shanachie Entertainment). As part of their grassroots mission, their not-for-profit organization, the Klezmer Music Foundation, they direct community klezmer bands and the Junior Klezmer Orchestra and the interfaith ensemble, The Salaam-Shalom Music Project. The band's violinist and musical director, Alex Koffman, and co-founder, clarinetist/saxophonist Shelley Yoelin, meld their classical and jazz sensibilities into a unique sound that moves and inspires audiences of all ages.
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In 1983, Lori Lippitz founded the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, named for Chicago's old Sunday morning Jewish marketplace.
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With over 25 years of experience and over 4,500 celebrations and concerts we play authentic klezmer music and can customize your celebration without a hitch.
