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Klezmer music is traditional Jewish music. It originated in Eastern Europe in the 19th century where musicians known as klezmorim would play for weddings and other celebrations. Bands would consist of instruments such as clarinet, violin, accordion, flute and double bass.
In the late 19th and early 20th century many Jewish people emigrated to New York. Musicians were influenced by American jazz and the traditional dance music evolved into what we know today as Klezmer. Some great early American klezmer musicians include the clarinettists Dave Tarras, Giora Feidman and Naftule Brandwein. Famous bands include: The Klezmer Conservatory Band, The Klezmatics, Brave Old World and The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. Check out these youtube videos of some great klezmer musicians performing: