Founded in 1979 by trumpeter/composer Bill Averbach the Austin Klezmorim have performed for festivals, concerts, weddings, bar/bat mitzvoth, workshops, and presentations throughout the South and Southwest. Their music is aired world-wide and they have gained recognition for their contribution to the Klezmer revival of the 1970's and 1980's. Their first performance was a live broadcast on KUT-FM in Austin, TX and their first recording, Shalom Y'all! sold like hot bagels in a snowstorm.
Upon the success of these initial events te group began to receive offers to perform in concert at Universities and Colleges, Festivals, and many traditional life-cycle events.
In 1984 they released a second recording, Texas Klez with four excellent Austin vocalists. Since that time the Austin Klezmorim released four recordings and have been included on several prestigious compilation CDs of klezmer music from their recording East of Odessa West of Palestine.
Their most recent recording, Bubba's Waltz was a ground breaking production that included all original klezmer music. This recording has gain recognition throughout the US, Europe, and Australia for its originality and Texan character.
In addition to their own productions the Austin Klezmorim have worked with film makers, songwriters, and vocalists, as well as their recent collaboration with the Dutch Klezmer band Klezmokum led by award-winning Jazz pianist and composer Burton Greene.
Referenced in several music history books on klezmer music they are named as one of the modern klezmer groups that is a forerunner of the contemporary klezmer style.
The musicians featured in the Austin Klezmorim come from a diverse musical and cultural background that spans worldwide.
About the Band
