The artistry of the fun-loving, soulful gal-powered klezmer ensemble has placed Isle of Klezbos squarely on the forefront of civil-rights history, with musical performances alongside legends Natalie Merchant, Indigo Girls, Burning Spear, John Zorn, Bonnie Raitt, Rufus Wainwright, David Krakauer, Jimmy Scott, Frank London and Metropolitan Klezmer. No chumps onstage, this band features alumnae from Juilliard, Eastman and Manhattan Schools of Music.
The roll call consists of Debra Kreisberg on clarinet and alto sax, OUTMusic Award winning vocalist Melissa Fogarty, accordionist/pianist Shoko Nagai and bandleader/drummer Eve Sicular.
"We'll also be bringing guest klezbian bassist Brian Glassman along [on the road]. He's currently on tour in Mother Russia. Isle of Klezbos has traveled from Vienna to Vancouver—it's about time we share the charm of Chicago!" Sicular said.
Although the road has been their constant companion over the past year, July 21 will mark the Isle of Klezbos' very first time playing in one of the group's favorite cities: Chicago.
"Isle of Klezbos is so excited to be making our debut in Chicago at last! People have been asking us for ages when we were coming to the Windy City from New York City," said Sicular. "In 2012, we had our biggest touring year ever, going from coast to coast and making our debut down South."
Sicular founded Isle of Klezbos as the spinoff "sister sextet" from Metropolitan Klezmer. Their commissions have included soundtrack music for "The L Word," an appearance on "CBS Sunday Morning," as well as studio sessions with Grammy-nominated platinum-selling recording artist Scissor Sisters, and a concert for artist Kiki Smith.
But a lot happened in 12 months alone, said Sicular. "This year has just gotten even more thrilling with Edie Windsor's victory bringing down DOMA [the Defense of Marriage Act]. The decision just happened to come on a day we had a double header of shows, so both our outdoor lunchtime Brooklyn concert and our dance party gig on the Lower East Side became impromptu celebrations of the SCOTUS wins."
She recalled: "Since our repertoire includes lots of rollicking wedding tunes plus swinging Yiddish love songs and even a coming-out tango from a vintage Yiddish film, our set-list was ready-made to highlight the occasion. Then during Pride Weekend in New York City, Edie Windsor herself surprised us by joining in the Dyke March—of course she was already scheduled as Grand Marshal in the Pride Parade!"
Windsor so inspired the group, they have a fancy idea up their sleeves. "I want to write a new tune in her honor, maybe that will be ready by the time we get to the Midwest," shared Sicular.
What else might fans expect on The Mayne Stage? "Our musical offerings in Chicago will include some great tunes that are also featured on our upcoming new CD, "Klezmer cumbia, klezmerengue" and more genre-expanding originals, too. We have heard great things about The Mayne Stage from our friends The Kinsey Sicks as well as fellow Yiddish music performer Daniel Kahn," Sicular said.
Check out Isle of Klezbos at The Mayne Stage when the group plays two sets Sunday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m. Visit http://maynestage.com/klezbos.aspx.
