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Klezmer Cafe, Queens, NYC, Jun 22

The Astoria Center of Israel (ACI) synagogue will be holding a new bi-monthly Klezmer concert series presented by accordionist Art Bailey and featuring a variety of guest musicians. It'll be every 2nd and 4th Tues. throughout Aug., except for July 27th, which is Tisha be-Av.

The event lasts from 7:30 –­ 9:30 pm at the Astoria Center of Israel synagogue at 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria, Queens. The admission fee is $5. Delicious desserts and coffee will also be available.

ACI is a short five-minute walk from the 30th Avenue stop on the N/W line. Walk west on 30th Avenue (towards Trade Fair) for about 4 blocks, then turn right on Crescent.

For more information about the concert series or other events, contact the synagogue at: 718-278-2680.

New Bi-Monthly Klezmer Concert Series starts June 22nd in Astoria

The Astoria Center of Israel (ACI) synagogue will be holding a new bi-monthly Klezmer concert series presented by accordionist Art Bailey and featuring a variety of guest musicians. It'll be every 2nd and 4th Tues. throughout Aug., except for July 27th, which is Tisha be-Av. The synagogue's foyer will be transformed into a "café-style" setting, complete with intimate tables and delicious desserts. Bailey, a seasoned Klezmer performer who has toured nationally and internationally with the Klezmer Conservatory Band since 1997, will lead the concerts and is excited about the opportunity to connect with listeners in a small, casual setting. The concerts will feature small groups of three to four musicians—typically accordion, violin, mandolin and bass—and highlight both well-known and more obscure Klezmer tunes, as well as some of Bailey's own original compositions. "Our goal is to present a different side of Klezmer music ­ without clarinet and drums, the volume is reduced, but volume doesn't have to equal emotional power—there can still be a strong emotional intensity bubbling just below the surface."

The concert series is a new addition to the synagogue's growing events schedule, many of which are free to the public. Other upcoming events include potluck dinners, "beginner's" services, and clarinetist Margot Leverett's popular monthly Klezmer jam session.

The concerts will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, from 7:30 –­ 9:30 pm at the Astoria Center of Israel synagogue at 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria, Queens. The admission fee is $5. Delicious desserts and coffee will also be available.

Pianist and accordionist Art Bailey is active in the improvised and world music scenes, and has appeared or recorded with such diverse musical performers as jazz soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, classical violinist Itzhak Perlman, and the Del McCoury Band. Jewish music has long been a focus of his, and since 1998 he has been a member of the Klezmer Conservatory Band, also working with many of the major participants in the klezmer world. Art currently resides in NYC.

ACI is a short five-minute walk from the 30th Avenue stop on the N/W line. Walk west on 30th Avenue (towards Trade Fair) for about 4 blocks, then turn right on Crescent.

ACI is an egalitarian synagogue built around a warm, wonderful group of people that embraces a wide variety of perspectives on Judaism in a joyful and inclusive community.

For more information about the concert series or other events, contact the synagogue at: 718-278-2680.

CONTACT:
Art Bailey
718-777-0241 phone
270-574-0766 fax
curiousart@earthlink.net

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