"An Afternoon of Klemzer" with Yale Strom, Violinist/Composer and Members of His Band, Hot Pstromi at the White Plains Public Library.

The public is invited to enjoy "An Afternoon of Klezmer," featuring the celebrated violinist and composer, Yale Strom at The White Plains Public Library on Sunday, January 27th at 2:30pm. He will perform with accordionist Ismail Butera and vocalist Elizabeth Schwartz, members of his popular band, Hot Pstromi. The free program takes listeners on a musical journey from Brighton Beach to Birobidzhan and back, with selections from Gypsy, Balkan, Sephardic and Hasidic traditions. It is presented with the support of The Friends of the White Plains Public Library.

Yale Strom is renowned as a musician, composer, filmmaker, writer, photographer and ethnomusicologist. He has done extensive research in Central and Eastern Europe among the Jews and Rom Gypsies, and his programs reflect his insights into those cultures, augmented by his own compositions. Recent accomplishments include a symphony which premiered with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, theme music for National Public Radio’s Fiddlers, Philosophers and Fools, commissions for the John Malashock Dance Company, and original music for several documentary and feature films. He has produced six photo-documentary books as well as eight CD recordings with his bands, Hot Pstromi and Klazzj.

Vocalist Elizabeth Schwartz has performed across the country in such venues as New York’s Knitting Factory and with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Chamber Orchestra. Accordionist Ismael Butera is noted for his interpretation and improvisation, especially in the genres of Balkan and Arabic music. Both are long-time members of the Hot Pstromi and Klazzj bands.