The White Plains Public Library Foundation Presents an Afternoon of Klezmer with Kapelye at the White Plains Performing Arts Center

Enjoy a spirited and nostalgic musical journey, with Old World traditions and New World influences, at An Afternoon of Klezmer with Kapelye at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains, NY on Sunday, January 9, 2005 at 2:00 pm. General admission tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the White Plains Public Library or at the Performing Arts Center. Proceeds from ticket sales will underwrite the event and benefit the White Plains Library Foundation.

Kapelye features Ken Maltz (clarinet), Eric Berman (tuba and bass) and Peter Sokolow (keyboards and vocals).

Ken Maltz first became involved with Yiddish music as a young boy when he was called upon to entertain at family occasions. A founding member of Kapelye since the band's inception in 1979, Ken has performed on stage, television, radio and film throughout North America and Europe. As one of the early pioneers of the klezmer revival, he has received critical acclaim from both the domestic and international press; such diverse sources as The New York Times and The Berlin Morning Post have spoken of his performances in glowing terms. Ever conscious of the importance of both promoting Yiddish culture and passing it on to future generations, Ken can often be found at festivals, conferences, master classes and workshops, instructing students both young and old in the art of klezmer.

Eric Berman has performed with the San Antonio Symphony, the American Symphony, the American Concert Band and a variety of jazz and chamber groups. He holds the degrees of Juris Doctor and Doctor of Philosophy (Music), and is a specialist in entertainment law.

Peter Sokolow (keyboard and vocals) has appeared with klezmer musicians Dave Tarras, the Epstein brothers, Sid Beckerman, Ray Musiker and others of equal renown. Among his orchestrations are eight albums of Chabad (Lubavitch) nigunim, two albums for Shlomo Carlebach, the off-Broadway musical "The Golden Land," the Yiddish musical "Heintige Kinder" and the score for the documentary film "Partisans of Vilna." In addition to Mr. Sokolow's work in the field of Jewish music, he is a highly regarded performer in society, Irish and "pop" orchestras and enjoys a reputation as a stride pianist a la Fats Waller.

Funds raised by The White Plains Library Foundation are used to pay for program initiatives, such as onsite and online Homework Help, and special projects, such as this year's commitment to furnish and equip a new children's library, The Trove, now under construction and scheduled to open in the fall 2005. More information about the White Plains Library Foundation can be found at www.whiteplainslibrary.org