Band Overview

Click here to view and/or download a concise overview of the band. This PDF contains information about the ensemble, the members of the group, performance requirements, stage plot, press outreach, and contact information.

One-sentence Biography

Internationally-acclaimed Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band brings passion, virtuosity, and contagious energy to their engaging contemporary interpretation of traditional Jewish music.

Short Biography

Internationally-acclaimed Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band brings passion, virtuosity, and contagious energy to every performance. The Wheels improvise with the intimacy of chamber music and the intensity of a rowdy dance band. Their engaging contemporary interpretation of Jewish music is irresistible to audiences ranging from elementary school students to the judges at the International Jewish Music Festival, who heralded them as “a true musical democracy.”

Long Biography

Internationally-acclaimed Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band brings passion, virtuosity, and contagious energy to every performance. The Wheels improvise with the intimacy of chamber music and the intensity of a rowdy dance band. Their engaging contemporary interpretation of Jewish music is irresistible to audiences ranging from elementary school students to the judges at the International Jewish Music Festival, who heralded them as “a true musical democracy.” The Wheels’ unique style was forged in the subway stations and farmers’ markets of Boston, where the informal setting and ever-changing audience created an ideal environment for musical experimentation. They honed their craft with bulgars and 90’s pop covers for the morning rush hour and mixed doinas and zhoks with fresh produce on the weekends, building a community of fans and friends across the city. As their tightly coordinated but playful style matured, they moved on to larger and more discerning audiences, and in 2012 they won both the jury-awarded City Winery Prize for best klezmer ensemble and the Audience Pick Award at the third biennial International Jewish Music Festival in Amsterdam. This success opened a new chapter in the band’s ongoing saga that included high-profile performances at the Kennedy Center, the Shalin Liu Performance Center, and Yidstock. Over time, their repertoire grew to incorporate original as well as traditional instrumental tunes, and in 2017 it further expanded to include songs in Yiddish and English. As their popularity with concert audiences grows, they maintain their connection to their klezmer roots by playing numerous weddings and other simchas, and by teaching the history, musical structure, and instrumental techniques of klezmer to students of all ages. Ezekiel’s Wheels features Abigale Reisman (violin, backing vocals), Jonathan Cannon (violin), Kirsten Lamb (upright bass, lead vocals), Nat Seelen (clarinet), and Pete Fanelli (trombone).

Band Personnel and Instrumentation

Abigale Reisman, violin
Jonathan Cannon, violin
Kirsten Lamb, upright bass
Nathaniel Seelen, clarinet
Peter Fanelli, trombone

Audio

To listen to recordings of the band, please visit the audio page.

Video

To view clips from live performances, please visit the video page.

Press Photos

Click on the photos below to enlarge and/or download.

Poster

Click here to view and/or download a poster. This is a generic poster and includes space to add performance details at the bottom. To receive a poster with details for a specific event, please email the band at ewklezmer@gmail.com

Stage Plot/Technical Rider

Click here to view and/or download a stage plot and technical rider. Basic performance requirements include: 5 instrument microphones (SM-57/equivalent) 1 vocal microphone (SM-58/equivalent) 5 boom and 1 upright microphone stands 2 monitors (stage right and left) House sound system or PA system Sound check prior to doors opening and appropriate sound support during performance Access to private room for warming up 30 minutes prior to performance 5 bottled waters at performance venue or easy access to drinking water

Contact Information

Any questions or requests for CDs, concert tickets, or interviews can be directed to: Nat Seelen, ewklezmer@gmail.com