Brilliant Klezmer musician Andy Statman, along with other musicians, play regularly at the Charles Street Shul, aka Derech Emunah (Path of Faith) in the Village. Last night we experienced concert number 431 at the shul. The shul has been hosting Andy’s concerts since 1998.

This is truly an experience, it is not just a simple matter of attending a concert.

Concert time was 8:30, we arrived at 8:30, so of course we were 45 minutes early and we helped set up the chairs in the long, narrow library/meeting room a flight below the sanctuary.  We were also treated like family: greeted by Director, Herman Lowenharr and his  3 year old grand-daughter– so cute, so smart, so sweet, she showed us the lovely party dress that was being hand-sewn for her, and let us play silly games with her, and home-made brownies were pulled from the oven before burning and offered to us.  Nice. 

The concert had a full house, and the music was glorious. Andy Statman on clarinet with a drummer played Chasidic niggunim in Andy’s unique style. Andy takes you on an emotional trek through each piece. Then after a short break, Andy switched instruments and genres, and played his mandolin in Bluegrass style along with a visiting Singer/Guitarist, and the drummer. It was excellent music and pure fun. He has a long history in a Bluegrass style.

Check out their schedule and go. There are Jazz nights as well. All too good to miss.

This link will take you to Jon Kalish’s excellent interview with Andy Statman which includes his trio playing at the shul, and Andy on mandolin.  

http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=DerechAmuno&p=r

The photo of the shul was taken by Hubert J Steed.