2026 Program

7:00 PM

Local band Tsuzamen and Chicago’s Fugu Dugu

Rising stars Balkan brass/klezmer soul/gypsy fire punk band Fugu Dugu will light the North Street Cabaret on fire. Fresh off the release of their second album, Fugu Dugu’s performances feature fantastic songs, powerful energy, and brilliant playing and singing. Indie klezmer band Tsuzamen, which counts the 3 Klez Fest Midwest Co-Directors as members, will start the evening with its blend of klezmer with rock, blues, folk, and world music.

North Street Cabaret

610 North Street

FREE

7:30 PM

SoundWaves: Music and Science Together

A Wisconsin Science Festival Event

SoundWaves events bring UW–Madison scientists from several departments together with music performers to explore a topic that is relevant to our world and our lives. In this event, faculty will explore the idea of “Origins,” and members of The Klezmatics will speak about the origins of klezmer music and perform songs from their 40-year repertoire.

Collins Recital Hall

Hamel Music Center, 740 University Ave

FREE but registration required here

11:00 AM

Children’s Concert with Elm Duo

Father/daughter team Eleanor Mayerfeld (the “El” of Elm) and Michael Bell (the “m” of Elm) play klezmer favorites, get the kids out of their seats to sing and dance, and have a rollicking good time in an informal atmosphere. We’re thrilled to have the Elm Duo return to play a children’s concert – they have an incredible rapport with the kids.

Lee/Kaufman Rehearsal Hall

Hamel Music Center, 740 University Ave

FREE

2:00 PM

Showcase Concert with The Klezmatics

The Klezmatics are one of the most famous klezmer bands of all time, justifiably so, and the only klezmer band to win a Grammy Award. The band was crucial to the “klezmer revival” that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. They learned deeply the traditional language of klezmer from the old days, immersing themselves in recordings from the early 20th century, and blended that traditional style with modern sounds like rock and blues. Their arrangements keep the listener on the edge of the seat, and their song interpretations express a deep humanity and sense of purpose. They have recorded extensively, and the Klez Fest Midwest Co-Directors have listened to those recordings obsessively. At 40 years old, they are still performing all over the world and still recording. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear the band free of charge in a great concert hall.

Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall

Hamel Music Center, 740 University Ave

FREE

7:00 PM

Dan’s World Music Fest

Come hear three live world music bands and dance your heart out at Dan’s World Music Fest on Saturday, October 24 at the East Side Club in Madison. As a World Music DJ on WORT for over 30 years, the late Dan Talmo always said, “Whenever you can, listen to WORT, and also go out and hear live music!” Here’s your chance to tribute Dan, give to WORT, and tap your feet to great world music. This event is a WORT fundraiser being held in collaboration with Klez Fest Midwest. First, you’ll hear Szászka, specializing in Hungarian and Transylvanian dance house music. Next, the LuLu Quintet, will play the sparkling French/Romany “hot club” jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt, followed by Yid Vicious’s sophisticated yet whimsical version of Klezmer and Yiddish folk and dance music.

East Side Club

3735 Monona Dr

$20 Donation to WORT-FM

4:00 PM

Nigunim Trio

Nigunim and zmiros are songs of devotion and praise, spiritual Hasidic-Jewish chants whose purpose is to induce a state of piety and ecstasy in both performer and listener. The Nigunim Trio—Lorin Sklamberg (accordion) and Frank London (trumpet), co-founders of the Klezmatics, and pianist Rob Schwimmer—perform original and traditional nigunim and zmiros drawn from the Belzer, Gerer, Lubavitcher, and Skulaner dynasties of the Hasidim, played with a uniquely styled musical and spiritual imprint.

North Street Cabaret

610 North Street

FREE