'Klezmer' is a Yiddish contraction of the Hebrew words 'kley' (instrument) and 'zemer' (song). Opposed to the respected 'musikant', 'klezmer' qualified an illiterate musician, unable to read notes and playing traditional music by ear. Nowadays, the term is rather laudatory for the musicians and qualifies also the traditional Jewish music of Eastern Europe, as well as all its modern derivatives.
Comprehensive site on Klezmer and 'world music from a Jewish slant.' Contains an extensive directory of Klezmer artists and a calendar of performances. The place for Klezmorim to network. http://www.klezmershack.com/
Includes a complete guide of Klezmer music in general, the local scene, and also a presentation of Rojinkes mit Mandeln and Hotegezugt, bands directed by Michel Borzykowski. http://borzykowski.users.ch/EnglishIndex.html
A compendium of articles, reviews, interviews, columns, and assorted other published and unpublished writings of local, regional and national interest by music and cultural critic/reporter Seth Rogovoy. http://www.berkshirecounty.com/rogovoy/klezmer/
International Anglo-Yiddish newsletter with international calendar of events, news of klezmer bands, Yiddish teachers, and Yiddish clubs and translators http://www.derbay.org/
Home page for an organization that's involved with Yiddish language and culture, especially through their Yiddish-language recordings and through KlezKamp, an annual Yiddish folk arts festival which they produce. http://www.livingtraditions.org/
