Jazmer Klezmer Band from Highland Park, IL

Jazmer, founded in 1995 by lead vocalist Shirlee Todd, offers a fresh and creative approach to Jewish and American music. Our ensemble goes out as a 5 to 7 piece band, but can go out as a quartet or a duo where we play and improvise on melodies from Eastern Europe (klezmer, Yiddish, Chassidic)and the Middle East (Israeli, Sephardic). But it wouldn't be Jazmer without touches of jazz and other American influences bridging the Old World with the New. Jazmer has been bringing great music and a personal touch to Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays since 1995. Here are some of what we can offer you. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties music for an extended kiddush after the service Hora(s) Israeli dance leading Dance sets of Jewish and American music Games for the kids MC-ing Jazmer can work with a DJ to alternate dance sets Weddings Pre-wedding music as guests arrive Ceremonial music Cocktail music Reception: Horas, dinner music, Israeli dance leading, American dance music - pop and rock Jazmer can work with a DJ to alternate dance sets MC-ing Anniversaries and Birthdays Music as guests arrive Cocktail music Dinner music Dance music - Jewish and American We can create a program in honor of the birthday celebrant or anniversary couple MC-ing PUBLIC VENUES For the past 15 years, Jazmer has performed for audiences of all ages, delighting them with their musical authenticity and energy. We not only play for private parties and celebrations, but for public venues VENUES: Port Clinton Square Summer Concert Series, Highland Park Oakton Park Concert Series, Skokie Devonshire Park Concert Series, Skokie Skokie Ethnic Festival Evanston Ethnic Festival Ridgeville Park Concert Series, Evanston First Night Evanston-Annual New Year's Celebration Deerfield Concert Series Plaza del Lago, Wilmette Prairie Crossing Concerts, Grayslake Greater Chicago Jewish Folk Arts Festival Jewish Community Centers of Greater Chicago Taste of Chicago Holocaust Memorial Foundation Chicago Botanic Gardens- Celebrations Concert Series, Glencoe Yivo Summer Concert Series (performing for this organization since 1996) Various area libraries in Chicago, Northbrook, Highland Park, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Wheeling & Vernon Hills TESTIMONIALS Jazmer is an audience-pleasing musical mainstay of the annual Chicago Yivo Society Summer Festival of Yiddish Culture. We can always be assured of Shirlee Todd's professionalism in programming and the entire group's quality of vocal and instrumental performance. -Frieda Landau - program coordinator of Chicago Yivo Jazmer's show was far more than we promised in our publicity. You and the ensemble have a unique style and stage presence that set you apart, just as a diamond is set apart from a zircon. Your group's appeal truly transcends lifestyles, bridging generations and transforming the audience into a group of admirers. Bravo Shirlee and Jazmer for a marvelous and energetic performance! -Marianne S. - Anita M. Stone JCC-Flossmoor Our Hadassah group really enjoyed your program. What wonderful performers you and your group Jazmer are. Shirlee, each time that we've seen you, your voice and stage presence have added so much to your musical presentation. -Bert F. - Ketura Hadassah program chairman Jazmer's arrangements are original and innovative and your repertoire is versatile. The entire ensemble has great musicianship and energy. -Paul Wieder - entertainment reporter for JUF News For your family celebration, special event, or concert, just call Jazmer!