FARMINGTON – The noted Klezmer group, the Casco Bay Tummlers, will perform at Nordica Auditorium at the University of Maine at Farmington at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 24.

The Tummlers, from Portland, have been performing Klezmer music since 1988. They have released three recordings and were also featured performers on the L.L. Bean holiday CD. In 1999, they created and performed the music for the world premiere of “Manifest” at the Portland Stage Company.

The Tummlers have a unique sound and a stage performance that features all members of the band.

Steve Gruverman brings an extensive background in ethnic dance music to his soulful clarinet playing.

Carl Dimow has developed a unique Klezmer flute style, making the instrument an equal solo voice in the music.

Julie Goell has a rich background in theater and jazz that comes out both in her bass playing and in her vocal features.

Nancy Hoffman brings a playfulness audiences love, to both her accordion playing and her singing.

Hayes Porterfield keeps the traditional role as drummer, with elements of jazz and improvisation.

The band’s repertoire is versatile, ranging from original music to traditional dances and Yiddish theater and ghetto songs – all with original arrangements.

“This is true folk music of the Klezmer kind, paying tribute to the deep roots of the music from Eastern Europe and beyond,” writes Elizabeth Watson of the Greater Boston Flute Association. “Fun and frolic, but also pathos and yearning abound. This is emotionally charged music, played with abandon by musicians who are clearly comfortable with each other.”

In March 2000, the Tummlers performed in Germany to sold-out houses at the Hackesches Hof Theater in Berlin and at the ninth annual Festival of Jewish Culture in Chemnitz. In May and June 2000, they traveled to Lithuania as the first klezmer band to perform at the Skamba, Skamba Kankliai folk festival in Vilnius. They toured Lithuania performing in Pakroijis, Linkuva, Kaunas and Druskininkai, and in October 2004, they completed a tour of Slovenia and Northern Italy.


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