VIENNA — The Casco Bay Tummlers will present their lively and moving music at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Vienna Union Hall. The Tummlers are based in Portland, Maine, and have been performing klezmer music since 1988.

The Tummlers have a unique sound and stage performance. Steve Gruverman brings an extensive background in ethnic dance music to his soulful clarinet playing. Carl Dimow has developed a unique klezmer flute style. Nancy Hoffman brings a playfulness which audiences love to both her accordion playing and her singing. John Clark on bass has played in many styles, most notably jazz. Eric LaPerna, one of the finest Middle Eastern percussionists in New England, completes the group.

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

The term klezmer originally came from two Hebrew words referring to musical instruments. Over time it came to signify the musicians themselves, and in current usage it also refers to the musical genre — secular Jewish music — which dates back at least as far as the 16th century. As the Jewish people moved throughout Central and Eastern Europe, the music was influenced by local cultures. There are strong Middle Eastern roots which can also be heard in Jewish litugical music. Other major influences came from Romania, Russia, the Ukraine, and Bessarabia.

Around 1840-1908 the clarinet became the primary lead instrument in klezmer. Previously the violin had been predominant, usually in an ensemble that included flute, drums and hammered dulcimer. Brass instruments were also introduced around the end of the 19th century.

The mass immigration of Jews to the U.S. between 1880 and 1920 coincided with the development of commercial recording technology. Recordings made between 1912 and 1940 for the Jewish public have been the major source material for the current revival of klezmer music.

With the assimilation of Jews into mainstream American culture after World War II, klezmer music fell out of favor in the Jewish community. It was only in the 1970s, as an extension of the folk music revival, that a new group of musicians began to rediscover klezmer music. This lively and soulful music is now more popular than ever, being performed and taken in new directions by bands all over the world.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this exciting music in the intimate atmosphere of the historic Vienna Union Hall. For reserve tickets, call 207-293-2674 or email viennaunionhall@gmail.com. Tickets are $8. Seating is limited.

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