Grammy Award-winning ensemble The Klezmatics is set to celebrate their 40th anniversary this Hanukkah with a special remastered vinyl reissue of Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah, originally released in 2006. The album, which brings Guthrie’s long-lost Hanukkah lyrics to life, blends klezmer with American folk, bluegrass, and other genres, creating a festive and revolutionary sound. Fans can expect favorites such as “Hanuka Gelt,” “Spin Dreydl Spin,” and “Happy Joyous Hanuka,” which will also feature prominently on the band’s 2025 Happy Joyous Hanukkah Tour — A Festival of Light, Liberation, and New Music.
The collaboration between Guthrie and The Klezmatics originated from a surprising discovery: Guthrie’s Jewish-themed lyrics, inspired by his mother-in-law, Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt, had remained largely unknown until his daughter, Nora Guthrie, introduced them to the band. The Klezmatics’ 2006 album transformed these lyrics into a vibrant musical celebration, and the newly remastered vinyl edition ensures a new generation can experience the magic of Guthrie’s words paired with the band’s playful, virtuosic performances.
As they mark four decades of musical innovation, The Klezmatics continue to push boundaries, previewing tracks from their forthcoming 14th studio album, We Were Made for These Times (New York Sessions). The band’s anniversary season combines archival treasures, reimagined classics, and cross-cultural collaborations, reaffirming their legacy of turning inherited tradition into living, revolutionary art. With their signature blend of Yiddish soul, activism, and joyous energy, The Klezmatics invite audiences worldwide to dance, reflect, and celebrate the enduring power of music.
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