Re: Integrating Jewish Music / Culture into the Establishment

[Bob Jacobson <bjacobs...>]

I have had a very tough time getting local Jewish organizations to listen
to my klezmer band, Yid Vicious. Part of the problem has been PR
difficulties that our name has caused, but mostly they just aren't that
interested in Yiddish cultural stuff. After 2.5 years, we've finally gotten
the Hillel chapter at the University here to pay us to play at an event.
Everything else we've done for a Jewish organization here has been
voluntary, with the exception of a performance at a Yiddish Studies
Conference at the University. Meanwhile, the synagogues and other groups
happily shell out big bucks for Israeli pop and the like. Ironically, we
have much better luck getting booked at the convention center, art fair,
and other secular events and venues.

Bob Jacobson

p.s. I'm hoping our upcoming CD "Klez, Kez, Goy mit Fez" turns more area
people on to us and onto klezmer in general. It's due out in early June,
and is turning out pretty good for a bunch of hacks from the Midwest.


--------------------
>Pete & al.,
>        I think the topic is great.  As a non-performer, I've occasionally
>tried to get "conventions" of Jewish groups to consider klezmorim as part
>of their entertainment, and have only had success with the more religiously
>oriented (congregations, regional groups of congregations).  Do any of the
>performers on the list have direct experience "marketing" to the more
>community-oriented groups (UJAs, Jewish Community Councils, B'nai Brith,
>Hadassah, etc.)?  Any tips for how to sell in that market?
>
>Mike Leavitt <mrl (at) alum(dot)mit(dot)edu>
>Reston, VA