History of the Jewish Music & Cultural Festival formerly KlezFest

Nine years ago Sid Lipton and Mimi Weiner had the idea that Central New York needed a Jewish Festival. There was an Irish Fest, a Greek Fest, and Italian Fest; there were the Jazz, Rhythm and Blues music festivals. There was even a Food Fest down in Clinton Square, which featured all the restaurants in town. Sid & Mimi wanted a Jewish Festival that had all these elements: great music, delicious ethnic foods, and lots of Jewish spirit.

The main focus of the early festivals was to bring in great klezmer bands. Klezmer originated in medieval Eastern Europe, and came to America with the immigrants at the beginning of the last century. In the 70’s, a revival in klezmer sparked an international fervor, which took this music to five continents.

For the first couple of years the festival took place in Armory Square and moved to the larger Clinton Square in 2002. The festival each year has continued to grow in many ways.

The Jewish Music & Cultural Festival now includes Jewish music of all types at the festival. Ladino (the music of the Spanish-speaking Jews) reflects the Iberian culture in tone. The chanted melodies of the synagogue as well as the melodies of the Yiddish theater of the 20’s and 30’s along with contemporary Jewish music can also be heard at the festival

Kosher food may be purchased at the festival: Hot Dogs, Mid-Eastern delicacies like humus and pita, as well as fruit smoothies. Vendors of all types will have exotic and desirable items for sale.

The kids have fun with a special programs including storytelling, an Instrument Petting Zoo, the Price Chopper Hopper, life-size puppets, face painting, all-day crafts and games.

This is truly becoming a Jewish Festival for everyone!