HOPKELE The Kapelye Dance Collection Eric Berman, tuba Larry Eagle, drum set & percussion Ken Maltz, clarinet Peter Sokolow, piano Steve Weintraub, dance consultant Klezmer music is dance music. At least, it started out its life that way- as the music of Jewish weddings and other celebrations. Since the klezmer revival of the 70’s however, bands have increasingly made klezmer into concert music. Tempos have quickened, forms have morphed, and nothing lasts really long enough. Hopkele is the realization of a concept that had been placed on the back burner for too many years. With over a quarter-century of concertizing under our collective belts, it was time to take this music back to the dance floor. It was time to complete the circle that began so long ago. To help us create an album so wonderfully suited to the needs of the serious Yiddish dancer, we brought dance master Steve Weintraub into the project. Steve and Kapelye have worked together for many years in many venues and have spoken so often, and with so much enthusiasm, about the need to craft just this kind of CD, that neither of us could put it off any longer. Recording and mixing this CD was a great pleasure for all of us on both sides of the control room window and we hope that this feeling will be shared by you- our audience. So push back the furniture, roll up the rug and get ready to shvitz!