KlezFactor

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KlezFactor, Toronto’s most unique sounding Klezmer-fusion ensemble, has been bringing their sound to the world since 2004.  Their four albums, “The Golem of Bathurst Manor” (2005), and “Klezmachine” (2008), “Europa” (2016), and “Songs from a Pandemic Winter” (2021) have garnered rave reviews for their high levels of musicality, originality and seamless blending of musical styles.

KlezFactor has performed all over North America, including venues in Toronto, Montreal, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.  They have been featured at festivals including the Ashkenaz Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Junction Arts Festival and the Niagara Folk Arts Festival.  Their music has been heard on the radio in 5 countries and on 4 continents (including being featured on CBC Radio in Canada), and members have appeared on the internationally syndicated television series “Kenny vs. Spenny.” In addition, their music was heard on the Global Television Network’s production of Canada’s Walk of Fame Gala Ceremony in 2011. Did you know? KlezFactor was featured on Czech Television while on their 2015 Europa Tour!

KlezFactor has also performed extensively in Europe, performing in Berlin, Bayreuth, Dresden and Prague, recording their 2016 release “Europa” in Dresden and Berlin while on tour in 2015.

In 2021, KlezFactor released “Songs from a Pandemic Winter,” their first digital-only release that was composed, arranged and recorded remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Songs were composed by bandleader Mike Anklewicz in Hamilton, Ontario and then individual parts were recorded by musicians in Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton and New York and mixed together. The resulting EP consisted of 5 diverse songs with influences from New Orleans brass bands, Arabic music, Armenian music, Yiddish music, 1960s acid-rock, heavy metal, Orthodox-Jewish wedding music and, of course, klezmer.

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