Andy Statman, one of the world's premiere mandolinists and klezmer clarinetists, appears at the grand finale of our Yiddish Music and Theatre festival! Statman, appearing with his trio, will give a concert that spans klezmer to bluegrass to newgrass. Andy studied at a young age with David Grisman who said, "If the only thing I ever did was give Andy his first mandolin lesson, it would have been a life well spent."

Statman has made groundbreaking recordings over a long career that dates back to what's been called the Jewgrass scene of the 1960s in New York's Washington Square Park. Since then he's played with Bob Dylan and Bela Fleck, and has recorded with the likes of Jerry Garcia.

Andy's music isn't a novelty--it holds together in an organic way, and it feels like the narration of a spiritual journey. His concerts show the influence of the many countries he's traveled and other traditions he's studied, from avant-garde jazz to traditional music, from Ireland to Azerbaijan. Andy Statman has been nominated for a 2008 Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance for the "Rawhide!" track from his new "East Flatbush Blues" CD. Andy Statman's music taps into something beyond time and space, taking the audience on a journey into the very heart of Klezmer Music. And beyond. On August 12, he will perform with band consisting of master bassist Jim Whitney and Larry Eagles who has toured with, among others, Bruce Springsteen.

"Unearths the soul of Jewish music" --New York Times

"Statman's virtuosity has labeled him a genius by his peers." --The Village Voice