A Musical Melting Pot: Dr. Hankus Netsky

Dr. Hankus Netsky has devoted his life to researching, documenting, and performing Klezmer music. It is traditional Jewish music with roots in Eastern Europe, introduced to the United States in the 20th century. Klezmer was a signature element of Yiddish theater in New York and Philadelphia and is a mainstay of many Jewish celebrations. Dr. Netsky talks about his own history as a kid in a predominantly black Philadelphia neighborhood, where he played in jazz and blues bands before beginning the search for his own musical roots. His book, Klezmer: Music and Community in 20th Century Jewish Philadelphia, is available on Amazon