Rockin’ Hanukkah

Joke all you want about holiday shoppers going cyber merely to avoid another round of carols blasting from the store PA systems, but you really can’t get into the holiday spirit unless you keep yourself on a proper dosage of traditional tunes. Although klezmer is a secular form of music performed at Jewish celebrations throughout the year, many people like to use Hanukkah as their traditional excuse to listen to a bit of this delightful, emotive music. What makes the Klezmer Company Orchestra a bit different from your bubbe’s favorite band is that the KCO introduces a Latin beat into its repertoire. Tango, mambo, and salsa spice things up while music from notable Jewish composers such as Bernstein, Secunda, and Rumshinsky are also featured during the orchestra’s “Salsa, Strings, and Swing” show. Aron Kula is the musical director and founder. More than 40 musicians will be participating when the curtains rise at 3:00 p.m. at the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts (1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach). Holiday discount tickets range from $10 to $50. Call 305-358-5885, or visit www.klezmercompanyorchestra.com.
Sun., Dec. 17