them to Europe, South America, Israel and the United States, to about four months a year, since other band members also have young babies. More like klezmorim with an attitude, the Klezmatics take the traditional style of Eastern Euro- pean Jewish music that they've painstakingly researched over the years and offer their own con- temporary take on the mostly Yid- dish songs. With an edgy blend, they infuse rock, jazz, minimalist, Latin and hip hop into their klezmer music. Then, they add gay overtones to support their causes and beliefs. In the decade that they've been together, the Klezmatics have managed to turn their unique counter-klez style into an international success. Whatever the reason, the Klez- matics — straight, gay, Jewish and non-Jewish — appeal to au- diences of all ages. "Which is not surprising, given it's Jewish music," says Svigals, who is a leading specialist in tra- ditional Eastern European Jew- ish violin style as well as Greek fiddle music. "At the Knitting Fac- tory, which is an avant garde place in New York, we got little old ladies and teen-agers ... It's sort of like a seder table — what all these people have in common is that they all belong to the same fami- ly, otherwise they wouldn't be to- gether. "Jews in particular have a very progressive history," adds Svigals who, as a child, was sent by her parents to the Workmen's Circle School to formally learn Yiddish. In addition to touring all over the world for their concerts, the Klezmatics have collaborated on projects with violinist Itzhak Perlman, Israeli singer Chava Al- berstein and poets Allen Ginsberg and Jerome Rothenberg. They've provided music for new works by choreographer Twyla Tharp, film- makers Judith Helfand (A Healthy Baby Girl, about the ef- fects of the fertility drug DES on Jewish families) and Jonathan Berman (The Shvitz), as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning Tony Kushner (Angels in America). Kushner had the group write the music for The Dybbuk: Between Two Worlds, his adaptation of a Yiddish play based on folklore about exorcism. Music from The Dybbuk will be featured on the Klezmatics as-yet- to-be-named next album, due out in spring. ❑ The Klezmatics will per- form at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Main Sanctuary, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield. The Lak- er Chanukah Concert, made possible by the family of Sarah Laker and the late Harry Lak- er, is open to the entire com- munity free of charge. See related review on Live in the Fiddler's House. E Detroit Gallery of Contemporary Crafts 1st Floor - Fisher Building xplore the specialty Shops of New Center Place and you'll discover the unique F rom award winning jewelery, hand-blown glass vases and exquisite artwork, to luxurious furs and fashions for every member of your family... Cultural Accents 1st Floor - Fisher Building e have what you need at New Center Place... great shopping in the center of everything! Facets of Todd Michael Jewelry Design Studio 1st Floor - Fisher Building lus... Crowle y's, Biz R Collections, Winkelman's. Gantos...more than 40 shops, restaurants, galleries, services and after-hours entertainment to serve you. HOURS Monday-Friday • 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Saturday • 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own bag.) yl When you go shopping remember to bring your own bag. You can do more than you think. For more ideas on reusing and reducing, call: 1-800-9WILDLIFE tett° &hitt today. Woe 'arbor tomorrow National Audubon Society - &EPA PARK FREE Two Hours Free Parking Beside Crowley's on Lothrop.