Golem!

This musical hybrid of traditional klezmer and punk is aptly named, depending on one's interpretation of Yiddish language and folklore, and how entertaining you may find a magical being made of clay who does your bidding. I'm thinking "ultimate Hanukkah present 2009," but that's me—you can keep your fakakta dreidel if you must. Reviewers from Rolling Stone, the New York Times, and the Village Voice take turns fluffing Golem! members—Annette Ezekiel (singer/accordionist), Aaron Diskin (singer/tambourine), Alicia Jo Rabins (violin), Curtis Hasselbring (trombone), Taylor Bergren-Chrisman (upright bass), and Tim Monaghan (drummer)—for combining traditional Jewish heritage with "more attitude." To the non-Jews who don't find that sentiment both screamingly funny and a little alarming, all I can say is expect wild, old-world virtuosic playing with a new-world beat you can dance to. Still not convinced? Nu? Visit www.GolemRocks.com and click on music for a link to selections on jdubrecords.
Sun., Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., 2008