Tumbalalaika Around the World: Chicago's Maxwell Street Klezmer Band

The Yiddish folk love song Tumbalalaika originated in Eastern Europe in the 19th century, but its exact origin is hard to pinpoint. That hasn't prevented it from being sung and played over and over, not only in places where Yiddish songs are sung, but just about everywhere in the world, in vocal and instrumental versions, in cabarets and in the movies.

Just as we have followed the songs Hava Nagila, Adon Olam, Hevenu Shalom Aleichem, and Abanibi as they took different forms as interpreted by a wide variety of singers, musicians, and dancers, we're continuing the series today that we started back in 2012, bringing you many interpretations of this universal courting and love song.

Today we're sharing a version of Tumbalalaika by Chicago's Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. Founded in 1983 by Lori Lippitz, it's named for Chicago's old Sunday morning Jewish marketplace. 

In the years since, Maxwell Street has become the Midwest's most popular klezmer band, touring seven times in Europe and performing throughout the U.S., including Carnegie Hall. Audiences of all backgrounds have been delighted by Maxwell Street's high-energy performances that glow with warmth and humor.

Enjoy!

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