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Weddings

About

Based in Skokie, Illinois, the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band is a group of wedding musicians specializing in Jewish folk music. Founded in 1983 by Lori Lippitz, they have played at over 800 weddings alongside performing all over Europe and the States, including at Carnegie Hall. This group’s high-energy shows are dependent on their experienced, hard-working members. Their experience ranges from holding a master’s degree in classical music from the Conservatory of Minsk to being a member of the Cantor’s Assembly. Across their 21 members, this highly-skilled band is committed to helping revive Midwest Jewish culture but is also comfortable playing rock and Motown music, among other genres.

Services Offered

Maxwell Street Klezmer Band can provide music for your ceremony and reception, as well as during cocktails. They can play solely traditional Jewish music, or simply include it as one element of their musical repertoire. Classical musicians like Debussy or Pachelbel can make an appearance for an elegant ceremony. For a vintage feel during cocktails, a jazz vocalist can accompany the band and sing hits like Beyond the Sea and Someone to Watch Over Me. The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band can also learn new songs on request if their existing selection is lacking a crucial piece. Any of their packages can be customized for tailor-made entertainment for your wedding.

Testimonial


"I cannot fully explain just how much the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band enhanced my wedding day. We had so many phenomenal vendors and elements of the wedding, but the thing that every person we talk to brings up is the band! From the lovely background they provided during cocktails/kabbalat panim, to the absolutely breathtakingly beautiful music provided at the ceremony, to the music at the reception, Maxwell Street was the absolute top caliber of music we could have imagined. I still cannot describe the beauty of Alex Koffman's violin processional without crying. And the variety of music at the party: music for a horah set that everyone is still talking about, Russian classics, the Beatles, and some of today's top pop hits- it is incredible that one band can offer so much, and do it all so beautifully. On top of all of this, the band's leader, Lori Lippitz, was instrumental in making sure the day went smoothly. She made sure that she knew exactly what I wanted ahead of time, so that the day of the wedding, everything was absolutely perfect. One friend said it to me best, "Allison, it was like each of those musicians set out that night to play their heart out for you! You could tell it wasn't just another gig for them, they showed love for you, and wanted to be sure you had the most perfect night. Maxwell Street Klezmer Band should be the obvious choice for any wedding!" - Alison Z., Bride

Dance Leading

From traditional Jewish wedding dances to easy communal dances that involve people of all ages, Maxwell Street jumps in to include your guests of all ages and backgrounds in the fun.

Wedding Packages

From a Four Star, Classic or Simple Elegance wedding packages, The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band has a variety of options available to select when planning the music for your wedding.

Our Repertoire is at this link: http://klezmerband.com/weddings/ourrepertoire.html. You simply choose individual song titles.

Read more testimonials here: http://klezmerband.com/weddings/weddingraves.html

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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the price?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Sample Performances
Sound/PA System
Travel Expenses

What is the price of your popular wedding package?

$6,950

Which of the following are included in the package?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Lighting
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Sound/PA System

Are you an agency or a band?

Band

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

7+

What genres of music does (do) your band(s) play?

Acoustic
Big Band
Blues
Caribbean
Classic Rock
Classical
Dance
Folk
International
Jazz
Latin
Motown
Oldies
Pop
R&B / Soul
Reggae
Rock
Strings
Swing

What music services do you provide?

Instrumentals
Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
MC
Reception Music
Music During Breaks
Rehearsal Dinner Music
Vocals
Liability Insurance
Willing to Travel

What items are available?

Lighting
Microphones
Sound/PA System
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Reviews of Maxwell Street Klezmer Band

5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
7 Reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
Wendy
Wendy L. Sent on 09/22/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful music and lots of fun!

I’ve used the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band for all 4 of my children’s bar/bat mitzvahs. They were wonderful. Easy to work with, accommodating and their music is fabulous. They really got the guests going! If my daughter were getting married in Chicago I would definitely use them again. Their traditional music is always meaningful and fun!
S
Scott G. Sent on 06/25/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Listen and Adds Lots of Creative Value

The folks and Maxwell were patient and helpful during the planning process for the wedding evening. At the wedding, their execution was spot on. The bonus was that in action, Maxwell Band added wonderful creative moments that were not expected. I highly recommend.
Susan
Susan L. Sent on 06/27/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Unforgettable wedding music!

From a very satisfied mother-of-the-bride: People are STILL talking about the band at Ellie & Jonathan's 2018 wedding. Maxwell St went from Klezmer to classical to show tunes to Latin to rock like multiple bands seamlessly rolled into one.
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Awards

7
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner

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