Magnolia's unique sound comes from the mingling of musicians with roots in a panorama of musical traditions: Klezmer, Balkan, Jazz, brass band, polka, and classical. The band continues to expand its repertoire with additions from Vaudeville, from the world of Russian/Roma cabaret music, and from E. European folkdances.

Now nearly 14 years old, MKB numbers 12 -15 regular members who perform in the 'industrial strength' concert band. Smaller subgroups, from 3 to 8 in number play for weddings, bar-bat mitzvahs, parties, benefits, and other celebrations. The newly formed Magnolia Klezmer Quartet plays regularly at the Irregardless Cafe in Raleigh and will soon expand to other local restaurants.

MKB has performed at prime regional venues in the Triangle/Triad area of NC including the well known club, Cats Cradle, the Duke University Performance series "Jazz on the Patio", the Carrboro Arts Center 30th anniversary and the WorldArts Festival, a Ciompi Quartet concert, Jewish Film Festivals, the Southern Institute for Contemporary Art, the Raleigh International Festival, the opening of the Peoples TV channel, Apple Chill, the Chapel Hill Museum, Weaver St. Market Jazz Brunch, Hillsborough "Last Fridays", Southern Village Green, senior centers and retirement centers, schools and festivals, and at various synagogues in NC for Simchas Tora, Hanukah and Israeli Independence day. In 2006 a group of Magnolias appeared on NPR's "The State of Things" and in 2007 the entire MKB appeared in a Pinecone "Music of the Carolinas" concert. This was recorded live and a CD "Trip to Amerika" is now available. (Click Listen for info.)

Magnolias with Frank Stasio on "The State of Things" - NPR 12/15/06

Praise for MKB from Kathy A. Silbiger, Former Executive Director of Duke Performances,
"I have presented The Magnolia Klezmer Band on two occasions as part of an outdoor summer series. They 'packed the house' each time, and had the audience singing along, even getting up to dance. Their performances of klezmer and gypsy music were punctuated with knowledgeable and clever comments about the music and its history, and the repartee between the performers made everyone feel part of the show."

And from Frank Heath, owner of Cats Cradle,
"Elliott, Great show! Let's do it again some time. I think everyone enjoyed themselves."

And from Sid Smith, former chair of the German Dept. at UNC,
"Sandy, congratulations to you and all the Band for that great performance on the lawn in Carrboro! I can't think of another Sunday that I enjoyed as much as this one! My IFD friend Lili Sznaidman and her husband joined me for the occasion, and they too found it really super. People in this area are really lucky that your group is treating us to such great klezmer music. Many thanks!"