The Klezmatics have done it. On February 11th, they brought home the Grammy Award for 2007's Best Contemporary World Music Album.  

From the concert halls of Eastern Europe to the clubs of the East Village, their vibrant and distinctive music has been exciting audiences worldwide for over two decades. The music at its core is undoubtedly klezmer, described by the band as “steeped in Jewish spiritualism and Eastern European tradition.” But it is infused with so many different world sounds—not to mention a major flavor of social activism—that the final product, so truly original and refreshing, makes you wonder how so much goodness could possibly be crammed into each song.

Founded in 1986 in New York City, the Klezmatics have released six albums, performed in over 20 countries, and collaborated with musical superstars including Ben Folds, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and Israeli pop queen Chava Albertstein. They have topped the Billboard world music charts and have won awards and honors including a GLAMA (Gay and Lesbian American Music Award), a German Critics' Award, and of course most recently, the Grammy.  

The Klezmatics' award winning album “Wonder Wheel” (lyrics by the late Woody Guthrie) took Guthrie's unused, newfound lyrics and gave them musical life. Undoubtedly, the pairing was beshert (meant to be).

Each of the five members of the Klezmatics brings unique talent and experience to the group. On lead vocals, accordion, guitar, and piano is Lorin Sklamberg. An experienced composer, Sklamberg travels all over the world to share his musical knowledge and currently works as the Sound Archivist for the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

Lisa Gutkin lends her voice and violin playing to the group. Gutkin is a founding member of the Celtic group Whirligig, has composed scores for television shows including Sex and the City, and often is guest-featured by the Demolition String Band.

Matt Darriau's talents include playing the clarinet, saxophone, and kaval, a Turkish pipe-like wind instrument. Darriau also plays with his Balkan rhythm quartet, Paradox Trio, and his avant-swing band, Ballin' The Jack.

On trumpet and keyboards is Frank London. London's group Klezmar Brass Allstars just won a German Grammy. London stays busy singing cantorial music, serving as an artist-in-residence in Krems, Austria, and composing for various theater productions.

Last, but not least, is Paul Morrissett on bass and tsimbl (or cimbalom). A skilled player of all instruments Eastern European, including the hardanger fiddle, violin, nyckelharpa, gadulka, baritone horn, accordion and tamburitza, Morrisett has served on the staff of several renowned music camps.

On Grammy night, the magic of “Wonder Wheel” shined, beating out famed artists including Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Ali Farka Toure in the Best Contemporary World Music Album category. But the Klezmatics are something more than world musicians, aren't they? They represent the beautiful and colorful musical tradition of the Jewish people.

And they are not alone. So many Jewish artists have embodied all that is Jewish music in so many diverse genres. What about guitar luminary David Broza? What about rap star Subliminal or Chasidic reggae sensation Matisyahu? How about innovative and original Idan Raichel? Clever and catchy Hadag Nachash?

It seems unfair that an awards ceremony that has so many Christian-themed categories (including six alone for Gospel music) doesn't have one Jewish music award.

Four years ago, JVibe decided to do something about this by starting an online petition to the academy to create a Jewish Grammy category (sign it here—we've got over 1,000 names so far: http://www.petitiononline.com/jvibegrm/petition.html).

And don't think that it's impossible—every effort helps. Go sign the petition or write directly to the academy at losangeles@grammy.com. The Hawaiian music industry lobbied for 15 years to get their well deserved Hawaiian Music award added to the Grammys. We can do it too!

To learn more about JVibe's Grammy Shmear Campaign and how you can help, email campaign head Jim Ball, at balldiamant@comcast.net.

Liz Imber is JVibe's editorial intern and is a student at Brandeis University studying Near East & Judaic Studies and Sociology. In her spare time she loves reading crime thrillers, laughing with her friends, and singing good songs.