The New Orleans Klezmer Allstars were formed in the early 1990s by clarinetist Rob Wagner, accordionist Glenn Hartman, saxophonist Ben Ellman, guitarist Jonathan Freilich and drummer Willie Green III. The band made their recorded debut with 1996’s MANICHALFWITZ, which introduced their blend of klezmer, early jazz, funk and often comic lyrics. Playing a blend of traditional Klezmer standards, often sung in Yiddish, with original material in the style, the group is known for its high energy performances.