August 4, 2009 :

Yes, it's been a while since the last update.... things have been busy both on the performance front, as well as the "academic" (or "nerd") front.

I've just returned from Europe where I delivered a paper at an academic conference in London. I also journeyed to Germany for part of the Yiddish Summer Weimar programme, as well as Prague, where I recorded a couple of tracks for Eggnoise's upcoming album (look for it summer 2010).

KlezFactor will make our Toronto performance return this fall with a couple of new members. Tony McKnight will be joining the band on bass and Jaron Fox-Freeman will be playing violin with us. We're really fortunate to have both these guys, and they'll add a new dimension to the band. We're also very pleased to have cellist Erika Nielsen becoming a more integral part of the band for our gigs starting in October.

KF has a few new gigs just announced, including a return to The Rex in October (where we hope to be joined by Talat from New York). We're also very pleased to announce our 5-year anniversary show at the Trane Studio on December 4. This show also coincides with the week before Chanukah, and we might have some holiday festivities on hand!

Klezmachine has been getting great reviews. Check out the KF website for more information about that!

Upcoming: Zebrina has received a grant from the Ontario Arts Council to record our first album, so we'll be doing that in the fall. Stay tuned for more updates about those goings on. Also, KlezFactor will be in hibernation until the fall (with a couple of exceptions).

May 24, 2009: KlezFactor Trio - Walk with Israel Toronto
May 25, 2009: Klezmer trio - Baycrest Centre
June 1, 2009: Zebrina - Gate 403 - 9pm - pwyc
June 6, 2009: Studio Recital: RCM Students of Mike Anklewicz - Remenyi Room Telus Centre - 7pm
June 14, 2009: KlezFactor - Free Times Cafe, Toronto - $19.95/brunch
June 14, 2009: Mike Anklewicz Trio - private party - McMichael Collection, Kleinburg ON
June 28, 2009: Zebrina - Free Times Cafe, Toronto - $19.95/brunch
August 2, 2009: Zebrina - Free Times Cafe, Toronto - $19.95/brunch
August 9, 2009: Mike Anklewicz Trio - private party - Toronto
August 18, 2009: Zebrina - Trane Studio, Toronto - cover TBA
September 29, 2009: KlezFactor - Tranzac Club, Toronto - pay-what-you-can
October 21, 2009: KlezFactor - The Rex, Toronto - cover TBA
December 4, 2009: KlezFactor - Trane Studio, Toronto - cover $10

Mike is in the fourth year of a PhD in Musicology and Ethnomusicology at York University.
Mike is a level IV fastpitch softball umpire. In August of 2007, Mike umpired the ISC II Tournament of Champions for the third time, again being held in Kitchener and Cambridge, Ontario.
Mike is a faculty member at the Royal Conservatory of Music; and is also a Teaching Assistant for Music 2200 at York University. Students in that class can find important information HERE.