Atlanta Magazine named the the 4WAKO as one of the 67 things that every Atlantan must see/do. Somehow, Stone Mountain got listed as the number 1 thing, while we’re down the list at 41!
Either way, look for more shows to be announced here soon.
The 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra is an original Atlanta musical entity; a nine piece jazz orchestra playing original compositions and arrangements that combine West African influenced rhythms with Eastern European Klezmer melodies.
The 4th Ward A.K.O., led by trumpet player/composer Roger Ruzow, boasts a roster of veteran Atlanta talent which features Colin Bragg (guitar), Chris Case (keyboard), Jeff Crompton (clarinet, alto & baritone sax), Ben Davis (tenor sax & clarinet), Chip Epsten (violin), Eric Fontaine (tenor), Ben Gettys (bass), Keith Leslie (drums), Bill Nittler (clarinet, baritone sax), and Blake Williams (trombone). The A.K.O. ensemble contains former and current members of, Noot d’ Noot, Cadillac Jones, Gold Sparkle Band, Home of the Wildcats, Perkenjie Shift, Bazooka Ants, Samada Trio, Lie and Swell, Chilli Willie Blues Band, Twittering Machine, Standard Deviation, and Nu South Subterraneans.
Atlanta Magazine named the the 4WAKO as one of the 67 things that every Atlantan must see/do. Somehow, Stone Mountain got listed as the number 1 thing, while we’re down the list at 41!
Either way, look for more shows to be announced here soon.
Read Alexander Gelfand’s review of East Atlanta Passover Stomp in the February
edition of the online magazine Tablet .
4th Ward Afro Klezmer Orchestra will perform with several other ensembles at Eyedrum Saturday January 23 9:oo p.m..
The performance is a benefit for the wunderkind non-profit arts organization Wonderroot. The evening promises to be an
electric eclectic evening of new music and art.
The 4th Ward A.K.O. will be performing on December 20th at Eyedrum for a benefit for the East Atlanta Kids Club. The performances on this day are a celebration of the life of Mr. Thomas Peake. The benefit will also feature performances from Shaking Ray Levis, DQE, FLAP, San Augustin, Gold Sparkle Band and other great Atlanta ensembles. The event begins at 3:00 p.m. and will run until the music stops.
Thomas was a lover of great music and was instrumental in creating a place for many Atlanta artists to be heard. His work at WREK radio and his writing about music and various topics were a great contribution to the Atlanta cultural community. Thomas Peake was a fine gentleman and an all around exceptional person. His untimely death at the age of 39 shocked and saddened all of us who knew him. We are sorry that he left his family and friends so soon.
“… a work of singular brilliance, complete with ecstatic Holy-Rolling and the hypnotic howl of spiritual worship.” – Raul d’Gama Rose
You can read the entire review here.
The AJC published an interview and show preview back in October. It’s available to read online here.