ABOUT KLEZMERIDIAN

Klez/ography

Looking for an exotic, transportive and uplifting experience? Immerse yourself in the warm and soulful sounds of Klezmeridian - a West Kootenay band that’s crossing musical meridians and combining the styles of Yiddish Klezmer folk music and contemporary folk - creating a uniquely diverse and vibrant listening experience. A treasure trove of talent, the 6 piece ensemble features Martine denBok (violin), Nicola Everton (clarinet), Bessie Wapp (accordion and vocals), Rob Fahie (bass), Graham Tracey (percussion) and Noel Fudge (guitar), all of whom are accomplished musicians in their own right in the genres of classical, jazz, rock, folk and world music. Bringing a moody and eclectic program, Klezmeridian will present some traditional tunes, but it’s most distinctive flavors are composed by the groups’ guitarist and talented composer, Noel Fudge, who enjoys merging traditional instrumentation and scales with his contemporary, accessible style. With superb skill and colorful personalities combined, Klezmeridian creates a fantastically fun vibe, sure to get you smiling, inside and out! 

Personal Biographies 

Martine denBok - Violin 

Martine denBok is a classically trained but versatile multi-instrumentalist with an eclectic and busy performance career. Primarily a violinist, her early performing years were enjoyed playing with Edmonton’s ‘StringBeans Quartet’, the ‘Opera Nuova Orchestra’ and Victoria’s ‘Die Mahler String Quartet’. In 2013, Martine pursued a full-time teaching opportunity in the West Kootenays, where she met her partner, Noel Fudge, also a musician and composer. Since then the two have formed the duo “Freya”, the alt-folk/rock band “Vanir”, and the Nelson based 6-piece band “Klezmeridian”. Martine can be seen performing with various Canadian orchestras and chamber groups, and is currently in her 5th season as Principal Second Violin with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. Aside from performing, Ms. denBok is the President of the Slocan Lake Arts Council, and maintains a busy teaching studio, but her most treasured time is spent being Mom to 3 blue-eyed boys, and a Goldendoodle named Maple. 

Nicola Everton - Clarinet 

Nicola Everton has made the Kootenays home after a career spanning over twenty years as a member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Currently, she appears regularly with the Okanagan Symphony. Her post secondary music studies began with a full scholarship to Arizona State University followed by a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. As an avid chamber musician and concert presenter, Nicola has been involved with the Kootenay Gallery concert series, is a founding member of Selkirk Pro-Musica in Nelson and is the coordinator for the Kootenay Chapter of the Health Arts Society, a professional concerts series for seniors in care. Nicola has served on the faculty of the Vancouver Academy of Music and has performed and taught at summer festivals in Sun Valley Idaho, at the University of British Columbia, in the Slocan Valley, at the Valhalla School of Fine Arts and in Smithers, at Orchestra North. 

Noel Fudge - Guitar 

Noel Fudge is a versatile contemporary composer and multi-instrumentalist. His studies began at Vancouver Community College, and he holds a BFA in composition from the Simon Fraser University. Noel is an avid composer, and his portfolio ranges from film scores to choral and orchestral works, to singersongwriter and instrumental music. His current projects include performing and composing with his duo 'Freya', and writing and arranging for studio recordings and local performance projects including 'Klezmeridian' and Art Joyce's 'Dead Crow'. Noel is the producer and recording engineer for his home studio, ‘Fudge Music Factory’ and is an admired and reputable guitar instructor of 25 years. 

Bessie Wapp - Accordian & Vocals 

Bessie Wapp is a musician, theatre artist, educator, and Nelson Cultural Ambassador (2015). Bessie studied at ECCAD, VCC and Selkirk, and became a core member of Vancouver’s Mortal Coil (stilt-dance theatre) and Zeellia (Eastern European folk music), with whom she toured extensively. Highlights include NYC’s Lincoln Centre, Washington DC’s Kennedy Centre, and Zagreb’s Croatia Danceweek. Based in Nelson since 2006, Bessie leads the Blue House Choir, plays with local music groups, performs and directs theatre productions, and teaches at Oxygen Art Centre. This season, in addition to performing with Klezmeridian, Bessie can be seen in White Rabbit Red Rabbit, On the Other Hand: two true musical tales of choice, Bill Lynch Trio, and Songs of Bertolt Brecht with Noemi Kiss. 

Rob Fahie - Double Bass 

Originally from Ottawa, Rob Fahie attended McGill University, completing his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. He then received a full scholarship to the University of Colorado to study a dual-concentration Master of Music degree (jazz and classical). During his career, he has performed at prestigious jazz clubs and premiere concert halls throughout the world including The Blue Note and Carnegie Hall. In 2013, Rob moved to Nelson and has succeeded in making a name for himself on the region’s vibrant music scene. 

Graham Tracey - Percussion 

Graham studied music at Middlebury College, VT, and The New School in New York City. He worked for over a decade in Manhattan as a session vocalist, multi instrumentalist, and composer for film & television. He toured extensively with The Trans Siberian Orchestra and New York’s infamous party band, The Niagaras, until moving to British Columbia in 2008. Currently, Graham operates High Lonesome Recording in Nelson, BC, and plays live with a variety of local acts. 

REVIEWS

“The compositions are delightful and moving, the arrangements fresh, and the performances impeccable. I was treated to a new kind of gypsy soul music” - Gary Wright 

“So fun to hear these accomplished and entertaining musicians at our school!” - Mary Defeo Career