The Adventurous Saxophonist

Max Schwimmer

Performer | Arranger | Educator

Sax Sounds for a New Yiddish World at KlezKolorado
Oct
24
11:00 AM11:00

Sax Sounds for a New Yiddish World at KlezKolorado

Max performs his solo project, Sax Sounds for a New Yiddish World, at Klezkolorado, a weekend-long celebration of Klezmer music, Yiddish culture, creativity, and Jewish community in the heart of Denver. The project is a set of klezmer and Eastern European folk music arranged for four saxophones using live looping to create multi-part arrangements in real-time. Max weaves traditional klezmer tunes as recorded by artists such as Harry Kandel, Paul Pincus, and German Goldenshteyn into multi-section compositions that augment the saxophone range and sound through electronic effects. Arrangements include other contemporary musical elements such as looped "hooks" and improvised solo sections. The result is a convergence of past and present sounds, creating sonic landscapes of a new Yiddish world. The project is funded by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture's Artists to Work grant program. 

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Solo Performance at Phoenix Artists to Work Showcase
Jan
28
6:00 PM18:00

Solo Performance at Phoenix Artists to Work Showcase

The City of Phoenix showcases the 2026 cohort of 10 grant-awarded artists at the S’edav Va’aki Museum. The Artists to Work grant program supports the creation and presentation of original, new or in-process artistic work by practicing Phoenix artists. Max will present selections from his project “Sax Sounds for a New Yiddish World”, in which he uses four saxophones and live looping / effects processing to create multi-part arrangements that blend past and present sounds of klezmer, saxophone, and electronic music.

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Little Chef Klezmer Band at Eastern European Folk Festival
May
16
7:00 PM19:00

Little Chef Klezmer Band at Eastern European Folk Festival

Little Chef plays for dancing at the second Phoenix Eastern European Folk Festival at 7:00pm. Starting at 12:00pm, enjoy dance and music workshops on Bulgarian, Serbian, Turkish, Polish, and other Balkan traditions, along with a special guest lecture and cultural exhibition. $30 admission. Learn more.

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JFUNK at Open Drom Sessions
Jan
14
7:00 PM19:00

JFUNK at Open Drom Sessions

Open Drom Sessions is a new monthly jam at Dark Side dedicated to the music and spirit of Klezmer, Balkan, Turkish, Flamenco, Bulgarian, and beyond—a celebration of music without borders.

Each session begins with a set from a house band, then the floor opens up for a community jam. Bring your instrument, your voice, your iPad—or just your ears. Come dance, sing, play, or simply listen. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about these traditions.

The event is 21+, so grab a beer, settle in, and join the circle. Bring your instrument, not your opinions—we’re here for the music and nothing else.

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JFUNK at Peoria Second Saturdays
Jan
10
4:00 PM16:00

JFUNK at Peoria Second Saturdays

  • 8301 West Washington Street Peoria, AZ, 85345 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Peoria’s 2nd Saturdays is a free, family-friendly music and art festival held on the second Saturday of each month from October 11 through April 11 in the heart of Downtown Peoria. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., the historic district comes alive with local art, live music, artisan vendors, hands-on activities, and community spirit. Come explore one of Arizona’s most creative monthly gatherings — and experience the best in local art, music, and artisan goods.

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Teaching at Yiddish New York
Dec
24
9:30 AM09:30

Teaching at Yiddish New York

  • Hebrew Union College - 526 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Max teaches a session on klezmer saxophone at Yiddish New York - one day only!

Practicing Safe Sax: Exploring the Saxophone's Role in Klezmer

Saxophonists of YNY, assemble! This session will provide a safe space for saxophonists of all levels to explore the different roles that the members of the saxophone family can play in klezmer ensembles, as well as opportunities and challenges in adapting klezmer clarinet techniques for saxophone. Through historical recording examples of iconic klezmer saxophonist Howie Leess and instructor demonstrations, participants will gain practical techniques and ideas for developing their own personal klezmer saxophone style. Come prepared to listen, discuss, and perhaps even experience a saxual awakening!

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The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas Concert at the Carolina Theater (NC)
Dec
18
7:30 PM19:30

The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas Concert at the Carolina Theater (NC)

Nathaniel Paul Hoff and Jillian Speece, joined by their full band, share their soaring harmonies, heartwarming stories, timeless Christmas classics and fan-favorite originals that capture the true spirit of the season. Hailed by People Magazine as “the hottest emerging music talent,” The Bergamot invites you to grab your loved ones to celebrate and kick the Christmas season off right! More info here.

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Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival 2025
Dec
4
to Dec 7

Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival 2025

The second edition of the Phoenix Yiddish Culture Festival showcases art, music, dance, and food through a series of workshops, discussions, and concerts. The centerpiece concert at Beth El Phoenix on December 7th features Philadelphia-based dance leader Miryam Coppersmith and the Little Chef Klezmer Band.

Festival programming engages Phoenix community members of all ages and backgrounds. The festival is made possible by a grant from the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.

More information here.

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Open Drom Session: Little Chef Klezmer Band
Nov
12
7:30 PM19:30

Open Drom Session: Little Chef Klezmer Band

Little Chef Klezmer Band performs at the first Open Drom Sessions event.

Open Drom Sessions is a new monthly jam at Dark Side dedicated to the music and spirit of Klezmer, Balkan, Turkish, Flamenco, Bulgarian, and beyond—a celebration of music without borders.

Each session begins with a set from a house band, then the floor opens up for a community jam. Bring your instrument, your voice, your iPad—or just your ears. Come dance, sing, play, or simply listen. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about these traditions.

The event is 21+, so grab a beer, settle in, and join the circle. Bring your instrument, not your opinions—we’re here for the music and nothing else.

Register here.

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