Gypsy Klezmorim Wows Crowd on March 15

Arkady Gips and his group of Gypsy Klezmorim wowed the crowd of more than 200 from the very moment the house lights dimmed in the Roth-Resler theater on March 15.

Striding into the theater from the lobby, Gips started the concert with a haunting melody, playing as he walked toward the stage, which was bedecked with colorful gypsy fabrics. Soon, he was joined on stage by Vadim Kolpakov, who matched the violin perfectly with his 7-string guitar.

The two were then joined by keyboardist Mikhail Popov and singer Lucy Smirnov. It wasn't long before toes were tapping and hands were clapping in time.

As if their entrance wasn't dramatic enough, Marina Kolpakov (Vadim's wife), entered center stage to perform a flamenco dance that was a show-stopper.

Later, Steven Fox and Neil Jacobs joined Gips for a jam session as the American Gypsy Trio - a jazz infused concoction of gypsy, klezmer and smoky, sultry jazz.

After intermission, Gips was joined once again by Smirnov, Popov, and Kolpakov, who proved to be as good a dancer as guitar player with a few sprightly jigs of his own. At one point, his wife joined him on stage for a smashing duet.

Gips had a few other surprises in store, as he was joined onstage by his son, Alex, on guitar and six-string guitarist Alex Gorodezky.

At the conclusion of the two hour performance, Gips and his troupe were rewarded with a well-deserved standing ovation, with many in the audience promising later to attend the next concert. May it be soon.