A Musical Melting Pot: Dr. Hankus Netsky

About this episode

Dr. Hankus Netsky discusses his research and experiences with Klezmer music and its cultural significance.

Dr. Hankus Netsky has devoted his life to researching, documenting, and performing Klezmer music. It is traditional Jewish music with roots in Eastern Europe, introduced to the United States in the 20th century. Klezmer was a signature element of Yiddish theater in New York and Philadelphia and is a mainstay of many Jewish celebrations. Dr. Netsky talks about his own history as a kid in a predominantly black Philadelphia neighborhood, where he played in jazz and blues bands before beginning the search for his own musical roots. His book, Klezmer: Music and Community in 20th Century Jewish Philadelphia , is available on Amazon

People in this episode

Host: Tom Kranz

Guest: Dr. Hankus Netsky

Topics covered

• Klezmer music
• Jewish culture
• musical roots
• Yiddish theater
• Philadelphia music history

Keywords

• Klezmer
• Jewish music
• Eastern Europe
• Yiddish theater
• Philadelphia
• music history
• Dr. Hankus Netsky

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Klezmer: Music and Community in 20th Century Jewish Philadelphia

Places: Philadelphia, New York, Eastern Europe

More episodes of Type.Tune.Tint.

• Not Just Any Dog · June 2, 2026 · 34 min
• The Main Point Story: Legendary music venue reborn in new documentary · April 29, 2026 · 29 min
• The Healing Power of Music · April 23, 2026 · 36 min
• Workplace Bullies are Everywhere · April 12, 2026 · 35 min
• An Unwitting Feminist Coming of Age Story · March 30, 2026 · 28 min
• Imposter Syndrome with Mike Sealy · March 9, 2026 · 38 min