Trumpet player Susan Watts represents the youngest generation of an important klezmer dynasty that reaches back to the Jewish Ukraine of the 19th century, beginning with her great-grandfather, bandleader, composer, and cornet-player, Joseph Hoffman, who came to Philadelphia about 1904. The Hoffman family played for generations of Philadelphia-area Jewish weddings, and parties, and their music became part of a distinctly Philadelphia klezmer repertoire.
Together with her mother, klezmer drummer Elaine Hoffman Watts, Susan plays in a Philadelphia-based group, the Fabulous Shpielkehs. Susan Watts has recorded and performed with Hankus Netsky, Mikveh, Frank London's Klezmer All-Star Brass Band, and others.
Together with her mother, klezmer drummer Elaine Hoffman Watts, Susan plays in a Philadelphia-based group, the Fabulous Shpielkehs. Susan Watts has recorded and performed with Hankus Netsky, Mikveh, Frank London's Klezmer All-Star Brass Band, and others.