How quickly they grow: practically in the blink of an eye, the tiny newborn infant grows into a hulking man or woman; the adorable cub transforms into a fearsome lion, tiger or bear; the acorn sprouts into a mighty oak; and the tiny bunny rabbit becomes a slightly larger bunny rabbit. So it is with klezmer bands.

It seems like just yesterday that Yid Vicious, then a vivacious toddler of a band, put on the first of its annual Groundhog Day concerts at the venerable Mother Fool---s. That cold, cold night was aglow with youthful dreams and wild hopes for Yid Vicious--- future. With each successive year, we marveled at the young band's progress and marked each milestone: the first tooth, the first laugh, the first terkisher. And what an adorable band: tow-headed,
quick to laugh, with a winning, gap-toothed smile. Why, you just wanted to eat Yid Vicious up, it was so sweet!

But no more.

Yid Vicious is turning eleven years old, and nearing the end of its tween years. Already experiencing abrupt growth spurts and acting moody, Yid Vicious just saw that one film in health class, and knows that acne and bad teenage mustaches can---t be far behind. No doubt about it, this year---s Eleventh Anniversary Groundhog Day Blowoutstravaganza will be your last chance to see and hear a pre-pubescent Yid Vicious with its childhood innocence still intact. After this year it---ll be all shopping, boys, cell phones, cliques, bad music and god knows what else.

Plus, Yid Vicious plays klezmer, and klezmer music is good for you, as proven by many a scientist. And it's anniversary time, which means Yid Vicious will double its firepower, joined by extended family members including Anna Purnell (vocals/trumpet), Ariella Bohrod (keyboard), Bob Jacobson (trumpet), David Austin (trumpet), David Spies (tuba), David Kantor (clarinet), Jon Pollack (percussion), and Matt Appleby (guitar).