The GOLDEN STATE KLEZMERS Band was founded by the Clarinetist Zinovy Goro in 1980 after his immigration from Russia (Kiev) to the USA.
Upon arrival to Los Angeles he immediately discovered a big demand for Klezmer music. Mr. Goro never played this kind of music before - it was forbidden in Russia, where he was a Principle Clarinetist of the Radio & Television Honored Symphony Orchestra for ten years. In America he was introduced to Klezmer music through the aid of recordings by Giora Feidman.

Amazed by Giora's style he put together a small group of four musicians - (Clarinet, Accordion, Guitar and Bass), who made their first appearance on May 10th, 1980 within the scope of the 2nd Annual Russian - Jewish Newcomers Festival which was a great success for the new group.

Since then GOLDEN STATE KLEZMERS participated in more than five hundred concerts. They introduced "Classical Klezmer" repertoire to younger listeners through innovative concerts which are designed to entertain and educate them at the same time. The programs also featured new works by regional composers who are writing with the specific forces of the GOLDEN STATE KLEZMERS in mind.

In 1986 Zinovy Goro was fortunate by opportunity to work with Giora Feidman in the production of "GHETTO" - (play by Israeli author Joshua Sobol) in the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. This role (Klezmer) was specially written for Mr. Feidman and, by working with the King of Klezmer himself and substituting for him, Mr. Goro has received the best possible education in the field of Klezmer music.

Now the full GOLDEN STATE KLEZMERS Band consists of eight instruments: Clarinet, Accordion, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Guitar (Banjo, Mandolin), Bass (Tuba) and Percussion. They have recorded music for motion pictures ("Name of the Game," "Family Plan,") first made-for-television movie, "A Call to Remember."

In 1997, the GOLDEN STATE KLEZMERS were selected to play in the musical production of "Schlemiel the First" in the Geffen Playhouse, Westwood, CA. In 1999 - production of "Kabbalah" in the LEX Theater, Hollywood, CA - WINNER of the LA WEEKLY'S THEATER AWARD for the BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC. In 2001 - production of "The Bride & the Brothel" in Gascon Theater, Culver City, CA. The GOLDEN STATE KLEZMERS are proud to be included to the National Jewish News list of "The Top 25 Klezmer Bands in the World."