Ian Finkel. son of Lamb Fyvush Finkle, is regarded as the World’s Greatest Xylophone Virtuoso. He has appeared and written for such stars as Michael Feinstein, Sid Caesar, Ginger Rogers, Tito Puente, Larry Gatlin, Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn to name just a few.
Mr. Finkel has covered much ground in the music world. He has appeared on all major television stations, recorded for most record labels and has had successful concert tours in Japan, Korea, Canada, Mexico, England, Norway, Puerto Rico and throughout the U.S.
Ian has collaborated with Philip Glass and has heard his works performed by numerous orchestras such as the American Symphony Orchestra and the Little Orchestra Society.
Ian has performed in and written for numerous television shows, films, and live performances including: Love Laffs (Lifetime) with Tern Gar, Martin Mull (Showtime), Jerry Lewis Telethon, Woody Allen’s Radio Days, Emo Phillips, Judy Tenuta, Taj Mahal hotel (Atlantic City), Michael Feinstein on Broadway, Sid Caesar Show at the Village Vanguard and Broadway, Second Avenue to Broadway, Fyvush Finkel Live, Read-a-thon w/Sesame Street Players, Rainbow Wars (nominated for Academy Award), Songs from the Neighborhood (Grammy Award), It’s Up To All Of Us, Sophie Tucker In Person (Director, Writer, Orchestrator), Addicted to Show Business (Director, Writer, Arranger), Nick at Nite Music of Vic Mizzy (Adams Family, Green Acres), IBM Industrials, CNN Cable News, Port Authority, hundreds of colleges across the US and Canada (Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Peabody, etc.) Condo tours of Florida, headliner on all cruise ship lines.
Ian is thrilled to have his novels, Three Is The Charm, Sex Stories My Wife Told Me, Transmutation Blues and Vaudeville 1922 published by Denise Notermans, More4Many.
A Q&A with Ian and Lamb Gary Shapiro
What do you like most about being in the arts?
Its acceptance of diversity and the fact that it’s the only place in the world a Xylophonist can make a living.
What kind of work do you do and what projects/shows are you presently working on?
I am a full-time xylophonist, performing all over the world, and I do a lot of writing (music, novels, plays etc.) Most recently I had a staged reading of my playThe Neverwuzez at The Lambs which went excellently.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. I was very fortunate in my youth to have met many upcoming great comedians via my father, Fyvush Finkel who was a member of The Lambs. Growing up in Brooklyn you experienced a rare individuality unlike anywhere else in the world. There were countless opportunities to excel in any field you chose. I told my father I wanted to be a doctor and he said, “You’ll be in showbusiness and like it.”
What was your first interest in the arts.
My first interest in the arts was in high school. I was in the band and though I hadn’t been playing very long, I was given the opportunity to perform in many forms of music. In those days we were given tickets to many different concerts and I was able to see a variety of great performers who influenced me.
What has been the most memorable experience in the arts?
When you are in music, you are very fortunate to find out that each and every time you play is a new wonderful experience and this good fortune continues through your entire career.
How did you learn about the Lambs?
My dad was a member and I went to The Lambs with him numerous times.
What are your hobbies or activities in your spare time?
Cigars.