Obit:Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist (June 2008)

Subject: RE: Obit:Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist (June 2008)
From: GUEST,chrissie mcbride and mike mchale
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 07:03 PM

Five months later, and still, unfortunately, no closure on Michael's tragic death. We planted a conifer opposite Michael's window in Cavendish Rd. on his 40th birthday, and it's still fresh and green,even though the leaves have fallen from the other garden trees. We see it every day and, therefore,obviously, remember Michael every day.We hope that this, albeit, small, remembrance of Michael, will offer some comfort to his family, that here, where he spent time with his children,he will never be forgotten.

Subject: RE: Obit:Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist (June 2008)
From: GUEST,Hyeran
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 10:06 AM

The man who showed us how to dance with a big laugh!
What a shock on my way back to my country.
The sky was grey and I cried a lot.

I still can't believe this happened to Micheal...not fair,,

We had a beautiful human being once.



with peace

Hyeran

Subject: RE: Obit:Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist (June 20
From: Paul Burke
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 04:40 AM

I've been forwarding these tributes, and Ros has emailed me as follows:

Hi, we are aiming to put all the tributes on the Klezmer gourmets website eventually, this is what eva wants- can everything be forwarded to klezmergourmets at o2 dot co dot uk and/ or could you put this email on your page so people can be redirected to this email to leave a message.
Hope this is ok, many thanks.
Ros Hawley

Thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts and memories.

Subject: RE: Obit:Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist (June 2008)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 10:50 PM

So sad! Such a terrible inexplicable and irreplacable loss!It's shocking that it should happen to a man so gentle and kind,a man whose gifts far outweighed his good fortune. And it's particularly cruel that it should happen just when his personal professional luck began to turn. My heart goes out to his parents and to Ewa who brought him abrief but real happiness and especially to his children whom he genuinely loved and missed very much. Max - be proud of your father and remember him always!

Subject: RE: Obit:Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist (June 2008)
From: GUEST,his mother's "Scrabble" friend in Israel
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 09:58 AM

I never met him but downloaded some of his music which was great.Met his Mum last month in London and was shocked to receive the news of his tragic death.What a waste of a life..so sad. My condolences to all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Karen Whitby
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 02:59 AM

I still cannot believe it, even a week on!
How can anyone hurt someone who is harmless in every sense of the word?

I worked with Michael In Product Source for 6 years and for about 4 of them we spent the time bickering about stock and where it was??? He would answer the phone to me (even though he sat almost opposite) with "its on its way" or "I'm sendng you an email right now".
Michael would always ring me later in the day to say sorry if he felt there was any awkwardness and make sure we hadn't fallen out. Who could hold a grudge against you Michael? All you had to do was say one of your crazy sentences or start juggling with whatever was lying on your desk and it would bring a smile.

You will be sadly missed and my thoughts go out to all your family. Its sad to hear that you and your son were only just beginning a relationship. I'm sure they know that you had a picture of each of them on your desk and you spoke of them fondly all of the time.

I will be payng my respects today xxx
Rest In Peace Chaka xxx

Love Karen

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Gail Kilcoyne
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 05:17 AM

I worked with Michael for 6 years at Product Source. I am still in shock, I cant believe that he has gone in such a violent way. Michael was a lovely happy kind hearted man, never letting the bad things that he went through in life get him down. Michael you will be missed. Love Gail

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Jeff Flatters
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 03:17 AM

I have just read the news on the Fiddle Forum. So sad and a senseless waste of a great talent.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Vivien and Alan
Date: 09 Jun 08 - 06:38 PM

We had just returned from Cyprus when the news was broken to us that Michael had been murdered. He will be sadly missed at the Friday nights Badminton sessions. God Bless Eva.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Graham Clark
Date: 09 Jun 08 - 06:32 AM

Michael came to our first Fiddlers' Gathering in Buxton some years ago, and was an inspiration in his playing. I am very sad to hear of his killing. It was the only time I met him, but he made a great impression.

Graham Clark

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,The harris family Israel
Date: 07 Jun 08 - 08:39 AM

He was a distant relative and we send our deepest condolencesto Irene David Ann Jonathan and Liz.A shocking tragedy
The Harris family in Israel

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,William
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 06:05 AM

Michael brought joy, laughter and wonderful music to all who knew him..a terrible loss. He will be remembered for all the creative music he played and the time he gave to others
                                             William

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Giles Hastie
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 04:54 AM

I worked with Michael at 4imprint and Product Source. I don't think I can remember him not being cheerful and having a smile on his face. I know he didn't always have an easy life but he never seemed to let things get him down. He was a very talented man but didn't shout about it - with many people not even knowing of the great things he achieved in his life.

He inspired me to ride my bike to work and nearly got me to start playing the violin!

I am deeply saddened that he has gone before his time. He was a good and gentle man who put a lot of passion and energy into his life. My condolences to Eva and his children - my thoughts are with you and Michael. I don't beleive death is the end - he's in a better place.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Lisa Tetley and Dorothy Hutton
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 04:40 PM

I only met Michael twice. He was married to my sister. He struck me as a genuinely lovely man. I am so desperately sorry to hear of his death. It is so unfair that the good ones are taken too early. My thoughts are with all his family, his Mum, Dad and sister, Eva and his 3 children. Peace and love. Lisa.

My thoughts are with all Michael's family. He was a lovely man and I am so sorry for what has happened. Please take comfort in the fact that he was so well thought of. Dorothy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Dave & Jacqui O'Connell - Ireland
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 04:05 PM

Why can such a tragedy happen in our so called 'Modern' world. Our deepest condolences to all of Michael's family but especially to his loving wife Eva. Our prayers are with you. Dave & Jacqui.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,chrissie mcbride and mike mchale
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 03:14 PM

I live in Mike's old flat in Broughton Park, and Mike McHale lived next door to him here. He called for his mail a few times and stayed for a chat and a cup of tea.He also left me a lovely Indian rug, as a moving-in gift. Mike came across as a gentle, sensitive and caring person with a great sense of humour. We will be planting a tree in the garden here which he loved, tomorrow, on his 40th birthday. All our best regards and condolences to Eva and Mike's family. Rest in Peace, Mike. From Chrissie, Mike, Dave and Nic.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: irishenglish
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 12:23 PM

He sounded like a wonderful person. Very sad indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Alison Smout
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 12:15 PM

Me & Craig went to the scene today to place some flowers and a card, there were no other flowers or anything so we were unsure but we left them anyway!! Very very sad!!! I spoke to the police there who said the man just drove up in a car got out and stabbed him for no apparent reason!!!!! Just doesnt make sense???? Cannot understand how someone can do this to someone else.

Senseless, senseless!!!!!!!!

Feel so sad
Allie xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Pia Oliver
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 11:56 AM

Unbelievable. I bumped into Michael in Trafford Park only a few months ago having not seen him since college. His warmth, enthusiasm and friendliness undampened by the years. He proudly showed me pictures of his children and we exchanged notes on the last 20 years. Modestly he mentioned nothing of his undoubted success as a Klezmer violinist. I'd have loved to have heard him play..........deepest sympathies to his nearest and dearest.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Adrian Dobson
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 10:16 AM

We are all in a state of shock here at Michael's tragic death. Nothing can prepare us to cope with such random and extreme violence, and absolutely nothing can explain or excuse it. I fear that we are only beginning to appreciate the extent of our loss as the tragedy continues to unfold. Many of us musicians were inspired by Michael who was so generous with his talents, and we all valued his warmth, enthusiasm and creativity. I will miss him as a very kind and good friend, and I will remember him in my playing of klezmer for as long as I live.



I am so glad that Ros Hawley has given us the chance to meet this weekend to play klezmer together and dance in Platt Fields Park. It feels absolutely right that we remember Michael with the music and dance that he loved. We won't ever be able to fill the space that he has left, but we will be able form a circle of hugs with all our memories of Michael in the centre.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Diane Anderton
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 10:07 AM

I worked with Michael at Product Source/4imprint for several years and I have so many fond memories of him - particularly when I took him on his first buying trip to Hong Kong. We came across a busking Chinese violinst (playing very badly), Michael took the violin from him and played a stunning piece of music - the guy was in raptures. Soon a crowd gathered and started to throw money - at which point the Chinese man gathered the cash and pocketed the lot - Michael's face was a picture !   

Tragedies like this happen every day - you just never think it will happen to someone you know.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Haydn & Karen Hamlyn
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 09:38 AM

Both of us worked with Michael for many years at 4imprint and we were very sad to hear of his passing.

Our thoughts and wishes are with Eva and his family.

He will be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Vincent Slater
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 09:33 AM

Hi,

I wroked with Michael for all his time at 4imprint, and a gentler more loving man you couldn't hope to meet.

He will be missed.

Goodbye Michael, from the Vietnamese Pot bellied Pig - (I'll miss hearing that).

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Helen Brennan
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 09:32 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Jo Chapman
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 09:09 AM

I've know Michael for 9 years and this is a terribly tragedy. It really makes me wonder what the world is coming too, Michael was probably one of the most harmless people I know.

From everyone at 4imprint and Brand Addition, I would like to pass on our very sincere condolences to Eva, his children and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: Paul Burke
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 08:50 AM

I haven't got an address to contact him through, other than the Klezmer Gourmets websit above, but I'm sure Ros will be pleased to pass on any messages.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Leo Coleman, Whitefield, Manchester, formerl
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 08:22 AM

I am still very upset after hearing the news and words really fail me
although ididnt know him that well we use to get the bus into work on the odd mnornin gover the last couple years thaenhe got the bike in and i admired his qaulitys of think of the envirnoment hae he was a great believer of green issues, he was a great musician too love the violin, it was a shame he ddint see his children and his ex partner was nota nice person, his partner eva will misshim greatly idint know her that mych, only met her on the bus twice, i am angered that not enough was done. the looney bin that killed him should be out awat fro life. we do not know mych about what happened but its no pe proper cinsoloatioun to his familt to knw that this looney bin has been arested et etc

anayway he will be well reembered and hashem will keep his soul at eze and peace - Long life to all his family, long life
Leo Coleman.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Mark Bennett
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 07:16 AM

Worked with Michael for 4 years, a kind hearted man that will be sadly missed, truly awful news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Ian Joseph
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 07:47 PM

We only met Michael once, he played some music at our house for us to select for my daughters wedding this July - we were totally SHOCKED to hear about what happened - this is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with all his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,The Family Elliott
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 07:32 PM

On his 30th birthday Micheal didnt have a party, he came to our wedding instead. How may people would do that ? He was a wonderful man. Wish we had kept in touch over the past 6 years. Our love to Eva, we didnt know you but our thoughts are with you at this time. Love also to kim, Max and Fay, we will do what we can to help you through this.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Rebecca Gilliver
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 06:06 PM

I played in a trio with Mike at college - he was a truly lovely musician, although sometimes used to drive us slightly mad! I can't believe the news which I read in the Metro and my thoughts are with his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Fiona
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 05:41 PM

So sorry to hear: it was going to be his fortieth birthday party this Friday - like a nightmare.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 03:50 PM

Absolutely shocked.   Sat next to Michael when we were 16 at orchestras, and was my first boyfriend.

Very sad to hear such terrible news. Condolences to his family.

Shira

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 03:06 PM

I worked at 4imprint with Michael and he was such a lovely man.
Rest in Peace.

Tracey and Lee
xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Alison Smout
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 02:42 PM

I worked with Michael at Product Source for several years and am devastated to hear of this senseless loss, He will be sadly missed.Our Thoughts are with Eva, his children & family at this teribble terrible time.
God bless Michael you were such a lovely Man
Alison & Craig Smout
xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Vicky Robinson
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 01:12 PM

I was shocked to see the dreadful news this morning. I worked with Michael for a few years in Trafford Park and would like to offer my sincerest condolances to his family. He was a genuinely nice man. Sometimes the world can be a cruel place...

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Cliff & Sue
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 11:53 AM

We first met Michael whilst working in Trafford park, and remained close friends ever since. We are devastated by this sad news, and
our deepest sympathy goes out to his lovely wife Eva, and Michaels parents and children. He was a truly sensitive and gifted man...

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Helena Smith
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 11:24 AM

A gifted, talented and sincere man. A true Gentle Man. Rest in peace.

My thoughts go to Eva and Michael's family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,manohar singh maan
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 11:23 AM

i went to school with michael in finchley london ,
sat next too him at our desk
i`m still in shock to have read that he has been killed in an knife attack
he was a kind, gentle and gifted person
may he rest in peace
manohar singh maan
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 11:22 AM

I am deeply saddened & shocked of the news - I worked with Michael in Trafford Park for 5 years and kept in touch via e-mail.. can someone advise where I can pay my repsects

Adam Sweeney

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Kaz
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 11:16 AM

He was a wonderful and talented man, adored by his wife Eva,
You are in our thoughts and prayers Eva
love
Kaz & Glynn

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 10:25 AM

This is just so senseless and sad. Paul, thanks for the further info. If there is a fund for his family or anything set up, please let us know.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: Paul Burke
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 09:54 AM

Latest report and tributes from the Manchester Evening News. A man has been arrested and charged with murder.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 09:01 AM

I worked with Michael - he was such a lovely man.
RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 07:52 AM

Worked with Michael for many years. Genuinely nice man.

R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: Paul Burke
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 03:23 AM

Thanks for all that. I have received this mail from Adrian Dobson:

Ros Hawley was due to play with Michael at an outdoor event on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon in Platt Fields, a Manchester Park, so she's invited lots of klezmer musicians to come and join her there....She welcomes other musicians if you feel like coming along.

So those of you in the Manchester area who love Klezmer and hate violence, please feel free to go along to join in, or simply to listen and enjoy. I believe it is part of the "FEAST! Picnic by the Lake" festival:

Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th June 2008
"Two evenings and a lazy Sunday afternoon"
The annual mass picnic festival is back - bring your picnics, decorations, candles and watch, listen and enjoy a host of entertainment from around the world (music, circus, theatre, dance, games and activities)
FREE
all ages - all cultures - all weekend!

So bring your own refreshments, and drink to the memory of a great man and a great musician!

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: Stewart
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 12:34 AM

I just got back from the open mic where I did
my instrumental version of Papirosen on violin.
Much inferior to what Michael had done,
but with, I hope, much soul.
I just felt I had to do some Klezmer music.

Those YouTube videos and the few mp3 clips on the web
are all that I have heard of Michael,
and it is very sad that his great talent is now lost.
I wish I could hear more.
Are there any CDs available?

S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: Deckman
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 06:29 PM

What a shock. What a tragedy. Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 02:30 PM

Stewart, thanks for the video links.

What a terrible tragedy!

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: M.Ted
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:30 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7434358.stm

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: Stewart
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:17 PM

What a tragic loss.

I have just watched two videos
of his playing with Ros Hawley (clarinet)

Papirosen
and Mazeltov

soulful and happy, beautiful music, masterfully played.

Very sad.

S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: M.Ted
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:02 PM

What a terrible ending! He made wonderful music, and as evidenced by the sound samples at their website, had the rare gift of being able to play with both humor and passion--the world needs more like him--

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:00 PM

Dreadful! Such violent acts are becoming so common now that I don't remember hearing about this on the local news. I live in the North-west.

Subject: RE: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 12:17 PM

How sad. My condolences. Looks as though he was a great musician and person. I love Kelzmer music.

Subject: Obit: Michael Kahan, Klezmer violinist
From: Paul Burke
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 10:34 AM

I'm sorry to have to announce that Mike Kahan, of the Manchester (UK) based Klezmer group Klezmer Gourmets, was attacked in a Manchester street on Sunday morning, and died of his injuries.

He will be sadly missed.