The Philly Rhythm Kings combine American roots origins with acoustic swing and jazz in the Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli tradition. The combination of bluegrass, the blues, jazz, western swing and European gypsy swing makes the Philly Rhythm Kings a unique musical experience. The Philly Kings are Wanamaker Lewis on guitar and vocals, Larry Feldman on violin and mandolin and vocals , Alex Siniavski on balalaika and Ron Greenstein on Bass and vocals.
Ron Greenstein began his career playing bass for a local Philly band, then moved on to play with the legendary Tanner Brothers, Bucks County Grass, Skookil Express, and Borderline. He has toured Europe and the US with the Lewis Brothers, and currently plays bass for Grand Ole Opry performer Travis Wetzel as well as folk icons Tom Paxton and The Chad Mitchell Trio.
Balalaika and Gypsy guitar virtuoso Alex Siniavski is among the most sought-after balalaika players on the international scene.
Alex has become a genuine balalaika YouTube sensation. He has had over 250 thousand! (and counting) views on YouTube, placing him in the top ten most-viewed balalaika videos of ALL TIME and the top ten most-subscribed Russian folk musicians. Siniavski is the musical director of Barynya, widely acknowledged as the best Russian dance and music ensemble outside of Russia .
In March 2005 Alex Siniavski released a BALALAIKA TUTORIAL ON DVD providing an easy and effective way to learn all of the various balalaika techniques. He has also recently compiled the BALALAIKA FAKE BOOK, and a companion course of video lessons – an absolute must for every professional performer or a serious amateur player.
Alex Siniavski is a graduate of Mussorgsky College of Music and the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music. During his student years he was a leading member of the world acclaimed Andreev State Russian Orchestra in Leningrad (St. Petersburg, Russia).
He arrived in the United States of America in 1992. As a soloist and clinician he performs around the world, composes and arranges music for ensembles of Russian instruments, movies and TV shows. He has toured throughout the former Soviet Union, Europe, the United States and Africa, and appeared on television and radio in Russia and America.