Presenting the award, Ambassador Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis thanked Klezmatics for bringing their "great music and tremendous sound" to Hungary.
"I chose the Klezmatics for their distinguished service in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening of the friendship between the United States and Hungary through excellence in music," she said.
Klezmatics trumpeter Frank London reflected on the band?s past after receiving the award.
"The first time we came (to Hungary) was right after the Berlin Wall came down?.We were one of the first bands they brought in,? London said. "We were the only American band on the stage representing world music at the time," he added.
London said the band had collaborated with many Hungarian bands before, such as Nigun and Bela Agoston.
At the Sziget Festival, Klezmatics is collaborating with the Hungarian Gypsy band Besh o drom.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
