By: Paula Slade
Chanukah, the Jewish “Festival of Light” begins this year at sundown on Friday, December 11, 2009, but you won’t have to wait that long to celebrate in song as “Mama Doni,” the lead singer and songwriter of the Mama Doni Band, gets ready to launch the musical group’s newest CD release, Chanukah Fever, Sunday, November 22 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York.
"Mama Doni,” also known in real life as Doni Zasloff Thomas, an attractive and energetic 21st century, New Jersey-based Jewish mother and preschool-teacher-turned-entertainer, will captivate kids and families with her fun-loving renditions of Chanukah songs for the museum’s concert and CD launch party.
Winners of the Simcha Award at the 2008 International Jewish Music Festival, Amsterdam, Mama Doni Band serves up a wide range of musical styles from reggae to rock with blends of Klezmer and even disco along with a few other genres mixed in.
Clever lyrics along with a bit of wacky shtick celebrate not only the holiday but a beloved heritage.
Highlights from Chanukah Fever include:
Chanukah Fever- a dancing disco number.
Latke Man – spunky-spud-tongue-twisting take off that jives on “one potato, two potato.”
Honey, This Ain't Money! - shades of Johnny Cash with a laugh-out loud twist as Mama Doni sings a tale of chocolate Chanukah gelt “ Honey this ain’t money this is something for your tummy.”
The Legend of Sour Cream vs. Applesauce -addresses the age-old dilemma – what to eat with your potato pancakes?
The Funky Gold Menorah – a definitive toe tapping, dance-encouraging song about the holiday’s enduring symbol.
Bubbie’s Mi Yimalel – a salute to talented Jewish grandmothers everywhere.
Eight - reflects the light of each Chanukah candle, and is a song about the gifts of love.
A Land Called Sufganiyot - a trip to a yummy land filled with jelly and donuts.
Dear Hanukah Harry - no letter to Santa here, with this amusing song about a mythical modern day giver-of-Chanukah gifts
Mac A. Bee - a little tongue-in-cheek history lesson about Judas Maccabeus.
I Say Chanukah (You Say Hanukah) – reggae inspired pronunciation guide to the best of Yiddish.
La Vida Dreidel - the life of a toy top before and after Chanukah.
Ma-oz Tzur Finale - an upbeat reinterpretation of the classic favorite “Rock of Ages” Chanukah song.
You can preview all Chanukah Fever songs and purchase the entire CD through Mama Doni’s website, CD Baby or individual tracks through itunes.
Chanukah Fever will also be available at venues during Mama Doni’s upcoming tour.
You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the following:
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