Jay Mankita is a masterful guitarist, singer, and songwriter who for the past 25 years has presented thousands of concerts throughout the Northeast.
The strength and clarity of his unique style of guitar playing provides a rich rhythmic ground for his dynamic and original melodies and lyrics.
He is as well known for his funny songs like 'From a Dog's Stance', 'Tracy At The Bat', and 'The Cliche Song' as he is for his more moving material - songs like 'Living Planet', 'Morning Face', and 'Bread Alone'.
His political songs such as 'They Lied', and 'Proud To Be A Socialist' have been internet hits and audience favorites, appealing to listeners on both sides of, and beyond, the aisle.
Jay says he sees himself as having one foot marching in the world of social change, one foot dancing in the realms of the spirit, and the third foot firmly planted in his mouth trying to keep him from getting into trouble!
Jay has shared the stage, opened for, performed with, and recorded with many artists, including: Pete Seeger, David Bromberg, Leon Russell, Tom Paxton, Ronnie Gilbert, Paul Winter, Magpie, Pat Humphries, Kim & Reggie Harris, Butch Morgan, Karen Mal, Mike Morris, Peter Siegel, and dozens of others.
Jay has been playing
guitar, composing, and performing his original songs since his college days in New York State. During this
time, he's also been an actor, photographer, environmental activist, swing
dancer, children's performer, playwright, and occasional world traveler. At this
moment, he is probably blogging at his computer, studying triad inversions on
one of his 5 guitars, or hiking in the woods.
He drives a touring van powered
by recycled vegetable oil, which he enjoys showing after every show. He has recorded 6 CDs, his favorite color is blue, and he is currently living in Western Massachusetts.
