Eat Like A Rainbow
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Eat Like A Rainbow

Westfield, Massachusetts, United States | INDIE | AFM

Westfield, Massachusetts, United States | INDIE | AFM
Band World Children's Music

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


""One of the half-dozen best songwriters today""

"Jay Mankita jumps up and down with a big grin on his face, playing incredible guitar, getting everyone laughing. Moments later, he's doing a dead serious song with no accompaniment. Come hear this guy, I think he's one of the half dozen best songwriters today." - Pete Seeger - Pete Seeger


"A Must Have CD"

A "Must Have" CD... Hurray! This CD is a must have for kids of all ages. My 3 year old has not let me take this CD out of the car. He tells everyone about how the "Junk Food Man" tries to get you, sings along with "Everybody Likes Fruits and Vegetables" (Bananananananana...)and has adopted a "New food Attitude!" (Last week he wanted me to buy guavas at the market!?! As a parent and a Music therapist, I give Jay a "Healthy" thumbs up! - Susan Warren, MT-BC - Susan Warren


"Registered Dietician"

This CD is the best! I am a Registered Dietitian and can't tell you how much I love this CD! It not only talks about healthy foods, and junk food, but sustainability and our environment. A must buy for anyone interested in a fun way to teach healthy value to our kids. Actually, I love the music so much I would listen to it, even if I didn't have a child. I have bought several copies for friends as well- a great, unique gift. - Stephanie Templeton, RD - Fan


"Cushman School"

“Absolutely fantastic! Jay’s concert totally engaged our children, and was parent friendly too! Great feedback from all who attended!
Nancy Farber, Director, Cushman School - Cushman


"4 H Family Nutrition"

“Thank you, Jay! This is just what I was looking for! I look forward to using your new CD in my preschool and elementary nutrition classes. Your messages are great, and lyrics are clear and simple enough so that I can teach them to the kids!”
Donna Ganson, 4H Family Nutrition Educator - 4H


"Foodplay Review"

"These food songs are the BEST
I've ever heard and a great way to
excite kids about healthy eating!"
Barbara Storper MS, RD,
Director, Foodplay - Foodplay


"A Consumate Folk Artist"

"A consumate folk artist who performs in a whimsical, versatile style for both children and adults; a good portion of his work is environmentally, or peace-and-justice based". 
- Whole Earth Review - Whole Earth Review


"What an Awesome Songwriter"

"Mankita is the man! What an awesome song writer!!!..." 
- Mike Hentrich - gortbusters.org - Gortbusters.org (now defunct)


"An Outstanding Performer"

"The blending, in fact, is what makes Mankita such an outstanding performer . . . Even within individual verses of the same song, Mankita will shift his voice from a Brombergian growl to a soft and mellow falsetto; pull his tempo from allegretto to a dramatic legato; from Windham Hillian wallpaper background to a snapping fret-slapping blues style. With his assortment of styles and voices, you never find your mind wandering." - Jeremy Bloom, Schenectady Daily Gazette - Schenectady Daily Gazette


"TIckles My Melodic Funny Bone"

"He tickles my melodic funny-bone."- Ralph Litwin, 'Horses Sing None of It - Horses Sing None of it


"A Musical Pied Piper"

"He's a musical pied piper; quick, nimble, and wonderfully crazy. He alternates complexity, simplicity, and hilarity, leading us to the most beautifully obvious conclusion; that we're all human, we're all in this together, and it's not so bad after all." - Margie Rosenkrantz, Director, The Eighth Step - The Eighth Step


"Jay's Songs are Thoughtful"

"Jay's songs are thoughtful, humorous, provocative, and engaging. He reveals a great deal of feeling for serious issues, seasons them with a bit of humor, and weaves his own unique style of guitar playing throughout. Treat your audience to some Jay Mankita!" 
- Kate Patton, Director, 
Globe Theater - Globe Theater


Discography

Eat Like A Rainbow
Putumayo Kids' Picnic Playground (first track)
From A Dog's Stance
Morning Face
The AMazing Time Travel Show
The Day The Library Went Wild

Photos

Bio

Jay Mankita is the writer and presenter of 'Eat Like A Rainbow'. He has recorded 6 albums, and presented concerts in over 1000 schools, libraries, and other venues for children and adults throughout the Northeast over the past 30 years.

Eat Like A Rainbow is a rocking, funky, danceable collection of quirky kids songs about healthy food and sustainable living. These songs promote fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and seeds - plant based foods from our farms and gardens.

During the concert, the lyrics are projected large on the screen, along with pictures on colorful slides. This encourages children to read and sing along, increasing participation, comprehension, and retention of the wellness values presented in the show.

CDs are sent before the show, so kids can learn the songs. We also send teacherÂ’s guides and resource sheets, as well as posters and press releases for publicity.

The Eat Like A Rainbow CD is a Parents' Choice Approved Award Winner. The title song, 'Eat Like A Rainbow' is also the first track on Putumayo World Music's international compilation, 'Picnic Playground'. The song 'Junk Food Man' is now featured on a Grammy nominated recording, 'Healthy Food For Thought'.

These songs were originally commissioned by the NY Coalition for Healthy School Food (NYCHSF), who asked Jay to write these songs and perform them for a pilot project in New York City Schools in conjunction with the NYC Board of Education, Department of School Foods. After 20 successful programs in NYC urban schools, the project was expanded to include the entire Northeast.

A healthy portion of the proceeds from the sale of these albums directly supports NYCHSF and their work to bring healthy food to our schools.

Band Members