Cliche Song (live)
Living Planet
Shadow
When Death Comes Calling
Mistakes
Jay is available for house concerts, coffee house performances, festivals, and theaters.
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!
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 deeper material - songs like 'Living Planet', 'Morning Face', and 'Bread Alone'.
"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
"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
"Mankita is the man! What an awesome song writer!!!..."
- Mike Hentrich, gortbusters.org
His topical songs such as 'They Lied' have been internet hits and audience favorites, appealing to listeners on both sides of and beyond the aisle.
Jay has shared the stage, opened for, performed with, and recorded with many well known artists, including: Pete Seeger, David Bromberg, Leon Russell, Tom Paxton, Paul Winter, and dozens of others.
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.
Jay took his first guitar lessons at age 9, and didn't pick it up again till college. His strange, double-jointed fingers couldn't play rock power chords all night long, so that Jay to develop an unusual playing style which opened the door to his own quirky style of songwriting.
Creating a balance between his children's music, and his songs for adults has been a challenge, but it has brought a playful air to his more serious songwriting, and serious musicianship to his work with kids.
"I'm not really one or the other, but if people want to put me into a box, make it a tardis or a tesseract, please."
