The 12 Days of Recess is a fun, participatory, non-religious concert of seasonal songs and stories from around here and around the world.

We celebrate the changing of the seasons, and the holiday spirit of peace, generosity, goodwill, and community.

This is a duo performance featuring beautiful harmonies by Jay Mankita and Katy Taylor, and includes not only guitar and voices, but mandolin, flute, recorder, and hurdy gurdy!

This is a dynamic and interactive experience that really gets kids participating with plenty of singing along and sign language for the kids to learn and do.

Our approach is non-religious. We focus instead on the 'holiday spirit', promoting peace, respect, kindness, and goodwill for all.

We include a few Christmas classics like 'Rudolph' and 'Jingle Bells'.

Songs like 'Shalom Chaverim' and 'This Little Light Of Mine' help to honor the holidays of Chanukah and Kwanzaa. 

'The 12 Days of Recess' is a humorous piece filled with funny sounds and hilarious hand movements. . .
"On the 1st day of recess my parents gave to me--the Partridge Family CD!. . ."

I thought the program was excellent. The children really enjoyed the audience participation. They seemed to be fascinated by the sign language. I also liked the fact that they did a great variety of songs.
- C. Gelzinis, 2nd grade, Southwest Elementary


Nice job! Lots of student participation and very upbeat! -Thomas Lyons, 3rd-5th grades, Alden Intermediate School


I thought it was excellent! - Anne Logan, 4th grade, PS 42


Excellent! I really enjoyed them -- they are true professionals and have great showmanship!! - Carolyn, 1st grade, Southwest Elementary


Wonderful! Entertaining, age appropriate, educational, never boring, and just the right length of time! - Pat Blarr, 5th grade, Alden Intermediate School


Wonderful! Great audience interaction, and they held the children's attention.
- Mrs. Vitale, 2nd grade, PS 42


Top Notch! Definitely kept the interest of the children. - P. Matey, 3rd grade, Southwest Elementary

Thank you, Jay! We enjoyed the show!
- Janice LoPresti, Asst. Principal, PS 42