Jay Mankita is a masterful acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter, whose styles range from blues, bluegrass, and ballads, through ragtime, swing, and samba, and from old standards to quirky originals. His songs guide us on an authentic journey through the human condition, with honesty and compassion, and a healthy dose of humorous insight. Jay’s concerts are intimate and hopeful, always thought provoking, irreverently funny, and musically refreshing.
Jay has been playing guitar, composing, and performing his original songs for 25 years. During this time, he’s also been an actor, photographer, environmental activist, swing dancer, children’s performer, playwright, and occasional world traveler. He is currently studying the music, language, and culture of Brazil, and is planning to tour the country next year in a bio-diesel van.
Jay says songwriting is the interface between what he’s learned of the world, and the mysteries of the spirit. It’s a balancing act, and he likens it to having one foot marching for social justice, and one foot dancing in heaven, all the while trying to keep from putting either one of those feet in his mouth! Even so, songwriting is the best way he has found to help teach himself how to live, although he admits he’s a terrible student.