Good vibes group explodes onto the scene in the North Country

Mazel Tov Cocktail Party is the latest dynamic project of two music artists, clarinetist David Krakauer and composer-pianist Kathleen Tagg. Created during the Covid-19 pandemic in response to the climate of fear, polarization and negativity pervading our daily lives, Mazel Tov Cocktail Party is a “good vibes explosion”― a special occasion during these uncertain times for all of us to come together to celebrate our common humanity.  The first two shows ever performed by this ensemble happened in the North Country.

Hear from the artists themselves, and enjoy a look at one of their North Country performances, at Weatherwatch Farm in Saranac.

Spearheaded by world-music performer David Krakauer and producer Kathleen Tagg, Mazel Tov Cocktail Party showcases an international crew of high caliber musicians. “Ebullient clarinet wizard” (Time Out NY) Krakauer is godfather to Tagg’s quirky keys and production, Iranian dynamo Martin Shamoonpour’s hand drumming, jazz guru Jerome Harris’s driving bass, rapper Sarah MK’s trenchant rhymes, and oud- and guitar-meister Yoshie Fruchter’s sinuous lines. In addition, Jeremy Flower and Selwa Abd (aka Bergsonist) produced beats to round out the sound for layering with the live performance.

Mazel Tov Cocktail Party
Photo by Laura Carbone

Curbside at Harborside

Mazel Tov Cocktail Party performed their first concert ever at the Harborside Stage in Plattsburgh. 

Curbside at Harborside is wrapping up its second year of shows with the following events at the Harborside Stage, both at 7:30pm.:

8/28  Palmer Street Coffeehouse presents Dan Berggren

9/4  The Too Tall String Band

Hill and Hollow Music

Mazel Tov Cocktail Party came to the North Country at the invitation of Angela Brown, as part of the Hill and Hollow Music summer season.

Hill and Hollow Music has more shows in the months ahead in Saranac, New York:

9/6  Cantrip  (Weatherwatch Farm)

10/3 Muller – Steigerwalt Duo  (Saranac United Methodist Church)

Mazel Tov Cocktail Party Music Video

Enjoy the North Country Square Dance music video.

Spotlight is made possible, in part, by the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for year-round residents of the Adirondack Park.  Spotlight is also supported by Hill and Hollow Music.