Go Simcha Podcast

Welcome to episode 28 of Gosimcha: The Podcast. we finally got the opportunity to sit down with one of Jewish music’s biggest star; Mordechai Shapiro! The Early Years Mordechai discusses his start in the music world. When he was 7 years old he was part of the Miami Boys Choir along side his older brother. Initially they didn’t want to take him, however his mother persisted and said ” You either take both of them or none of them”. Mordechai also discusses his love of music and his love for creating and teaching. His love for music as he describes comes from his family. We discuss how every member of his family is musically talented all the from his mother, an accomplished opera singer to his brothers. His Albums We discuss his albums. Mordechai talks with Zeesha about how he views albums very important to have and not just put out singles. Machar His recent album Machar which was widely received has a very popular music video to go along with the title track. Along with the albums, we discuss the music videos. The Future At the end of the show, Zeesha and Mordechai discuss what does the future hold for the star? Mordechai discusses a third album now in the works and gives little detail to it. Stay tuned to hear more about Mordechai Shapiro and his music. To purchase his albums, singles or sheet music, visit his website : https://mordechaishapiro.com/ For Bookings : https://mordechaishapiro.com/contact/ Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today KSCVK: Making every wedding special This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone. Make it a brighter day!

Sitting Down With Yosef ” Joey” Newcomb In this weeks episode, Zeesha sits down with singer and songwriter Yosef Newcomb. Yosef talks with us about his life, career, and music. In turn, we discuss how he got into music. Where his father bought a guitar and wanted to play but ended up in his hands. We also discuss his love for writing and how his hidden talent was unlocked. Giving Inspiration Yosef discusses with us how his music has been the source for inspiration to many going through hard times. He talks about the number of calls he gets on a regular basis. Yosef describes his music as a powerful tool in chizuk. ” The highest level of inspiration is when those few people have expressed to me what the songs have meant to them. “ “When someone told me how they listened to “Its Never Too Late” on Erev Yom Kippur, when he was feeling low and the words It’s Never Too Late gave him the Chizzuk he needed, or when someone told me how he felt such a warm sense of Ahavas Yisroel when listening to Bnei Hamelech, when he realized how no matter what kind of jew, and no matter how different you may look, we are all brothers, and we’re all Bnei Hamelech.” Latest Album We also discuss the latest album that just came out “To be a Yid“ To Be a Yid, the latest album from Joey Newcomb, presented by Doni Gross. You can find it wherever Jewish music is sold. If you would like to have Yosef Newcomb at your next simcha, call: 718) 570-7706 Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today KSCVK: Making every wedding special This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone. Oorah, is an organization that helps families and children in need.

In this weeks episode of Gosimcha: The Podcast, we sit down with award-winning composer and pianist Sarah Dukes. Sarah Dukes is not your typical Jewish musician. We discuss her love for music and how she discovered her own approach to it at an early age even composing her first song at the age of 8. More About Sarah Sarah Dukes started playing piano when she was six years old and composed her first song at the mere age of eight. Classically trained until she was 18, the North Carolina raised pianist increasingly turned to her music and songwriting as a way of expressing herself, and by the time Sarah finished high school, she had a stirring collection of original pieces that made up her debut album, “Finding Forever”, performed by world-renowned pianist, Yaron Gershovsky. Dukes was handpicked by Whisperings-Solo Piano Radio as one of their exclusively featured solo piano artists, and her richly nuanced songs have been featured in several popular documentaries produced by Jewish Educational Media, as well as streamed on various international channels including Enlightened Piano Radio, One World Music Radio, and Pandora. Sarah’s pieces have also been featured in the inflight entertainment package for a multiple airlines including Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and EgyptAir. Sarah recently released a new album of original piano solos, “Life Sometimes”, which has been selected a winner in the Global Music Awards and was honored with a Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Music in the New Age Solo Piano and Album categories. This album was ranked #17 on Zone Music Reporter’s “Top 100 Radio Airplay” chart, and was on the first round ballot for the 59th GRAMMY® Awards. Additionally, Dukes’ emotional composition, “Dancing in the Dark” has been selected as a finalist in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the World category of 2016. The most recent releases of her singles One: Orchestrated Version, and Raining Rockets introduced a new level of musical beauty to her already powerful collection of original compositions. Sarah’s compositions offer listeners soothing, melodic arrangements bursting with an emotional energy that is unmistakably straight from the heart. To learn more about Sarah Dukes and to listen to her music visit www.sarahdukesmusic.com Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today KSCVK: Making every wedding special This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone. Make it a brighter day!

We are now up to 25 episodes of GoSimcha: The Podcast. It’s pretty amazing at how far we have come. In this weeks episode, we sit down with Tali Yess. Tali is a singer/song writer/producer and son of the late great Moshe Yess Tali talks with us about how he got into music, and the influence his father had on him to take it to the next level. We also talk about how his father was one of the pioneers of Jewish music in today’s day and age. His most famous song ‘My Zaidy’ is know all across the world and is still sung today. Tali discusses how he did a recent cover on the piano. Tali talks about the deep meaning behind the song and how growing that was the trend with American Jewry. To download Tali’s latest album, visit his website here You can listen to more great episodes of our show on www.gosimcha.com About Moshe Yess Moshe Aaron (Morris Arthur) Yess (1945–January 8, 2011) O.B.M. was a world renowned Orthodox Jewish musician, composer and entertainer from Montreal, Canada. A member of the Chabad community in Montreal, Yess was a regular performer at Chabad House events and shows, together with international Jewish music festivals, Chabad Telethons and the annual A Time for Music concert. MUSICAL CAREER In the 1960s, Yess shared stages with David Crosby, Jefferson Airplane & The Association. As a solo performer he played Las Vegas, Reno, and other hot spots. In 1978 he moved from Hollywood, California to Jerusalem, Israel, where he enrolled in D’var Yerushalayim Yeshiva. There he met Rabbi Shalom Levine, who became his mentor in Halacha and his musical partner in Megama. They spoke about harnessing American-style music to communicate the beauty and values of Judaism. Thus was Megama (Hebrew for “direction”) born. HIT SONGS One of Yess’s biggest hit songs was “My Zaidy,” in which the speaker remembers his grandfather, who was his last link to Judaism. “My Zaidy” — “zaidy” is the Yiddish word for grandpa — touched several generations of American and Canadian Jews. Other hits by Megama included “Ain’t Gonna Work on Saturday” and “Not Ashamed,” and one of their successful children’s shows was called “Judeo Rodeo.” Yess collaborated with Abie Rotenberg to produce the children’s audio series called The Marvelous Midos Machine composed of three volumes, with all original material. In the 1990s, Yess started a rock band called Burnt Offering with the blessing of The Lubavitcher Rebbe. The band’s mission was to spread the message to the world to engage in acts of goodness and kindness. Yess retired from music in his later years when his health began to decline. Moshe Yess died of cancer on January 8, 2011, in Cottonwood, Arizona. He was 65 years old. You can learn more about Moshe Yess and his legacy by visiting www.mosheyess.ca Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today KSCVK: Making every wedding special This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone. Make it a brighter day!

Behind The Scenes With Eli Marcus Welcome back to Gosimcha: The Podcast, we are up to episode 24 and the second of the new year. In this weeks episode, Zeesha sits down with the one and only Eli Marcus! Eli Marcus sits down with us to talk about his families rich musical history. We speak about the jam sessions that used to take place in the family living room with brothers Bentzy and Shmuel of 8th day! Eli discusses his music, his love of drums and latest album due out in the coming weeks entitled ‘Yogati’ Tune in to hear the full episode on Zeh Radio, Itunes and of course Gosimcha.com More About Eli Born and raised in Long Beach, CA, Eli Marcus began singing at 3 years old. Growing up in a musical family, he has become one of the most sought-after Chassidic performers. With music in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew, he has gone on to perform on stages in 5 continents. Eli has released two albums: “Dovid Hamelech,” an original Jewish music album composed by the legendary, Yossi Green. And “Energy,” an Israeli-style album of Chassidic dance music, both of which showcase his soulful, energetic vocals with a timeless, authentic sound. Eli’s new album, “Yogati,” is due to be released in December 2018 and will include some of Eli’s most compelling and emotional compositions. Eli lives in Brooklyn with his wife Zisi and their three children. If you’d like to book Eli for your next event, you can contact him here Or you can call 646-470-0305 or email [email protected] Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today. This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone.

Behind The Scenes WIth Yosef Daniel In this weeks episode of Go Simcha: The Podcast, Zeesha sits down with an up and coming artist, Yosef Daniel Villarreal. Yosef tells us on Go Simcha, of his incredible journey from Corpus Christi, Texas all the way to the holy land of Israel. It was no easy journey for Yosef, as we learn of his spiritual journey coming closer to Hashem and Judaism and Simcha he got. Yosef talks about his time as a Christian rock musician and how that lead him to a higher calling both musically and spiritually. We talk about how many of Yosef’s songs have already become big hits in the United States topping the charts on The Jewish Entertainment Network We also learn and discuss the latest single that Yosef just put out entitled “13”. Why is it called “13”? Yosef explains the story and reasoning behind the track, He goes into explaining that it all comes down to the 13 attributes of mercy. Tune in to the show and hear the full episode. More about Yosef Daniel Yosef Daniel is a new face in the Jewish music world but not to music. Daniel’s has been playing guitar, writing songs, and recording music for over twenty years. Born in Mexico, a Texas native, he has traveled with bands performing music throughout the USA, Mexico, and Israel. So why is he a new face to the Jewish music world? His story started in a Judeo-Christian church call “Church of God- 7th Day.” As a child, he aspired to pursue a career in both music and clergy. As a teenager and young adult, he expanded his skills in music and trained with other clergy organizations in outreach. Yosef’s spiritual connection through music attached him to a truth-seeking path. Allowing him to grow as a musician and spiritual guide for others under his leadership. Even though he pursued his passion to serve his community as a righteous person, behind the scenes, there were serious challenges. Part of Yosef’s family on both parental and maternal sides, there was involvement with organized crime. As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, one of his childhood best friends got involved with the illegal drug trade at an early age as well. The school and neighborhood he lived in were gang infested. Yosef Daniel survived a drive-by shooting causing him to seek guidance from above for a better life. His search brought him to the truth in the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu, literally saving his life. Yosef made aliyah in the summer of 2010. He lives with his wife and five children in Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel. Tune in to hear all about it on Gosimcha.com Meet Our Sponsors *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Oorah Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world. Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication. Bringing joy and Simcha to everyone.

In this weeks episode, Zeesha sits down with Chassidic musician and producer, Chony Mileki. Chony discusses how he grew up in Australia with limited resources to learn music. We discusses how he taught himself multiple instruments even surprising his wife! He also talks about his previous works and his studio. We also discuss his latest album ‘The Great Farby’ We learn how every moment can become a farbrengen and what went into creating this Jewish masterpiece. Zeesha and Chony also discuss the power of a Jewish celebrity and how that role can really impact the people who follow you. The conversation switches to the ever-growing topic of buying Jewish CDs. We have been speaking about this topic with some of our previous guests and Chony weighs in. More About Chony Chony Milecki has performed at over 1500 events all around the world. His performances have taken him to over 40 states in the USA and tens of countries internationally. Chony was a finalist in the 2011 Yamaha USA FreeStyle Competition and has co-produced some of the biggest Jewish concerts in Brooklyn including the Hakhel-Mega-Event. To book Chony Mileki or if you’d like to purchase his latest cd, visit his website: www.thegreatfarby.com You can also find his music on Mostlymusic.com and www.niggunmusic.com If you’d like to list to more great episodes of Gosimcha: The Podcast, you can find them on www.gosimcha.com Meet Our Sponsor *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today.

Behind The Scenes With Yoni Z In this weeks episode, Zeesha sits down with singer, songwriter, and composer Yoni Z! We’ve been trying to get Yoni Z on the show for a while and this was a very special opportunity. Yoni Z talks with us about his early years growing up in Brooklyn and learning how to sing. He tells us how he was trained in classical music but made the shift to pop! We learn all about his music, and we speak on future projects. Yoni Z also tells us about his time as a Chazzan, learning the ropes from his father! We also discuss a topic that is very dear to Yoni, on the importance of buying Jewish records and supporting your favorite artists. More About The Artist Raised harmonizing in a family of musicians, singers, and cantors, Yoni Z has been breathing and living music since he was born. Despite his young age, Yoni has shaken the Jewish music industry with his ecstatic energy, soulful singing, all executed with the utmost finesse, and has performed concerts in countries all across the globe. In addition, he has earned the recognition of the finest producers and musicians in the industry and works with them closely at countless Simchas and events, making each appearance a memorable one. Aside from his voice and performance, what is unique about Yoni is his versatility. He has earned the reputation among his fans and critics as “the walking jukebox”. Descending from a blended Jewish heritage, Yoni Z entertains an assembly of all audiences; young and old, Hasidic or modern, religious and secular, Ashkenazi and Sephardic alike, capable of wowing his audience on all fronts. With his dynamic ora and sweet yet powerful voice, Yoni Z continues to conquer the Jewish music scene by storm – one show at a time. If you’d like to book Yoni Z for a show you can contact him at 917-270-5660 Yoni’s music is available on Itunes, as well as Niggun music and Mostly music. You can find all his albums wherever Jewish music is sold. To listen to more great episodes of Gosimcha: The Podcast, visit our site www.gosimcha.com Meet Our Sponsor *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today.

Behind The Scenes With Baruch Levine In this weeks episode, Zeesha finds himself sitting down with music legend Baruch Levine. Baruch tells us all about his start in Toronto and discusses his love of being a composer and writer. While he enjoys singing, we learn that his true passion is writing, We also discuss how he came to Waterbury and how studio W was born. You can catch the full video on Facebook and listen to the episode below! Baruch was raised in Toronto, Canada where he composed his first published song at the young age of 13. He has recently released his 6th solo Hebrew album with a variety of Hebrew and English compositions. Meet Baruch Levine As both the composer and singer of his signature V’zakeini song, Rabbi Baruch Levine has been said to have literally raised the “bar” of Jewish music. His best-selling albums reflect his diversity of talents as a composer, arranger, and great singer. It is no wonder that it is said about him “Baruch has proven that Jewish Music today can still be meaningful, heartfelt, and yet refreshingly interesting.” Baruch was raised in Toronto, Canada where he composed his first published song at the young age of 13. He has recently released his 4th solo Hebrew album with the hit song Ufaratzta and has also collaborated with Rabbi Yechiel Spero of Artscroll fame on the English “Touched by a Niggun” album as well. His audience spans the globe and Baruch have performed at world-class venues in the UK, France, Israel, USA, Africa, and Canada. In August 2012 Baruch performed at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey where he graced a crowd of ninety thousand plus at the at the 12th Siyum Hashas. He currently resides in Waterbury Connecticut along with his family and is a Rebbe at the Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury. Meet Our Sponsor *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today.

In this weeks episode, Zeesha sits down with world renowned mix master Ian Frietor. Ian shares his story and humble beginnings as wedding pianist in Israel, to mixing some of our favorite Jewish songs. Ian has been involved in the music since the late ’80s. He started his career as a keyboard player touring with bands in Europe. Ian also worked as a musical director and arranger in live bands. During the mid 90’s Ian moved to New York where opened his recording studio – arranging, producing, mixing and mastering. We discuss how he worked with up and coming artists as well as established talents such as Tatoo, 3LW, Trumaine Hawkins, Trey Lorenz, Mike Stern Band, Dennis Chambers and more. Ian produces and mixes a variety of musical styles ranging from rock to classical to dance, latin, pop, jazz and more. Join us as we literally go behind the scenes of the Jewish music world and learn just how our favorite songs are produced! *This weeks episode of Go Simcha The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gemach Keren Simchas Chossen V’Kallah Founded over 25 years ago and based in Brooklyn New York KSCVK helps widows, orphans, and people who are in dire need of marrying off a child. Working with their network of vendors, KSCVK ensures that every wedding is special. Run by world-renowned party planner Devorah Benjamin, KSCVK takes care that each wedding is as elegant as the next ensuring dignity. To donate and make somebodies wedding special, please visit www.kscvk.org today.