Bravo! Bravo!

Wild applause and standing ovation at Chez V-Grrrl…

((hugs)) and holiday happiness to all of you!

By V-Grrrl on 12.20.06 5:25 am

Hey, we’re serving hot chocolate here at Chez V so stop by during the intermission. ; )

By V-Grrrl on 12.20.06 5:28 am

It’s beautiful, Neil. The whole production.

By Linda Freedman on 12.20.06 5:30 am

What? I thought it was tomorrow. Arrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

By NSC on 12.20.06 5:31 am

The line to the ladies room is kinda long–can we get some potty equity here…

By V-Grrrl on 12.20.06 5:40 am

Wow…this is great!

By Mr. Fabulous on 12.20.06 5:41 am

This is fabulous. What a celebration, Neil! I had tears in my eyes to hear Danny’s voice after such a long time. I also cried to hear Sophia singing in Hebrew! Beautiful.

By tamarika on 12.20.06 5:57 am

NSC — it isn’t too late! I’m still expecting some more…

By Neil on 12.20.06 6:02 am

How cool is this? Thanks Neil. Maybe if this innernet thing doesn’t catch on, you could make a fortune producing cross-cultural holiday extravaganzas?

Beautiful!!!!

By Becky on 12.20.06 6:43 am

[...] I was over at Neil’s this morning, celebrating Christmahanukwanzaakah with the submissions to his online holiday concert and going through the list of reader-submitted holiday songs and photos. I realized that I was doing something strange: I was selectively listening to the mp3s based on the name of the person that submitted them. Now, I know virtually nothing about any of these bloggers; for the most part I haven’t read their blogs, don’t remember any of their specific previous comments at Neil’s, and the overwhelmingly vast majority of them have never visited Tales to Astonish (which I will temporarily forgive them for). The first song I chose to listen to? Becky’s rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Why? Because I like the name “Becky.” Also the name “Rebecca,” which is most likely her full name. [...]

By The Retropolitan Presents: Tales to Astonish! on 12.20.06 6:52 am

And the Latke song? I have tears running down my face.

You are unbelieveable! Oy!

By Becky on 12.20.06 6:53 am

oh wow, that is an impressive line up.

neil, amazing job!!

By Sarah on 12.20.06 6:56 am

Really, I’m not taking over the Comments section–it’s an illusion.

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all these entries but I especially wanted to let Qatherinn know that her contribution is magical, inspiring, amazing. I’ve played it more than once…listening with my eyes closed.

Qatherinn, I clicked over to your site but can’t leave a comment there because I’m not a MySpace Grrrl. Drop me a note some time if you’re so inclined. Thanks!

By V-Grrrl on 12.20.06 7:18 am

Awesome job, Neil!

By psychotoddler on 12.20.06 7:28 am

Why didn’t you tell me we could submit photos? I can’t sing, but I can shoot.

I can’t wait to come back and listen to all you talented people…

By Megan on 12.20.06 7:35 am

Thank you Neil for putting this together! I’m so impressed; after hearing the music, I’m somewhat relieved I didn’t submit a performance myself! There is quite a lot of talent in your readership.

By Leezer on 12.20.06 7:36 am

Bravo! Damn, Neil, this was lots of work. And you probably think I’m whacked because I sent you the wrong photo! I thought I was sending a photo I took in San Juan, but you got a cutie-pie photo of my kidlings under the tree. Guess that works too!

Lucky I didn’t accidently sent you something totally random…

Happy holidays all!

By Edgy Mama on 12.20.06 7:43 am

This was absolutely delightful. I am so impressed by the talent of so many of the bloggers.

By Rhea on 12.20.06 7:47 am

“Best holiday show of the season! Multilingual, multinational, and dare I say it, multi-orgasmic!”

By pam on 12.20.06 8:12 am

This is the best holiday concert I’ve ever been to. Mostly because the performances are beautiful and some of them breathtaking, but partly because I got to go in my pajamas and with coffee in hand - those Lutherans who put on The Messiah expect you to wear sweaters with snowmen and bunnies. Ick. Way to ruin a good buzz.

Anyway, thank you for all your hard work. I can’t wait for the CD release.

By Scary Fairy on 12.20.06 8:14 am

[...] 3. Speaking of other wacky things on the internet, I’ll be “appearing” in Citizen of the Month’s First Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Holiday Concert tomorrow. You’ll have to check it out for youreslf to find out what song I’ll be performing and to enjoy all of the festivities. [...]

By the metafictional blues » One Is the Loneliest Number on 12.20.06 8:15 am

*giggling*
Your How to make Latkes song has me craving latkes now Neil! Welldone! And Bravo, of course!
Sophia’s was beautiful, truly. (It’s going to take me until Crhitmas to get through all of the wonderful selections you have here.)
And thank you for posting one of my christmas pics. Neil!
Happy Holidays, to you and yours.

3T

By 3rdtimesacharm( 3T ) on 12.20.06 8:16 am

You’ve done more to make the world a smaller, better, more joyful place with this one post, than anyone ever. Yay!

By lizardek on 12.20.06 8:25 am

[...] Happy festival of lights, people. For celebration, try Citizen of the Month’s Chrismahannukwanzaakah Concert. [...]

By Nerd’s Eye View » Blog Archive » On the fourth day of Hannukah on 12.20.06 8:35 am

[...] Neil at Citizen of the Month has been kind enough to host The 2006 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert.  Check it out here. [...]

By The 2006 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert « Leezer on 12.20.06 8:47 am

The only thing that could’ve made this better is if we’d all been in a room together. Still, I suppose there’s nothing all that freaky about a woman in her pajamas, alone, in front of her computer, grinning and applauding wildly. As cheesy as it sounds, to me this is what Christmas is all about. The holidays can be so stressful and chaotic and it’s easy to lose your way in it all. And yet, here is a group of virtual strangers, from all over the world, converging in one place to share a little piece of themselves (as nerve wracking as that is). You’ve done a good thing, Neil and I’m glad I got to be a part of it. Have a glorious holiday everyone. xoxoxoxoxo

By Non-Highlighted Heather on 12.20.06 8:47 am

awwww, Neil…it’s like you have brought the world together over latkes and jingle bells. You are true leader of peace and love. Your rendition of the latke song is like Jerry Seinfeld meets Disco.

By cruisin-mom on 12.20.06 8:56 am

Oh. My. God. That was SO cool. I want to make a CD of these selections so I can have it playing from now until New Year’s. I cannot believe the talent of these bloggers. I was as moved by the simple renditions of the holiday songs as I was impressed by the people who were able to include musical accompaniment. How great to hear the different voices and to see some of the folks on video. And yours and Sophia’s were perfection. I did mine from my car on La Brea Boulevard surrounded by Lubavitchers in full Chasidic getups who were staring at me like I was insane (at least I was singing a Hanukkah song and not one about the birth of Christ).

Neil, you are truly the George Bailey of the Blogosphere.

By Danny on 12.20.06 9:04 am

I’m taking advantage of the intermission to write a quick comment.

Awesome - I’m Awestruck. Moved to tears and joy. You’ve captured the real sense of The Holidays.

Opps. Lights a flashing gotta go listen some more.

By Michelle V - fost-adopt blogger on 12.20.06 9:05 am

I’m getting ready to enjoy the concert (already enjoyed the pictures). I’ve been enjoying the snow that fell yesterday and the snow that is falling right now. We are truely in a winter wonderland. Snow pictures are posted at my p(l)ace.
Happy Holidays to all and a big Thank You to Neil! You really are Citizen of the Year.

By psychomom on 12.20.06 9:15 am

neil- this is an awesome feat you pulled off. so merry and fun!

thank you for all your efforts. it’s great!

By ms. sizzle on 12.20.06 9:17 am

I loved the pictures. Wish I had known I, the blogger, didn’t have to be included in mine. I have tons of kids holiday pics. Next year.

This was a wonderful production. You’re aewsome, Neil.

By fringes on 12.20.06 9:29 am

I tip my hat to you, Neil. Bravo!

By Alison on 12.20.06 9:34 am

pretty impressive neil!

By Tim on 12.20.06 9:44 am

Thank you so much, Neil, for such a lovely, fun, and touching Holiday songfest. I loved your latke song (will have to burn it to a CD to play in the kitchen and use as a recipe if I ever try to make some), and Danny’s French on his song.

By Elisabeth on 12.20.06 9:52 am

Hoo boy, what an excellent way to spend time! Y’all are a talented lot!

Thanks Neil, for helping us celebrate together.

By tiff on 12.20.06 9:57 am

I’m back after listening and watching to everyone….and moved to tears. Thanks

By Michelle V - fost-adopt blogger on 12.20.06 10:01 am

Oh Holy Night is my all time favorite Christmas song, and Digital Father’s rendition brought tears to my eyes. Beautifully done…

By 3rdtimesacharm( 3T ) on 12.20.06 10:19 am

Bravo! This is absolutely wonderful and really shows the true meaning of holiday spirit. Thanks Neil.

By orieyenta on 12.20.06 10:24 am

[...] Come over and check out The First Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Holiday Concert at Citizen of the Month. I’m performing a piece, which you can hear OVER THERE (note the eagerness with which I send you there!) or, if you’re just THAT lazy, you can get it here. [...]

By Merry Christmahanukwanaakah! « Digital Father on 12.20.06 10:45 am

Neil, you are absolutely adorable, and you can make me latkes any time, but I would like to retract my offer to take you karaokeing.

By Postmodern Sass on 12.20.06 11:10 am

A superb effort in coordinating, advertising and producing such a wonderful concert and photo album, Neil. Thank you.

Now pat yourself on the back…you deserve it.

(if I figure out a way to record and send something, I might still send you a song for New Year’s.)

By Pearl on 12.20.06 11:41 am

It is all so awesome. I feel like such a slacker because I’ve been so crazy busy at work and at home this year, that I didn’t have time to contribute anything. I may get you a Christmas tree picture tonight when I get home. Is that too late?

By Churlita on 12.20.06 11:44 am

Neil! Excellent job of hosting this grand concert. I absolutely love your Latke Rap! I’ll be playing it while frying up latkes over a hot stove later today! Sophia’s “Hanukkah O Hanukkah” moved me…she has a very powerful and pleasing voice!

Go to this link to see our holiday card to all of you: http://ellenbloom.blogspot.com/2006/12/plush-holidays.html#links

By Ellen Bloom on 12.20.06 12:11 pm

Thank you Neil! This is the best thing ever!!

By paintergirl on 12.20.06 1:16 pm

Neil!! This is waaay too cool. Thanks for putting in all the hard work to entertain us. Take a bow my man.

By Joan on 12.20.06 2:09 pm

So, just in case Neil doesn’t get a chance to put my submission up (because it wasn’t even recorded until 5 hours ago, and then it took me 2 hours to… (oh, never mind), here is “Ocho Candelikas” and “Light a Candle” performed by my daughter’s 2nd-5th grade school choir!

http://jewesswithhorns.blogspot.com/

By Chana on 12.20.06 3:04 pm

Excellent! Great idea.

By The Purloined Letter on 12.20.06 3:27 pm

Bravo!! Your concert was the best!! Loved your Latkes song! It was so good I was almost tempted to make them!! Happy Holidays!!

By Javacurls on 12.20.06 3:39 pm

Way to rock out the holidays. I applaud you all.

By mariemm3 on 12.20.06 4:59 pm

Neil! I suck. I’m so sorry:( Do you want my reasons or are you just too disappointed in me to hear them?

By Scarlet on 12.20.06 7:20 pm

Scarlet - Of all people! I expect a private concert from you where I choose the songs. And it is going to be weird stuff, like the theme from “The A-Team.”

By Neil on 12.20.06 7:35 pm

This is pretty much the awesomest thing ever. And I’m not just saying that because I’m the poster girl.

By jamelah on 12.20.06 7:35 pm

Thanks everyone for their songs and photos. Our show has been extended another day so more people can hear and marvel at all of your talents. And people said bloggers only know how to “stare at their own navels.” Hah! This proves them wrong. They can stare at their own navels AND sing!

By Neil on 12.20.06 7:44 pm

Great Idea!! This was a blast…You are all amazingly talented!!!!

By elle on 12.20.06 7:52 pm

ABSOULUTELY FABULOUS!!! I’m saving this post to enjoy over and over again. You are a blessing Neil for bringing us all together!

By Two Roads on 12.20.06 9:49 pm

without having listened to a single song, this is by far, the best christmas party i’ve been to this year! you guys ROCK!

now i’ll go back and listen and enjoy.

thanks for the pics, too. i feel all warm and fuzzy.
:0)

By mckay on 12.20.06 10:08 pm

Marvelous Neil! Just love it all! Thank you for keeping me! Merry Xmas to you, Sophia and your Mama:-)

You just rock!

Fitèna

By Fitèna on 12.21.06 3:41 am

What fun! Loved my Danny Miller’s song. Great to hear him over the miles. Thanks, Neil, for quite a feat.
Love,
Elaine

By Elaine Soloway on 12.21.06 3:52 am

Neil,

Your concert was absolutely inspired. Excellent execution - and I organize concerts for a living. At least you didn’t have to deal with tech riders and making sure the right bottled water is in the dressing rooms.

I had hoped to contribute “In the Bleak Midwinter” - but I never technically got off the ground. I’ll start practicing now for next year.

Seriously - a wonderful concert, and BRAVO, STANDING O - to everyone who participated.

Happy Hanukkah Neil, and best wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year.

By MapleMama on 12.21.06 7:13 am

This is wonderful, Neil - truly. I wish I had known about it sooner so I could participate.

By Jessica on 12.21.06 7:35 am

I believe this can be considered a “success,” Neil!

By The Retropolitan on 12.21.06 8:02 am

Lovely, inspiring…oh heck, everyone’s already used the best adjectives. But truly, this was sensational. What an awesome thing to do. And, you put my cookies up there. (hehehee)
I can’t sing but I can bake.
♥Pam

By Pam on 12.21.06 10:55 am

[...] Listen to the first-ever blogger online holiday concert[...]

By Pop Candy - USATODAY.COM on 12.21.06 12:14 pm

Wow! Now I know how the Grinch felt when his heart grew three sizes. Thank you, Neil.

By Pants on 12.21.06 1:09 pm

Wow. Wow. Wow.

It finally feels like the holidays are here. I can’t thank you enough for organizing all of these generous - and BRAVE - souls!!

Merry and bright, babes!

By Jennifer on 12.21.06 7:19 pm

I’ve suffered from the holiday bah humbugs since many years of working retail. The awesome power of your talented performers transformed me into a holiday humming bug. I sang all day. Thanks!

By Caron on 12.21.06 7:54 pm

Wow! That’s the awesomest thing I’ve seen/heard in a while. Thanks.

By Ayelet on 12.21.06 10:31 pm

Wow!! USA Today?! That’s awesome, Neil. This blog thing may be a career after all. I am stoked about next year. I bought my microphone tonight in preparation…

By Mo on 12.21.06 11:03 pm

Amazing effort, beautifully managed. Neil, you are a blog star once again.

By Michele on 12.22.06 5:48 am

DAMN! What a concert! I am so impressed. This really made my day — fantastic!

By wordnerd on 12.22.06 6:22 am

By the way, Neil and Sarah…the colorized Santa is really fantastic.

By cruisin-mom on 12.22.06 9:11 am

[...] The 2006 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert [...]

By Tailrank [ The 2006 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert] on 12.22.06 12:25 pm

FABULOUS, Neil!
HAPPY HANUKKAH & MERRY CHRISTMAS, TOO!

By OldOldLady Of The Hills on 12.22.06 6:39 pm

Happy Hanukkah Neil and Sophia.

By 2nd Pearl Past the Post on 12.22.06 8:00 pm

Beautifully done, Neil. Happy Hanukkah!

By Crankster on 12.22.06 9:48 pm

[...] Three days later, the editors here at Time Magazine have decided that the Year of “You” has officially ended, due to an online blogger holiday concert that started out as a day for holiday cheer, but quickly denigrated into a night of chaos, violence, and protest. [...]

By Citizen of the Month » Message from Time Magazine on 12.23.06 11:07 am

[...] I left after my performance at the Christmahanukwaanzakah Concert, as I had other prior commitments. [...]

By After the Concert « Digital Father on 12.23.06 4:19 pm

Am I late??Ooops… I put some pics up for ya Neil…kinda like a cheap gift card…But it is the thought that counts…(sheepishly sneeks out)

By wendy on 12.23.06 11:35 pm

this was great fun!!! thanks!!

By AscenderRisesAbove on 12.26.06 10:10 pm

[...] Click over to Neil’s Citizen of the Month to follow the links to all the other contributors. [...]

By Christmahanukwanzaakah « This Journey on 12.31.06 6:41 pm

[...] In the spirit of sharing during this holiday season, I decided to participate in Neil’s Christmahanukwanzaakah Holiday Concert. A few things: 1) I haven’t played in like four years, 2) The damn thing hasn’t been tuned in five years, 3) I was only first chair of the clarinet section for like a year, 4) Playing an instrument is kind of like riding a bike, you never really forget how to make a really fucking awful noise that will blow your eardrums. Think bluegrass on crack. 5) Cell phone quality isn’t what it used to be. Or it’s probably better and I should get a new phone or perhaps not be playing my clarinet over the damn phone. [...]

By No Pasa Nada » Blog Archive » It’s the thought that counts on 02.21.07 5:46 pm

[...] His Christmahanukwanzaakah concert had a brief intermission Avoid cheap Torrance sushi, due to the unsanitary condition [...]

By An Ode to Neilochka on his Birthday « Roberta’s Voice on 03.07.07 4:48 am

[...] Original post by Neil [...]

By Music news and much more » The 2006 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert on 03.20.07 9:22 am

[...] The 2007 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert (can we make it even more fabulous than last year?!)  I’ll try to improve on last year’s lame Hanukkah “Latkes song.”  [...]

By Citizen of the Month » The Third Annual “Thank Your First Commenter Day” on 11.20.07 8:22 pm

[...] is now time to raise our voices in song again in this new holiday tradition.  Hanukkah songs about miracles.   Christmas songs about faith.  Winter songs about the beauty [...]

By Citizen of the Month » Announcing the 2007 Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert on 11.25.07 8:44 pm

[...] the memories! — The 2006 Christmahanukwanzaakah Holiday Concert Tags: Christmahanukwanzaakah, Christmas, Hanukkah, Holiday Concert, lifestyle [...]

By Citizen of the Month » The 2007 Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert on 12.10.07 4:21 pm