The Joy Whisperer | Joanie Leeds Comes to Temple
Joanie Leeds was singing about heartbreak in nightclubs and bars in her early 20s, until a day job at the children’s play center Gymboree led to an epiphany.
“I was working with babies, 1-and 2-year-olds, and I saw how much joy they experienced through simple melodies and simple lyrics,” says the Grammy Award-winning musician and nationally recognized performer who’ll be Temple’s MAC artist-in-residence on Oct. 2-4. “To be able to write music as they’re being shaped and molded into the person they’re about to become is the joy of a lifetime for me.”
Joanie, who has written 12 children’s albums, including the Grammy-winning “All the Ladies,” will bring that special blend of playfulness, joy and love of Judaism to All-In Shabbat and a Simchat Torah family concert. In between her day job as a synagogue preschool music teacher and her performance gigs, Joanie shared her bubbly personality in a special sneak peek for Temple!
Musical inspiration: “Female rockers and female-led bands… Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Madonna, Joan Jett, Fiona Apple, and of course Taylor Swift. I was a Swiftie before anyone was a Swiftie. Watching women who played an acoustic guitar and rocked out on stage was really inspiring.”
Family heroes: “My bubbie is the most inspiring person I know. My latest album, ‘Ageless,’ was a gift for her 100th birthday. And my daughter, Joya, who just turned 11, has amazing rhythm. She inspires me every day. It’s wild to see how talented she is at such a young age.”
Favorite ‘song babies’ you’ve written: “‘What a Zoo’ is one of my oldest and best albums. All kids have a connection with nature and animals. ‘Happy as a Clam’ is one of the best, most creative songs I’ve written.”
“‘Meshugana’ is mostly about Jewish holidays. It’s a really great way to teach non-Jewish audiences about heritage in a way that’s really fun.
“‘All the Ladies,’ my Grammy-winning album, was a big moment in my career. It really connected with people. I collaborated with 20 women from around the country, including Lisa Loeb. To have accomplished that makes me feel very proud of myself.” And “Ageless” brings a personal, intergenerational element to Joanie’s repertoire. “The latest album honors my bubbie and our heritage. It’s about telling stories and not forgetting where we came from.”
Simchat Torah All-In Shabbat
Friday, October 2 | Nasher-Haemisegger Family Atrium and Online
5 p.m.: Chavayah, pre-service experience
6 p.m.: Service followed by congregational dinner
Enjoy a lively Shabbat and Simchat Torah service for all ages. Together with Joanie Leeds, we will unroll the entire Torah scroll, consecrate Temple’s new students, mark our 6th Grade Siddur Ceremony, and dance and sing with the Torah. Join us for an evening celebrating the sweetness of community and Torah! Register here.
Simchat Torah Family Concert
For families with children up to age 12
Saturday, October 3 | 4 p.m. | Nasher-Haemisegger Family Atrium
Hear music from Joanie Leeds’ Grammy-winning record “All the Ladies” and other award-winning children’s music in this joyful concert for families. Experience first-hand why Joanie is a sought-after children’s performer and entertainer. Come ready to sing, dance and have a great time! Register here.