Apollo Sunshine, others play Hanukkah gigs

Above: The menschen of Apollo Sunshine

You don't need a Jew like this writer to tell you that Hanukkah gets thoroughly trampled upon when the holiday season rolls around. But could any competing holiday ever hope to survive the annual Christmas onslaught? From songs to light displays to department store tie-ins to television specials, the Christmas industry has mutated into some horrific juggernaut, from which there is no escape. You will be merry or you will be disposed with.

So maybe it's time for Hanukkah to make a small-scale comeback, as a less showy, more laidback indie holiday of sorts. Taglit-Birthright Israel and JDub Records seem to dig this mode of thinking, and will sponsor a series of concerts on Dec. 8 celebrating the famed Festival of Lights. It's called "The Eight," but strangely enough the series features six shows in the U.S. and four abroad. Something is not quite adding up there...

“This is the first worldwide event of its kind, with young Jews reclaiming old rituals like the menorah lighting and celebrating a Jewish holiday in their own way, in the places that they find community,” JDub founder Aaron Bisman said.

Hmm... maybe they could get Yo La Tengo on board for future concert series. They celebrate Hanukkah hardcore, you know.

Here are the six U.S. dates, with acts, time and place included. All shows go down Dec. 8, and tickets go on public sale Oct. 26 via GoEight.com, which also has more information on the artists involved.

New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall, 7 p.m.
Hadag Nachash
Budos Band
Soulico

Los Angeles, Calif. @ Echoplex, 8 p.m.
Balkan Beat Box
Dengue Fever

San Francisco, Calif. @ The Independent, 8:30 p.m.
Apollo Sunshine

Seattle, Wash. @ Crocodile Cafe, 8 p.m.
Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players
Golem

Boston, Mass. @ T.T. The Bears, 8:30 p.m.
Simple People
Mocean Worker
Wailing Wall

Washington, D.C. @ Sixth & I, 8 p.m.
The Leevees
Deleon
Local contest will determine opening band (ed: catchy name!)