Craig Taubman

Craig Taubman
Background information
Birth name	Craig Reid Taubman
Also known as	CT, Tubster, Master, Boss
Born	1958
Origin	Tennessee
Genres	Jewish, Singer/Songwriter, Inspirational, Instrumental, Childrens,
Occupations	Composer, Musician, Producer, Event Producer, Visionary, Inspirational Figure
Instruments	Piano, Guitar,
Years active	1973-present
Labels	Craig 'N Co., Sweet Louise
Website	Craig 'N Co. & Craig's Facebook & Craig's Twitter
Notable instruments
Guitar

Craig Reid Taubman (born April 3, 1958) is an American singer/songwriter and music producer based in Los Angeles, California. Through his independent label/production office, Craig 'N Company, he has produced 11 albums. He is also the executive producer of the Celebrate Series, 12 Jewish-themed compilation albums with titles like Celebrate Hip Hop and Celebrate Passover.

Taubman's career initially launched with his popularity as a children's recording artist in the early 1990s, during which he was prominently seen on the Disney Channel performing songs like "You Need a Haircut, You Really Need a Haircut" and concerts like "Rock'n Toontown" at Disneyland. In recent years, he has branched out into recording and performing more adult-oriented music, most of it Jewish in nature, although he continues to record and perform for children.

Through Craig 'N Co., Taubman regularly produces and performs at concert events across the country, most notably his regular Friday Night Live Shabbat evening services at Sinai Temple (Los Angeles, California), and the recent Let My People Sing Passover Festival. He has also begun to work with the Big Jewish Tent and the events that they put together at the Shalom Institute in Malibu, California.

Biography

Early Life

Craig first began performing at the age of 15 when he was encouraged by a counselor at Camp Ramah in Ojai, California to take hold of a guitar and lead services. Raised in Los Angeles in a Conservative Jewish family; his interest in music becamse interwoven with his passion for Jewish history and culture.

Current Work

Still traveling the world performing and recording, Craig has started to branch out in numerous directions and is currently working as an independing event consultant and producer, which allows him to spread his wisdom and knowledge he had gathered over the many years during his time in the performance industry. Craig is still enjoying a successful career performing, as well as in television and film composing.

Big Jewish Tent

Craig Taubman works with the wonderful people at the Shalom Institute to make wonderful events that connect and build community. In short, they’re happenings; big in size and big in heart. If you love great music, fine food, a community atmosphere, fun and adventure, we’ve got an event for you. Explore who you are, while renewing your passion for life, love and all things in between. It’s a big tent and there’s always room for you!

• SPAvuot: A Shavuot Garden Party - May 20, 2012 [1]

• Tu B'Shvat Nature Fest - January 29, 2012 [2]

• Jewish County Fair - October 16, 2012 [3]

Jewels of Elul

There is a great Jewish tradition to dedicate the 29 days in the month of Elul to study and prepare for the coming high holy days. The time is supposed to challenge us to use each day as an opportunity for growth and discovery.

While conceptually the notion is noble, it was clear that acting on it was a bit more challenging. Enter... Jewels of Elul. For the past six years, Craig Taubman has collected short stories, anecdotes and intropsections from some fascinating people.

He has collected these Jewels of Elul, from an eclectic group of people including President Barack Obama, Eli Winkelman, Desmond Tutu, the Dali Lama, Sarah Lefton, Eli Wiesel, Deepak Chopra, Pastor Rick Warren Kirk Douglas, Rev. Ed Bacon, Rabbi David Wolpe, Ruth Messinger, Jeffrey Katzenberg and over 100 other inspired voices... well known and not so well known.

Social Media

Like all musicians, Craig had to find a way to connect with his fans that went beyond the venue. Unfortunately, Craig was a little behind the curve and he didn't start a Fan Page on Facebook until March 31st, 2011. In all honesty, Craig had been working on Facebook for many years and had actually met the maximum number of friends one could have as a 'regular' facebook profile and was forced to move over for his expanding fan base.

• http://www.facebook.com/craig.taubman
• https://twitter.com/#!/CraigTaubman

Musical and Songwriting Style

Craig's songs bridge traditional Jewish themes and ancient teachings with passages and experiences of contemporary Jewish life. He speaks a language that is both comfortable and acceptable to children and adults. His Jewish recordings are an integral part of the community, weaving song and spirit into the fabric of Jewish life. Craig’s two most recent recordings Friday Night Live and One Shabbat Morning have helped to reinvigorate Shabbat services in Los Angeles and across the nation. Craig is also the producer of the popular Celebrate Series a compilation CD project which collects some of the best Jewish music available on special theme-oriented recordings.

Discography

Solo Albums

• How Good - 2010
• Holy Ground - 2009
• Inscribed - 2005
• One Shabbat Morning - 2002
• The Best ofthe Rest - 2001
• Friday Night Live - 1999
• Kol Tikvah - 1997
• My Newish Jewish Discovery - 1997
• Imaginit - 1996
• Voice of the Spirit - 1996
• My Jewish Discovery - 1995
• Heaven and Earth - 1993
• Rock 'N Toontown - 1993
• Rockin' Together - 1992
• Journey - 1991
• Craig 'N Company - 1989
• Encore - 1989
• Pennies for Your Thoughts - 1988
• Yad B'Yad: Together - 1988
• Karen and Craig Makin' Music - 1987
• Rhythm and Rhyme - 1986
• Yad B'Yad: Hand 'N Hand - 1986
• Moment to Moment - 1985
• Beginnings - 1982
• We Were as Dreamers - 1981
• Zany Brainy

Compilations

• Meditations of my Heart - 2009
• Sweet Sounds and the Days of Awe
• Lights: Celebrated Hanukkah Live In Concert - 2008
• Classic Animal Songs - 2006
• Classic Dance Songs - 2006
• Classic Lullabies - 2006
• American Jewish Summer - 2005
• The World Is a Narrow Bridge - 2004
• Totally Zany - 2001

Compilations Produced

• My World by Alberto Mizrahi - 2009
• Marshmallow Peeps: Sing Along - 2001

Lounge Series

• The Shabbat Lounge - 2006
• The Passover Lounge - 2006
• The Hanukkah Lounge - 2005

Celebrate Series

• Celebrate Jewish Lullabies: Volume 1 - 2011
• Celebrate Jewish Love Songs - 2009
• My Very First Jewish Celebrate CD: Volume 1 - 2009
• Best of the Celebrate Series - 2006
• Celebrate Hip Hop - 2004
• Celebrate Klezmer - 2004
• Celebrate Yiddish - 2004
• Celebrate Peace - 2003
• Celebrate America - 2002
• Celebrate Kids - 2001
• Celebrate Friends - 2000
• Celebrate Passover - 2000
• Celebrate Shabbat - 2000
• Celebrate Hanukkah - 1999

Themes and Scoring

• “Original Music” Steve Harvey Show WB Network, 2000
• “In Your Arms” Original song for Warner Brothers Animated Film, 2000
• “Charley Horse Pizza”, Original Songs for the Shari Lewis Series, PBS 1998
• “Row Row Row” BMW Television Commerical, 1998
• “Right Connections”, Showtine Original Film, 1997
• “Imaginit”, Original music for computer animation video, Miramar/BMG, 1997
• “Happily Ever After”, Original music for animated series, HBO, 1997
• “We Make Children Smile”, Mattel Jingle with Foote, Cone and Belding, 1997
• “It’s Magic”, Original song for 1996 Olympics Pavilion, Coca Cola, 1996
• “I Can Do It”, Original song for Mickey’s Sports Album, Walt Disney Records, 1996
• “Pinochhio”, Original song for Summer 1996 feature film release, New Line Cinema
• “Rimba’s Island”, Original songs for for ’95 – ’96 seasons, Fox Television Network
• “Andre”, Original song for 1995 feature film, Paramount Pictures
• “You’re a Carnivore”, 1995 television and radio advertising campaign, Carl’s Jr.
• “Hollywood Hounds Christmas”, Original songs for syndicated television special
• “Recycle Rex”, Original songs and music, Dept. of Conservation/Disney Educational
• “Gibson Kids”, Original children’s complication, Gibson Guitars
• “Street Safe, Street Smart”, Original songs and music, Disney Educational Film Series
• “Halloween Surprises”, Original songs and music, Disney Video
• “Kid Songs”, Original songs and music, Disney Video
• “Fairfax Mural Project Video”, Original music, City of Los Angeles
• “KRMH”, Original Theme, Boston Radio
• “Brotherhood”, Original Song, National Conference of Christians and Jews
• “NCI”, Television radio advertising campaign, National Campgrounds, Inc.

Television, Internet and Radio

• In The Living Room Series, 2012
• PBS Hanukkah Special with special guests, 2008
• PBS Hanukkah Special with Fran Drescher, 2003
• Easter Seal Telethon with special guest appearances, 1996/7
• Kaleidoscope Concert – Live Children’s Concert Special, The Disney Channel
• Rock ‘n Toontown – Live Children’s Concert Special, The Disney Channel
• For Our Children with special guest appearances on concert special
• XUXA with special guest appearance
• C.H.I.M.E. Festival with special guest appearance on Live Concert Special
• Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon with special guest appearance
• Recycle Rex – Public Service Announcement, syndicated television
• Press Appearances – Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, E! Channel, CNN Showbiz Today, The Home Show, Entertainment Report, Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel, RADIO AAHS and Radio Disney

Live Performances

Craig has performed in concerts in 42 states and 11 countries. In one year alone, Craig performed over 100 concerts for more than 200,000 children and their families. Craig 'N Co. has appeared in such respected venues as Ravinia in Chicago, Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, Westbury Music Fair in New York, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and three concert appearances at the White House.

• Quote: "I love the Ford, Ravinia was cool and the White House wasn't bad" - Craig Taubman

Friday Night Live and Shabbat Live

Friday Night Live

The Ted and Hedy Orden & Family "Friday Night Live" Service was initially created in 1998 to bring young Jewish professionals together to celebrate Shabbat. Blending traditional prayers with inspiring speakers and joyful music, this monthly service now attracts over 1000 people of all ages to Sinai Temple. FNL's success has been emulated at numerous congregations across the country and continues to attract dynamic speakers such as Elie Weisel, Rev. Rick Warren and David Kohan (Exec. Prod./Co-Creator of Will & Grace). Our musical guests range from Theodore Bikel to Hip Hop Shabbat to Gospel Choirs. But what makes the FNL experience truly special is the congregation that comes together to share Shabbat as a community. ---With the spiritual leadership of Rabbi David Wolpe and the music of Craig Taubman, Friday Night Live is the place to be on Shabbat. Following services the entire congregation is welcome to join us for a Kiddush of cookies and coffee and one of the many post-service activities that vary month-to-month such as the Artist Salon, Israeli Dancing, or a dialogue with visiting guests and scholars.

Friday Night Live and Shabbat Live festivities are held at Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd (at Beverly Glen), the second Friday of each month, at 7:30 PM and the following Shabbat Morning at 11:00 am

Events Produced/Consulted

2011 - Current

• SPAvuot, Big Jewish Tent, Shalom Institute, Malibu, California - May 20, 2012
• Tu B'Shvat Nature Fest, Big Jewish Tent, Shalom Institute, Malibu, California - January 29, 2012
• URJ Biennial, Closing Program, URJ, Washington D.C. - December 14-18, 2011
• A Day of Learning, Leonard Cohen Tribute Concert, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Universal City, California - December 4, 2011
• Jewish County Fair, Big Jewish Tent, Shalom Institute, Malibu, California - October 16, 2011

Press Recognition

Reviews

• Best of the Celebrate Series Review - The Jerusalem Post - March 14, 2007
• Playing with soul, at Synagogue - Chicago Tribune - March 16, 2007.
• 1 Weekend, 3 Services - The Atlanta Jewish Times, March 9, 2007.
• Best of the religious CDs - The Wichita Eagle, December 25, 2004.
• A new spin on dreidel music - The Chicago Tribune, Wendy Donahue, Published December 5, 2004.
• Oh, CDs I will play: It's the Chanukah wrap-up - Jewish World Review, Paul Wieder
• Sounds Of The Season (11/30/2004) - Gift recordings for each night of Chanukah. The Jewish Week, November 2004
• Celebrate Klezmer Review - klezmershack.com
• 'Bridge' works 'Bridge' works 'Bridge' works - Jewish News Weekly, dan pine, November 26, 2004.
• Musical Seder Invigorates New Polish Jewish Community - Published by The AVI CHAI Foundation in partnership with Jewish Family & Life! Copyright 2004 The AVI Chai Foundation. Used with Permission.
• Spotlight: Craig Taubman - Heart & Soul - Published in BabagaNewz Magazine, Tishrei 5765, October 2004.
• The Show Must Go On - The Jewish Week, Joshua Hammerman

Interviews

• VIDEO: Jewish County Fair Brings Out Thousands for Sukkot in the Sun, Article and Video at Patch.com about the 2011 Jewish County Fair – October 20, 2011
• KPCC - The Madelaine Brand Show (mp3) Listen to a brief interview with Craig about the Jewish County Fair – October 14, 2011
• The Daily Rabbi Interviews Craig Taubman, the Daily Rabbi Online Magazine – September 26, 2011
• Sing a New Song, By Julie Gruenbaum Fax, Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles – September 14, 2001
• Celebrate Passover: Passover Songs to Treasure, By Susan Hogan/Albach, Beliefnet.com
• Zany Brainy Releases 'Friends' Set, By Moira McCormick, Billboard
• Celebrate Passover--With Music, by Lisa Traiger, JewishFamily.com – April, 2000
• Voice of the Spirit Review, by Lisa Traiger, JewishFamily.com
• Will Friday Nights Ever be the Same?, by Michael Aushenker, Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles – May 7, 1999
• Jewish Values That You Can Dance To, by Dianne Areff Zaga, Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles – September 26, 1997
• Voices of Hope at the Skirball, by Diane Areff Zaga, Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles – June 20, 1997
• Yiddish-`Kiddish' Tunesmith to Perform Shows for the Family, by Matthew Surrence, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California Online – May 3, 1996
• Hollywood Music-Maker's "Passion is the Jewish stuff", by Michael Elkin, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California Online – September 15, 1995

External links

• Craig 'N Company Website
• Big Jewish Tent
• Atid LA
• Sinai Temple
• Craig 'N Co. Shop