Melita Doostan, mom, musician and teacher, has published a CD of children’s music titled Shirei Gan Shalom – Songs in the Garden. The music features Melita and other members of Octopretzel, her children’s band. Melita says the album is full of of “engaging, melodic, and educational songs for kids and families, with a Jewish focus.”
Inspired by the four years Melita spent teaching at Gan Shalom Preschool in Berkeley, it includes traditional folk songs, Klezmer fiddle tunes, and children’s voices singing along with the Hebrew alphabet. Melita promises that grown-ups will enjoy listening as well.
We asked Melita to share some local favorites with us.
Favorite outing with your 5-year old daughter?
Temescal Farmer’s Market on Sundays, a picnic by the creek, and then a pretty walk to Frog Park
Favorite spot for dinner out as a family?
Taste of the Himalayas restaurant on Shattuck at Virgina – really yummy Indian/Nepali food, really nice family owned, and the food is not spicy!
For what feature is your Berkeley ‘hood best known?
Our neighborhood is probably best known for Totland. We live a block away.
Cactus or Picante?
Definitely Picante!
———————————-
Related links:
> Listen to a taste of Melita’s CD at her website
> Learn more about Gan Shalom preschool
