Night Train 57

Night Train 57. Performed by Dan Zanes. CD. Approx. 36 min. Produced by Festival Five Records. 2018. CD: $10.00; Download: $9.99.

All Ages



Grammy Award winning Dan Zanes is joined by wife Claudia Eliaza and Mexican percussionist Yuriana Sobrino to present this soundtrack of their Sensory Friendly comic opera which was commissioned by the Kennedy Center. The Sensory Friendly movement’s goal is to help performing arts venues provide conditions that are welcoming to children with special needs. The trio performs this opera with wonderful vocals, and excellent performances on guitar, mandolin, ukulele, trombone, flute, harmonica, congas, bongos, cajon, and tambourine. These 15 original songs are performed primarily in lively folk and pop musical styles. In the story, Dan, Claudia, and their new friend Yuriana discover a mysterious Night Train 57, that when powered by music, zooms into outer space and travels around the galaxies. When the train encounters a meteor shower, it is forced to land on the Planet of Flowers. While there, the trio teaches a singing sunflower how to dance. Eventually, the train makes its way back to Planet Earth, and the three friends arrive home with hearts full of stories and songs. Those songs include “Songs Are Everywhere” (which power the train); “A Seat for One and All” (the train is inclusive); “Can You Sing?” (yes, everyone can sing); “Shine On;” “Night Train 57” (the adventure begins); “Going Up” (encourages the audience to be part of the story); “Guitars to the Stars;” “On Our Way” (counting song); “What Kind of Train?” (the train has more cars than anyone realized and they contain chickens, bakeries, drum circles, thrift shops, barber shops, ping pong tables, etc.); “Hats!” (anyone with the right hat and walk can be a train conductor); “Sea of Stars” (mind-boggling view); “Reds, Blues, and Greens” (when the train is forced to land on the Planet of Flowers); “Bloom, Baby Bloom,” (teaching the sunflower to dance); “The Darkest Night;” and “Bright Morning Song” (returning to Planet Earth). One hopes that this comic opera will be released in video format, so that fans can actually watch all the action as well as hear the terrific songs.