SO, WHAT IS ZEMER LEVAV?
"Zemer Levav" is Hebrew and translates "Song of the Heart."

Our music has a Mediterranean and Sephardic sound, and we bring you a blend of music and folk dance. The Sephardic Jews were expulsed from Spain in 1492, and moved to countries around the Mediterranean, and north into Europe.  About 10,000 Jewish Catholic "Conversos" stayed in Spain, only to move later into Mexico, Central, and South America, when in spite of their conversion to the Catholic church the persecution of the Inquisition continued. So, Sephardic music has been influenced somewhat by the countries into which the Spanish Jews escaped.

Our music has been influenced by an eclectic mix of Israeli artists, such as, Habrera HaTivit, Pavarim, Ofrah Haza, The Almagribis, and others.  Their influence has really given us our "sound."

Shimrit enjoys the worshipful scripture songs of Elisheva Shomron, an Israeli believer.  We hope the "soul" of our music has the same worshipful attitude. Our vocal coach has also been a real asset.  Helping us with our dynamics, and generally "tightening us up," as well as constantly exhorting us to, "Remember who you're singing for!"

We worship together at "Remnant of Israel" Messianic congregation, in Wichita, Kansas, where Mark, Shimrit, and Kerah Hanes, with Les Morrison,  help lead worship when they're not touring. Les Morrison also attends "Central Christian Church.

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF "ZEMER LEVAV?"
Mark Hanes, the leader of the group, plays hand drums and percussion, guitar, oud (a mid -east stringed instrument similar to a fretless lute) and bass. Les Morrison is our violinist. He also plays mandolin, and about anything that can be played with a bow. Shimrit Hanes writes the majority of our music. She sings  lead, and plays harp. Shalisha Hanes age 21, sings backup vocals, and an occasional  solo. Adrielle Hanes is 17. She  plays  hand drums, like her father. They include: djembe, dumbek, and tubano; and also other hand percussion. She sings with us when we sing   rounds, making us an even foursome.
Kerah Hanes, 14 sings backup, and sometimes solos. Liorah Hanes is 11, and plays hand percussion.  Hopefully, soon she will also sing. As you can see, "Zemer Levav" is a family affair!