Valentine Vendor

Here's a piece that's purely for fun! It's a parody of the old Latin jazz classic "The Peanut Vendor" from many decades ago. This time, instead of trying to sell peanuts, the singers are working with valentines! The possibilities for staging this song with that theme in mind are pretty cute: Kids dressed in red and pink outfits adorned with valentines, maybe pushing a cart full of their wares.

We have suggested that singers use a nasal quality for a novel and campy effect. Our singers also added a wide vibrato on all of the sustained A's. You don't have to do this, of course, but it is a hoot for the kids.

Part 2 is optional, but it really adds a lot to the piece. It's mostly simple call and response, so it's not too difficult.

The recording is also really fun. The jazz band had a good time doing the parody. (Most of them are old enough to remember the original!) Mature audience members will also appreciate it.