A version of “Latke Clan” from a few Hanukkahs ago

The LeeVees, a Hanukkah-themed rock band that plays funny songs about the Jewish holiday, wrapped-up a short tour at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl last night. Despite their comedic subject matter, The LeeVees have deep ties to the indie-jam community and the band’s current lineup includes The Zambonis’ Dave Schneider, Guster’s Adam Gardner, Golden Bloom’s Shawn Fogel, The Stepkids’ Tim Walsh and DeLeon’s Daniel Saks. (The National/Interpol/Trey Anastasio producer Peter Katis also exists in their orbit and helmed their 2005 studio album Hanukkah Rocks.)

Katis opened last night’s performance with a short set with his longtime band The Philistines Jr. (As Anastasio revealed in a recent Relix.com interview , the band’s first gig was opening for Phish at UVM.) Then, The Philistines Jr.‘s Peter and Tarquin used the occasion to reunite with their humorous college rock band The Happiest Guys in the World. It was the band’s first live set in 13 years.

After a short another interlude featuring burlesque with Minnie Tonka (The Schlep Sisters) and Dangrrr Doll, The LeeVees took the stage for the evening’s headlining performance. The band brought out the members of The Philistines Jr. and The Happiest Guys in the World early in the evening for a version of “Latke Clan.”