The LeeVees

The LeeVees are a US musical ensemble based in New York City, emerging from the intersection of two notable bands, Guster and the Zambonis. The group's formation was sparked when Adam Gardner of Guster and Dave Schneider of the Zambonis, whose band is uniquely dedicated to writing songs about ice hockey, toured together. This collaboration led to the conception of a new rock band with a distinct focus on Jewish themes, particularly Hanukkah, in response to the scarcity of contemporary songs about the holiday.

The LeeVees gained prominence towards the end of 2005 with the release of their debut album, Hanukkah Rocks, produced by Peter Katis, who had previously collaborated with Guster and various indie-rock acts. Initially, the band's approach was centered on creating music exclusively about Hanukkah. However, they have since expanded their scope, continuing as a band with a strong Jewish identity, exploring a broader range of themes while maintaining their cultural roots.