Twenty-five years have passed since Ladysmith Black Mambazo first came to the attention of Western ears through their work on Paul Simon‘s seminal Graceland album. Since that time, the South African a cappella group has toured the world continuously, spreading its gospel of peace and harmony. Every Mambazo performance is a completely uplifting experience, presenting the audience a chance to witness a group of men whose goal is to attain pure joy, both for themselves and those listening.

Bobby McFerrinThe show opened with a couple dozen or so sprightly young women taking the stage, dressed in traditional eastern European folk garb. Their conductor, also in costume, raised his hands, signaled the opening downbeat, and out came the sound of serenity. Their voices blended into a rich harmony that recalled the music of cloisters and other forms of early European classical music. The ensemble was Jitro, a celebrated girls choir hailing from the Czech…

MONDAY >> Not really into the whole Christmas Eve thing? Jewmongous is Sean Altman from Rockapella (of “Carmen Sandiego” fame) and “What I Like about Jew” who will be offering humorous Christmas Eve odes including “They Tried To Kill Us (We Survived, Let’s Eat),” and “Taller Than Jesus,” at Jammin Java in Vienna. $20, 7 p.m. and 9:30 (two shows). >> The music played by the DJs at the South African Christmas Eve party…