Musical Notes: Music industry news and releases for children and teens

‘PlayingGuitar’ by Petr Kratochvil

This week’s "Musical Notes" covers some of the best live performances available for the Father’s Day holiday weekend, along with introducing you to some really fun music on CD, DVD and online video.

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND ENTERTAINING EVENTS

THE DIRTY SOCK FUNTIME BAND: Kraft Great Kids Hoopla at Ravina

Your kids have loved their performances on Nick Jr. channel’s Jack’s Big Music Show, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band makes a return visit to The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois as part of the Kraft Great Kid Series.

Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.
200 Ravinia Park Road., Highland Park, Illinois.
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. for pre-concert activities with Kraft’s cultural partners from the Chicagoland area.

ENTRANCE TO THE PARK IS FREE
With FREE Lawn seating for the performance (limit 6 per household).- OR- $10 reserved Pavilion seating for the performance only.

EVENT NOTES:
“Known as the highest energy kids’ rock band ever to break out of NYC, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band was voted “Best Kids’ Band” by readers of Time Out NY Kids.”

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band’s show offers families a big helping of energizing musical interactive fun that includes instrumentals, singing, dancing and lots of comedy – all designed to literally pull you into the action.


 “According to MTV’s Evan James, the DSFB plays “some of the most innovative and exciting children’s music EVER.”  CNN described them as “distinguished by rocking beats combined with silly, visual lyrics (think Muppets take MTV).”

For more information phone 847-266-5100 or follow this link.

The band has also released a CD, Sock-A-Delic, and their first DVD, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, which provides as much fun for kids as their live performances. 

Both CD and DVD are perfect for children ages 2 to 8 and are filled with smart lyrics, energizing rock-solid music, performed effortlessly in styles that range from rock to funk and even country and western.

“Their DVD also includes live action comedy, animated videos, and puppetry, plus interactive dance-a-longs and sing-a-longs, to capture and maintain kids’ interest. The DVD is filled with a stunning array of music videos and also includes three pilot episodes for The Dirty Sock Funtime Band TV series.”

The CD, Sock-A-Delic is now online at the artists' website, and through amazon.com, and iTunes, where you can sound sample all tracks from this 39-minute album. Suggested retail price is $9.99.

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band DVD carries a suggested retail price $15.00 and is packaged with bonus 7-song EP, Missing Socks. The DVD is available exclusively through the artists' website.

To give you an idea as to why Dirty Sock is called a “Funtime Band,” take a look at their video clip titled “Baby Spies.” It’s not only fun – it’s adorable.

Clearwater's Great Hudson River Festival Revival

Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, 19, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $60.00 per person to $140.00 for a weekend pass. Children under 12 are FREE.

EVENT NOTES:
“The Great Hudson River Revival (Clearwater Festival) - founded by Pete Seeger, is Clearwater's annual music and environmental festival and fundraiser - features a wide spectrum of family-fun activities: world-renowned musical artists over multiple stages; superb storytellers and entertainers; a World Dance Tent; a Green Living Expo; a working waterfront complete with rides on tall ships and small boats, including the historic sloop Clearwater; a juried crafts fair, market place, and food court; and a Circle of Song open to audience participation, all taking place in a beautiful riverfront park with wheelchair accessibility and staffed by American Sign Language interpreters.”

A wonderful lineup of artists on the Family Stage includes such favorites as: Elizabeth Mitchell; Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion; Pete Seeger; Bari Koral and more. 

For additional information and tickets, please follow this link.


Miss Amy and Her Big Kids Band at the Firefly Festival

Sunday, June 19, 2011

The Festival runs from - 4:00 p.m. to -9:00 p.m.

Terhune Orchards

330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540

Performances at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

FREE

EVENT NOTES:

“Fireflies are an "electrifying" part of summer. To celebrate this exciting event, enjoy an evening of nature, music, wagon rides, outdoor fun and, of course, the whole farm for firefly hunting! Our education coordinator Elaine Madigan and other staff will talk about firflies, using hands on materials, crafts activities, and games. There will be $5.00 charge for crafts activities. Schafer's Gymnastics demonstrate the "Art of Flying" techniques and help children through a mini obstacle course. Firefly story time will be held in the barn throughout the festival. Musical entertainment by Miss Amy and her Big Kids Band. 

Hungry? You'll find lots of goodies available at Pam's Firefly Tent: grilled chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob, pie, apple cider, donuts, cookies, apples and more! Pony rides and wagon rides through the farm and orchards will be available all evening. Evryone wear your wings! Come and enjoy a flickering, flying, fun evening on the farm.”

For more information, please follow this link.

Pasta: A Pop-Ups Musical Adventure

Electric Lodge Performance Space
1416 Electric Ave., Venice, California, 90291

Wednesday, June 15 through Thursday, June 30, 2011

Performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays are at 11:00 a.m.
 

Friday, June 17 through Sunday, July 3, 2011

Performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are at 11:00 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m.

Admission: $15.00 per person

EVENT NOTES:

“Join kids’ rockers Jacob Stein and Jason Rabinowitz as they treat young audiences (ages 2 and up) to an educational and comic musical adventure, taking children through the magical land of Brooklyn - with the audience's help. The Pop Ups will search for the ingredients to make the best locally sourced pasta sauce ever, so prepare for a high-energy live act involving life-drawing, dance-beats, colorful puppets, animals, trains, guitar riffs, mermaids, gardens, instruments, vegetables, sparkles, and rocking interactive dance numbers that will catapult kids out of their seats guaranteeing a good time for everyone. You’ll be entertained with their rocking music from their critically acclaimed CD “Outside Voices.”

For more information phone 1-800-838-3006 or visit this link to purchase tickets/

Baby Loves Disco – The Tour Continues

Saturday June 18, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.
Tucson Mall – Center Court

4500 North Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona 85705

(520) 293-7330

FREE


 
Sunday June 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 North Resort Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85750
$15.00 per person or 4 for $50.00

EVENT NOTES:

“Families are invited to join the Baby Loves Disco Nation, to dance, play, savor healthy snacks and generally enjoy good times with family and friends. Parents and kids are invited to dress up as their favorite superheroes, or come just as they are. For daily updates on the Tour, visit Baby Loves Disco's pages on Facebook and Twitter.  

Each event of the tour rocks with special guest superhero DJs and MCs, dance instruction, big video screens, super contests and surprises at every turn.  At its core, each event retains the patented mix of Baby Loves Disco magic that has helped connect a worldwide community of moms, dads and kids of all nations, of all colors and all walks of life, all in the name of dance (and fun!).”

For more information or to purchase tickets, please follow this link.

FREE AND FUN

All rights reserved by Debbie and Friends

Children’s favorite, Debbie Cavalier, noted for her engaging live performances, award-winning CDs and rib-ticking animated story-songs DVDs, has just a released another Debbie and Friends cartoon – a “Manga/anime flavored addition” – “Wendell” by Debbie and Friends. Be sure to share the fun with your child.

Musical Notes: Music industry news and releases for children and teens

‘PlayingGuitar’ by Petr Kratochvil

Welcome to “Musical Notes,” this weekly column is dedicated solely to music. Like our Friday “Popcorn Report,” which features the latest information on movies, this post highlights current news and announcements in the music industry, and introduces you to the best of everything in CDs, music videos, games, instruments and upcoming performances for children, teens and families. Be sure to check back each Thursday.

This week’s edition of Musical Notes focuses on a number of upcoming live performances from a diverse lineup of children’s music performers.  We’ll also introduce you to a CD that is making a physical difference in the lives of children, and take a look at a unique musical instrument, plus share something free and fun from the popular award-winning children’s entertainer Aaron Nigel Smith.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Saturday, March 26, 2011 10:30 a.m.

DVD Release Concert -Debbie and Friends with special guest star Bob McGrath of "Sesame Street" fame!

Performing at the Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington, Massachusetts.

Bob Mc Grath

Show Details from Regent Theatre: “Join Debbie Cavalier and her band for “Story Songs and Sing Alongs” and get ready for sing-along, dance-along and laugh-along family fun in this rockin’ musical journey through classic kids’ tales and original songs as this Boston based kindie pop band celebrate the release of their first DVD. 

The celebration will include interactive songs and stories, plus giveaways and special prices on the new DVD. Debbie and Friends popular cartoons will be rolling on the Regent’s big screen and as a special treat, Bob McGrath, of “Sesame Street” fame, will guest star in the show.

This full-band performance will include both Debbie and Friends songs and some classic favorites, with a cast of top-shelf musicians from Berklee College of Music, including Debbie Cavalier on vocals and keyboard, Rory McKenzie on bass, Eric Salt on guitar, Bill D’Agostino on drums, Mike Carrera on vocals… and surprise guest performers! Debbie and Friends will also perform with some of their own animated music videos—a real favorite with audiences of all ages! And, everyone goes home with a colorful Debbie and Friends tattoos!”

Debbie and Friends

For lots more information about Debbie and Friends: Story Songs and Sing Alongs along with excerpts from the newly released DVD, please follow this link to last week’s edition of 'Musical Notes'.

Ticket Prices (general admission):
$8.00 – Kids (12 and under)
$8.00 – Seniors
$10.00 – Adults

Regent Theatre members save $2.

Tickets may be ordered online through this link, or by calling Phone: {781} 646-4849
Fax: {781} 643-4747 NOTE: phone/online orders include additional $1 service charge

Saturday, March 26, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Climb Aboard the “Jungle Gym” with Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Performing at Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York City.

Show Details from Symphony Space Just Kidding series: “Hailed by The New York Times as "a rising star in the world of children's music," and The Chicago Tribune as "among the kid-rock royalty," Justin Roberts' vocal style has been compared to James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Loudon Wainwright III , and even Green Day! With clever, funny songs dealing with important issues a young child might face (the horrors of school picture day, making friends with the monster under the bed) Roberts' lyrics are rich with sharp, comedic insight that make his shows a Symphony Space favorite year after year.
"Comic and soulful songs with creative, unique twists and turns that parents will enjoy as much as children." -LA Times.”

Ticket Prices
$13.00 to $27.00 and are available to purchase online at this link or by calling the box office at (212) 864-5400.

For your viewing enjoyment, below is a video of “Willy Was a Whale,” which is one of the musical selections being performed on Saturday at Symphony Space.

Saturday, March 26, 2011 – Doors open at 11:00 am performance at 11:30 a.m.

Peanut Butter and Jams Series welcomes Moona Luna a Family Concert

Performing at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Show Details from the Peanut Butter and Jams series: “Moona Luna is the new musical project from the Latin-Alternative group Pistolera. Inspired by the birth of her first child during the making of the last album, lead singer and songwriter Sandra Velasquez now brings family-friendly songs in Spanish and English that continue the band’s tradition of positive messages and accordion driven toe-tapping beats."

Ticket Prices
Adults $10, Children $7 Ages 1-12, Free for children under the age of one – ($2 off each adult ticket when you purchase with CASH at our box office BEFORE day of show.). Plus a kid-friendly lunch buffet is available for purchase before and during every Peanut Butter and Jams show. Kids pay $7 and adults pay $10, all you can eat.

Advance tickets are available online by following this link.

Moona Luna will also be performing on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Avenue East, Vienna, Virginia 22180 (703) 255-1566 All tickets are $8 for everyone one year and older. For further information and tickets please follow this link.

For your viewing enjoyment, below is a video of “Todas Las Comidas (All The Foods)” from Moona Luna’s newly released album Piñata Party.

 

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Have you ever heard of a Hapi Drum? It’s a “hand activated percussion instrument” with a “unique tone” that is “created by a tuned vibrating steel tongue.”

The Hapi is played by lightly striking the instrument with fingers or a mallet. The video below gives a fine demonstration of this easy to play instrument. This particular model is tuned to e minor.

For more information on the Hapi and to test drive the instrument, which is available in numerous keys, visit http://www.hapitones.com/

Prices for the instrument range from $345.00 to $675.00 depending on the size and musical range of the instrument.

CD

Singer/songwriter Amy Otey, might easily be dubbed the ‘First Lady of Musical Fitness,’ with her newest CD release, Fitness Rock and Roll.

She has performed at such varied venues as the Kimmel Center to the White House for the Easter Egg Roll.

Otey, who is an official advocate of the President’s Challenge Program, has dedicated this fifth album release to helping children become fit by embracing a healthier active lifestyle. Her award-winning body of musical work and her background as a physical fitness educator has placed her in a unique position to get kids engaged and moving with music.

Fitness Rock and Role is a fun energizing mix of tunes that beckons youngsters to get up off the couch to dance and move along while getting in shape.

All of Amy Otey’s CD’s are available through CD Baby, where you can sound sample the 12 song tracks from Fitness Rock and Roll as well as all of her other albums.

Fitness Rock and Roll is available in CD format for $13.99 and MP3 download for $0.99 per track, or $10.00 for the entire MP3 album.

Be sure to check out Otey’s free downloadable lesson plans that accompany this and her other CDs.

FUN STUFF

Here’s something absolutely delightful from that kid-friendly and charismatic award-winning children's musical artist, Aaron Nigel Smith, who is the featured musical guest on Between the lions.

Smith works tirelessly with the NEA Read Across America program to promote literacy through music.  Recently, he went into the studio to record a brand new song and music video called "In A Book," featuring his furry friend and co-star, Lionel the lion from the Emmy® Award Winning PBS Kids' program Between The Lions. Please enjoy and share the video featured below with your child, along with the FREE down-loadable MP3 featuring Aaron's son, Zion.

Smith, whose program, FUNdamentals of Music and Movement, serves thousands of children in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and Boston, and over 3,000 schools, centers and daycares in his network; this program is vitally needed by the today’s young people. 

"In A Book," features Aaron's signature "islandy vibe" (as described by People Magazine) and his engaging teaching style is also available in his award-winning, entertaining CDs. Be sure to check these musical hits out at Music for Little People.