This week’s top picks for upcoming live entertainment

"Dancers' photo by Peter Griffin

Mark your calendar and save these dates for the following entertaining and diverse line-up of events in New York City, Amherst, Massachusetts and Santa Monica, California.

New York City

The Just Kidding at Symphony Space all-ages series will continue to provide New York City families with ground-breaking entertainment most Saturdays through April 2012, and on this Saturday, November 12, at 11:00 a.m. Just Kidding provides one of the nation's top "kindie rock" stars, Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights.

Leeds is one of those big, beautiful rock 'n roll sopranos whose voice goes full-out or soft and tender, and she uses both to full effect.

Her tuneful melodies and rich, funny and thoughtful child-respecting lyrics give depth and irresistible zip to songs about sunglasses at the beach, goodnight hugs, popcorn popping and creative blame-shifting.

Check out the video below from Leed’s YouTube channel to see her in action.

Then, on Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. Just Kidding offers a unique mix of multimedia performance art from the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players  when they present their "indie-vaudeville conceptual art-rock pop band" concert.

 

Originally from Seattle, and now based in Brooklyn, the Trachtenburgs are a domestic trio (dad Jason, mom Tina Piña, and 16-year-old daughter Rachel), who play quirky indie pop songs in the key of "unironic."

It's all good, clean fun with one major catch: All the songs and carefully rhyming lyrics come from the vintage slide collections they've found at estate or garage sales that accompany their performances.

The intrepid trio has appeared on Nick Jr. and the "Conan O'Brien Show," and they've taken their show on the road to Bonnaroo, the Edinburgh festival as well as comedy clubs around the nation - all the while winning over famous fans like Meg White (The White Stripes), Matt Groening ("The Simpsons") and John Waters ("Hairspray").

The Trachtenburgs have just released a new CD called Lost and Found.

and for your enjoyment below, the Players on Nick Jr.'s "Jack’s Big Music Show”.

This diverse line-up is part of the ongoing weekly shows aimed at children ages 3 to 9 and their families. For details about all of the shows, tickets and subscription information, visit Just Kidding online. 

Amherst, Massachusetts

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, Massachusetts, is presenting Picture Book Theatre featuring Eric Carle’s “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth and Rooster’s Off To See The World, Saturdays, November 12, 19, 26 and Friday, November 25 with 45-minutes performances at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved in advance by calling the Museum at 413-658-1126.

Directed by founder Therese Brady Donohue, Picture Book Theatre is now in its sixth season and is known for adapting picture books into puppets and dance productions suitable for all ages, especially the very young.

This year’s productions include the premiere of the stick puppet show “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth, with music composed by Karen A. Tarlow.

The story includes 27 puppets representing endangered rain forest species. Norton Juster voices a recorded introductory message from Eric Carle and Onawumi Jean Moss is the storyteller.

Double cast local puppeteers include Margaret Arsenault, Frances Caparello, Joan Hanson, Naomi Ossar, Diane Westfall, and Karin Wilburn and professionally designed lighting is by Steve Morgan and operated by Dan Fedora of Harrison Digital Productions.

Each family will receive a copy of Carle’s “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth during the show (like a libretto) to reread and relive what they have seen.

A grant from the Amherst Cultural Council administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council has helped to underwrite this new show.

The second show is a revival of Carle’s Rooster’s Off To See The World that showcases young dancers from Amherst Ballet. Sharing the title role are Isabel Wardlaw and Stone Dresser. The dancing role of two cats is shared between Amy Benedetto and Isabela Gomez, and Madeline Poole and Rachel Oram-Brown. Music is again by Karen Tarlow and the recorded narration is by Museum Chief Curator Nick Clark.

All puppets in the show exactly replicate the illustrations in the Carle books.

For further information about these performances and current exhibitions in the Museum’s galleries and many other ongoing events visit the Museum’s website at www.carlemuseum.org.

Santa Monica, California

To celebrate the launch of her newest CD, Everyday Adventures, award-winning singer/songwriter Deborah Poppink (a/k/a affectionately known by her fans as “DidiPop”) is appearing at the legendary McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Boulevard., at 31st Street, Santa Monica, California on Sunday, November 13 at 11:00 a.m.

The performance includes a 5-piece band (not too loud) costume changes and magic. Plus, there will be Mardi Gras beads for the kids, and a chance for them to do the hula with the magnificent BoBo Bernstein on pedal steel.

 DidiPop will play spoons, piano, guitar, ukulele and even some mock accordion.

Ticket price is $8 (kids under 2 get in free). To purchase tickets online, connect to McCabe’s website at http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html

Below, for your enjoyment, is a sample of DidiPop’s The Cool Alphabet Song, which she’ll be performing at McCabe’s.

New Ted Jacobs’ CD ‘Back to the Garden’: A lyrical reflection of childhood

Ted Jacobs' Back to the Garden

Earlier today, multiple award-winning musician/composer Ted Jacobs released his newest CD, Back to the Garden - a pure lyrical and melodious gem that marries the beloved poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, “A Child’s Garden of Verses” with Jacobs’ gentle, reflective and contemporary Celtic-influenced compositions.

Back to the Garden is a natural extension of Jacobs' first two albums, A Child’s Garden Of Songs (1999), which was honored with a Parents’ Choice® Silver Honor Award, and The Days Gone By (2000), which received the prestigious Parent’s Choice® Gold Award, and was additionally honored by Parents’ Choice® as one of their “25 Best Albums of the Last 25 Years.” Both albums also received NAPPA (National Parenting Publications) Gold Awards. 

Ted Jacobs photo by Dina Douglass

Inspiration for Back to the Garden as well as A Child’s Garden of Songs began a dozen years ago when Jacobs was looking for a new musical project, something he could do purely for his own enjoyment. Jacobs explains, “A friend suggested I consider “A Child’s Garden of Verses” by Robert Louis Stevenson, with an eye toward adapting the poems into songs.” Jacobs was familiar with Stevenson’s novels “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped” but had never read his poetry. He says, “I immediately went to a bookstore and purchased a copy. I opened the book, and what I saw was pure magic. The poems transported me back to my childhood – they were a treasure trove of simple joys, unlimited imagination, and the curiosity of our world seen through the eyes of a small person.”

The poems of Stevenson are sung either as solo or ensemble, and are presented exactly as the poet wrote them – nothing is repeated or deleted. Jacobs says, “I felt that if I were to undertake this album, I had a significant responsibility to these words and especially to their author.”  He adds, “A Child’s Garden of Verses” took hold of my heart, and I heard the music instantly.”

Jacobs’ melodies in Back to the Garden fit like a well-tailored glove and embrace everything from waltz-time and sea chantey, to jig and nocturne. The unique and contemporary relevance of the music served to reunite all of the original recording artists and instrumentalists who had contributed their top notch talents to A Child’s Garden of Songs.

The sounds of dulcimer, uillean pipes, mandolin, fiddle, penny whistles, accordion, and other acoustic instruments provide the perfect translation of Jacobs’ tunes and Stevenson’s words. Jacobs sums it up best by saying, “Now, twelve years later, it is an honor to play in Stevenson’s garden again. His poems are the best lyrics a composer could ever ask for.”

Preview sound samples of Back to the Garden, along with Stevenson’s poetry and Jacobs’ previous CDs are available through http://houseatthecorner.com

Back to the Garden retails for $14.00 and is packaged in an environmentally-friendly Eco-DigiPak and comes with a full color 8-page booklet so you can sing along with the poems.

Brand new DVD and CD combo release: ‘Toddler Favorites: The Movie'

TODDLER FAVORITES: THE MOVIE from Music for Little People

Today, the esteemed independent children’s music label Music for Little People releases it’s fifth DVD, TODDLER FAVORITES: THE MOVIE.

Inspired by Music for Little People’s 1998 platinum-selling music CD, Toddler Favorites - THE MOVIE is presented in a sing, learn and dance-along DVD that combines 3-D animation and live action footage.

Little ones love to look at other children and will be captivated by the kids in TODDLER FAVORITES: THE MOVIE as they participate with their onscreen peers singing and acting out simple songs that have become classics such as: “Wheels On The Bus,” “I’m A Little Teapot,” “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” and the “Alphabet Song.”

The DVD, which has the perfect toddler-length running time of 35 minutes  is packaged with a 27-minute bonus CD featuring all 12 songs included on the DVD.

Leib Ostrow, founder of Music for Little People, shared his thoughts about today’s release: “I’m proud and tickled to be able to offer toddlers and parents this project that has been a labor of love for a number of years. We were so moved by the response of families to the platinum-selling Toddler Favorites recording that we spent countless hours working on creating something special. I believe we succeeded in capturing the magic that inspires young ones to sing, dance and embrace the power of music.”

Below for your enjoyment a glimpse at TODDLER FAVORITES: THE MOVIE, which is available through Amazon.com for $9.99.

Trout Fishing in America to release hilarious 'Chicken Joe' CD/Book sequel

Trout Fishing in America

Trout Fishing in America, the nationally touring acoustic/folk rock duo whose music has garnered four Grammy nominations and legions of devoted fans has a hilarious sequel to their first My Name Is Chicken Joe book and CD - Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important.

The new story, written and spryly narrated by Trout Fishing in America’s Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, is illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch, and is being brought to the marketplace on September 6, 2011 by The Secret Mountain, a publisher of the highest quality children’s books, videos and music.

The spoken-word tale is followed by 11 original songs relating to the story, from the rousing “Rock and Roll Roosters” and the lush, blue grassy “Through the Pines,” to the deep and wistful “Where Did Everybody Go?”  

These new songs carry on the tradition of Trout Fishing in America - the characters in the story and all of the songs were inspired by real people and animals in Ezra and Keith’s lives. The song “Hello, My Chicken Thinks He’s a Dog” was written during a workshop with 6th graders in their home state of Arkansas.

Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important is about a cat that needs 16 to 17 hours of sleep each day, and needs a little help from his friends; otherwise, he’s bound to miss a few things going on in the barnyard

Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important offers gentle messages about friendship and forgetfulness. 

Sound samples and pre-ordering information for the CD and book are available at http://www.troutmusic.com/ and also through The Secret Mountain  where you can "click to look inside the book."

Below for your enjoyment, you’ll find a video of Trout Fishing in America as well a their calendar of selected upcoming Family Concerts – be sure to check them out.


Trout Fishing in America from La Montagne Secrète on Vimeo.

 

September 9 and 10 - Barndance Festival, Taos, NM

September 12 - Nightbird Books, Fayetteville, AR

September 21 - Family Resource Center, Pittsburg, KS

September 23 - Barnes & Noble, Baton Rouge, LA

September 25 - Symphony Space, NYC: "A Secret Mountain Celebration"

October 1 - Family Fun Fest, No. Little Rock, AR

October 6 -  Alma Performing Arts Center, AR

October 13 - Univ. of Arkansas, Morrilton, AR

October 27 - Newport Center for the Arts, Newport, AR

November 12 - FACE Family Series, Spring, TX

November 17 - Carson Center, Paducah, KY

November 19 - Clay Center, Walker Theater, Charleston, WV

December 4 - Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL

Kids rock out with Rocknoceros: Upcoming DC area performances

Rocknoceros photo by SOTA Dzine

Rocknoceros has dominated the Washington, DC children's music scene since its inception in 2005, winning a remarkable seven Washington Area Music Awards (with 2011 marking their fourth consecutive year taking home the “Best Children’s Music Artist” award), and landing an ongoing Video-on-Demand offering through COX Cable. 


And now, Rocknoceros is set to take kids out to the ballgame with a special pre-game show on Saturday, August 13 at 4:15 p.m. at Bowie Baysox Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway. Bowie, Maryland.  

Tickets include general admission to both the Rocknoceros concert and that evening’s Baysox game!

Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game.

A week later, Rocknoceros will bring its own brand of crowd-pleasing artistry to the Dome Theatre at “a new breed of urban arts center,” Artisphere, 1101 Wilson, Blvd., Arlington, Virginia, for a family show at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20.

 

Highlighting these shows will be an array of “Rocknoceros classics,” including such audience favorites as “Get Up” and “Pink,” and the band might even be inspired to provide a sneak preview of tunes from their upcoming kid-friendly concept album Colonel Purple Turtle, which is set for release on September 13 and includes its very first companion storybook, Colonel Purple Turtle’s Purple Turtle Journal.

Finally, the official Colonel Purple Turtle CD and-book release shows take place on Saturday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Avenue. E., Vienna, Virginia.

  
The September 17th shows will be an array of new songs from Colonel Purple Turtle, including such soon-to-be famous fauna favorites as the album’s title track (a whimsical song about our favorite purple turtle), “Harry Elefante” (the story of international elephant who loves to sing and dance), and “Pirate Harvey” (a nautical shanty about friendly pirate cats).

Audiences will also be treated to the world premiere of an all-new Rocknoceros video, based on the song “Early Worm” from Colonel Purple Turtle.  

The Jammin’ Java stage will come alive with a colorful new backdrop and large cutouts of Colonel Purple Turtle characters.  

Special guests will join in the fun, and Colonel Purple Turtle CDs, tee shirts, and books will be available for purchase.

The 7:00 p.m. performance will be a “Rocknoceros Happy Family Hour” show that provides a wonderful night out on the town for the whole family. It’s a real concert at a real club in the evening, in a safe, clean, family-friendly environment. 

The Jammin’ Java bar will be in active mode, offering its signature Family Happy Hour drink special (“Buy a beer, get a free juice box!”).  

Although Rocknoceros Happy Family Hours take place in the evening, they do not make for late nights.  Families can be out the door and headed for home by 8:00 p.m.”

Be sure to check out the Rocknoceros website at www.rocknoceros.com

 

In addition to Colonel Purple Turtle, the band’s albums include Rocknoceros (2005), Dark Side of the Moon Bounce (2007), and the NAPPA award-winning PINK! (2009), about which Sirius/XM’s Kids Place Live program director Mindy Thomas enthused, “PINK! is whimsical and wondrous, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.”


ROCKNOCEROS TAKES KIDS OUT TO THE BALLGAME

WHERE:             Bowie Baysox Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway, Bowie, Maryland

WHEN:               4:15 p.m. Saturday, August 13. Baysox game time is 6:35p.m.

ADMISSION:     $10 in advance. $15 at the door. Tickets include general admission to the Rocknoceros concert, plus general admission to that evening’s Baysox game.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
301-805-6000.or https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=6577

ROCKNOCEROS AT ARTISPHERE

WHERE:            The Dome Theatre at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209

WHEN:                11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 20

ADMISSION:       $12 adults; $8 children 12 and under


FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:                
703-875-1101.  or http://www.artisphere.com

ROCKNOCEROS’ COLONEL PURPLE TURTLE  OFFICIAL CD RELEASE SHOWS

WHERE:              Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, Virginia  22180

WHEN:                 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2011

TICKETS:            $10.  Under age one, free.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

703-255-1566.  or http://www.jamminjava.com

 

The Jimmies set to release second full-length album ‘Practically Ridiculous’

The Jimmies set to release new CD

Over the past few years, The Jimmies have leapt to the top of the kindie rock scene with their hilariously infectious music, super-powered live show and impossibly crafted music videos. This fall, The Jimmies will release a second full-length album, Practically Ridiculous (Pluckypea Records, September 20th). Thirteen somewhat practical, mostly ridiculous tracks that rock the gamut from big band to hip hop to back porch kazoo.   The new album features Albert’s sparkling wordplay, oddball humor and a range of musical styles, from the Gwen Stefani/Missy Elliot-influenced dance track “Minivan Hotrod,” to the full orchestra swing of “Fine Art”, the country-fried rock of “Bonfire” and the reggae-inflected “Career Day” to the anthemic finale “Kids Wanna Rock.” In true Jimmies style, subtle messages will delight parents; the song “Wash Up,” is a hip-hop bathtub call to arms which might just deliver a clean kid before the song is through. “Every Day’s a Holiday” finds a reason to celebrate the ordinary, and “Laugh in Any Language” promotes international understanding via the chuckle. Most of all, Practically Ridiculous salutes just being a kid. The production on Practically Ridiculous sets the bar for the family music genre, thanks to Ashley's collaboration with Howard and Ron Albert, her father and uncle, the legendary producers/engineers for artists as varied as Crosby Stills & Nash and The Allman Brothers. One of the funniest women in kids’ show business, The Jimmies’ leader, Ashley Albert, is not afraid to embrace the ridiculous and can be found sporting a mustache for publicity photos, flying from the rafters in a cotton ball evening gown for her music videos, and writing songs about her fondness for hamsters. Like a beloved camp counselor or ultra-hip aunt, Albert's bouncy songs are only one of the ways she effortless relates to the “shorter-set”. If Ashley Albert’s voice sounds strangely familiar, it’s because millions of Americans hear her every day. Aside from her burgeoning career with The Jimmies, Albert spends most weekdays working as a busy voice over artist. For almost two decades, she has been lending her perky voice to products like Lucky Charms, CocaCola, McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts. Kids hear her regularly on the channel Nickelodeon, and she has voiced many popular animated series like Daria (MTV), Courage The Cowardly Dog (Cartoon Network) and most recently, Bubble Guppies (Nick). If her voice-over career and The Jimmies weren't keeping her busy enough, in 2009, she created the massively trendy “ultra-chic and uber-geek” custom Twitter ID jewelry line for her "entrepreneur general store" Survival of the Hippest. Tens of thousands of fans follow her @Pluckypea Twitter posts. The Jimmies’ first CD Make Your Own Someday (re-released in November, 2009) was included on more than a dozen “Best of the Year” lists and was named one of the Top 20 Best Kids' Albums of the Decade by ParentDish. The album is still finding new fans, and made Billboard’s top sales chart earlier this summer. They hit #1 with three different songs on Sirius-XM Satellite Radio’s Kids Place Live Show and are played on kid-oriented radio programs internationally. The 2009 DVD-CD set Trying Funny Stuff featured six music videos, a live concert, karaoke and a behind-the-scenes guide to encourage kids to make their own videos, as well as a bonus live concert CD. It won a Parents’ Choice Gold award and wide national acclaim. A World Record Release party is planned at The National Underground in NYC on September 17th, and a Washington, DC concert is planned for October 29th at National Geographic Live. Listen for a one-hour Jimmies special on Sirius-XM Satellite Radio later this fall.  For details about these and other Jimmies events, visit http://www.gimmejimmies.com/, and “Like” their Facebook page.

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

Welcome to another edition of “Musical Notes.” This weekly column is dedicated solely to the best in musical entertainment. Like our sister columns, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours,” Wednesday’s “Book Report” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on toys and travel, the world of literature and movies, this weekly post highlights the important world of music as positive entertainment for children and teens. Be sure to check back each Thursday.

This week’s edition of Musical Notes covers news of Zooey Deschanel voicing her talents for an upcoming Disney film, and the latest release by talented singer/songwriter/educator, Ben Gundersheimer (a/k/a Mister G).

NEWS

ZOOEY DESCHANEL HITS THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh

He’s a bear of very little brain. She’s half of the acclaimed band She & Him. This year, they come together on the big screen in “Winnie the Pooh,” which hits theaters nationwide on July 15, 2011. 

Actress/Musician/Singer/Songwriter Zooey Deschanel  (“Almost Famous,” “(500) Days of Summer”) joins Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, performing three songs for the film, including her own take on the classic “Winnie the Pooh” theme song, “A Very Important Thing to Do” and the original end-credit song “So Long,” which was written by Deschanel and performed with She & Him band mate M. Ward. 

“This has been one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had,” says Deschanel. “And I’ve just been thanking my lucky stars that I was able to work on this movie, because it’s delightful.”

Filmmakers were drawn to Deschanel’s signature style. “She was the perfect choice to do the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ song—a classic theme from the Sherman Brothers,” says director Don Hall. “Her music actually embodies the underlying spirit of the movie. We’re taking something that has vintage roots in the sixties, but spinning it in our own way and updating it. If you listen to Zooey’s music with She & Him—that’s their sound to a tee.”

Adds director Stephen Anderson, “It’s a perfect way to start the movie, letting the audience know right off the bat that this is Winnie the Pooh like you know him, but it’s something for today. We wanted to keep the same charm as the original, but give it a fresh spin, a contemporary feel, and she opens the movie with so much freshness, so much energy.”

“It’s always fun to have a contemporary artist rediscover a classic and that’s exactly what Zooey did,” says producer Peter Del Vecho. “She brought her own personality to the song—when she sings about introducing the individual characters, it’s as though she’s known them her whole life—and she has.”

“I’m a big fan of Winnie the Pooh and all his friends,” says Deschanel, who also plays the ukulele in the song. “It’s really hard to pick a favorite: Winnie the Pooh is so special, he loves honey and he’s just cool. Eeyore is amazing, I love Eeyore. And Piglet is so small. It’s really a four-way tie between Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger.”

Among the songs Deschanel performed for the film is “A Very Important Thing to Do”—a song that helps illustrate the contest the friends from the Hundred Acre Wood take on to find Eeyore a new tail. She also lent her voice to “Everything is Honey” and “Pooh’s Finale,” joining Jim Cummings (the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger), Tony Award®-winning songwriter Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q”) and other cast members. 

For the end-credit song, Deschanel teamed up with Ward to perform “So Long,” a song Deschanel wrote.  “When I was writing ‘So Long,’ I just held the images for the end credits in my mind,” she says. “I spent a number of days tinkering with ideas, melodies and chord progressions that I thought would fit the images, the new music being written and the original Sherman Brothers stuff-- but still be my own thing. The song definitely has its own feel, but also pays respect to the original.”

Deschanel plays piano for “So Long” and turned to the instrument when it came time to write the song. “I usually write on piano because that's the first instrument that I learned when I was a little kid,” she says. “All of my musical theory knowledge is in linear piano form.”

Her heart, however, is in the vocals. “I’m always thinking in terms of vocals, and arranging a fabric of vocals is the most exciting part. I love to sing backup parts—I always try to squeeze in as many as possible,” she says. “It’s fun; it’s my style.”

 Deschanel’s songs, plus the Sherman Brothers classic and a host of original songs by Robert Lopez and wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“The Wonder Pets”), as well as original score from composer Henry Jackman (“The Da Vinci Code,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”), will be included on the “Winnie the Pooh” soundtrack (available in the U.S. on July 12, 2011) from Walt Disney Records.

"So Long" Preview - Zooey Deschanel sings for Winnie the Pooh

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND ENTERTAINING EVENTS

The Merryall Center for the Performing Arts presents Mister G

8 Chapel Hill Road

New Milford, Connecticut 06776

Phone (860) 354-7264.

3:00 p.m.
(Parking available in the lot next to the Merryall Center and in the field across the street where the Merryall Chapel is located).

Admission:

FREE – This event is sponsored by the New Milford Commission on the Arts

Event Notes from the Merryall Center:

“Like those last few seconds before recess, the wait is unbearable. Tapping their feet, humming favorite songs: the crowd is antsy. Where’s Mister G? Off stage, the funky guitar kicks in, and tiny hands reach for the sky. By the time Mister G appears with his trademark hat and bright red shoes, high-pitched shrieks threaten to crack windows. Ben Gundersheimer has been writing children’s music for decades, entertaining around the world, emphasizing environmental issues and unleashing kid’s creativity.”

Gundersheimer, affectionately know to his fans as “Mister G” is an accomplished musician, songwriter and educator, and he has just released his newest pop album: BUGS - a delightful mix of songs about all the things kids find fascinating and important in their lives. Songs about sharks in the bathtub, grilled cheese, friends, brothers and sisters and some ghosts and goblins added to the mix; each tune well crafted with clever lyrics and delivered with polished musicianship.

Sound samples of all 14 tracks of BUGS are available at CD Baby where the complete CD can be ordered for $14.99 or the entire album in MP3 format downloaded for $9.99.

Below is a fun Mister G video to share with your child.  The song is “Squirrels” from Gundersheimer’s debut album, PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST.

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

Playing Guitar’ photo 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 solely on a CD and a DVD.  Both are highly entertaining and are making an impact in the world of children’s music.

CD


Jamie Broza: I WANT A DOG

Story–songs with clever lyrics, a little blue grass, a touch of rock and a mix of beautiful Boss Nova beats throughout, Jamie Broza’s newest album release in several years, I WANT A DOG clearly defines him once again as a master composer and performer.

In the grownup world, Broza (a/k/a Jamie Lawrence) has been honored with four Emmys and a Clio, and his children’s music offerings have garnered him top NAPPA and Parents’ Choice honors.

I WANT A DOG is a fun family affair album that features Broza’s daughter Carmen, and his cousin, Israeli superstar David Broza.

Jamie and Dusty photo by Oliver Lawrence

Inspiration for this CD came from Jamie Broza’s dog “Dusty,” a rescued pooch that was adopted from North Shore Animal League America.

Geared for ages 3 through 7, all 18 tracks of I WANT A DOG are available to sound sample through the artist’s website, Good Mood Records.

Best pricing for the CD is through CD Baby at $12.97.

Amazon.com and iTunes provide MP3 downloads at $0.99 per track with best MP3 download album through Amazon.com for $8.99.

Twenty-percent of the profits on the sales of I WANT A DOG are dedicated to the North Shore Animal League, and it is Broza’s hope that this will encourage others to adopt rescue animals.

Below is a very special video featuring Broza and his daughter Carmen, singing “Waters of March” (Antonio Carlos Jobim Cover) from the album I WANT A DOG.





DVD

Debbie and Friends: Story Songs and Sing Alongs

On March 29th, Debbie and Friends releases their first-ever DVD,  Story Songs and Sing Alongs, which features ten wonderfully animated versions of Debbie Cavalier’s hit songs for children created from her Parents’ Choice and iParenting Media award winning CDs, Story Songs and Sing Alongs and More Story Songs and Sing Alongs.

The DVD also includes bonus live performance footage of two concerts featuring Debbie Cavalier and her band performing “So So Happy” and “Simon Says,” plus a behind-the-scenes chat with Debbie, hilarious concert outtakes and fun fan interviews.

The DVD is available to purchase from the artist website for $14.95.

Below for your enjoyment are four videos to preview from this new release.

Cinderella by Debbie and Friends


Willy Won't Smile for the Camera





Jack and the Beanstalk by Debbie and Friends



Little Red Riding Hood by Debbie and Friends

Entertaining choices for celebrating Black History Month

Martin Luther King Jr. Banner , The Diversity Store

During February we celebrate Black History Month, and there are superb entertainment choices available for children and families.

The following suggestions include: live performances; books, music and video, and are presented according to calendar dates as these events or products become available to the public.

You may wish to bookmark this page to revisit throughout the month.

DVD and Books

A new DVD was released on February 1, 2011, from Scholastic Storybook Treasures: DUKE ELLINGTON…AND MORE STORIES TO CELEBRATE GREAT FIGURES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY.




Based on stories that highlight African-American musical greats this excellent DVD was produced and adapted for the small screen by the award-winning Weston Woods Studios.

Each of the four engaging stories, which originated as a best-selling children’s book, is presented with beautiful illustrations, music and expert narration by such notables as: Forest Whitaker; Phylicia Rashad; Samuel L. Jackson, and Billy Dee Williams.

The 70-minute DVD includes a special read-along feature and extras that promote discussion.

DUKE ELLINGTON…AND MORE STORIES TO CELEBRATE GREAT FIGURES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY has a suggested retail price of $14.95, and as of this posting, best pricing is available through Amazon.com Marketplace starting at $7.96 plus shipping and handling.

For information about each story included in this DVD, simply follow the provided links. The four featured stories included are: Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra (based on the story by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney); Ellington Was Not a Street (based on the story by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson); Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of Vocal Virtuosa (based on the story Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney), and John Henry (based on the story by Julius Lester, illustrated by Brian Pinkney.

Live Performances

Spirit Men: Heritage OP Family Concert

Hasan Bakr and Kevin Hylton are consummate performers of African music who delight children, parents and caregivers in their use of traditional instruments from around the globe that include the Kora, shekere, steel pan, mbira, bamboo flute and hand drums, which provide authentic rhythmic music that invites audiences to clap and dance along.

One performance only on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., at Symphony Space, Leonard Nimoy Thalia, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York City – Tickets are priced at $11 to $20.

For more information follow this link to Symphony Space or contact the box office directly at (212) 864-5400


Also, on Saturday, February 12, A Story Worth Telling with Jerry Pinkney – a special presentation for children and families at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art that covers Pinkney’s 50 years of creating art for some of the finest picture books for children.

Patrons will meet this award-winning illustrator and learn all about his earliest works, to the culmination of his receiving the prestigious 2010 Caldecott Medal.

This event is FREE with a standard museum admission.

To learn more about Jerry Pinkney visit www.jerrypinkneystudio.com

The presentation begins at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art , 125 West Bay Road | Amherst, MA 01002. For further information phone: (413) 658-1100, or Fax: (413) 658-1139, or Email: info@carlemuseum.org

You can also visit their website at |www.carlemuseum.org

Music CDs

On February 22nd, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings releases A Life of Song featuring the “First Lady of Children’s Music,” Ella Jenkins in her 29th release for the label since 1957.

This newest recording from the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Winner is part of the African American Legacy Series, and is a joint production of Smithsonian Folkways and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

A Life of Song is an engaging compilation of music that reflects Jenkins’ own childhood, growing up as an African American youngster in the multicultural city of Chicago.

Thoughtful recollections of her own childhood are interspersed with songs that include some call-and response numbers, which encourage children to sing along. Jenkins is joined on this album by Rita Ruby on guitar and students from Chicago's Donoghue Elementary and Horace Greeley Elementary schools.

Renditions of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and "One Two Three O'Leary" are but two of the memorable tracks on this 21 track CD. All songs are available to preview by following this link to the African American Legacy Series: A Life of Song, where the full CD is available for $15.00 or downloadable for $9.99 with liner notes included.

To see a newly released video tribute to Jenkins, please follow this link.


Fun and funky is this soon-to-be released CD, Wheels on the Bus from Groove Kid Nation, launching at retailers nationwide on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

The brainchild of Los Angeles based keyboardist/record producer and recording artist Rodney Lee, whose 20-plus year career has brought him full circle as a musician and father, Wheels offers up a kid-pleasing mix of classic tunes such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and the “Alphabet Song” along with some new originals, all a' la foot stomping, grooving funk-style, delivered by a prominent group of musicians who capture the rhythmic beat and youthful joy of today’s generation.


Lee says, “When I was a kid, the music on Saturday morning cartoon shows like Fat Albert, the Jackson 5 and The Banana Splits made a big impression on me,” He adds, “After the birth of my son (now 2), I looked for this kind of funky children’s music and couldn’t find what I wanted to hear, especially, over and over. So I decided to do what I do: make music with some groove to it.” And, that Lee has done.

To sound sample all ten tracks for Wheels on the Bus, follow this link to Groove Kid Nation where you can learn more about this recording project that provides needed donations to CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that fights poverty. Ten percent of the wholesale price of The Wheels on the Bus is dedicated to CARE.

For placing advanced orders for Groove Kid Nation’s Wheels on the Bus, please visit Amazon.com by following this link.

2010 Holiday Guide: Gifts of Music

With Halloween now behind us, and your pumpkin waiting for the first frost, we turn our attention to the upcoming holiday season.

This article, the first installment in this series, provides information and ideas for parents and caregivers for children’s entertainment-oriented gifts for the upcoming holidays.

From now until December 21, 2010, new offerings will be featured in many entertainment categories in addition to music, so you may wish to bookmark this page to enable further explorations of the highlighted links at your leisure.

The products, which appear below have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.

Today we take a look at the gift of music.

There are numerous choices in this category, and we will work backwards from the most recent music releases, to those that occurred earlier in the year.

It is suggested that you cross-compare pricing with various online as well as stick and brick retailers when available.

As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.

Enjoy the musical journey, as there will be many choices provided, which cover a multitude of musical tastes.

The New Explorers Club by Flannery Brothers

A recent release from October 19, 2010, The New Explorers Club by Flannery Brothers marks this energizing duo’s third album launch.

Winners of 13 prestigious awards, including the Lennon Award for Best Children’s Song in the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, the Flannery Brothers (Mike and Dan) are fun, engaging, and easy-going with their brand of family music.

You can sound sample all 13 tracks of Flannery Brothers’ New Explorer’s Club as well as order the complete compact disc for $15.00, or the down-loadable format for $9.99 direct from the artists’ website.

For your enjoyment, below is “Pirate or Parrot,” a video interpretation from one of Flannery’s songs from their New Explorers Club album.

Jim Cosgrove’s Swimming in Noodles

For the last decade, Jim Cosgrove has delighted audiences with his “Free Range Family Rock” in over 200 performances throughout the year that included stops around the United States, Europe and even The White House.

Swimming in Noodles, Cosgrove’s latest release, which debuted October 5, 2010, joins his extensive discography and marks his first collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Tor Hyams, and provides a mixture of bright effervescent tunes that celebrate “the wonder of youth.”

On November 1, the National Association of Parenting Publications (NAPPA) announced it’s 2010 Audio Award winners and Cosgrove’s Swimming in Noodles has been honored with a gold award.

All 14 tracks of Swimming in Noodles along with lyrics are available as a download for $8.00, or ordered in a full CD format for $12.00; selections may be sound sampled direct from Cosgrove’s online store.

To learn more about Jim Cosgrove and his trio band, The Hiccups, along with his extensive discography, latest concerts and seminars, his blog, “Mr. Stinky Feet’s Road Trip,” and to view music videos, go directly to the artist’s website.

Use Your Words

Released September 28, 2010, New York City musician Jeremy Zmuda’s, Use Your Words, is a unique “language based music” album that features lyrics developed by early childhood specialists.

Use Your Words offers a mixture of musical genres including pop, country, folk, Jazz and rock to ease in subtle messages that highlight children’s feelings in everyday social encounters.

Joined on the album are musical artists Madeleine Peyroux, Kirk Douglas (The Roots), Joy Dragland and Leo Sidran.

The 14 original songs, for children ages two through six may be sound sampled at Zmuda’s website, and where you will also learn more about Zmuda’s unique qualifications for this album, check out his upcoming live performances, download song lyrics and purchase the CD at the suggested retail price of $13.99.

Use Your Words is also available through online retailers Amazon.com and Best Buy.

The Best Candy in the Whole World and Other Stories by Bill Harley

 Launched September 14, 2010, another hit album from Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, storyteller, author and playwright Bill Harley.

This 67-minute album features a collection of two original Harley stories plus folktale adaptations from Africa, Appalachia and the British Isles, along with a bit of music.

Entertainment Weekly called Harley “the Mark Twain of contemporary children’s music,” and he’s as equally at home and accomplished as an author and storyteller.

Harley’s latest recording imparts the important message that “a little kindness can bring magic to everyday life.”

You can read all about Harley, along with his newsletter and check out his upcoming tour schedule when you visit his official website.

Excerpts from The Best Candy in the Whole World and Other Stories are available for listening, and may be purchased as an individual MP3 track download or full album download for $8.00, or ordered in the CD format for $15.00 through Harley’s online store.

 

Meet the Squeegees

Meet the Squeegees, a debut EP album from the Southern California based group of the same name features lots of positive messages, which include such topics as healthy eating, environmental awareness and animal rescue.

Songs are arranged for vocals, acoustic guitar, and sometimes a shaker or two, with music that appeals to infants, toddlers, parents and caregivers.

Sound samples and music videos of Meet the Squeegees are available directly from the artist’s website, where you’ll also find news, information about upcoming shows, and a special “Mommy’s Corner.”

The Squeegees debut album was released August 24, 2010, and

all 14 tracks of Meet the Squeegees are available in CD format exclusively at Target for $7.99.

 Matt Clark’s Funnier Little Fellas

A nice mix of country, blues, pop and even rap, written by composer Matt Clark for his two young sons, Rowlin and Quillan. The album takes toddlers, young children and parents on a musical journey reflecting family insights of everyday life.

Released in August 2010, this is a companion album to Clark’s debut disc, “Funny Little Fella.”

Sound samples for all 14 tracks of Funnier Little Fellas are available through CD Baby,where you will find the entire download MP 3 album for $9.99 or complete CD for $12.00.

Biographical information about Clark along with news, reviews and some free musical downloads are accessible through the artist’s website.

To learn about many other musical releases from the earliest portion of the year, please visit my home page at the National Edition of Examiner.com.