Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus and NORAD is tracking his every move

'Santa Claus' CC.2.0

For more than 50 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and its predecessor, Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa Claus on his Christmas Eve flight, providing Santa, his reindeer, and sleigh, safe and unimpeded air space over North America and Canada, while sharing information with children about Santa’s minute-by-minute progress around the globe.

 

NORAD is staffed by the good folks who keep our skies safe, 24 hours a day, seven days week with radar and intercept aircraft, and this time of year they also invite you to their NORAD Tracks Santa web site where you can keep an eye on Santa’s Christmas flight right along with them in real time.

At the NORAD site, children, parents and caregivers will see video images from the “Santa Cams” that have been pre-positioned around the world to catch glimpses of Santa, the reindeer and his sleigh.

You’ll also track Santa by downloading a free application of Google Earth, available from the NORAD web site, as well as following Santa's progress on NORAD’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

NORAD provides some fun and games during the countdown at "Santa’s Village," where you click on any shop in the village, and find an interesting activity that is inside each of the different buildings.

There are also special pages where you’ll see and hear Santa read the Night Before Christmas in a pre-recorded video, and learn lots of interesting facts about the big guy in red, everything from his sleigh’s technical data to how he gets down a chimney.

For Santa skeptics there is even a page where you can listen to the reading of a real letter, which was written to a newspaper in 1897 by eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, questioning the existence of Santa, and hear the newspaper editor’s touching and thoughtful reply.

Information about appropriate “Santa Snacks” to leave out for the main man, and pages about NORAD – "why" they track Santa and details on how the tracking is actually done are available.

The NORAD Tracks Santa website is a non-profit organization funded solely through corporate donations, and is fully staffed by an all-volunteer crew who love children, Christmas, and honor the memory of Colonel Harry Shoup, (Retired) USAF, who by serendipity in 1955, became NORAD’s very first Santa Tracker.

While you and your little one are waiting for Santa, below is this year’s adorable video pick, “Santa and Baby (Santa’s Little Helper Song)” by award-winning songwriter, performer and educator, Debbie Cavalier and her band Debbie and Friends.

Cavalier’s YouTube channel explains: "Baby" is a little dog with big dreams! She wants to be Santa's little helper and her friend "Lady" helps make that dream come true.

The groove is inspired by the Spin Doctors (Yeah!) ! The story is inspired by one of the cutest dogs we've ever met named Baby. And, the message for this Christmas song is about giving, helping friends, and taking steps to make your dreams come true.”

Since 2009, this post, which originally appeared in my column on Examiner.com, has become a tradition with my readers, and it was once again my pleasure to bring it you, dusting it off a bit and providing some updates along with this year’s very special cartoon video from Debbie and Friends. 

It is my hope that this is shared with the child or children who are important in your life. 

With very best wishes for the happiest of holidays and a New Year filled with many blessings to you and yours. 

I will be back in the first week of the New Year with a very special announcement.

Debbie and Friends Presents: ‘Learning to Play Piano for the Very Young’

'Learning to Play the Piano for the Very Young'

Debbie Cavalier is one of those rare multi-talented music industry hyphenates: Her performances with her award-winning kids/family band Debbie and Friends rank her as one of the top children’s music artists in the nation; she is an educator and Dean of Continuing Education at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston; a seasoned producer of DVDs, and a prolific author who has penned more than one hundred music education publications and arrangements. Cavalier’s latest project, Learning to Play Music for the Very Young is a wonderful and entertaining method for introducing the joys of music making to a child.

Geared to be the perfect pre-primer for preschoolers, Cavalier created Learning to Play Piano for the Very Young with her grandfather, noted arranger/composer Marty Gold, who was an A & R man for RCA in the ‘50s and ‘60s and recorded dozens of records with the Marty Gold Orchestra. Gold was also Cavalier’s first music teacher when taught her how to play piano.

Cavalier says, “Learning To Play Piano is a readiness method for the parent and child to experience together. It prepares kids for further study with a piano teacher using any of the commercially-available methods.”

The pre-primer method book is filled with active participatory activities: writing in note names, tracing hands, writing in finger numbers, clapping, singing and playing melodies.

There is a pullout “Keyboard Tent” that is included, which provides a fun visual reference to associate notes on the page to keys on the piano.

Children learn to play familiar melodies such as “Twinkle, Twinkle” and “Jingle Bells” with their right hand and gain the readiness skills needed to graduate to any commercially available piano method.

The full-color book is filled with words of encouragement and praise from familiar Debbie and Friends cartoon characters.

Cavalier says, “The melodies are familiar, so there’s immediate satisfaction as kids learn to play songs they know.” She adds, “Parents don’t have to be trained musicians to enjoy working through the material with their child from start to finish.” 

Learning To Play Piano for the Very Young is available from  Debbie and Friends Music ($9.95) and from various retailers.

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.

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