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.

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

‘PlayingGuitar’ by Petr Kratochvil

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 the Okee Dokee Brothers upcoming excellent adventure, top picks for live entertainment for the holiday weekend and Music for Little People recording label receives multiple honors.

NEWS

Photo by Alex Johnson

Talk about creative ways in which to spark artistic inspiration – on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 family folk entertainers, the Okee Dokee Brothers, will embark on a journey on the Mississippi, chronicling their adventure and creating music for their forthcoming album.

The duo are being joined with a wilderness guide and documentary filmmaker as they explore stops along the way; meet up with other musicians and write new songs.

Parents and children are invited to follow their progress through their website and by listening to regular updates on the Absolutely Mindy Show on Sirius-XM’s Kid Place Live.

Join them for a true taste of musical adventure; it should be fun and educational all at the same time. 

The video below explains it all.

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND ENTERTAINING EVENTS

H and M presents Baby Loves Disco at the Cumberland Mall

Saturday, May 28, 2011
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   
1000 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, Georgia 30339

 Entrance 1 Seating Event Area

Show Details: “Shake that booty at the best family disco around. Real DJs, real music, real dancing fun-filled activities for all your little ones including face painting, tattoos, mini manis, craft activities, and more.”

A FREE EVENT – Sponsored by H and M - No purchase necessary, free admission with wristband. Wristbands are available while supplies last at H & M. – Maximum of 4 per person, all attendees must have a wristband to gain entry.
 
For more information, visit this link.

Kansas City Jiggle Jam

Saturday, May 28th, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 29th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Crown Center Square 25th and Grand Street Kansas City, Missouri

Show Details: This is an outstanding, one-of-a-kind kid festival of entertainment and fun, which last year garnered over 30,000 people.

Jiggle Jam hosts three stages featuring a wide array of indi kids’ music stars, including Brady Rymer, the Okee Dokee Brothers, Justin Roberts and Jim Cosgrove to name just a few.

There are also dancing, crafting, exercise workshops, educational music for listening and learning, bubble tents, bouncy toys, train rides, Tween activities, food and drinks, shopping and much more.

Admission

$8 presale

$12 at the gate

$15 Weekend Pass (online only)

Under 2 free

There’s ample FREE parking surrounding the grounds. (Handicapped parking is available in the Crown Center parking garages.)

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

Every Family Rocks

Sunday May 29, 2011

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Des Moines Family Music Festival

Iowa State Fair Grounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317-2494

Top-flight musical entertainment including Justin Roberts, They Might Be Giants, the Battersby Duo and more.

Lots of kid-pleasing activities: Guitar Hero, Spin Art, Kids' Jam Band with Central Iowa Music Lab, Instrumental Petting Zoo with the Iowa Symphony Academy Hula Hooping, face painting, juggler, balloon animals, Urbandale Dance and Gymnastics demo, Little Ninjas demo, fun crafts to take home -bracelets, paper hats, sock puppets and more, and an appearances by Spike the Drake Bulldog, Cubbie Bear and Curious George.

Admission

$10 in advance
$15 at the door
Children 2 and under are free
Rain or shine

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

AWARDS AND HONORS

Music for Little People honored by seven Parents’ Choice Foundation Awards

For the last 26 years, Music for Little People, the premiere music retailer and children’s recording label have garnered almost 200 awards for their commitment to excellence, and this week The Parents' Choice Foundation has added to those honors by singling out for distinction, seven winning products hailed from Music for Little People’s recording label.

By following each link that is provided below, you’ll be able to sound sample or order each of these distinguished recordings for your family’s musical collection.

In each instance, you have been linked to the best available format and online price at the time of this publication. For your convenience, the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) has also been provided to enable you to cross-compare with your favorite retailer.

The coveted Silver Honor Award was bestowed upon the following:

Maria Muldaur's Barnyard DanceJugband Music for Kids CD SRP $13.98

Sweet Slumbers: Soothing Lullabies for Kids 

SRP $13.98

Giggling and Laughing: Silly Songs for Kids  

SRP $13.98

These recordings received the distinguished Recommended Award:

Buckwheat Zydeco's Bayou Boogie  

SRP $14.98 

Singin' and Groovin: 25 Best Sing-Along Songs  

SRP $13.98 

Approved Awards were issued to:

World Travels: World Music for Kids  

SRP $13.98 

Let's Go Chipper! Into the Great Outdoors (a DVD/CD set) 

SRP DVD only $9.99

Music for Little People is the only label to have won this many awards in a single year since Parents' Choice began 33 years ago. Congratulations Music for Little People!

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.