Stellar new season of cultural programs for kids at Symphony Space

Outstanding cultural season for children at Symphony Space

Advance ticket sales have begun for Symphony Space and its jam-packed 2011-12 season of arts and cultural programming for kids of all ages, including the Just Kidding performing arts series for younger children, and the interactive Thalia Kids’ Book Club for 9 to 12 year olds.
 

The Just Kidding program has become a destination for New York area families on Saturday mornings. They will find here not only their kids’ favorites but also upcoming (and outstanding) artists.

The Thalia Kids’ Book Club brings top authors together with preteen kids in meaningful, interactive discussions and activities.

“These programs are designed both to entertain and to introduce kids to a wide variety of artistic expression. After all, they are our audiences of tomorrow,” says Cynthia Elliott, Executive Director of Symphony Space

Symphony Space’s Just Kidding series kicks off in October with a cornucopia of family-friendly performances. Every Saturday from October through May, Symphony Space continues their tradition of offering New York families ground-breaking programming from around the country.

This year, the Upper West Side cultural mecca will host dozens of family-centric performances, including the return of perennial favorites Elizabeth Mitchell, Gustafer Yellowgold and Justin Roberts, as well as a lively, kid-powered dance performance from National Dance Institute: The Celebration Team.

Other standouts of the 2011-12 season include Afro-Cuban rhythms from Women of the Calabash, the retro slide show vaudevillian group The Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players, as well as “kindie rock” stars Joanie Leeds, RecessMonkey and Caspar Babypants (also known as Chris Ballew of the Presidents of the USA).

Symphony Space is located at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street in Manhattan, New York City.

Ticket prices range from $11 to $25.

Symphony Space offers “create your own” subscriptions to the 2011-12 Just Kidding series. 

Members of Symphony Space enjoy up to 40 percent in discounts on ticket prices. 

To learn more about this season’s performers, play songs, watch videos and get updates about family programs at Symphony Space, visit http://www.symphonyspace.org/genre/family or call 212.864.5400.

The 2011-12 family season kicks off with the following fall events. Details about each of these Just Kidding performances are available online by following the highlighted link. You may wish to bookmark this page for easy future reference.

Just Kidding Saturday Performances, Fall 2011

October 1, 11 am and 2 pm (Thalia): The Story Pirates -- This zany-smart NYC based troupe creates musical sketch comedy, comprised entirely of stories written by kids. Jon Stewart is a fan of their award-winning shows, which have been described as “Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock.”

October 8, 2 pm (Thalia): Women of the Calabash -- Combining traditional instruments, lush vocals, and musical forms with contemporary influences, this musical group has enchanted audiences of all ages for 20 years,performing music from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Black America.

October 15, 11 am: (Sharp): Galumpha -- Combining stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy, and inventive choreography, Galumpha transforms three human bodies into one floating, flying, and gravity-defying piece of art.

October 22, 11 am: (Thalia): Cat and a Bird -- With catchy beats, a variety of instruments and animal-themed lyrics, Cat and a Bird delivers a fun musical experience for kids with style that older siblings and parents can enjoy. “Out with the Kids” describes their sound as “beautifully strange, Eastern European-gypsy lounge dinner party music.”

October 29, 11 am: (Thalia): Ben Rudnick and Friends – With countless awards to their credit, including five Parent’s Choice awards, this family jam band’s adventurous, high-energy blend of happy, upbeat acoustic music is guaranteed to entertain the entire family. Bending musical styles from country to bluegrass, rock to second-line New Orleans, their original songs and fun takes on familiar tunes make audiences sing, dance, and just be happy.

November 5, 2 pm (Sharp): National Dance Institute: The Celebration Team  – Ballet star Jacques D’Amboise’ legendary children’s dance troupe has transformed the lives of more than 2 million public school children through award-winning arts and learning programs. This year, NDI brings another joyous afternoon of dance to the stage at Symphony Space with more than 50 children, ages 9-15, performing favorite works from their repertory.

November 12, 11 am: (Thalia):  Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights – A favorite star of the NYC “kindie rock” scene, Joanie and her brand bring catchy songs that will have everyone moving and grooving. 

November 19, 11 am: (Thalia): Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players – Known for their quirky, low-fi acoustic songs and unusually engaging slide show performances, this family trio from NYC is sure to create an indie-vaudeville-conceptual-art-rock-slideshow experience like none other in family entertainment. 

December 17, 11 am (Sharp):  Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower –Smithsonian Folkways artist Mitchell's gentle, heartfelt music transfixes audiences of all ages with homespun renditions of great songs by Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground, Vashti Bunyan, Gillian Welch and more. The quiet sweetness and intimacy of her concerts cement her as an icon whose music will be remembered for years to come. Dan Zanes says, “This is the family music that I love---soulful, mysterious, inclusive and rollicking!"

December 31, 11 am. (Thalia): Tim and the Space Cadets – Celebrate a family New Year’s Eve with this dynamic family-friendly pop rock band. Tim’s songs exist somewhere in the realm between Raffi and Blink-182, inspired by memories of school days, snow days, pizza parties, and summer vacations. Their song “Superhero” enjoys frequent spins on Sirius-XM’s Kids Place Live. 

For More Information on the entire 2011-2012 season visit: http://www.symphonyspace.org/genre/family

Membership information: http://www.symphonyspace.org/support

 
Box office: (212) 864-5400  

Starz Kids and Family channel to provide two-hour teen/tween block of programming

'The Wannabes' part of new programming block

Starz Entertainment announced today that its STARZ KIDS & FAMILY channel will air four, live-action shows for teen and pre-teen audiences beginning Monday, September 5, 2011.  Known as “Camp Block,” these 30-minute shows will kick off with the international hit, “The Wannabes” at 4:00 p.m. ET/PT.  Other shows include “Mortified,” “Conner Undercover,” and “The Latest Buzz.”

STARZ KIDS & FAMILY is “excited to offer a unique two hour block of programming specially designed for young audiences,” says Stephan Shelanski, EVP Programming, for Starz Entertainment. "With everyone going back to school, we wanted to offer programming that appeals specifically to the families of our subscribers."

“Camp Block” kicks off with “The Wannabes”- a show with proven success amongst teenagers. Airing in more than 92 territories around the world, “The Wannabes” is a comedy with original music and music videos, and follows six talented high school students at a classical arts academy as they sing and dance their way to making their dreams of becoming huge pop stars come true. 

Shaylen Carson (Shaylen Carroll), Sarah Moody (Gabrielle "GiGi" LeMaire), Mariah Pettigrew (Mariah Parks), Drew Robinson (Drew Rojas Reinartz), Alan Taskin (Alan Shaw), and Andrew Stark (Andrew Bowen Stern) learn to balance their high school studies with their secret lives as musical group Savvy, getting into outrageous adventures along the way. “The Wannabes” is produced by Showcase Entertainment and Stern-LeMaire Productions, Inc.

'Mortified' starring Taylor Fry

Following “The Wannabes” at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/PT, “Camp Block” also features “Mortified”, starring Marny Kennedy, Dajana Cahill, and Rachel Blakely. 

“Mortified” spotlights Taylor Fry, an eleven year old with an ordinary life and an extraordinary imagination. She copes with the daily pressures of school, parents and friends by making embarrassing situations a bit more hilarious. “Mortified” is produced by Australian Children's Television Foundation.

'Connor Undercover'

“Connor Undercover” is next up on the block and centers around Connor, a typical fifteen year old, whose world is suddenly more precarious when the president’s daughter comes to live with his family. Max Morrow, Gavin Fox, Lola Tash, Jordan Francis, Dylan Authors star in this series filled with suspense and intrigue. “Connor Undercover” is produced by Shaftesbury Films.

'The Latest Buzz'

Rounding out “Camp Block” is “The Latest Buzz” starring Zoe Belkin, Vanessa Morgan, Justin Kelly. It revolves around five, 14-old writers who work at a youth magazine during 8th period at school. They learn about the fast-paced world of publishing, all the while living the fast-paced life of a teenager. “The Latest Buzz” is produced by DHX Media.

The video featured below is an excerpt from “The Wannabes.”

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

‘Playing Guitar’ by Petr Kratochvil

Unique and family-friendly presentations of classical music is our main topic in this week’s edition of ‘Musical Notes’; from an upcoming sure-to-please performance and new release by Richard Perlmutter (Beethoven’s Wig) to CD’s featuring a mix of storytelling and music with the London Philharmonic, and a lovely bedtime tuck-in of gentle piano classics – plus, information on other entertaining live performance events featuring Baby Loves Disco, Recess Monkey and more.

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND ENTERTAINING EVENTS

Big! World! Fun! Family Series: Beethoven’s Wig Singing Along to the Classics - featuring Richard Perlmutter

 
Saturday, July 23, 2011

10:00 a.m.

Ford Amphitheatre

2850 Cahuenga Boulevard East

Hollywood, California 90068

Tickets: $5. Children 12 and under FREE

PERFORMANCE NOTES:

Ever since Richard Perlmutter toyed with the idea of marrying lyrics to classical works of music with his Beethoven’s Wig series, the cultural circle of ‘long hair’ has never been the same.

Beethoven’s Wig, hailed as “opening the door to ‘"serious music"’ in a way that's fun, is now the most honored musical group in family entertainment.”

The world’s most beautiful and memorable musical masterpieces, professionally performed, from symphonies, sonatas, opera and now piano classics are presented with a twist, which includes the cleverest lyrics that often border on hysterical fun - totally redefining classical music and entertaining audiences of all ages.

In performance, Perlmutter will “debut songs from his upcoming September 27, 2011 release .Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics. The live-performance is a brand new production, with music and comedy routines starring Perlmutter and the four Beethoven’s Wig opera singers, accompanied by pianist and string quartet, along with guest performers on classical mandolin and guitar.

Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics  adds the Beethoven’s Wig signature spin to music history’s beloved masters Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann and Debussy.  The album also tackles works by modern composers Stravinsky and Schoenberg and mixes things up a bit with super-hysterical lyrics set to “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin  and the ubiquitous two finger keyboard classic “Chopsticks.” Those who attend the Ford Amphitheater concert will be offered the opportunity to purchase advance copies of the CD.”

Collectively, the four previous Beethoven’s Wig CDs in the series have garnered an astounding 46 national awards, which include four GRAMMY nominations, plus the distinguished recognition of the albums spending weeks as Classical and Children’s music chart-topping best-sellers on Amazon.com. Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics is destined for the same distinguished recognition. It is definitely 5-star material.

For further venue information or to order tickets, telephone (323) 461-3673 or online at http://fordtheatres.org/en/events/details/id/301, and to find out more about Beethoven’s Wig, check out their website at www.beethovenswig.com where you’ll find sound samples and lyrics for the four previous Beethoven’s Wig CDs as well as lyrics for the upcoming Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics. 

And, just in case you've never seen Beethoven's Wig in live performance, take a look at the video below. Richard Perlmutter's classical interpretations will tickle your funny bone.

Just in case you’ve never seen Beethoven’s Wig in live performance, take a look at the video below, Richard Perlmutter’s classical interpretations will tickle your funny bone.

Just in case you’ve never seen Beethoven’s Wig in live performance, take a look at the video below, Richard Perlmutter’s classical interpretations will tickle your funny bone.

Just in case you’ve never seen Beethoven’s Wig in live performance, take a look at the video below, Richard Perlmutter’s classical interpretations will tickle your funny bone.

Just in case you’ve never seen Beethoven’s Wig in live performance, take a look at the video below, Richard Perlmutter’s classical interpretations will tickle your funny bone.

Baby Loves Disco – The Tour Continues

Saturday, 07/23/11

2:00 p.m.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107

Single Admission: 15.00
$15 per person or 4 for $50

PERFORMANCE 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.

Teacher-Rockers RECESS MONKEY Soar in Phoenixville Show!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Colonial Theatre

227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460

Tickets: $7 online in advance (includes $2 restoration fee); $8 at the box office (includes $1 restoration fee).

VENUE PERFORMANCE NOTES:

“Recess Monkey is an acclaimed children’s music band from Seattle, WA composed of three elementary school teachers who make kid’s music that grows out of their days in their classrooms. They continue to be praised across the country for sing able, danceable songs that parents enjoy as much as their kids. Mindy Thomas from SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live says, “These guys are able to tap into elementary school so well that it’s like they never left. In this never-ending nationwide talent show of kid and family music, they are most definitely at the top.” 

For further venue information or to order tickets, telephone 601-917-1228 or online at http://www.thecolonialtheatre.com , and to find out more about Recess Monkey stop by their website at http://www.recessmonkeytown.com/

Madison Square Kids Concerts Presents -

Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band

Performing

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

- AND -

The Itty Biddies

Performing

Thursday, July 28, 2011

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Madison Square Park on the Oval Lawn (in Madison Square Park), Manhattan
(Directions to this location)

EVENT NOTES FROM THE MADISON SQUARE PARK CONSERVANCY:

“Madison Square Park Conservancy is thrilled to present its 9th season of Mad. Sq. Kids, a series of free outdoor performances for children and their families, which takes place rain or shine in the Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. June 14 to August 11.” Organized by the Madison Square Park Conservancy”

For further information contact: (212) 538-1629 or email: jsong@madisonsquarepark.org

CDs

Lullaby Piano

Performed by pianist/teacher/songwriter, Lori Henriques Lullaby Piano contains 14 exquisite and gently performed dreamy musical gems from Bach, Chopin, Khachaturian, Mendelssohn, Satie and more.


The entire CD is a calming and centering experience, and a reflection of parent’s love that will easily become part of a cherished bedtime ritual for the child in your life.

The tender story of how this recording originally came to be, along with links to iTunes sound samples and MP3 downloads for all tracks, are available through the artist’s website.

My Name is Handel THE STORY OF HANDEL’S “WATER MUSIC” from Maestro Classics™

One of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras, the London Philharmonic under the able baton of Stephen Simon, presents A STORIES IN MUSIC™ CD for Narrator, Soloists, and Symphony Orchestra, featuring THE STORY OF HANDEL’S “WATER MUSIC.”

Simon, who served as Music Director of the Handel Festival of New York at Carnegie Hall, Music Director of the Handel Festival at the Kennedy Center, and whose recording of Handel’s Solomon garnered a GRAMMY nomination, is the perfect choice for bringing the interpretive elements of music as well storytelling  together. 

Maestro Classics™, has been the winner of more than 45 prestigious awards for its Stories In Music™ CD series.

The Story of Handel’s “Water Music” transports the listener back in time to the reign of King George I of England, and the history surrounding the creation of this monumental piece of music.


Selections from Handel’s "Water Music," "Messiah," and R "Rinaldo" are featured throughout the story, along with performances by soprano, Julianne Baird, baritone James Shaffron and narration by Yadu.

An informational/activity 24-page booklet, beautifully designed by Bonnie Ward Simon  accompanies the CD.
 
Maestro Classics™ website (www.maestroclassics.com) contains a wealth of advice and activities designed to help families incorporate classical music into their lives.  Sound samples for all tracks of The Story of Handel’s “Water Music” are also found at the website.

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

‘PlayingGuitar’ by Petr Kratochvil

This issue of “Musical Notes” features news about live performances from kid-favorites, Rocknoceros, Recess Monkey, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band and more, plus a new EP release from Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke.

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND ENTERTAINING EVENTS

Colonel Purple Turtle with Rocknoceros: Hometown Debut Show to Herald New CD

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Performances at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Jammin’ Java

227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, Virginia

Tickets: $10 (Under age one FREE)

VENUE PERFORMANCE NOTES:
 

“As every family with youngsters in the DC area already knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. After seeing them perform, there is no denying that they are not a typical trio. Coach Cotton is the ring-leader, frequently immersed in a sea of knee-high concert goers. Wearing a wireless head-set microphone, he wades through the mass of dancing children, dispersing high-fives and shaking a tambourine. Williebob provides the necessary string work for the show, moving among a collection of guitars, mandolins, and banjos while wearing a kazoo around his neck. Boogie Woogie Bennie is a one-man-band within the power trio, employing a contraption that one four-year-old fan described as "the piano-drum". The piano-drum allows Boogie Bennie to play the bass drum with his right foot, the snare drum and hi-hat cymbal with his left foot, and the keyboard with his hands (with his left hand playing the bass parts). Together, Rocknoceros is able to cover a dizzying range of musical styles in each set. From Tin Pan Alley to the shores of Jamaica, Rocknoceros hops from genre to genre like a toad on summer asphalt.

Having already released three award-winning records, Rocknoceros will be debuting their first kid-friendly concept album, "Colonel Purple Turtle". The new album tells tales of the Colonel and his friends in their make-believe home of Soggy Bog. The theme of "Colonel Purple Turtle" is one of friendship and working together, a subject that matters to Coach, Boogie Woogie Bennie, and Williebob, as the three members of Rockncoeros have been best friends since they were children. The record reflects their abiding trust in each other, and their desire to share the message of camaraderie through song.”

For further information about the band, visit Rocknoceros’ entertaining website.

Inquiries about tickets for either performance are available by calling 703-255-1566 or purchasing direct online through Jammin Java.

Peanut Butter and Jams Welcomes Recess Monkey

Saturday, July 16, 2011

11:30 a.m. (Doors open 11:00 a.m.)

World Café Live at the Queen

500 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware

Tickets: (Prices include processing fee)
Adults: $10
Children: $7, Ages 1-12
FREE for children under the age of one

(Save $2 off each adult ticket when purchased with CASH at the box office BEFORE day of show.)

For further ticketing information, phone 215-222-1400 or visit Queen World Café Live online.

VENUE PERFORMANCE NOTES:

“Recess Monkey is the Seattle band of three elementary school teachers who have received national praise for their high energy shows, prolific music output and pitch-perfect knowledge of what makes kids excited.

Time magazine praised their "tight, smart, acclaimed original songs" and NPR called them "brilliant, multilayered." On the heels of their acclaimed 2010 space-themed album "The Final Funktier," Recess Monkey proudly present a new album of songs about the superhero that lives in everyone- "FLYING!"

Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals with homemade capes and to lace up their dancing shoes for an hour long show of serious fun!”

-RECESS MONKEY WILL ALSO PERFORM-

Tuesday July 19 through Saturday, July 23, 2011

11:00 a. m.

Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods

1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia

Tickets:

$8, Children under three FREE

VENUE PERFORMANCE NOTES:

“It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No—it’s you—dancing! Find the superhero in yourself when you join this musical romp that will get your imagination soaring. 

This Seattle-based trio of elementary teachers has been heard on NPR, Sirius XM, and Radio Disney.”

For further information regarding tickets, phone 1-877-WOLFTRAP, or visit Wolf Trap’s online site. To learn more about the fabulous trio that is Recess Monkey, their touring schedule, see videos and hear music from their newest release Flying! visit Recess Monkey online.

88.1 KDHX Musical Merry-Go-Round welcomes Lucky Diaz & the Family Jam Band – Family Matinee

Sunday, July 17, 2011
3:00 p.m. (Doors open at 2:30 p.m.)
Off Broadway
3509 Lemp Avenue; St. Louis Missouri

Tickets:

Adults and Children $8 Advance, $10 Day of Show, Children under one year of age FREE

PERFORMANCE NOTES:

Mindy Thomas, program director Sirius-XM Radio chose Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band as the “Best New Artist of 2010,” and this Sunday the band will be sharing their indie-brand of family music that’s been best described as “a splash of Vampire Weekend, a sprinkle of the Death Cab for Cutie and a shaker full of Dan Zanes sing-along style, plus a whole lotta rock and roll.”

Jam Band is comprised of “three accomplished musicians. Composer and lead singer Lucky Diaz (a Berklee College of Music alum), songwriter-vocalist Alisha Gaddis and percussionist Theron Derrick (who also tours with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Lenny Kravitz and the Temptations). Together, Jam Band brings “the emotional and imaginative world of childhood to a whole new level.”

Below is a delightful video, “Blue Bear,” created by Brian White and sung by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. “Blue Bear” was Jam Band's hit song from their EP Luckiest Adventure . The tune spent several weeks at the number one spot on the Sirius XM Kid's Place Live charts – once you hear it, you’ll definitely know why.

For additional ticketing information, connect with Off Broadway online.

To connect to more of Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band’s music, keep up- to-date on their touring, and to connect to their newest album release Oh, Lucky Day! visit them at their artist website.

Madison Square Kids Concerts Presents

Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy

The Jimmies

Performing

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Trout Fishing in America

Performing

Thursday, July 21, 2011

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Madison Square Park on the Oval Lawn (in Madison Square Park), Manhattan
(Directions to this location)

EVENT NOTES FROM THE MADISON SQUARE PARK CONSERVANCY:

“Madison Square Park Conservancy is thrilled to present its 9th season of Mad. Sq. Kids, a series of free outdoor performances for children and their families, which takes place rain or shine in the Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. June 14 to August 11.” Organized by the Madison Square Park Conservancy.”

For further information contact: (212) 538-1629 or email: jsong@madisonsquarepark.org

EP

Hey, Pepito

Just in time for summer fun, a brand new EP, Hey, Pepito ! from those masterful tune and wordsmiths, Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke.

Wilde and Clarke’s music is fun and always a surprise, and in this newest release, kids will delight in the full-throttle energy of the EP’s title song, “Hey Pepito! “(a tune about a squirrel) then move on to a mix that includes everything from reggae to lullaby.

In the last two years, Wilde and Clarke’s songs have been kid favorites on Sirius Satellite Radio's Kids Place Live show, and their debut book and CD, Rise and Shine was honored with a Parents’ Choice Gold Award.

Sound samples for all six tracks of Hey Pepito! are featured below by pressing the drop down playlist, and may be purchased direct from Little Monster Records.