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 focuses on a stellar lineup of musicians - those contributing their talents to Disney-Pixar’s CARS 2; a new CD from GRAMMY^®-winners Kathy Fink and Marcy Marcer, and a peek at Gustafer Yellowgolds newest CD/DVD release plus information on an upcoming Baby Loves Disco charity event.

NEWS

CARS 2 features an all-star lineup of musicians from around the globe

Disney-Pixar’s much-anticipated 3D animation/comedy/adventure, CARS 2 is set to release in theaters nationwide on Friday, June 24, 2011, but fans of the franchise will relish the release of the film’s soundtrack on Tuesday, June 14, which features a stellar lineup of contributing musicians from the United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan.

Helping to bring this global espionage action-packed adventure to life are notable Oscar^® and GRAMMY^®-winning composer Michael Giacchino; chart-topping, multi-platinum-selling American alternative rock band Weezer; multiple GRAMMY^®-winning country superstar and Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley; bestselling British singer/songwriter Robbie Williams; the French superstar Bénabar and that power-pop Japanese girl band Perfume.

ENTERTAINING EVENTS

Baby Loves Disco “Super Hero Tour” at Lowes Regency Hotel, 540 Park Avenue, New York

Show Details: “An afternoon of dancing, music and kid-friendly activities. The event is part of the multi-city Baby Loves Disco Superhero Tour, and it is one of 12 events at Loews Hotel locations around the country.

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 website or pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Net proceeds from this family disco dance party will support community schools through Donors Choose.org, the official charity of Loews Hotels; a web-based not-for-profit that provides essential classroom tools to teachers across the country.”

For lots more information about Baby Loves Disco, please see a post from last year’s highly successful “Lemonade Tour.”

Ticket Prices

$20.00 – Children
$30.00 – Adults   
Tickets may be ordered online through this link.

CD

Sing to your Baby

Communicating with your baby often begins with music, but some parents believe they can’t sing, or don’t know how.

GRAMMY^®-winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer present their newest 22-track CD, Sing to Your Baby, which not only entertains, but provides encouragement to parents who want to share this endearing form of communication with their child.

Photo by Sara R. Coats

Sing to your Baby is a beautiful compilation of music, tenderly sung and expertly accompanied on a variety of instruments from banjo to dulcimer.

Performed by two of today’s top children’s musicians, Sing to your Baby includes lullabies and rhythmic pieces specifically designed to help parents learn how sing to their own little one.

Available in CD format for $19.95, Sing to Your Baby comes with a 32-page richly illustrated book that includes advice and complete song lyrics to help parents.

Sound samples for Sing to Your Baby are available direct from the artist’s website, where you’ll also have an opportunity to hear how the songs actually sound in both female and male voices.

Adorable shower/new baby packages of Sing to Your Baby are also available, and may be ordered direct from the artist’s shop.

DVD

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock

In this fourth outing by popular illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor, “Gustafer Yellowgold” (that cute cone-headed little alien from the sun) has settled in his new Minnesota woodland home with his pet eel, "Slimothy," ready for new adventures.

This is a charming 90-minute storybook that comes to life through ten engaging videos laced with soft rock music and thought provoking lyrics that crosses generational boundaries - a truly unique offering.

Guest artists include John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of WILCO, along with bassist John Munson.

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock DVD/CD combo carries a suggested retail price of $19.99 and is available at Amazon.com for $16.99, or through Amazon Marketplace for best pricing at $13.78.

Below for your enjoyment, is a sneak peek trailer of Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock.

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.

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

On Friday, March 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., that energizing and fun duo from Okalahoma, the Sugar Free Allstars bring their grooving mix of music and beats to the McKinney Performing Arts Center (at the Historic Collin County Courthouse) 111 N. Tennessee, McKinney, TX 75069.

Families will enjoy everything from New Orleans funk and Memphis soul to rock and roll.

General Admission $11.50 adults; $9.50 seniors 55+/students 13+; and $6.50 for children under 12- Tickets are available online or by calling (214)-544-4630.

Below is a music video of the song “Cars and Trucks” from their latest album release, FUNKY FRESH AND SUGAR FREE.





In celebration of the new release, WHEELS ON THE BUS, Groove Kid Nation is hosting a charitable fund raising event and CD release party Sunday, March 13 at 4 p.m. (doors open at 3:30 p.m.) at Capoeira Besouro Studio, 2901 Ocean Park Ave. #103, Santa Monica, CA 90405, Telephone: 310.314.2617

WHEELS ON THE BUS features the incredibly fun and funky music for today’s generation performed by Rodney Lee on keyboards, Fred Clark on guitar, Katisse Buckingham on sax and flute, Andre Berry on Bass, Satnam Ramgotra on percussion, and Jeff Robinson on vocals.

One Hundred percent of the proceeds of this event will benefit The YWCA Family Cooperative Preschool at the YWCA Santa Monica/Westside.

Patrons will receive one FREE CD with the minimum suggested donation of $25 per family or $15 per single person. Additional CDs will be available for $15 each.

Take a look at the adorable video below that features the song “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” one of the tracks from WHEELS ON THE BUS.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Kinder Harp
One of the loveliest sounds for making gentle, almost ethereal music comes from a Kinder Harp, which is also known as a Kinder Lyre.

The beautiful sound this instrument produces is primarily because it is set in the five-note pentatonic scale: d' e' g' a' b' d' e'.

Young children studying at Waldorf Schools are introduced to the calming musical properties of this unique instrument at a very early age.

The video below from demonstrates the finely crafted Choroi Pentatonic Kinderharp, which retails online through Bellaluna Toys for $99.95.

MUSIC APPS

KIBOOMU
Some of the first songs that parents and caregivers share with the child in their lives are “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Old Mac Donald” and the “ABC” song, and now all three of these toddler top hits are available in apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad from the Montreal based company, KIBOOMU.

Co-founded by entrepreneurs Wendy Wiseman and Sherry Segal, KIBOOMU launched as a company in January 2010 and has established a strong following from their website.

These music apps have a variety of play modes in addition to being colorful, engaging and educational. All three apps are available for $0.99 each from iTunes.

The video below does fine job of explaining the multiple features for the “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” app.

CD

Beethoven's Wig 4: Dance Along Symphonies
Getting children and teens interested in listening to classical music is sometimes a daunting task, but not with the multi-award-winning CD series, Beethoven’s Wig.

In this fourth installment from Rounder Records, one again finds some of the world’s most beautiful instrumental music expertly performed, and as an added bonus (in a separate version) paired with delightful rib-tickling lyrics.

A five star entertainment winner for the entire family, the full CD comes with a booklet that includes not only the lyrics but trivia questions and activities.

All 24 tracks are available to sound sample and download at iTunes or Amazon.com for $0.99 per track.

Best pricing for the entire MP3 album is $9.49 through Amazon.com.

Best price for the actual CD with booklet is currently through Amazon Marketplace for $9.79.

ONLINE VIDEO

Something special for St. Paddy’s Day was delivered online by popular children’s recording artist/entertainer DidiPop (aka Deborah Poppink Hirshland).

Hirshland says, “My daughters asked me to explain St. Patrick's Day. I was a bit stumped, so I checked out a book from Delilah's elementary school library (which was really fun), read it and wrote this song for them. Please enjoy it here and share it with your friends:”

Below is the catchy song “Potatoes and Cabbage,” which is actually a full history of St. Patrick's Day in less than 1 1/2 minutes! Enjoy, and be sure to share with the child in your life.

Introducing a child to classical music: How to make friends with a symphony orchestra

With stringent budget cuts occurring in national as well as local economies, it is no wonder schools are suffering during this recession. Art and music curricula are being cut left and right. They generally are the first programs to be eliminated.

Whether you ascribe to research done on the importance of right brain development in the visual arts, or the “Mozart Effect,” which has been associated with music, it is imperative that children be provided a solid education in both artistic disciplines.

Music and art classes are essential in developing an understanding and an appreciation of not only who we are, but where we have come from as humans.

Education in both domains determines the entertainment choices that are carried throughout one's life.

Specifically regarding music, what can a parent do when music appreciation (the very core of musical education) isn't offered in a school setting?

Get free on-line help from the world famous San Francisco Symphony and their entertaining as well as educational web site - SFS Kids Fun With Music.

If you need to upgrade your media player in order to participate on the SFS site, not to worry, you will automatically be prompted and provided a free download that takes a moment to install.

Once you're good-to-go, you’ll find the site is colorful, well organized, and affords the opportunity for parents and children to explore the various instruments that make up an orchestra and hear actual instrument sound samples.

There is also a virtual music lab to learn everything about basic musical symbols and notation, along with such concepts as: tempo; rhythm; pitch; harmony; symbols, and instrumentation.

Once the ‘basics’ are in place, move up to the next level and play a tune or two on SFS’s "Performalator," or actually create your own musical masterpiece in "Composerizer."

In a separate section on the site is a click-on radio with six different music channels, which introduces some of the world's most famous concert pieces along with short stories about each of the compositions.

Depending on reading and technology skills, older children will easily surf this site without parental assistance.

As a child's musical interest and abilities strengthen, there's a "First Timer's Guide" with some helpful facts, which provide a good discussion platform before venturing out to an actual performance.

Many communities around the country have "Pops" concerts during the summer that are family-friendly and often free of charge; this would be another good step to introducing a young person to the appreciation and joy of classical music.

Major orchestras such as: Boston Symphony; New York Philharmonic; Baltimore Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony also offer children's concerts, which are geared towards specific age levels and are shorter in duration, plus they carry the added benefit of a lower ticket price.

After all, since the YouTube Symphony Orchestra made its debut at Carnegie Hall on April 15, 2009 the world of classical music has not been the same - it's taken a giant step in becoming very popular with younger generations.