
"A Billy Jonas performance is an explosion of energy. In singalongs, bangalongs, whisperalongs, as well as improvised songs, his primary instrument is the audience. Everyone becomes part of a performance that reaches out and... touches even the most hardened of hearts." -Fayetteville Morning News
Throw out the rules when Billy Jonas hits the stage! It's a musical conversation... a sonic celebration ... a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas show, the ensemble is... everyone. Billy Jonas is one of those rare performers who can engage and delight both young and adult audiences. He helps audiences discover the music within common items ... and within themselves. Billy Jonas' recordings and live concerts across the US and Canada have generated an enthusiastic following.
Billy Jonas' music is percussion-based, making use of found objects (buckets, broom handles, bottles, key chains and more) as well as traditional instruments. But on any given day, the specific nature of this unforgettable neo-tribal hootenanny is largely determined and shaped by the audience. He tailors both his song selection and its presentation to suit the needs and vibe of each audience. So every Billy Jonas concert is a unique experience. He makes spirited, straightforward music that is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. The big-tent festival quality of Billy's music facilitates connection and community while fostering inspiration and... most importantly... FUN.
Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Patti Larkin, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger. His upbeat, engaging presence (both onstage and off) encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-ended, anything-can- happen spontaneity.
"A Billy Jonas performance is an explosion of energy. In singalongs, bangalongs, whisperalongs, as well as improvised songs, his primary instrument is the audience. Everyone becomes part of a performance that reaches out and... touches even the most hardened of hearts." -Fayetteville Morning News
Throw out the rules when Billy Jonas hits the stage! It's a musical conversation... a sonic celebration ... a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas show, the ensemble is... everyone. Billy Jonas is one of those rare performers who can engage and delight both young and adult audiences. He helps audiences discover the music within common items ... and within themselves. Billy Jonas' recordings and live concerts across the US and Canada have generated an enthusiastic following.
Billy Jonas' music is percussion-based, making use of found objects (buckets, broom handles, bottles, key chains and more) as well as traditional instruments. But on any given day, the specific nature of this unforgettable neo-tribal hootenanny is largely determined and shaped by the audience. He tailors both his song selection and its presentation to suit the needs and vibe of each audience. So every Billy Jonas concert is a unique experience. He makes spirited, straightforward music that is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. The big-tent festival quality of Billy's music facilitates connection and community while fostering inspiration and... most importantly... FUN.
Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Patti Larkin, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger. His upbeat, engaging presence (both onstage and off) encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-ended, anything-can- happen spontaneity.
"There was something in the performance touched folks emotionally." Out with the Kids raved that Shine and the Moonbeams' songs were "heartfelt, insightful and emotional, with brilliant musicianship to boot." - Zooglobble
Shine and the Moonbeams are singer -songwriter Shawana Kemp and guitarist John Heagle, two New York musicians who have collectively been in every musical genre from Musical Theatre to the circus. They have combined their unique perspectives to create a soulful musical extravaganza that captures the sweetness, uncertainty and simplicity of youth. John currently plays with the faux French garage-rockers Les Sans Culottes. Shawana works in NYC public schools as a teaching artist and is the mother of a three year old.
Voted the BEST KIDS BAND by the readers of TIME OUT NY KIDS, they’re “infectious”, they’re “irresistible,” they’re the DIRTY SOCK FUNTIME BAND, the highest energy kids’ rock band ever to break out of NYC!!! Featured on NOGGINs JACKS BIG MUSIC SHOW with the hit songs ‘Dino-Soaring’ and ‘Music Everywhere’, the Dirty Socks rock in all kinds of musical styles and play some of the most innovative and exciting children’s music ever! (MTV) “Find out why kids, parents and critics alike are falling in love with the first real rock band for Kids” (Fox News)
Tim Kubart created Tim and the Space Cadets in 2009 after four years as a professional kids' musician, and set out to make radio-friendly pop rock for all ages. He's played with various children's music projects in classrooms and at street fairs, music festivals like Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, and venues like Sesame Place and the Intrepid Museum, one of New York City's largest concert spaces.
Tim and his first mate Matt Puckett (guitar, backup vocals) put their heads together to write songs that exist somewhere in the realm between Raffi and Blink-182, inspired by memories of school days, snow days, pizza parties, and summer vacations. "The Greatest Party Ever" weaves their witty, fun, and heartwarming lyrics through textured pop tunes, rockers, and lullabies.
Let "The Greatest Party Ever" begin!
"When you say Diggity, we say Dude!"
The Diggity Dudes play hip music for hip kids and their equally hip parents. A typical set covers everything from pet rocks to disco moves to science experiments to presidential physical fitness, all delivered via ultra-catchy melodies over funky and danceable grooves. Interactive skits, audience participation and a lighthearted comedic twist are what make a Diggity Dudes show more than a show - it's truly an experience. Ultimately, the Dudes are committed to helping provide all the young Dudes and Dudettes with an opportunity to experience the power and joy of a life enriched by music.
After many years of playing "grown up music," Diggity Dudes Mike Hartsfield and Donny Atkins began writing a catalog of catchy songs for their kids. The Dudes decided if their kids liked what they heard, others would too. In December of 2009, Mike and Donny added Diggity Scott Milstead (a founding member of Carbon Leaf and their drummer for 15 yrs.) on drums & percussion. They immediately began work on what would become their debut album, My Science Project, which was released on June 5th, 2010 at Richmond's famed CMoR (Children's Museum of Richmond). The positive response to the record has been far and wide, including reviews in both regional and national press (Richmond Family Magazine, zooglobble.com, OWTK.com) and radio play on WXPN's Kids' Place LIVE (Philadelphia).
2011 has been an incredible year of growth for the band. In addition to a consistent tour schedule that's taken the band to MD, DC, PA, and all over VA, the Dudes spearheaded Central Virginia's first and only all-kids-music festival, DiggityFEST. The festival included arts & crafts, a wide variety of food vendors, roving entertainment, and 4 incredible bands, including headliner Dan Zanes & Friends. Needless to say, the success of the festival prompted immediate preparation for DiggityFEST 2, already scheduled for September 16th, 2012 (keep an eye on diggityfest.com for continual festival updates).
Also, the Dude's song My Science Project (title track off their debut record) landed at #3 on WXPN's Kids Corner (Philadelphia) Top 10 Songs of 2011, an honorable accolade given Kids Corner's vast reach and lofty position in the kids music industry. And finally, to cap off an already wildly successful year, the Dudes welcomed their newest member, Farmer Tod Ellsworth, on bass guitar. With a new record in the works, an ever expanding tour footprint, and preparations already underway for DiggityFEST 2, 2012 promises to be the Dudes' biggest and best year yet.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "By themselves, the songs or the animation of Gustafer Yellowgold would be worth hearing (or watching). Combined, it's one of the most unique pieces of family entertainment you'll see this year."
Gustafer Yellowgold concerts are a unique blend of live music and moving image. The minimally animated illustrations are accompanied by illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor's catchy and original story-songs for a truly different multimedia experience that is entrancing children, teens and adults alike.Groovy Gustafer Yellowgold is a small, yellow, cone-headed fellow, who came to Earth from the Sun and has a knack for finding himself neck-deep in absurd situations as he explores his new life in the Minnesota woods. Illustrator/songwriter/musician Morgan Taylor developed the "musical moving book" Gustafer Yellowgold experience as equal parts pop rock concert and animated storybook.
Gustafer is not just for kids! Possessing an unusual crossover appeal, Gustafer Yellowgold's Show has performed as the support act for WILCO and The Polyphonic Spree, as well as headlining kids' venues all across the U.S., in London, and as far away as Seoul, Korea. Gustafer has also been seen off-Broadway in his own productions of Gustafer Yellowgold's Mellow Sensation and Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock.
Since his creation in 2005, Gustafer Yellowgold has become an international phenomenon, praised by Newsweek as "full of great pop tunes and hand-drawn animation about a li'l fella from the sun." The Los Angeles Times enthused, "Taylor's whimsical, lightly psychedelic world forms an interesting bridge between adult and kids' music." The Washington Post declared, "He's a star on stage and screen! ... The mix of catchy tunes and offbeat stories has endeared Taylor, and Gustafer, to teenagers as well." The Chicago Tribune wrote, "Gustafer Yellowgold has made kids' music so cool that teenagers and ultra-hip bands such as Wilco want to get in on the act ... a shiny blend of pop art and pop tunes." New York Magazine named Morgan Taylor "Best Kids' Performer," calling Taylor "the most original performer on the family-music scene today."
The Banjo Man performs folk and bluegrass-inspired children's songs accompanied by his 5-string banjo. An entertaining show for young children.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Secret Agent 23 Skidoo would be a lousy secret agent because he's such a great musician -- lots of people are finding out just how much fun his beats, rhymes, and music are."
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is the King of Kid Hop! With witty lyrics, fat beats and magnetic stories, 23 Skidoo introduces kids to hip hop without compromising either one. After a decade touring nationally as a rapper and producer, sharing the stage with the likes of RUN DMC, MOS DEF and P FUNK, 23 Skidoo dropped his first Kid Hop album in 2007. 4 years and one album later, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has had three #1 hits on SiriusXM Radio, has played sets at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and the Smithsonian, and has been reviewed glowingly in TIME Magazine, USA Today, The Washington Post and on NPR's "All Things Considered". Reinventing the family act for a new era, 23 Skidoo often tours with his daughter, MC Fireworks, holding her own on the microphone and his wife, Bootysattva, bringing the singing and cutting a rug. The caravan also includes his DJ, Mr. Strange, and his right hand man, Mahira, whose mesmerizing melodies soothe the savage tot. Expect a classic hip hop show, with high energy party rocking and amazing stories about dragons, mermaids, whalephants and the Annual Cloud Shaping Championship.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Secret Agent 23 Skidoo would be a lousy secret agent because he's such a great musician -- lots of people are finding out just how much fun his beats, rhymes, and music are."
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is the King of Kid Hop! With witty lyrics, fat beats and magnetic stories, 23 Skidoo introduces kids to hip hop without compromising either one. After a decade touring nationally as a rapper and producer, sharing the stage with the likes of RUN DMC, MOS DEF and P FUNK, 23 Skidoo dropped his first Kid Hop album in 2007. 4 years and one album later, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has had three #1 hits on SiriusXM Radio, has played sets at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and the Smithsonian, and has been reviewed glowingly in TIME Magazine, USA Today, The Washington Post and on NPR's "All Things Considered". Reinventing the family act for a new era, 23 Skidoo often tours with his daughter, MC Fireworks, holding her own on the microphone and his wife, Bootysattva, bringing the singing and cutting a rug. The caravan also includes his DJ, Mr. Strange, and his right hand man, Mahira, whose mesmerizing melodies soothe the savage tot. Expect a classic hip hop show, with high energy party rocking and amazing stories about dragons, mermaids, whalephants and the Annual Cloud Shaping Championship.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "I've seen lots of kids musicians - Ralph's World rocks with the best of them. So many great songs..."
Ralph's World is the mega-fun musical planet where kids rock rock rock and dance dance dance to their own and their parents' delight. It's the creation of Ralph Covert: indie rocker, songwriter, playwright, and children's book author. He's taken the same high-energy and super-melodic sense that he developed for his touring pop-rock band to kid's music.
His current compact disc, "All Around Ralph's World" was released by Bar/None Records. The are eight other currently-available compact discs of Ralph's World music on Disney Sound (Ralph's World, At the Bottom of the Sea,, Happy Lemons, Peggy's Pie Parlor, The Amazing Adventures of Kid Astro, the Grammy-nominated Green Gorilla, Monster & Me, Disney Sound CD/DVD debut, Welcome To Ralph's World, and 2008's The Rhyming Circus), and the award-winning Say Hello DVD (Parenting Magazine's 2003 Video of the Year). The Chicago-based artist was noted by The New York Times in a front page story of the Arts section thusly: "It is possible that Mr. Covert will turn out to be (the) genre's Elvis Presley, or at the very least its Elvis Costello."
Covert's national media appearances for Ralph's World include NPR's All Things Considered, ABC World News Tonight, The CBS Morning Show, and XM Kids Radio New Year's Eve broadcast. His praise in print nationally includes Newsweek, Time, The Christian Science Monitor, Time, People and Parade. His songwriting and vocals have been used in several independent films here and in Europe, most notably the acclaimed Dutch feature De Jurk ("The Dress") for which he received Holland's equivalent of an Oscar TM for his original song "The Black Rose of Texas." His Ralph's World tune, "Just Like The Monkeys," was used for a pre-eminent retailer's back-to-school campaign and he created a song, "The Box Of Fun" for Kellogg's and in 2010 he's revamped Huggies' Pull-Ups song "Do The Potty Dance" and seemingly made it into a hit.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "I've seen lots of kids musicians - Ralph's World rocks with the best of them. So many great songs..."
Ralph's World is the mega-fun musical planet where kids rock rock rock and dance dance dance to their own and their parents' delight. It's the creation of Ralph Covert: indie rocker, songwriter, playwright, and children's book author. He's taken the same high-energy and super-melodic sense that he developed for his touring pop-rock band to kid's music.
His current compact disc, "All Around Ralph's World" was released by Bar/None Records. The are eight other currently-available compact discs of Ralph's World music on Disney Sound (Ralph's World, At the Bottom of the Sea,, Happy Lemons, Peggy's Pie Parlor, The Amazing Adventures of Kid Astro, the Grammy-nominated Green Gorilla, Monster & Me, Disney Sound CD/DVD debut, Welcome To Ralph's World, and 2008's The Rhyming Circus), and the award-winning Say Hello DVD (Parenting Magazine's 2003 Video of the Year). The Chicago-based artist was noted by The New York Times in a front page story of the Arts section thusly: "It is possible that Mr. Covert will turn out to be (the) genre's Elvis Presley, or at the very least its Elvis Costello."
Covert's national media appearances for Ralph's World include NPR's All Things Considered, ABC World News Tonight, The CBS Morning Show, and XM Kids Radio New Year's Eve broadcast. His praise in print nationally includes Newsweek, Time, The Christian Science Monitor, Time, People and Parade. His songwriting and vocals have been used in several independent films here and in Europe, most notably the acclaimed Dutch feature De Jurk ("The Dress") for which he received Holland's equivalent of an Oscar TM for his original song "The Black Rose of Texas." His Ralph's World tune, "Just Like The Monkeys," was used for a pre-eminent retailer's back-to-school campaign and he created a song, "The Box Of Fun" for Kellogg's and in 2010 he's revamped Huggies' Pull-Ups song "Do The Potty Dance" and seemingly made it into a hit.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Roberts has few peers in his songwriting for kids and families; he and his band are as great live as they are on record."
Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. He logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children's show business. With national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin and his wonderfully named bandmates "The Not Ready for Naptime Players" dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.
Justin has performed in front of millions of people on The Today Show, he's featured on Nick Jr. TV, and his song "Get Me Some Glasses" was featured on a World Series broadcast. He's also garnered kudos and raves from national media including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, People, Entertainment Weekly, and the Chicago Tribune. Once again, Justin Roberts raises the bar for family music with a playground full of bright new songs for parents and kids to enjoy together. Whether you're playing the familiar game Duck Duck Goose ("We Go Duck") in a new way or saying a wistful goodbye to your trusty bed as you leave for "Sleepoverland," Jungle Gym provides a memorable soundtrack for the way families live today.
"The Paul McCartney of kids' music." - USA Today
Winner of Five Parents' Choice Gold Awards, and Naptime was selected for Parents' Choice 25 Best Children's CDs of the Past 25 Years
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Roberts has few peers in his songwriting for kids and families; he and his band are as great live as they are on record."
Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. He logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children's show business. With national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin and his wonderfully named bandmates "The Not Ready for Naptime Players" dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.
Justin has performed in front of millions of people on The Today Show, he's featured on Nick Jr. TV, and his song "Get Me Some Glasses" was featured on a World Series broadcast. He's also garnered kudos and raves from national media including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, People, Entertainment Weekly, and the Chicago Tribune. Once again, Justin Roberts raises the bar for family music with a playground full of bright new songs for parents and kids to enjoy together. Whether you're playing the familiar game Duck Duck Goose ("We Go Duck") in a new way or saying a wistful goodbye to your trusty bed as you leave for "Sleepoverland," Jungle Gym provides a memorable soundtrack for the way families live today.
"The Paul McCartney of kids' music." - USA Today
Winner of Five Parents' Choice Gold Awards, and Naptime was selected for Parents' Choice 25 Best Children's CDs of the Past 25 Years
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Roberts has few peers in his songwriting for kids and families; he and his band are as great live as they are on record."
Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. He logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children's show business. With national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin and his wonderfully named bandmates "The Not Ready for Naptime Players" dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.
Justin has performed in front of millions of people on The Today Show, he's featured on Nick Jr. TV, and his song "Get Me Some Glasses" was featured on a World Series broadcast. He's also garnered kudos and raves from national media including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, People, Entertainment Weekly, and the Chicago Tribune. Once again, Justin Roberts raises the bar for family music with a playground full of bright new songs for parents and kids to enjoy together. Whether you're playing the familiar game Duck Duck Goose ("We Go Duck") in a new way or saying a wistful goodbye to your trusty bed as you leave for "Sleepoverland," Jungle Gym provides a memorable soundtrack for the way families live today.
"The Paul McCartney of kids' music." - USA Today
Winner of Five Parents' Choice Gold Awards, and Naptime was selected for Parents' Choice 25 Best Children's CDs of the Past 25 Years
As childhood best friends and band mates growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing dreamed of being professional singer-songwriters. Then, one day (poof!) they were all grown up and playing their music on the scene. After years of touring the Midwest with their bluegrass band, Joe and Justin decided to keep their folk roots, but return to where it all began: childhood imagination. That’s when they moved to Minneapolis to start their “kindie” band called The Okee Dokee Brothers.
Inspired by their own backyard adventures, The Okee Dokee Brothers currently perform original music that reminds audiences of their own make-believes and treehouse-pretendings. Their show can transport you to the wilds of Africa, to the tip-top of a gigantic rollercoaster, or down the Mississippi on a homemade raft. The Okee Dokee Brothers believe that music should be an energetic, interactive, and fun experience where kids can enjoy dancing, singing and playing instruments with their families.
Press, Props, and Praise:
“This two-member band from Minneapolis make twangy, toe-tapping folk music with smart, funny lyrics that are equal parts hillbilly, seven-year-old boy and your favorite teacher.”
-CoolMomPicks.com
“Kids with Beards is a fun engaging album by a talented duo that mixes a sense of whimsy with strong musicianship.”
- John Wood, Kidzmusic.com
“Joe and Justin were engaging, professional, enthusiastic, and showed great interest in the site and children. I would highly recommend them to anyone!”
– Shelley Steingraeber, Discover Club St. Paul Public Schools, MN
“Kids with Beards is one of those rare delights that is music to the ears of Raffi-weary parents.”
- Island Parents Magazine
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Fun times three. This Seattle trio continues to write great songs and has a fun, energetic stage show to match. Think of them as the west coast Rocknoceros."
"2009 in Review: These kids' songs are... awesome!... There are bands you can't go wrong with, and this is one of them." -USA Today
"RECESS MONKEY: If Seattle is the new bastion of kindie rockers, then the trio of elementary school teachers - Jack Forman, Daron Henry and Drew Holloway - are the city's breakout stars." -Time Magazine
"Dan Zanes may be the godfather; They Might Be Giants, the legitimizer; and Laurie Berkner, Ralph Covert, and Justin Roberts the genre's superstars. But Recess Monkey is the heart of kids' music today." -Stefan Shepherd, Zooglobble
Recess Monkey's live shows are Beatles-influenced sing-alongs about friends, animals and SL-DOUBLE-E-P-OVERS. The Jammin Java performance will feature foot-stomping, hand-clapping, chicken-dancing romps through old favorites along with high-energy funk and new wave grooves from the brand-new The Final Funktier, including "Booster Seat," which compares a booster seat to a booster rocket and a low-gravity, high-bounce dance song called "Moon Boots." Kids and their parental units will zoom around the room with the high-energy "Jet Pack," join the Monkey Bar conga line (located everywhere), take a soapy ride at the Bubble Factory, and give that loose tooth an extra jiggle with Dr. Wiggle.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Fun times three. This Seattle trio continues to write great songs and has a fun, energetic stage show to match. Think of them as the west coast Rocknoceros."
"2009 in Review: These kids' songs are... awesome!... There are bands you can't go wrong with, and this is one of them." -USA Today
"RECESS MONKEY: If Seattle is the new bastion of kindie rockers, then the trio of elementary school teachers - Jack Forman, Daron Henry and Drew Holloway - are the city's breakout stars." -Time Magazine
"Dan Zanes may be the godfather; They Might Be Giants, the legitimizer; and Laurie Berkner, Ralph Covert, and Justin Roberts the genre's superstars. But Recess Monkey is the heart of kids' music today." -Stefan Shepherd, Zooglobble
Recess Monkey's live shows are Beatles-influenced sing-alongs about friends, animals and SL-DOUBLE-E-P-OVERS. The Jammin Java performance will feature foot-stomping, hand-clapping, chicken-dancing romps through old favorites along with high-energy funk and new wave grooves from the brand-new The Final Funktier, including "Booster Seat," which compares a booster seat to a booster rocket and a low-gravity, high-bounce dance song called "Moon Boots." Kids and their parental units will zoom around the room with the high-energy "Jet Pack," join the Monkey Bar conga line (located everywhere), take a soapy ride at the Bubble Factory, and give that loose tooth an extra jiggle with Dr. Wiggle.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Kudos to the great taste of the DC area. You already know what the rest of the country is starting to find out - that Rocknoceros is a gem of a band."
"An outstanding mix of folk and rock...literate songs...poppy approach...multi-generational appeal." - NPR, Best Music for Kids and Families
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, 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.
"...honest, well-crafted songs that appeal to kids, parents... And anyone who doesn't mind having a pleasant melody bouncing around in their head for a day or two. ...This is simple, elegant songwriting with a heavy dose of whimsy." - Kenny Curtis, Kids Place Live (Sirius XM Radio)
"...quirky and upbeat, weaving whimsical stories as the music moves through bluegrass, rock, folk-hop, and reggae." - New Jersey Family magazine
"...Steve Weeks is not only moving children close to tears, he's making them giggle and shout for more." - Stephanie Ives, The Gazette
"Steve's performance was witty, engaging for the kids and kept us singing all the way home. If his music were food, it would be pizza!" - Lori Lilly, Parent
A truly original voice on the Kindie music scene, Steve Weeks performs with both a boisterous sense of humor and a deep sense of purpose. Join Steve at Jammin Java on February 18 for an interactive family romp filled with music, humor and games as he performs such favorites as "Kiki Kangaroo", "Someday", and "Don't Nothing Work Around Here No More". Come prepared to laugh. Come prepared to sing ...and bring those dancing shoes!
Princess Amy and Pirate Rob have been delighting children for over 10 years. They perform in homes, daycares, preschools, libraries, restaurants, malls and stores - anywhere there are kids to make giggle.
Amy has over six years of experience as a preschool teacher. As an educator, she is well aware of the developmental issues unique to preschoolers and fills the shows with positive values, creative problem solving, and high-energy, seriously silly fun. Amy is a working actress and has taught acting to children and adults. She has been featured regularly on the Channel 69 Arlington Weekly News for nearly 15 years.
Rob is a songwriter and a performing musician who shares his love of diverse musical styles - everything from Appalachian to Zydeco - and his collection of instruments with young and old alike. He is the former Contemporary Worship Leader at Lake Ridge Baptist Church and has shared stages over the years with many well-known musicians from the rock, country, blues and gospel fields.
Early show! This show will be seated on a first come, first served basis.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "Kudos to the great taste of the DC area. You already know what the rest of the country is starting to find out - that Rocknoceros is a gem of a band."
"An outstanding mix of folk and rock...literate songs...poppy approach...multi-generational appeal." - NPR, Best Music for Kids and Families
A Rocknoceros Happy Family Hour is a night out for the WHOLE family! Rocknoceros wanted to provide a way for entire families to get a night out on the town in a safe, clean, and family-friendly way. Jammin' Java, and even the famed 9:30 Club, have presented the show to the delight of everyone!
*And don't forget the Signature Happy Family Hour drink special: BUY A BEER, GET A JUICE BOX! - the Jammin' Java bar will be in full operation.
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, 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.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "If you just know him as Mr. Steve from PBS Kids, then you're missing half the story. He's got a whole bunch of fun, often funny, music for a slightly older crowd."
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing/performing award-winning music for families for ten years. A rising star on the national kids music scene, Steve blends smart lyrics, catchy melodies and thoughtful messages into fun participatory songs that kids love and adults find irresistible. He has delighted audiences coast to coast with his engaging and entertaining shows, including at the White House, the Kennedy Center, and Boston's Fenway Park. Steve has earned numerous awards, including 2 Parents' Choice Gold Awards, a NAPPA Honor, an iParenting Media Award, and a Children's Music Web Award. He has 5 full-length CDs and he recently released his first DVD, The Marvelous Musical Adventures. In May 2008, Steve took on an exciting new role on national TV as "Mr. Steve," co-host of the PBS KIDS morning block featuring favorites such as Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Super Why and Martha Speaks.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "If you just know him as Mr. Steve from PBS Kids, then you're missing half the story. He's got a whole bunch of fun, often funny, music for a slightly older crowd."
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing/performing award-winning music for families for ten years. A rising star on the national kids music scene, Steve blends smart lyrics, catchy melodies and thoughtful messages into fun participatory songs that kids love and adults find irresistible. He has delighted audiences coast to coast with his engaging and entertaining shows, including at the White House, the Kennedy Center, and Boston's Fenway Park. Steve has earned numerous awards, including 2 Parents' Choice Gold Awards, a NAPPA Honor, an iParenting Media Award, and a Children's Music Web Award. He has 5 full-length CDs and he recently released his first DVD, The Marvelous Musical Adventures. In May 2008, Steve took on an exciting new role on national TV as "Mr. Steve," co-host of the PBS KIDS morning block featuring favorites such as Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Super Why and Martha Speaks.
Zooglobble Recommended!: "If you just know him as Mr. Steve from PBS Kids, then you're missing half the story. He's got a whole bunch of fun, often funny, music for a slightly older crowd."
Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing/performing award-winning music for families for ten years. A rising star on the national kids music scene, Steve blends smart lyrics, catchy melodies and thoughtful messages into fun participatory songs that kids love and adults find irresistible. He has delighted audiences coast to coast with his engaging and entertaining shows, including at the White House, the Kennedy Center, and Boston's Fenway Park. Steve has earned numerous awards, including 2 Parents' Choice Gold Awards, a NAPPA Honor, an iParenting Media Award, and a Children's Music Web Award. He has 5 full-length CDs and he recently released his first DVD, The Marvelous Musical Adventures. In May 2008, Steve took on an exciting new role on national TV as "Mr. Steve," co-host of the PBS KIDS morning block featuring favorites such as Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Super Why and Martha Speaks.
This show will be seated on a first come, first served basis.
Luke Brindley returns center stage with a little help from his friends Todd Wright, Chip Johnson, Bryan Dawley, Daniel Brindley, Taylor Carson and more! In a rare headlining performance, this prolific singer/songwriter shares the evening with an amazing line-up of local talent. Drawing on songs from his 7 album releases, Luke Brindley & Friends showcase the reflective lyrics and heartbreakingly honest perspective that garnered him multiple Washington Area Music Association nominations for Songwriter of the Year. Equally at home on the stage, The Washington Times says of his live performance "no song goes untouched by the energy and pure infectious joy of Luke's performance...a mastery of pop songcraft and stagecraft."
Singer-songwriter Isabelle Chester (Miss Belle) performs original children's songs and well- known kid & traditional favorites in English and Spanish accompanied by her rhythmic guitar playing to get her audience up on its feet and dancing in the aisles. Miss Belle regularly performs in the greater Washington, D.C. area.