Ellis Paul “Dragonfly Races”

Ellis Paul is one of the leading voices in American songwriting. He was a principle leader in the wave of singer/songwriters that emerged from the Boston folk scene, creating a movement that revitalized the national acoustic circuit with an urban, literate, folk pop style that helped renew interest in the genre in the 1990's. For this special performance he will be performing songs from his children's album, The Dragonfly Races.

Myspace | YouTube

SteveSongs (full band!)

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 and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past eleven years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called "not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one." A rising star on the national kids' music scene, Steve has delighted audiences throughout the country, including at prestigious venues like Symphony Space in New York City, Wolftrap in Vienna VA, the Kennedy Center and the White House in Washington, D.C., and Fenway Park in Boston. Anyone who's attended a SteveSongs concert appreciates Steve's ability to connect with his audience - from the exuberant children flocking towards the stage, to the moms bouncing babies with the beat, to the parents and grandparents singing and grooving along. It's no wonder he's been called a modern day Pied Piper!

In May 2008, Steve took on the exciting new role of "Mr. Steve," cohost of the PBS KIDS preschool destination that features the popular shows Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dragon Tales, and Super Why. Steve performs original interactive songs that reinforce the day's curriculum theme. Steve wrote his first children's song back in 1997 for his brother, then a first grade teacher. Positive feedback and inspiration quickly followed, leading Steve to record his first album, Morning 'Til Night, in 1999. That same year Steve left his job as a business consultant with Accenture to pursue this adventure full time. Eleven years and 6 albums later, Steve has performed at over 3000 shows across the country. He's won numerous prestigious awards, including 2 Parents' Choice Gold Awards, a Nappa Honor, 2 iParenting Media Awards, and 2 Children's Music Web Awards. His current and critically acclaimed CD is Marvelous Day (2006). Combining his two passions, music and kids, has yielded what Steve calls "the coolest job ever."

Steve's signature songs are educational and entertaining, silly, but always seriously good music. According to Steve, "The experiment from the beginning was making music that both kids and parents would enjoy, so that it could really be a full family experience."

Official Site | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

SteveSongs (full band!)

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 and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past eleven years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called "not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one." A rising star on the national kids' music scene, Steve has delighted audiences throughout the country, including at prestigious venues like Symphony Space in New York City, Wolftrap in Vienna VA, the Kennedy Center and the White House in Washington, D.C., and Fenway Park in Boston. Anyone who's attended a SteveSongs concert appreciates Steve's ability to connect with his audience - from the exuberant children flocking towards the stage, to the moms bouncing babies with the beat, to the parents and grandparents singing and grooving along. It's no wonder he's been called a modern day Pied Piper!

In May 2008, Steve took on the exciting new role of "Mr. Steve," cohost of the PBS KIDS preschool destination that features the popular shows Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dragon Tales, and Super Why. Steve performs original interactive songs that reinforce the day's curriculum theme. Steve wrote his first children's song back in 1997 for his brother, then a first grade teacher. Positive feedback and inspiration quickly followed, leading Steve to record his first album, Morning 'Til Night, in 1999. That same year Steve left his job as a business consultant with Accenture to pursue this adventure full time. Eleven years and 6 albums later, Steve has performed at over 3000 shows across the country. He's won numerous prestigious awards, including 2 Parents' Choice Gold Awards, a Nappa Honor, 2 iParenting Media Awards, and 2 Children's Music Web Awards. His current and critically acclaimed CD is Marvelous Day (2006). Combining his two passions, music and kids, has yielded what Steve calls "the coolest job ever."

Steve's signature songs are educational and entertaining, silly, but always seriously good music. According to Steve, "The experiment from the beginning was making music that both kids and parents would enjoy, so that it could really be a full family experience."

Official Site | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

SteveSongs (full band!)

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 and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past eleven years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called "not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one." A rising star on the national kids' music scene, Steve has delighted audiences throughout the country, including at prestigious venues like Symphony Space in New York City, Wolftrap in Vienna VA, the Kennedy Center and the White House in Washington, D.C., and Fenway Park in Boston. Anyone who's attended a SteveSongs concert appreciates Steve's ability to connect with his audience - from the exuberant children flocking towards the stage, to the moms bouncing babies with the beat, to the parents and grandparents singing and grooving along. It's no wonder he's been called a modern day Pied Piper!

In May 2008, Steve took on the exciting new role of "Mr. Steve," cohost of the PBS KIDS preschool destination that features the popular shows Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dragon Tales, and Super Why. Steve performs original interactive songs that reinforce the day's curriculum theme. Steve wrote his first children's song back in 1997 for his brother, then a first grade teacher. Positive feedback and inspiration quickly followed, leading Steve to record his first album, Morning 'Til Night, in 1999. That same year Steve left his job as a business consultant with Accenture to pursue this adventure full time. Eleven years and 6 albums later, Steve has performed at over 3000 shows across the country. He's won numerous prestigious awards, including 2 Parents' Choice Gold Awards, a Nappa Honor, 2 iParenting Media Awards, and 2 Children's Music Web Awards. His current and critically acclaimed CD is Marvelous Day (2006). Combining his two passions, music and kids, has yielded what Steve calls "the coolest job ever."

Steve's signature songs are educational and entertaining, silly, but always seriously good music. According to Steve, "The experiment from the beginning was making music that both kids and parents would enjoy, so that it could really be a full family experience."

Official Site | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

Recess Monkey

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.

Official Site | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

Recess Monkey

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.

Official Site | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

The Great Zucchini

In the world of local children's entertainment, there is no bigger name than the Great Zucchini"- The Fox Morning News. He's performed at the White House 4 times, the Vice President's House, Countless Embassies, and has a following of kids that spans the metro area. He's the only children's performer to ever grace the stage of the Dc Improv."

The Great Zucchini, Washington's funniest and most magical PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh! Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show!

For over 12 years, The Great Zucchini has been entertaining young children as a magician and preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows to more that 250 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel comfortable and ready to laugh.

The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini's show keeps children on the edge of their seats. Watch your kids' faces light up as they see things disappear and reappear. Watch how animated and excited the children get when they yell "Wake up Zucchini," when he accidentally falls asleep during the show or when he turns tissue paper into colorful rainbow streamers, or when his puppet, Ruffles the Rabbit, keeps coming out of the hat without The Great Zucchini noticing. This is "eye candy" magic comedy at its best. Have your cameras ready. You'll get some terrific pictures of the kids laughing the entire 40-minute show.

Official Site | Facebook | YouTube

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

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.

Official Site | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

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.

Official Site | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

The Diggity Dudes

"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.

Official Site | Twitter | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

The Smithsonian + Jammin Java present Billy Jonas

“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.

Official Site | Facebook | YouTube

The Smithsonian + Jammin Java present Billy Jonas

“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.

Official Site | Facebook | YouTube

Marsha Goodman-Wood CD Release

Marsha Goodman-Wood gets kids singing and dancing, setting little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun.  Her quirky, smart compositions take on topics from astronomy (answering the age-old question “Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?”) to nonconformity (“Sheep Don’t Wear Shoes”) to biology (“The Penguin Song”).  Who knew learning could be so catchy?  Her tunes and stories are sure to please children and even that most cynical audience of all:  grownups.  Drawing on her diverse musical background in indie rock, jazz, classical, and theater, Marsha takes inspiration for her lyrics straight from the creative kids she’s raising and teaching.  A mother of three, she brings to her performances a parent’s eye for connecting with audiences, along with a music teacher’s sensibility for what works to move kids of all ages.

Marsha’s debut album “Gravity Vacation” is available now online.  She’s thrilled to launch the CD at this special Jammin’ Java release party.

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the grandsons, Jr.

the grandsons, Jr., is the kids band version of DC-area roots rock superstars, The Grandsons. Kids and their parents will dig the upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country, latin music we call Americana. Over the past 25 years performing as The Grandsons, the band has noticed that many of their songs resonate with the younger crowd. As the grandsons, Jr., they combine new material learned especially for the younger set, with Grandsons tunes that have always been popular with the kids.

Official Site | Facebook | iTunes |

Rocknoceros Happy Family Hour

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.

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.

Official Site | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

The Smithsonian + Jammin Java present Shine & the Moonbeams

“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.

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Luke Brindley

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."

Official Site | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube

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.