Debbie and Friends Live in Philly

Last weekend, while the Mrs. slumped into her cubicle for an unpleasant Saturday morning of shuffling papers, the Bear, Mouse and I traveled to Philly for the Debbie & Friends show at World Cafe Live.  We'd been enjoying their ab-fab animated music videos over the past several months, but this occasion marked our 1st time seeing the Boston band live.  The quick 45-minute set was energetic and tight (although devoid of our favorite song, "Little Red Riding Hood").  The 5-piece band had the kids, and most of the moms, on their feet and in motion for much of the performance.  I contend these kid's shows need to be longer, but that is probably a beef with the venue/promoter than the bands.  Kid's can go for longer than 45 minutes, trust me.  Ideally, I'd like to see a solid 1 hr 15 min or something in that range.

Anyhow...what struck me most about our time at the show was how much the Bear enjoyed herself.  Debbie and Friends make very good music, without a doubt, but it's decidedly preschoolish in nature.  At home, the Bear typically rocks a little harder, to the likes of The Jimmies, Recess Monkey and 23 Skidoo, but she had an absolute blast on this day.  She and the Mouse got right up front, danced together and interacted with Debbie Cavalier from just about the 1st note.

The timing of the show was intriguing.  The next day, the Bear was going to a birthday party for her best bud at school.  Hannah Montana was on the invitation [groan].  If given the choice, I'd probably have selected an edgier kid's rock show for her to attend before stepping into the Disney Pop world for a couple hours the following day, but seeing her still willing and able to enjoy Debbie & Friends' songs about opposite words, The Three Little Pigs and the like, made me extremely happy.  The Bear may be growing up, but she's still an adorable little girl who hasn't severed ties with the "adorable" or the "little".

If you've got little ones, or bigger ones who are still in touch with their toddler-selves, check out a Debbie & Friends live show and/or the band's debut album "Story Songs and Sing Alongs"  - my two have been singing several of the unbelievably catchy songs from this disc since the show last weekend. 


News! News! Debbie & Friends album #2 is due out in March 2010.

I Love Him and You Should Too

Seeing Bill Harley live is something every parent, child, music lover, story aficionado and, well, english-speaking human being should experience at least once in their life.  He is Bill Cosby and John Denver, all rolled up into one.

The Mrs. and I saw him perform an "adult show" inside a house of worship (that sentence never fails to make me chuckle) this past weekend.  After seeing Bill Harley twice stand in front of a floor full of 6-year olds, it was thrilling to watch him in his natural element - singing songs and telling stories to a group of moms and dads who were once school age kids themselves.  It's a demographic that allows Harley to pull from his entire body of work; funny kids stuff, social commentary, and emotional, more complex material.

Harley performed two sets, totaling close to 2 hours.  Not quite Springsteen, but the crowd could surely have handled 2 more.   He told several stories and played a handful of tunes off "First Bird Call", Harley's newest grown-up album.  Ahead of "Call", one of the sparkling new songs, Harley retold his Happy Pappy Day story originally published on his fantastic blog - Song, Story and Culture.  If you haven't read that blog post yet, go now - it's a riot.


What is most interesting to me, and my wife, is the effect his kids-leaving-home themed stories have on us.  We're forced to think about that eventual loss, and the empty nest that comes with it, through funny, yet extremely personal and touching tales of a man who has already walked down that road and said goodbye.  Both my wife and I were in tears, envisioning that cinematic moment in our minds. 


If Bill Harley comes anywhere near where you live (check here), I urge you to find a babysitter and get your butt out to see him.  It'll be an awesome date.  You'll thank me later.  Oh, and tell him Jeff sent you.

The venue for this show, the Turtle Dove Folk Club, holds it's events at the high ceiling-ed, simply elegant and surprisingly relaxed (considering you're sitting in pews) West Grove Friends Meetinghouse (in West Grove PA, which is near historic Kennett Square - mushroom country). Yes, this is a place of worship but if you've never stepped foot inside a Quaker meetinghouse you'd never really know it (well, those pews might give it away).  There's no altar or monolith cross to remind you of pain and suffering. From what I can tell, Quakers are a positive and generally accepting bunch. Their places of worship reflect this mellow attitude. The West Grove Meetinghouse proves a terrific place to see and hear live music, with superb acoustics and a warm, intimate feeling - even on a cold, dank Autumn evening.  We can't wait to go back, hopefully for another evening with the incomparable Bill Harley.

Blah Blah Blah - Billy Kelly Live in Philly

Billy Kelly, sans the Blah Blah Blahs, played upstairs at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia yesterday.  Thanks to the flu and other illnesses, Kelly's backing band was left behind in Lewisburg, PA.  Fortunately, the funny, talented kindie rocker came prepared with a Macbook, flip charts and a beatbox.  While the accouterments didn't totally make up for absent musicians, it certainly made for a curious and inventive fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of stage show.

The special Halloween performance saw numerous kids in costume - Hermione Granger, Luke Skywalker, a couple Power Rangers, Evil Spiderman, an alligator and a very cute lil' girl as a bumble bee - a handful of 'em took home prizes for their dress-up efforts.  Everyone took away official Happy Club membership certificates.

Billy Kelly's set comprised of a 7 tunes off his debut album along with the holiday appropriate "Monster Mash" (sung in a spot-on Jimmy Stewart voice), and "Family Garden" and "Dance from Outer Space" - a couple of impressive new tunes.

On "Family Garden", Kelly imports some of his more country crooner/Johnny Cash influences with stellar results.  It's got a different vibe then the "Happy Club" songs, warmer and more rootsy in nature.  "Dance from Outer Space" is the story of the earth being invading by a dance that melts your brain - awesome!  Can't wait to hear a recorded version of that upbeat number with all the bells and whistles.  Check out videos of both below (posted with Billy Kelly's permission).

"Family Garden"

"Dance from Outer Space"

New York readers take note: Catch Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs on November 15th at the 92Y in Tribeca and then later in the year at the Long Island Children's Museum.

Christylez Bacon - Human Beatbox Live

The Mouse and I caught Mr. Human Beatbox, Christylez Bacon, at the beautiful Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA this morning. Mr. Bacon played a couple tracks from "Banjo to Beatbox", his outstanding collaborative effort with Cathy & Marcy, and a handful more from his world music portfolio.

The crowd was slow to warm up to him as he sat up there on stage alone but, about 3 songs in, they did. The kids got into the act as well, dancing in the aisle and then, late in the set, several of 'em joined Christylez on stage, each receiving a stylin' hat to wear as they formed an improvisational all-percussion band. Mr. Bacon did his best to usher in solos from each child as they played spoons, maracas and other Latin instruments but the children humorously failed to grasp the idea of a solo. It was, as it always is when kids take an active role in a show, a hoot to witness.

Mr. Bacon's terrific "remix" of Humpty Dumpty (from "Banjo to Beatbox") closed the show to a healthy applause.

Unfortunately he had no copies of "Banjo to Beatbox" at the merch table. It's a shame 'cause he would have sold a number of them.

Check out "Human Beatbox" live:

An afternoon with Recess Monkey

OWTK was inside the cavernous New York Public Library on 42nd and 5th this past Saturday afternoon. We passed through the imposing pair of Library Lions not to read or be silent, oh no. We were there to rock, dance and, in general, be merry along with Seattle's finest kiddie rock trio, Recess Monkey.

Jack, Drew and Daron flew cross country for a string of East Coast dates and it all began at the Library on Saturday. They boys are in Brooklyn for 3 library shows on Wednesday July 15th and then visit GA, VA and MD to close out the week - see 'em if you're anywhere near 'em.

They played a mix of tunes, mostly from Tabby Road and Field Trip, making two trips back in time for "Aquarium" from "Animal House" and "I Got A Toy (but I Played with the Box) from "Welcome to Monkey Town". The band was tight, energetic and hilarious - as always.

Mayor Monkey, the band's outstanding manager and the monkey most responsible for the trio's success, sat front and center behind his brand new desk. During the hour long set, he endured the grabby fingers of numerous Manhattan children and came away a bit dazed, but overall, in good spirits.

Check out a couple highlights from the show.



"Bubble Factory" - one of the best cuts from "Field Trip". This disco-infused number should be a staple of Recess Monkey live shows for many years to come. A Robbert Bobbert style bubble machine would be a nice addition to the performance of this cool tune.


"Aquarium" - this one goes back a ways, to the "Animal House" disc. It's most enjoyable to hear Jack and Daron singing "Aquarium" as if they're under water.

An afternoon with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo & Family

Talk about luck. Today's Secret Agent 23 Skidoo show had the feeling of a private house concert. The show took place in the front room of the intimate Grindstone Coffee shop on 5th Street, just south of South St. in Philly. The 15 square foot space is bordered with well-worn sofas, mismatched chairs, striking artwork, old books and vinyl records.

One could tell that 23 Skidoo felt at home in the space. Although knowing him the little bit that I do, I get the sense he's relaxed and at home just about anywhere he lays down his hat. The friends, family and fortunate fans who made their way to South Philly on this warm Sunday afternoon were treated to what ended up being a free 1 hour gig with the best kid's hip hop artist working today (that statement isn't nearly as provocative as it may sound as Skidoo's main challenger for the crown is Hip Hop Harry)

Cactus was joined by his wife Brooke and their adorable lil' gal Saki. The incredible Mahira was also on hand lending backing vocals and gorgeous harmonies. The set included 3 new tunes, from the forthcoming re-release of "Easy" on Tor Hyams' Happiness Records. The best of the new trio was "Robots Can't Cry", featuring both Mahira and Brooke on vocals. Check it out below - watch for Saki entering 1/2 way through doing the robot back and forth across the floor and then, right on queue with the lyrics, becoming a very sad robot. Terrific song. Brilliant performance.


Later in the set, Saki joined Mom and Pop on the mic for "Family Tree", which is the Bear's favorite track from "Easy". The live version was pretty true to the record, Saki even sounds the same despite having aged at least a year since it's recording. Adorable, funny song and seeing the entire family singing it together was pretty special. Check out "Family Tree" live:


As it was the last time we saw 23 Skidoo, "Gotta Be Me" closed the show. This time the Bear took the microphone for one go around of the chorus. She shouted out the song's title a half dozen times - loud and proud!

We're going to be seeing Secret Agent 23 Skidoo & Family again in less than 48 hours. This time at the more expansive Philadelphia Zoo.

It's not like it was invitation only or anything, but still, I feel kinda honored to have seen such an intimate 23 Skidoo show, especially 'cause his audiences are bound to start expanding as his star in the family music world keeps rising.


Post-show, the Mouse was spotted on the streets of Philadelphia sporting her new 23 Skidoo Tee.

Buy the new expanded version of Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's "Easy"

mr. RAY - Welcome to the Music Room CD Review

A couple Sundays ago in a swanky New Jersey hotel, "Welcome to the Music Room", mr. RAY's 4th family album, was officially released upon the world.

The crowd that gathered to greet the new tunes was strong and very familiar with mr. RAY's oeuvre.

Ray Anderson played a mix of old and new, balancing the need to please his obviously devoted fan base with their favorites while also ushering in his new musical ideas.

The show, having taken place in the notably sterile ballroom of the Hendrich Hotel, lacked the energy typically associated with a mid-day kiddie rock show. Not sure if there was a volume ordinance in the space or what, but the music was muted and I have to think the location itself was the genesis of the problem. Standing in the rear of the room I could hear nary a lyric and, from back there, the instrumentation was indistinguishable.

Even a well known electric guitar was all but silenced inside the hotel's ballroom. Bobby Bandiera of Bon Jovi's touring band lent his guitar and vocal talents on two "Welcome to the Music Room" tracks and was also in the building for this special occasion. He joined mr. RAY, the band, and a 6 member kid's chorus for the baseball themed "Gameday" and The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun".



The show was kinda disappointing...the new mr. RAY disc? Read on...

"Welcome to the Music Room" is titled too heavily towards the educational side of the kids music spectrum (months of the year, manners, clean up time, personal responsibility). Artists wishing to craft instructional kiddie tunes must often barter silliness for lyrical tutelage. On "Welcome to the Music Room" mr. RAY makes such an exchange, trading a bit a fun for a 1/2 day nursery school curriculum. It's no surprise then that "Welcome to the Music Room" is best suited for preschoolers and kindergartners, ages 2-5.

In many ways, the record release show epitomizes the record itself - an enjoyable enough affair but one that lacks a certain punch. Even on "Let's Rock", the song with the most rockin' out potential, the rock-n-roll "umph" is subdued to the point that the kids and I are never actually moved to rock out.

While the music won't knock you out, the album's numerous infectious choruses (often the moments where a kid's glee club joins vocal forces with mr. RAY) will find a way into your head. For example, I cannot stop singing the lines "Do you know the months of the year, do you want to learn them with me...January starts a new year / February who's your Valentine?" This encapsulates the mystery of this record for me. Musically, "Welcome to the Music Room" leaves me feeling a tad chilly yet many of the harmonies here are so very contagious that I find myself coming back for seconds.

If you're confused about my take on mr. RAY's "Welcome to the Music Room", welcome to the club.

With enjoyable tracks like "King Butterfly and Little Whale" (where the lesson of the song is more subtle and wrapped inside a nice story), "Tick Tock Rock" and the aforementioned "Gameday" and "Months of the Year", this is a CD that many children will take great pleasure in hearing over and over again...and many parents will inexplicably find themselves singing under their breath as they commute to work.

Visit mr. RAY's website and listen to a medley of the entire new record.

NYC Children's Day In Retrospect

Aside from the music, Children's Day NYC was a disappointing affair. The promised craft tents were small, way smaller than necessary as the Seaport offers plenty of space. The crafts themselves were lacking as well. Kids could spend $5 (donation) to color, with markers, a 6" square of quilt that would later be given to a children's hospital. Or, they could color paper plates and brown bags shoulder to shoulder with other kids. It was tight and uncomfortable and neither the Mrs. nor the kids wanted to linger in that one area too long. Y Water and the Seaport Express Train were also nowhere to be found. Let's say your kid wanted his or her face painted, a normal request at such a festival. There was 1 face painter for hundreds of kids, so lines were insane everytime we tried. Ugh.

It's a good thing the music portion of the event was enjoyable. Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck, The Jimmies and Robbert Bobbert rocked the Seaport stage.

The Jimmies are a delight live. Ashley's antics, props and humorous lyrics are a treat to witness and hear for both young kids and their young at heart parents. The highlight of the set was a romp through the 80's with a flashback melody of Billy Idol, Madonna, A-Ha and others. The band was tight. You wouldn't even have noticed they were playing with two newbies on guitar and bass.

Robbert Bobbert got handed the rawest of deals from the weather gods. He took the stage in the middle of quite a lil' storm. The chilly, driving rain chased just about everyone under the cover of the Pier 17 shops and restaurants on the sidelines of the Seaport boardwalk. As a result, Bobbert & his bubble machine played to maybe a dozen folks, the smart ones who carry umbrellas and were able to remain close to the stage. Fortunately for him and us, the rain subsided half way through his goofy set and more families ventured down to learn about his "inventions" and listen to some high-energy pop-rock. He played through much of his debut self-titled disc, closing with the kiddie anthem "We R Superheroes". We enjoyed the set, as we dig the record, but RB talked WAY too much and played too little music. I reckon that in a more intimate space his interactive, give and take with the kids would've been better received. As it was, his hilarious fabricated tall tales about being the inventor of cups, the guitar and jumping seemed to be lost on the soggy New York crowd.

The Seaport set up for this musical event was not conducive to the warm and friendly vibe of most kiddie rock shows. The bands were elevated 5 feet above the 3 foot high children and set back a good 25 feet from the front row of audience. 'Twas kind of absurd. Is there that much of a security threat to the artists at Children's Day? You can get closer to Bono at a U2 show than you can to Ashley Albert when the Jimmies performed on the Seaport...craziness.

We attended 4 hours of the 5 hour event and didn't see a single character. Winnie the Pooh, Curious George, Madeline and Berenstain Bears Brother & Sister were promised. We saw none of 'em wandering about the Seaport. The kids we're bummed out about that fact. Their parents were bummed out in general.

My feelings on the day can be described best by the sound The Jimmies whoopie cushion makes under the Bear's tushy.

Only a stellar musical lineup will bring us back to another NYC Children's Day.

Billy Kelly Live In My Backyard

Seeing as how he resides a mere 2 hours away from OWTK Headquarters, I invited Billy Kelly, he of the Happy Club and self-professed milk lover, over to play a few tunes for the Mouse's 2nd Birthday Party.

He (and his new hair-do) played solo, sans PA or amp, and sounded fantastic. His quick wit and wry humor won over most all of the kids (even those too-cool-for-school) and the adults, none of whom were familiar with Billy before yesterday (god forbid my own family read OWTK!)








The crowd was treated to "The First Song", "People Really Like Milk", "I Don't Know", "S-N-O-W-M-A-N" (which involved a good amount of audience participation) and "Thank You For Joining The Happy Club", all from his album of the same name. On the title track, Billy took it as a challenge to engage one of my miserable looking nephews, who happen to sit up front. By the end of the song the boy had became "the favorite member of The Happy Club"...and was actually seen sporting a smile, however briefly.

Billy also covered Bing Crosby's "Swinging on a Star", much to the delight of my elder family members, and re-worked Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere Man" using only Pennsylvania towns. Our backyard gig also served as the ideal venue for Billy to debut a new track called "Family Garden". Appropriately enough, the Bear took Mr. & Mrs. Kelly on a tour of our family's raised veggie bed after the set. Once finished, several kids lined up for their official Happy Club membership certificates signed by BK.

He was an awesome addition to our event. Billy and his family are charming and friendly...and that's reason enough to buy his music! So, go do so now.

Read OWTK's interview with Billy Kelly. Also check out the OWTK review of his debut family album "Thank You For Joining The Happy Club".

Dan Zanes Live at the 2009 KC Jiggle Jam

My girls are digging Zanes more than ever. That's partly because we just saw him play in KC and partly because of their recent introduction to his Around the Kitchen! Live DVD. In particular, the songs "Wonder Wheel" and his version of "Pay Me My Money Down", have peaked their interest. That's pretty much a gross understatement. They're head over heels in love with the two cuts, especially the latter. Even the Mouse can be heard uttering something that sounds like "Pay Me" and "You Owe Me". If she ever finds herself working day labor, she'll be sure to know how to demand her take.

Dan Zanes & Friends played both tunes in Kansas City during the closing set of the outstanding 2009 Jiggle Jam.

I captured his performance of "Wonder Wheel" in what I consider my finest stab at song recording. I had good positioning and managed to frame Dan pretty well for much of the tune. Check it out below.

For WAY more Jiggle Jam coverage and photos, head over to the OWTK Facebook Page and become a fan.

Brady Rymer at KC Jiggle Jam 2009

Brady Rymer is making some of the best family music of this generation. That might be an understatement what with that Grammy nomination and all.

But as great as his recordings are, they got nothin' on his live show. The true testament of a band's worth, regardless of genre, is in the quality of it's live performance and much like The Boss and other rock-n-roll vets, Rymer and the Little Band That Could are in their glory on the stage. Brady and his rock-solid, professional 5 piece band (drums/bass/keys/mandolin/accordion/backing vocals) are happiest when performing and have the energy and passion to play for hours beyond their 60 minute kiddie show allotments.

Rymer unveiled 2 new numbers on the KC Jiggle Jam crowd today. The first, "Tomorrow's People", is an inspiration ode to the hope of better days ahead (for our kids and their kids and so on). It's as lovely as "Light of Love", the other new one first featured here a couple weeks back after Stink (Kindie) Fest '09. Both show Brady as impassioned dreamer and hopeful optimist. Both songs are beautiful arrangements that ooze love, warmth and a big ol' smile - basically, they are the musical embodiment of Mr. Rymer himself.

We may have a long while before we get the next Brady Rymer record, but if these 2 tracks are any indication the Grammy nod last year will not be his last.

Rymer has tons of summer dates lined up in San Fran, Orlando, NYC, Baltimore and D.C.-area and Massachusetts. Check out his website for dates/times/more info. You'll be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable way to spend an hour of your life with (or without!) your kids.






Note: I have video of Brady Rymer from today but my Flip Mino froze up and isn't yet willing to part with it's contents. If it gets fixed, you'll see Brady & Co. performing @ KC Jiggle Jam 2009.

They Might Be Giants at Jiggle Jam 2009 - New song live video

They Might Be Giants broke out a new tune on Saturday night in Kansas City. The tune, composed and sung by TMBG bass player Danny Weinkauf, is called "Paleontologist" and it's from the forthcoming "Here Comes Science". Check it out:

Dino O'Dell and Sugar Free All Stars at KC Jiggle Jam 2009

There are some pretty big names in Kansas City this weekend, like Recess Monkey and Justin Roberts, but there are also some lesser known but equally gifted performers rockin' out for midwestern families at Jiggle Jam.

Two of those gracing the stages of Jiggle Jam on Saturday were Dino O'Dell and the Veloci-Rappers, from right here in Kansas City, and the Sugar Free Allstars, from Oklahoma.

The Sugar Free Allstars is a 2 man operation on drums and hammond organ. They blend NOLA funk and groove to produce wonderful songs for young kids. Their live show is highly engaging and interactive. The preschoolers in the audience really took to the duo, acting out modes of transportation and making a variety of animal sounds at singer Chris Wiser's request. Expect the Sugar Free Allstars debut DVD to be available in the very near future!

Dino O'Dell and the Veloci-Rappers were the 1st band we saw perform at Jiggle Jam on Saturday. The set was very enjoyable with terrific musicianship and clever songs across a wide array of styles. Additionally, he has the funniest bio of any kid's artist.

Check out "If I Had A Pizza" from Dino O'Dell:

Justin Roberts at KC Jiggle Jam 2009 - Live Video

Justin Roberts enjoyed the 2008 Jiggle Jam so much he came back for the '09 installment of the nation's finest family music festival.

With his band sporting snazzy new bowling league-styled button up shirts, Justin and The Not Ready For Naptime Players blitzed through a very loose 1 hour set where hilarity was king. The new and improved live Justin Roberts show features expanded roles for Little Dave (including a cool ACDC moment) and a spot for Gerald Dowd, the Players' drummer, to show off his funny side out in front of the kit.



JR mixed songs from "Yellow Bus", "Meltdown" and "Pop Fly" (included the title tracks from all 3 records) and had the crowd energized and excited from the jump. He slowed things down a bit, just once, with the beautiful "Giant Sized Butterflies". It was appropriate that the Mouse drifted off to sleep during that song, as it's included on her lullaby disc at home.


Justin Roberts continues to be one of the most polished, professional and best overall family music acts working today.

Recess Monkey at KC Jiggle Jam 2009 - Live Video

The trio of school teachers from Seattle, Washington known as Recess Monkey played early on Saturday. The crowd was sparse (compared to JR and TMBG later on) - such is the fate of the opening act.



The not-yet-warmed-up audience in front of them didn't stop Jack, Drew and Daron from letting it all hang out on stage. They put on a rockin' 45 minute set that included a few cuts from band's forthcoming effort "Field Trip" - "Knocktopus" (video of this one at the bottom), "Bubble Factory" and "Fort".



The families that did join in the fun under the Jiggle Stage canopy were treated to a perfect example of silly, yet sophisticated, family music. They were also treated to a couple of minutes of me, the Bear and the Mouse. We were asked to introduce Recess Monkey and were honored to do so. Despite flubbing the names of two Jiggle Jam sponsors, I think I managed to pull off the intro without making a complete ass of myself. I even worked in a Neil Young quote from "The Last Waltz".



And here we are, the Bear and I, with Recess Monkey after the show.

Jiggle Jam Saturday

Way too tired to share stories, music and thoughts on Jiggle Jam Day 1 but I will say this much tonight: It was a beautiful scene with scores of families outside in the sun, smiling, dancing, playing and listening to some of the finest all-ages music being made today.

The video upload process will probably take all night. Expect some audio/video treats in the A.M.

Billy Jonas Live at the XM Rumpus Room

A week ago today OWTK was in the Rumpus Room at XM Satellite Radio in D.C. for an outstanding live family music event. Industrial percussionist Billy Jonas was in town to record a live show for XM's Kid's Place Live.

Fresh off his terrific new record "Happy Accidents", Jonas performed a nice mix of old and new songs before an excited preschool crowd. Highlights of the set include "Some Houses" and "Old Saint Helens" from his debut family effort "What Kind of Cat Are You?!" and "Whose Gonna Make Our Music?" from "Happy Accidents". But the best song performed was done so twice. Jonas played the beautiful, soulful "Tongo" early and then again to close out the show.

It's only 18 seconds worth of video (don't ask) but it should be enough to give you a little taste of what Jonas does best.



For more on the Billy Jonas XM event, including a photo slideshow and a couple of video clips head over to Gooney Bird Kids or check out the OWTK Facebook page for more photos from yours truly.

Kindie (formerly) Stink Fest 2009 Videos

A couple of selections from an amazing showcase closing out the 2009 Festival of Family Music held Saturday May 2nd in Brooklyn, NY.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo "Gotta Be Me"


Ralph's World Family Music All Star Jam Session (with 23 Skidoo, Lunch Money, Brady Rymer, Bari Koral and many others including the Spare the Rock and Gooney Bird Kids).

Let's get STINKy

On Saturday, the first ever Kid's and Family Music conference will be held in Brooklyn, New York. It's called, um, STINK.

I'm rather excited to be a part of the experience, which includes panel discussions on promotion, booking, distribution and TV/books/etc.. Panelists from Little Monster Records, PBS, Cookie Magazine, Putumayo Kids, The Pokey Pup and Dan Zanes himself will discuss these topics with children's musicians and media members (like me!)

Once business time ends, the musical fun begins. Attendees will be treated to an industry-only showcase featuring Lunch Money, 23 Skidoo, Ralph's World, Brady Rymer, School of Rock and a few more bands.

Should be a blast.

Next week, I hope to deliver some pictures and relay some moments from the event both here and on the OWTK Facebook page...why not became a fan!

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Live Hip Hop for Kids

The girls and I were in the house for Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's Philly show over the weekend. It marked our first kiddie hip hop show and was easily one of the best children's concerts, of any genre, that we've ever seen. It's a shame the Mrs, who is still madly in love with Black Star's seminal hip hop record, couldn't be there because 23 Skidoo, Mahira and DJ Adam Strange as a trio have the kind of flow and stage presence that Mos Def and Talib Kweli possess. Their style of hip hop is inclusive, good-natured and as enjoyable to listen to on record as it is to see and hear live. Add to it that 23's interaction with the young crowd was funny, light and very natural - you can tell the dude has a kid of his own (the talented Saki, who was unable to be in Philly for the show) - and you have one tremendous musical experience.

23 Skidoo (aka Cactus) went through much of the terrific album "Easy" along with the wonderful reading-inspired "Bug", a track the Bear would later declare her favorite of the show. The set closed with "I Gotta Be Me" a song that when performed live is as close to a kiddie anthem as any I've ever heard. The whole crowd was towards the front of the space, the kids all made 3 feet taller thanks to tables pressed up against the high stage. Everyone was smiling, swaying and shouting out, in response to 23 Skidoo's lyrical question "Whatcha gotta be?", the tremendously confident refrain "I GOTTA BE ME!". For the first time at any kid's show, and this includes sold out Justin Roberts and TMBG gigs, I heard folks calling out for an encore. No one wanted the gig to be to up after one hour. 23 Skidoo and crew could have played for another 60 minutes and no one would have minded a bit.

I cannot recommend a Secret Agent 23 Skidoo show enough for any music-loving family.
If you are naturally inclined to be skeptical of rap music, for whatever reason, fear not:

1. Hip hop, in general, is much different from the sex-filled radio-friendly rap that may have shaped your negative perception of the style and even farther removed from gangsta rap and...
2. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's music is super positive and is filled with a lot of fun energy. You are your kids will be bouncing up and down once the first beat is dropped, that is guaranteed.

So if you are lucky enough to have 23 Skidoo rollin' through your town at some point this year, do try and get your family out to the show.

Official Site of Secret Agent 23 Skidoo