Born – OneRepublic
Done With The Science Fair – The Not-Its!
Have You Ever Been Real – Dean Jones
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Perfect Illusion – Lady Gaga
Tiptoe Through The Tulips – Little Miss Ann And Amy D
2 If I Ever Was A Child – Wilco
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, February 16, 2017
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
The Honey Bunny Song – Lard Dog
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Out Standing – Hullabaloo
Rattlesnake – Caspar Babypants
Too Good To Say Goodbye – Bruno Mars
The Honey Bunny Song – Lard Dog
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Out Standing – Hullabaloo
Rattlesnake – Caspar Babypants
Too Good To Say Goodbye – Bruno Mars
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Farewell And Goodnight – Jojo & The Pinecones
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
Mystery – Dean Jones
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
Raise A Ruckus – Hullabaloo
Farewell And Goodnight – Jojo & The Pinecones
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
Mystery – Dean Jones
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
Raise A Ruckus – Hullabaloo
Hullabaloo Celebrate 3,000 Shows With Volume 2 Of Best Songs
As the kindie movement rolls into its second decade, some venerable performers are reaching milestones. Hullabaloo, the team of Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer (friends since kindergarten), finds itself approaching their 3,000th live show (slated for February 26). The date is conveniently slated as the release of the band's BEST OF HULLABALOO VOLUME TWO.
Usually children's music retains a regional sound. However the San Diego-based duo have given Hullabaloo a bluegrass/country feel. Steve's unique vocal stylings and their mastery of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and other non-electric instruments have powered Hullabaloo to a sweet spot where few other kindie artists inhabit.
VOLUME TWO features 15 songs dating from 2009-2015. "Dog Song" frets over a lost pooch and bemoans that an ad in the paper won't help because "he can't read." The mournful "I'm Hungry" lists a litany of found food items in what must be the world's most unkempt couch. "Raise a Ruckus," the title track from their 2012 CD, is a countrified rocker that updates a Grand Ol' Opry standard.
The ode to camaraderie "Best Friends Forever" bridges the band into 2016's I CHEW, which celebrated inclusion and diversity at the same time. "I Wear Pink" is Steve's autobiographical take on growing up playing with his older sister's dolls. A host of kindie stars provided backup vocals, including Peter Alsop, Dean Jones, Laura Doherty, Papa Crow, Jim Cosgrove (Mr. Stinky Feet), the Singing Lizard, Randy Kaplan, Mista Cookie Jar, Red Yarn, and Dan Elliott (Pointed Man Band). The collection comes to a swift (35 minutes) conclusion with the ballad "You Are Loved."
Hullabaloo is what happens when two grown men decide that kid's music is just as much fun to perform as it is to hear. Steve and Brendan have stuck a pin this moment in time for them – 3,000 concerts and 13 CDs – but don't look to be slowing down any time soon. BEST OF HULLABALOO VOLUME 2 is a choice sampler of a band still figuring out what it wants to be when it grows up. Or if it's more fun to stay a kid.
BEST OF HULLABALOO VOLUME 2 is available on February 24 from Hullabaloo's website, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for their song, "You Are Loved," which features Steve teaching American sign language for the lyrics:
Usually children's music retains a regional sound. However the San Diego-based duo have given Hullabaloo a bluegrass/country feel. Steve's unique vocal stylings and their mastery of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and other non-electric instruments have powered Hullabaloo to a sweet spot where few other kindie artists inhabit.VOLUME TWO features 15 songs dating from 2009-2015. "Dog Song" frets over a lost pooch and bemoans that an ad in the paper won't help because "he can't read." The mournful "I'm Hungry" lists a litany of found food items in what must be the world's most unkempt couch. "Raise a Ruckus," the title track from their 2012 CD, is a countrified rocker that updates a Grand Ol' Opry standard.
The ode to camaraderie "Best Friends Forever" bridges the band into 2016's I CHEW, which celebrated inclusion and diversity at the same time. "I Wear Pink" is Steve's autobiographical take on growing up playing with his older sister's dolls. A host of kindie stars provided backup vocals, including Peter Alsop, Dean Jones, Laura Doherty, Papa Crow, Jim Cosgrove (Mr. Stinky Feet), the Singing Lizard, Randy Kaplan, Mista Cookie Jar, Red Yarn, and Dan Elliott (Pointed Man Band). The collection comes to a swift (35 minutes) conclusion with the ballad "You Are Loved."
Hullabaloo is what happens when two grown men decide that kid's music is just as much fun to perform as it is to hear. Steve and Brendan have stuck a pin this moment in time for them – 3,000 concerts and 13 CDs – but don't look to be slowing down any time soon. BEST OF HULLABALOO VOLUME 2 is a choice sampler of a band still figuring out what it wants to be when it grows up. Or if it's more fun to stay a kid.
BEST OF HULLABALOO VOLUME 2 is available on February 24 from Hullabaloo's website, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for their song, "You Are Loved," which features Steve teaching American sign language for the lyrics:
Friday, February 10, 2017
Quick Hits: Free Valentines Music and Video
Valentines Day and children's music are two concepts that don't necessarily go hand in hand.
But there are ways to make them work together and provide fun for all ages.
Justin Roberts has released a video for "Valentine (I Don't Want to Be Yours)," from his latest album, LEMONADE. View it here and enjoy:
You can download Justin's song as well as tunes from other artists such as Recess Monkey, courtesy of Beth Blenz and Sugar Mountain PR, through the actual day (February 14). Here's the playlist link.
Enjoy love-themed songs from Little Miss Ann, Raffi, and Frances England. And then go find some other stuff by those artists and share it with the little ones you love.
Erica Rabner is also offering a Valentines song for download – "Valentine's Day" (wonder where she got that title) is up for download at Soundcloud. You can also click through to her debut album, PB & JAMS.
But there are ways to make them work together and provide fun for all ages.
Justin Roberts has released a video for "Valentine (I Don't Want to Be Yours)," from his latest album, LEMONADE. View it here and enjoy:
You can download Justin's song as well as tunes from other artists such as Recess Monkey, courtesy of Beth Blenz and Sugar Mountain PR, through the actual day (February 14). Here's the playlist link.
Enjoy love-themed songs from Little Miss Ann, Raffi, and Frances England. And then go find some other stuff by those artists and share it with the little ones you love.
Erica Rabner is also offering a Valentines song for download – "Valentine's Day" (wonder where she got that title) is up for download at Soundcloud. You can also click through to her debut album, PB & JAMS.
Wednesday, February 08, 2017
Ben's Snow Day Playlist -Thursday, February 9, 2017
Banana Bread – Caspar Babypants
Dream A Little Dream – Jojo & The Pinecones
Expo Line – Andrew & Polly
Island in the Ocean – Bob and Luc Schneider
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones
You Better Believe – Train
12 Just Say Goodbye – Wilco
Dream A Little Dream – Jojo & The Pinecones
Expo Line – Andrew & Polly
Island in the Ocean – Bob and Luc Schneider
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones
You Better Believe – Train
12 Just Say Goodbye – Wilco
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Ann and Amy Keep On for the Kids
Contemporary kindie (children's independent) music is not just folk music. If your thoughts immediately drift to Dan Zanes, scan over to his supporting band – people like Elena Moon Park and Sonia De Los Santos. As much as Prez Trump and his ilk squeal and complain, the world is changing. And so is the complexion of the people making and performing for children.
Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) and Amy D (Amyliza de Jesus) share a common background – Filipino-Americans with backgrounds in music and education. Ann hails from Chicago and Amy is from Nashville. Working with children has given them a chance to incorporate world influences as well as local cultures into their songs. Their new CD, KEEP ON, let's them reach the little ones with "Shake & Sing" and "The Senses Song." But they dive deeper with calypso on "Hill and Gully Rider," featuring guest artists 123 Andres and Tim Sutton from Ratboy Jr. (Tim, Ben keeps asking when the next Ratboy Jr. CD is coming).
Once again, the sorcerer waving a wand over this production is kindie über-producer Dean Jones. Much like an Uber driver, Dean steers KEEP ON clear of any potholes or false notes. As Ann and Amy point out in the liner notes, "Dean plays just about every instrument known to man." For anyone who grew up with (or only know) "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" as a Tiny Tim novelty ditty, the ladies forcibly and daintily reclaim it as a gentle love song, complete with a toy piano.
KEEP ON is not going to rock your world. It's not even going to rock your socks off. At a mere 29 minutes, it's an appetizer to get your child's attention or provide some gentle background to a family activity. Ann and Amy merge their voices into a sweet harmony that any amateur can use as a background refresher for "Where Is Thumbkin?"
The best children's music is kept simple, minus any bold-faced headlines or bald-faced alternative facts. KEEP ON encourages kids to "Keep On Keeping On" despite feeling sleepy or discouraged. The strong roots of the folk movement segue gently into the realm of kindie on its 10 tracks. KEEP ON singing, keep on playing, keep on learning, just keep on going forward.
KEEP ON is available on February 17 from Little Miss Ann's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is a video of "Someday, Some Morning" (lyrics by Woody Guthrie, music by Jeff Tweedy):
Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) and Amy D (Amyliza de Jesus) share a common background – Filipino-Americans with backgrounds in music and education. Ann hails from Chicago and Amy is from Nashville. Working with children has given them a chance to incorporate world influences as well as local cultures into their songs. Their new CD, KEEP ON, let's them reach the little ones with "Shake & Sing" and "The Senses Song." But they dive deeper with calypso on "Hill and Gully Rider," featuring guest artists 123 Andres and Tim Sutton from Ratboy Jr. (Tim, Ben keeps asking when the next Ratboy Jr. CD is coming).Once again, the sorcerer waving a wand over this production is kindie über-producer Dean Jones. Much like an Uber driver, Dean steers KEEP ON clear of any potholes or false notes. As Ann and Amy point out in the liner notes, "Dean plays just about every instrument known to man." For anyone who grew up with (or only know) "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" as a Tiny Tim novelty ditty, the ladies forcibly and daintily reclaim it as a gentle love song, complete with a toy piano.
KEEP ON is not going to rock your world. It's not even going to rock your socks off. At a mere 29 minutes, it's an appetizer to get your child's attention or provide some gentle background to a family activity. Ann and Amy merge their voices into a sweet harmony that any amateur can use as a background refresher for "Where Is Thumbkin?"
The best children's music is kept simple, minus any bold-faced headlines or bald-faced alternative facts. KEEP ON encourages kids to "Keep On Keeping On" despite feeling sleepy or discouraged. The strong roots of the folk movement segue gently into the realm of kindie on its 10 tracks. KEEP ON singing, keep on playing, keep on learning, just keep on going forward.
KEEP ON is available on February 17 from Little Miss Ann's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is a video of "Someday, Some Morning" (lyrics by Woody Guthrie, music by Jeff Tweedy):
Thursday, February 02, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Friday, February 3, 2017
By The Light – Red Yarn
Do You Talk To Yourself – Dean Jones
Dodgeball – Justin Roberts
How Can You Tell If It's Going to Rain? – Andrew & Polly
Kid Of The Week – The Not-Its!
Lost and Found – Train
The Only One – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Do You Talk To Yourself – Dean Jones
Dodgeball – Justin Roberts
How Can You Tell If It's Going to Rain? – Andrew & Polly
Kid Of The Week – The Not-Its!
Lost and Found – Train
The Only One – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
After 40 Years, Best of Raffi A Long Time Coming
I'm going to keep this review as politically correct as I possibly can. Suffice to say that there are polarizing figures in all walks of life – political, sports, the arts. Amazing as it may sound, the uttering of one iconic children's music performer – Raffi – conjures up a whole host of emotions in adults. "Oh that's little kid music," "Today's kids don't want to hear that," "Wow - what a blast from the past, is he still around?"
It's hard to believe, yet at the same time it seems so obvious, that Raffi has been an integral part of the children's music scene for more than 40 years. So the release of BEST OF RAFFI would appear, on the surface, to be very overdue. Yet he took a long sabbatical from recording children's music, only to reappear in 2014 and release two CDs (LOVE BUG and OWL SINGALONG) in a 14-month period.
The saga of Raffi includes his sojourn into advocacy – In 1997, Raffi developed a holistic philosophy called Child Honouring. He cultivated A Covenant for Honouring Children (Raffi’s poetic declaration of our duty to the young), along with its nine principles. The Covenant and Principles are both circulated widely in public health and education circles. There's also Red Hood Project, a movement for online security for children and youth. Concerned about the effects of digital media, especially on children, Raffi wrote Lightweb Darkweb: Three Reasons To Reform Social Media Before it Re-Forms Us in 2013. The book offers three reasons for social media reform: safety, intelligence, and sustainability. Raffi highlights children’s developmental needs as a key missing consideration in the digital revolution.
While doing this review, I found myself singing along to such witty silliness:
Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring banana phone
Boop-boo-ba-doo-ba-doop
Ping pong ping pong ping pong ping panana phone
It's no Bologna, it ain't a phony
My cellular bananular phone
It all comes around full circle to the music, and songs that bring a smile to generations, now referred to as Beluga Grads. "Bananaphone," "Everything Grows," "Down By the Bay," "One Light One Sun," and "Baby Beluga," his most well-known song. Raffi remained steadfast that he would not overly commercial his material and refused to produce a film based on "Baby Beluga," as well as other offers. It's conceivable that the world's best-selling children's entertainer could have made a mint with such ventures. But integrity, once sacrificed, cannot be repurchased. Unlike these classic songs, which you can now get in one simple collection.
It's hard to believe, yet at the same time it seems so obvious, that Raffi has been an integral part of the children's music scene for more than 40 years. So the release of BEST OF RAFFI would appear, on the surface, to be very overdue. Yet he took a long sabbatical from recording children's music, only to reappear in 2014 and release two CDs (LOVE BUG and OWL SINGALONG) in a 14-month period.The saga of Raffi includes his sojourn into advocacy – In 1997, Raffi developed a holistic philosophy called Child Honouring. He cultivated A Covenant for Honouring Children (Raffi’s poetic declaration of our duty to the young), along with its nine principles. The Covenant and Principles are both circulated widely in public health and education circles. There's also Red Hood Project, a movement for online security for children and youth. Concerned about the effects of digital media, especially on children, Raffi wrote Lightweb Darkweb: Three Reasons To Reform Social Media Before it Re-Forms Us in 2013. The book offers three reasons for social media reform: safety, intelligence, and sustainability. Raffi highlights children’s developmental needs as a key missing consideration in the digital revolution.
While doing this review, I found myself singing along to such witty silliness:
Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring banana phone
Boop-boo-ba-doo-ba-doop
Ping pong ping pong ping pong ping panana phone
It's no Bologna, it ain't a phony
My cellular bananular phone
It all comes around full circle to the music, and songs that bring a smile to generations, now referred to as Beluga Grads. "Bananaphone," "Everything Grows," "Down By the Bay," "One Light One Sun," and "Baby Beluga," his most well-known song. Raffi remained steadfast that he would not overly commercial his material and refused to produce a film based on "Baby Beluga," as well as other offers. It's conceivable that the world's best-selling children's entertainer could have made a mint with such ventures. But integrity, once sacrificed, cannot be repurchased. Unlike these classic songs, which you can now get in one simple collection.
Here is the video for the title track from last year's "Owl Singalong":
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, February 2, 2017
Breakfast For Dinner – Jojo & The Pinecones
Cloud Skateboard – Mo Phillips
Dancin' In Circles – Lady Gaga
Must Be This Tall – Justin Roberts
Oh My My – OneRepublic
Play That Song – Train
Cloud Skateboard – Mo Phillips
Dancin' In Circles – Lady Gaga
Must Be This Tall – Justin Roberts
Oh My My – OneRepublic
Play That Song – Train
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Drink Up – Train
Fly Like A Bird – Dean Jones
Forever Young – Andrew & Polly
I Can See Clearly Now – Jojo & The Pinecones
Step Outside the Box – Stacey Peasley
24K Magic – Bruno Mars
Fly Like A Bird – Dean Jones
Forever Young – Andrew & Polly
I Can See Clearly Now – Jojo & The Pinecones
Step Outside the Box – Stacey Peasley
24K Magic – Bruno Mars
Monday, January 30, 2017
Friendship Trumps Howard Stern's View of Presidency
As a 30-year listener to Howard Stern, I was eager this morning to hear his take on Friday's executive order banning immigrants from seven countries, issues by President Trump.
I sat through nearly four hours of phony phone calls, Wack Pack mayhem with longtime caller Steve From Florida, and a surprisingly emotional interview with sports broadcaster Joe Buck, until Robin Quivers got to the news.
Twenty minutes in, we got the following exchange, about the political activism on display at the SAG Awards on Sunday night.
Robin: Julia Louis-Dreyfus pointed out that she is the daughter of an immigrant who fled religious persecution by the Nazis.
Howard: No Baba Booeys, huh?
Howard has gone out of his way not to badmouth his longtime friend of the show Donald Trump. He even felt it was necessary to chastise media outlets who played selected clips of Trump's radio appearances during the election cycle that pointed out the candidate's sexist attitudes about women.
In doing so, Stern is performing an elaborate game of Limbo – how low can Trump go without Stern giving his true opinions and offering commentary. Robin is not baiting him; she often gets criticized for reporting "old news," and this was certainly one of the most important and pertinent topics of the day.
It's going to be interesting to see how long Stern can maintain this guise. Is he angling for an invitation to the White House? Walking a tightrope to not agitate his most left-wing Hollywood friends? (Even Jimmy Kimmel called one Trump cabinet nominee a "piece of shit".)
But in avoiding controversy by not alienating his "friend" Donald Trump, Stern is terribly disappointing many fans. It's one thing to become intensely politically correct. Or to avoid booking controversial or opinionated guests like Gilbert Gottfried. Or to mend fences with Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell to book more mainstream celebrities.
By not taking sides in this debate, Stern comes across as a coward. Yes, he is a "comedian" doing a "morning radio show." But his opinions reach millions of fans, listeners, and politicians.
What does Howard's father, an Army veteran, think about a Nazi gaining the ear of the President? What does his mother, a champion of integration, think about a ban on immigrants from countries that have not produced any terrorist attacks on American soil?
With every new ridiculous executive order and edict, Trump brings this nation closer to becoming a banana republic. While intensely worried about being judged an illegitimate president, his every action makes that truth becomes more self-evident.
We need voices speaking out about what is happening. And Howard Stern's silence is deafening. And telling at the same time.
I sat through nearly four hours of phony phone calls, Wack Pack mayhem with longtime caller Steve From Florida, and a surprisingly emotional interview with sports broadcaster Joe Buck, until Robin Quivers got to the news.
Robin: Julia Louis-Dreyfus pointed out that she is the daughter of an immigrant who fled religious persecution by the Nazis.
Howard: No Baba Booeys, huh?
Howard has gone out of his way not to badmouth his longtime friend of the show Donald Trump. He even felt it was necessary to chastise media outlets who played selected clips of Trump's radio appearances during the election cycle that pointed out the candidate's sexist attitudes about women.
In doing so, Stern is performing an elaborate game of Limbo – how low can Trump go without Stern giving his true opinions and offering commentary. Robin is not baiting him; she often gets criticized for reporting "old news," and this was certainly one of the most important and pertinent topics of the day.
It's going to be interesting to see how long Stern can maintain this guise. Is he angling for an invitation to the White House? Walking a tightrope to not agitate his most left-wing Hollywood friends? (Even Jimmy Kimmel called one Trump cabinet nominee a "piece of shit".)
But in avoiding controversy by not alienating his "friend" Donald Trump, Stern is terribly disappointing many fans. It's one thing to become intensely politically correct. Or to avoid booking controversial or opinionated guests like Gilbert Gottfried. Or to mend fences with Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell to book more mainstream celebrities.
By not taking sides in this debate, Stern comes across as a coward. Yes, he is a "comedian" doing a "morning radio show." But his opinions reach millions of fans, listeners, and politicians.
What does Howard's father, an Army veteran, think about a Nazi gaining the ear of the President? What does his mother, a champion of integration, think about a ban on immigrants from countries that have not produced any terrorist attacks on American soil?
With every new ridiculous executive order and edict, Trump brings this nation closer to becoming a banana republic. While intensely worried about being judged an illegitimate president, his every action makes that truth becomes more self-evident.
We need voices speaking out about what is happening. And Howard Stern's silence is deafening. And telling at the same time.
All the Jazz That Fits With Jojo & the Pinecones
Jazz hands everybody! Or rather, how about a hand for jazz? There seems to be a mini-comeback of the genre inside the venue of children's music. Between Lucy Kalantari, Jazzy Ash, Lori Henriques, and now JoJo and the Pinecones, there's a whole spectrum to educate your kids. I was fortunate enough to see the group perform at Hootenanny earlier this month (with Lucy, Jazzy, as well as Tim Kubart).
Joelle Lurie and musical partner Benjamin Gallina (whose website is a mnemonic for "brangelina") crafted their new CD, NIGHT & DAY, as part of their residency at Lincoln Center Education. The album is a amalgam of new and reinvigorated standards such as the title track and "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'." For anyone who watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, the piano break in "Dream A Little Dream of Me" will remind you of the late Johnny Costa.
There are so many recordings of "I Can See Clearly Now" that it's pointless to make comparisons. But JoJo and company strive to make it downbeat and upbeat at the same time. You won't forget it's an album for your kids with such selections as "I Spy" and the cheery "Breakfast for Dinner," which is a rap short of being a Mista Cookie Jar song. Pizza for breakfast? Somebody is gonna give the tots some intriguing ideas.
NIGHT & DAY is designed in two sets, "Night" and "Day," with seven lighter, playful tracks that segue into seven to wind down from the hustle and bustle of school, homework, and chores. JoJo & The Pinecones take their childhood experiences and memories and run them through a tapestry of American Jazz stylings. Just when you think jazz is exclusionary, for a certain class of people, or just too cool for your tastes, along comes the closing track, "Farewell and Goodnight," a Smashing Pumpkins tune transformed from grinding guitars into a bluesy, horn-filled lullaby. Good night indeed. But not farewell.
NIGHT & DAY is available from JoJo & The Pinecones' website, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is the video for their song, "Breakfast for Dinner":
Joelle Lurie and musical partner Benjamin Gallina (whose website is a mnemonic for "brangelina") crafted their new CD, NIGHT & DAY, as part of their residency at Lincoln Center Education. The album is a amalgam of new and reinvigorated standards such as the title track and "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'." For anyone who watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, the piano break in "Dream A Little Dream of Me" will remind you of the late Johnny Costa.There are so many recordings of "I Can See Clearly Now" that it's pointless to make comparisons. But JoJo and company strive to make it downbeat and upbeat at the same time. You won't forget it's an album for your kids with such selections as "I Spy" and the cheery "Breakfast for Dinner," which is a rap short of being a Mista Cookie Jar song. Pizza for breakfast? Somebody is gonna give the tots some intriguing ideas.
NIGHT & DAY is designed in two sets, "Night" and "Day," with seven lighter, playful tracks that segue into seven to wind down from the hustle and bustle of school, homework, and chores. JoJo & The Pinecones take their childhood experiences and memories and run them through a tapestry of American Jazz stylings. Just when you think jazz is exclusionary, for a certain class of people, or just too cool for your tastes, along comes the closing track, "Farewell and Goodnight," a Smashing Pumpkins tune transformed from grinding guitars into a bluesy, horn-filled lullaby. Good night indeed. But not farewell.
NIGHT & DAY is available from JoJo & The Pinecones' website, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is the video for their song, "Breakfast for Dinner":
Thursday, January 26, 2017
RSVP for Stacey Peasley
One of my January highlights thus far was Hootenanny in Brooklyn. I got a chance to network with way too many performers and personalities. I trekked two hours through a bone-chilling snow storm that paralyzed parts of the East Coast (delaying SiriusXM/Recess Monkey's Jack Forman and preventing an appearance by Josh and the Jamtones). I heard about exciting new projects and danced with Grammy winners (and nominees). Several musicians also plugged just-released or upcoming CDs. Which brings me to this column.
Stacey Peasley, the pride of Natick, Massachusetts, recently released RSVP, her latest children's music CD. A teacher (and stage mother), Stacey uses her songs to amuse as well as entertain. She walks that fine line between talking down to youngsters and talking to them. Tunes such as "Step Outside the Box" and "Allergies" tackle cultural sensitivity and sensitive systems. "Hand Me Downs" heralds the arrival of "new" second-hand clothing. The title track recounts a laundry list of friends and acquaintances around the country who are receiving an invitation to a birthday party – also serving as a metaphor for agreeing to hear the rest of the CD.
Breaking the Dean Jones producing monopoly is a challenging venture, but They Might Be Giants' drummer and composer Marty Beller more than ably manages the task. The Johns have taken a sabbatical from the children's scene while Marty has chosen to stick his toes further into the kindie pond (as has bandmate Danny Weinkauf).
Stacey continues her performing and teaching ventures in the Boston area. This dozen new tunes should more than suffice for her students and audience members, young and old alike. RSVP (with its signature artwork by Jill Howarth) instinctively calls out for a response, literally and figuratively.
RSVP is available from Stacey's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for her song, "Soapy Bubbles":
Breaking the Dean Jones producing monopoly is a challenging venture, but They Might Be Giants' drummer and composer Marty Beller more than ably manages the task. The Johns have taken a sabbatical from the children's scene while Marty has chosen to stick his toes further into the kindie pond (as has bandmate Danny Weinkauf).
Stacey continues her performing and teaching ventures in the Boston area. This dozen new tunes should more than suffice for her students and audience members, young and old alike. RSVP (with its signature artwork by Jill Howarth) instinctively calls out for a response, literally and figuratively.
RSVP is available from Stacey's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for her song, "Soapy Bubbles":
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 26, 2017
Find A Way – Stacey Peasley
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Rattlesnake – Caspar Babypants
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Washington, DC – The Not-Its!
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Rattlesnake – Caspar Babypants
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Washington, DC – The Not-Its!
Monday, January 23, 2017
Auntie Kayte Sings Fairy Tales
Last week, Auntie Kayte released "RUFUS THE UNICORN AND OTHER UPSIDE-DOWN FAIRYTALE SONGS." Aimed squarely at preschoolers, the CD is a collection of character-based story songs featuring the title character as well as "Pirates Are People Too."
There's a lot of positive reinforcement for the tots. For instance, here's lyrics from "A Princess Can Be Smart":
A princess can be a doctor, and a princess can be a mom.
A princess can travel the world, and a princess can stay home.
A princess can be an inventor, a teacher or a nurse
She can speak a foreign language or write a rhyming verse
California-based Kayte has a kind heart, sunny disposition, and clear voice. Her music is part of a larger stage show, involving costumes and drawings. But songs are always part of a child's gateway to viewing live performances. So take that for what it's worth.
You can order RUFUSE THE UNICORN from Auntie Kayte's website.
There's a lot of positive reinforcement for the tots. For instance, here's lyrics from "A Princess Can Be Smart":A princess can be a doctor, and a princess can be a mom.
A princess can travel the world, and a princess can stay home.
A princess can be an inventor, a teacher or a nurse
She can speak a foreign language or write a rhyming verse
California-based Kayte has a kind heart, sunny disposition, and clear voice. Her music is part of a larger stage show, involving costumes and drawings. But songs are always part of a child's gateway to viewing live performances. So take that for what it's worth.
You can order RUFUSE THE UNICORN from Auntie Kayte's website.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 23, 2017
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Done With The Science Fair – The Not-Its!
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
The Grass Is Always Greener – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Me Too – Meghan Trainor
Press Play – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Rocketship – Stacey Peasley
Done With The Science Fair – The Not-Its!
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
The Grass Is Always Greener – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Me Too – Meghan Trainor
Press Play – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Rocketship – Stacey Peasley
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 20, 2017
Bop Bodiop! – Cat Doorman
Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Don't Grow Up Too Fast – Keith Munslow & Bridget Brewer
Must Be This Tall – Justin Roberts
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
People Watching – Dean Jones
Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Don't Grow Up Too Fast – Keith Munslow & Bridget Brewer
Must Be This Tall – Justin Roberts
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
People Watching – Dean Jones
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 19, 2017
Banana Bread – Caspar Babypants
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Popsicle – Bob and Luc Schneider
So Gazed Upon – Cat Doorman
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones
Why Did You Teach Me That Word – Keith Munslow And Bridget Brewer
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Popsicle – Bob and Luc Schneider
So Gazed Upon – Cat Doorman
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones
Why Did You Teach Me That Word – Keith Munslow And Bridget Brewer
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Betsy DeVos: Poster Child for Patronage and Privilege
Billionaire Betsy DeVos is getting pilloried on Capital Hill for her seeming inability to answer "yes" or "no" questions during her hearing for the position of Secretary of the Department of Education. Even more ridiculous, DeVos admitted she favored guns in schools, relaying a story about a Wyoming school that was worried about grizzly bear attacks.
DeVos has no professional experience in public schools, never attended public schools nor sent her own children to public schools. She has never held public office. She has stated it's possible her family has donated $200M to Republicans. DeVos is quoted (prior to the hearing) as saying "My family is the single largest contributor of soft money to the National Republican Party. I have decided, however, to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now I simply concede the point. They are right. We do expect some things in return."
DeVos has lobbied for decades to expand charter schools and taxpayer-funded vouchers for private and religious schools. No fan of public schools (since she has no immediate experience with them), the American Federation of Teachers is no fan of hers. AFT president Randi Weingarten is on record as saying, "The sum total of [DeVos's] involvement has been spending her family’s wealth in an effort to dismantle public education in Michigan. Every American should be concerned that she would impose her reckless and extreme ideology on the nation."
Patronage has existed for centuries. A logrolling technique was revealed in New York's School Construction Authority agency decades ago – unable to create jobs for their own family members, staffers would hire each other's wives as secretaries and assistants. When one such secretary was fired for rank incompetence, her husband retaliated by firing his coworker's wife. She sued – thus exposing the ruse and creating a massive scandal and a host of new anti-nepotism regulations.
But I have a more personal reason to oppose DeVos. I've seen the effects of partisan patronage at work and it was damaging and unfair to a large community of people, with ripple effects that are still being felt.
A decade ago, my older son was enrolled in a special education program. After the first year, we were informed that he was being shifted to a classroom setting in a different public school in Queens. I attended an introductory session in the late spring at the new school, prior to the end of his first year at the initial public school.
It was a veritable lovefest. The principal informed us that she was retiring after 17 years but assured everyone that her longtime assistant would be taking over. Everyone was laughing, saying "It's a family here, your kids will be an integral part of a larger community at our school."
Smash-cut to September. I discovered that my son's classroom was kept isolated. The kids didn't even have lunch in the general cafeteria because instructors were worried that the noise and commotion would distract or upset them, or worse, that the children wouldn't eat.
More troubling, my son was going from a fully-integrated class (10 typical and spectrum children) to four spectrum children. Where is the integration? At a hastily-scheduled meeting with the principal, assurances were made that once a week – for one period (40 minutes) the four children would be brought into one of the "typical" kindergarten classes.
It was then that the truth was determined – this new principal was NOT the former assistant to the retiring principal. She was, in fact, a longtime high-ranking staff member at the New York Department of Education. After serving as a desk jockey for decades, she decided to pull rank, call in favors, and secure a position at a school. The rug was pulled out from under the retiring principal. Her assistant, rather than serve under this unqualified woman, also retired. The school was thrown into some disarray. The new principal put many unpopular policies into play. She locked down communications. She micro-managed. Her door might be open, but she was not going to see you on a moment's notice.
At a special education event at Queens College, my (then) wife ran into groups from our son's original public school as well as this new school. The group from the former school greeted her warmly and they all sat together – including the principal. The staff from the new school acknowledged her presence; the teachers sat in one location and the principal sat elsewhere.
My son floundered in this new setting. He developed a series of nervous ticks and behavioral issues. He regressed in his language skills. He regressed in social settings with typical children. For several weeks, his class did not integrate with the typical kindergarten class. My son clearly missed his interactions with the children he had met. His instructor preferred to communicate through a notebook sent home every day. But she would simply not respond about this issue. Finally I dropped off our son, walked past the distracted security guard, and went into the classroom to ask her directly why this was happening.
When I picked up my son that day, there was a note from the principal requesting a meeting. I attempted to go into the office and meet with her then and there, but the secretary said she was busy but I could come back the next morning. I was asked why I ignored security.
"I merely wanted to ask the teacher a question," I responded.
"Isn't that what the communication book is for?" I was told.
"Yes, but the teacher was not answering."
"Well, the instructors are busy with other things at the end of the day," she said.
"There are four children in the class. There is an assistant and an occupational therapist who pushes in. She did not answer this question, when asked directly for three days."
The principal paused. "Then you should have contacted me, and I would have instructed the teacher to answer your question."
"Alright," I said, "this class is supposed to integrate on a regular basis with the kindergarten. Why don't the children eat lunch in the regular cafeteria? Why aren't they part of the regular music program? Why are they completely isolated? We were told that they would be fully integrated into the school."
The principal nodded. "Yes, but that was before the class was established. Now we are working to integrate the children."
"Alright," I said, "When is the regular music class for kindergarten?"
"I can find that out for you."
"When is the regular gym period? When is the regular art period?"
She stopped me. "Your children are in a special program. There schedule does not match up with all of the regular activities."
"Then they are not being fully integrated and we were lied to," I said, "Which is something I will take up with the Department of Education."
Her eyes narrowed but I continued. "These children are being treated like something is wrong with them. Don't think they don't notice they are segregated. It is affecting them. It is definitely affecting my son."
"Mr. Cohen, I will look into your concerns and get back to you."
The next day, the teacher finally wrote a note about the integration – the kindergarten teacher had arbitrarily switched the period between two activities. And my son's teacher refused to alter HER schedule so the four kids could still have integrated play time.
At this point, we made an attempt to pass a note directly to the teacher in the regular kindergarten class. My (then) wife wrote a note, told the security guard she was going to the office, and left the note in her mailbox. Aha! The secretary realized that the mailbox was not the one for my son's teacher.
That afternoon, there was an official sealed envelope from the principal in my son's folder. It was a document stating our letter had been "intercepted," that it was "inappropriate to communicate with teachers other than our child's," and that this "incident" would be noted in our son's record at the school.
Long story short, we limited our involvement at that school. I had attended every PTA meeting at the previous school, even volunteering to edit their parent newsletter (which included finding a new printer, saving them thousands of dollars in the process). This became akin to serving the rest of a prison sentence. At the end of the school year, my son was given a private placement, mainly because the school administration realized how badly they – under this unqualified principal – had botched this special needs program. Luckily my son went to a different school and we "worked out" the kinks over the next year or two. Meanwhile, we were told to save the horror story until he "aged out," to dispel any retaliation.
The moral is that patronage rarely works. Giving a job to someone who demands it due to seniority, favoritism, or in return for financial donations, does not make them instantly qualified. In most instances, it should automatically disqualify them.
Massachusetts Senator Maggie Hassan (who has a disabled son) realized during the hearing that DeVos didn't know the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act exists. Betsy DeVos is a woman who craves to shape a department she is ill-equipped to run. Much like the Affordable Care Act, she wants to dismantle an existing (though flawed) system before having something ready to put in its place.
Realizing her inherent flaws, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, limited questioning to five minutes per representative. DeVos declined, under questioning, to say whether she plans to rein in the Office for Civil Rights, which investigates allegations of discrimination in schools. Asked by gun control advocate Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy – whose constituents include Newtown’s Sandy Hook Elementary – whether she would support Trump if he moves forward with his proposal to ban gun-free school zones, DeVos said she would “support what the president-elect does.”
I have no doubt that DeVos's attorneys and sycophantic aides told her how great she did under pressure. Considering the division between the major political parties, it is probable she will fly through confirmation. But I warn parents to remain vigilant. If you did not advocate for your children before, or support their schools, now is the time. Betsy DeVos is a dangerous, affluent woman. She will be out of office and back home, sipping a drink poured by a servant and sighing, "Well, we tried," while tens of thousands of school children deal with the fallout from her ineffective, poorly-conceived charter school initiatives.
Donald Trump has nominated the wealthiest, most grossly inadequate group of people to serve him on his cabinet. It is an insult to the American people. And Betsy DeVos may be the most egregious slap in the face.
DeVos has no professional experience in public schools, never attended public schools nor sent her own children to public schools. She has never held public office. She has stated it's possible her family has donated $200M to Republicans. DeVos is quoted (prior to the hearing) as saying "My family is the single largest contributor of soft money to the National Republican Party. I have decided, however, to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now I simply concede the point. They are right. We do expect some things in return."
DeVos has lobbied for decades to expand charter schools and taxpayer-funded vouchers for private and religious schools. No fan of public schools (since she has no immediate experience with them), the American Federation of Teachers is no fan of hers. AFT president Randi Weingarten is on record as saying, "The sum total of [DeVos's] involvement has been spending her family’s wealth in an effort to dismantle public education in Michigan. Every American should be concerned that she would impose her reckless and extreme ideology on the nation."
Patronage has existed for centuries. A logrolling technique was revealed in New York's School Construction Authority agency decades ago – unable to create jobs for their own family members, staffers would hire each other's wives as secretaries and assistants. When one such secretary was fired for rank incompetence, her husband retaliated by firing his coworker's wife. She sued – thus exposing the ruse and creating a massive scandal and a host of new anti-nepotism regulations.
But I have a more personal reason to oppose DeVos. I've seen the effects of partisan patronage at work and it was damaging and unfair to a large community of people, with ripple effects that are still being felt.
A decade ago, my older son was enrolled in a special education program. After the first year, we were informed that he was being shifted to a classroom setting in a different public school in Queens. I attended an introductory session in the late spring at the new school, prior to the end of his first year at the initial public school.
It was a veritable lovefest. The principal informed us that she was retiring after 17 years but assured everyone that her longtime assistant would be taking over. Everyone was laughing, saying "It's a family here, your kids will be an integral part of a larger community at our school."
Smash-cut to September. I discovered that my son's classroom was kept isolated. The kids didn't even have lunch in the general cafeteria because instructors were worried that the noise and commotion would distract or upset them, or worse, that the children wouldn't eat.
More troubling, my son was going from a fully-integrated class (10 typical and spectrum children) to four spectrum children. Where is the integration? At a hastily-scheduled meeting with the principal, assurances were made that once a week – for one period (40 minutes) the four children would be brought into one of the "typical" kindergarten classes.
It was then that the truth was determined – this new principal was NOT the former assistant to the retiring principal. She was, in fact, a longtime high-ranking staff member at the New York Department of Education. After serving as a desk jockey for decades, she decided to pull rank, call in favors, and secure a position at a school. The rug was pulled out from under the retiring principal. Her assistant, rather than serve under this unqualified woman, also retired. The school was thrown into some disarray. The new principal put many unpopular policies into play. She locked down communications. She micro-managed. Her door might be open, but she was not going to see you on a moment's notice.
At a special education event at Queens College, my (then) wife ran into groups from our son's original public school as well as this new school. The group from the former school greeted her warmly and they all sat together – including the principal. The staff from the new school acknowledged her presence; the teachers sat in one location and the principal sat elsewhere.
My son floundered in this new setting. He developed a series of nervous ticks and behavioral issues. He regressed in his language skills. He regressed in social settings with typical children. For several weeks, his class did not integrate with the typical kindergarten class. My son clearly missed his interactions with the children he had met. His instructor preferred to communicate through a notebook sent home every day. But she would simply not respond about this issue. Finally I dropped off our son, walked past the distracted security guard, and went into the classroom to ask her directly why this was happening.
When I picked up my son that day, there was a note from the principal requesting a meeting. I attempted to go into the office and meet with her then and there, but the secretary said she was busy but I could come back the next morning. I was asked why I ignored security.
"I merely wanted to ask the teacher a question," I responded.
"Isn't that what the communication book is for?" I was told.
"Yes, but the teacher was not answering."
"Well, the instructors are busy with other things at the end of the day," she said.
"There are four children in the class. There is an assistant and an occupational therapist who pushes in. She did not answer this question, when asked directly for three days."
The principal paused. "Then you should have contacted me, and I would have instructed the teacher to answer your question."
"Alright," I said, "this class is supposed to integrate on a regular basis with the kindergarten. Why don't the children eat lunch in the regular cafeteria? Why aren't they part of the regular music program? Why are they completely isolated? We were told that they would be fully integrated into the school."
The principal nodded. "Yes, but that was before the class was established. Now we are working to integrate the children."
"Alright," I said, "When is the regular music class for kindergarten?"
"I can find that out for you."
"When is the regular gym period? When is the regular art period?"
She stopped me. "Your children are in a special program. There schedule does not match up with all of the regular activities."
"Then they are not being fully integrated and we were lied to," I said, "Which is something I will take up with the Department of Education."
Her eyes narrowed but I continued. "These children are being treated like something is wrong with them. Don't think they don't notice they are segregated. It is affecting them. It is definitely affecting my son."
"Mr. Cohen, I will look into your concerns and get back to you."
The next day, the teacher finally wrote a note about the integration – the kindergarten teacher had arbitrarily switched the period between two activities. And my son's teacher refused to alter HER schedule so the four kids could still have integrated play time.
At this point, we made an attempt to pass a note directly to the teacher in the regular kindergarten class. My (then) wife wrote a note, told the security guard she was going to the office, and left the note in her mailbox. Aha! The secretary realized that the mailbox was not the one for my son's teacher.
That afternoon, there was an official sealed envelope from the principal in my son's folder. It was a document stating our letter had been "intercepted," that it was "inappropriate to communicate with teachers other than our child's," and that this "incident" would be noted in our son's record at the school.
Long story short, we limited our involvement at that school. I had attended every PTA meeting at the previous school, even volunteering to edit their parent newsletter (which included finding a new printer, saving them thousands of dollars in the process). This became akin to serving the rest of a prison sentence. At the end of the school year, my son was given a private placement, mainly because the school administration realized how badly they – under this unqualified principal – had botched this special needs program. Luckily my son went to a different school and we "worked out" the kinks over the next year or two. Meanwhile, we were told to save the horror story until he "aged out," to dispel any retaliation.
The moral is that patronage rarely works. Giving a job to someone who demands it due to seniority, favoritism, or in return for financial donations, does not make them instantly qualified. In most instances, it should automatically disqualify them.
Massachusetts Senator Maggie Hassan (who has a disabled son) realized during the hearing that DeVos didn't know the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act exists. Betsy DeVos is a woman who craves to shape a department she is ill-equipped to run. Much like the Affordable Care Act, she wants to dismantle an existing (though flawed) system before having something ready to put in its place.
Realizing her inherent flaws, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, limited questioning to five minutes per representative. DeVos declined, under questioning, to say whether she plans to rein in the Office for Civil Rights, which investigates allegations of discrimination in schools. Asked by gun control advocate Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy – whose constituents include Newtown’s Sandy Hook Elementary – whether she would support Trump if he moves forward with his proposal to ban gun-free school zones, DeVos said she would “support what the president-elect does.”
I have no doubt that DeVos's attorneys and sycophantic aides told her how great she did under pressure. Considering the division between the major political parties, it is probable she will fly through confirmation. But I warn parents to remain vigilant. If you did not advocate for your children before, or support their schools, now is the time. Betsy DeVos is a dangerous, affluent woman. She will be out of office and back home, sipping a drink poured by a servant and sighing, "Well, we tried," while tens of thousands of school children deal with the fallout from her ineffective, poorly-conceived charter school initiatives.
Donald Trump has nominated the wealthiest, most grossly inadequate group of people to serve him on his cabinet. It is an insult to the American people. And Betsy DeVos may be the most egregious slap in the face.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Have You Ever Been Real – Dean Jones
It's An Adventure – Keith Munslow And Bridget Brewer
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
Superman – Bob and Luc Schneider
To and Fro – Cat Doorman
Unhuggable – Caspar Babypants
Your Happy Place – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
It's An Adventure – Keith Munslow And Bridget Brewer
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
Superman – Bob and Luc Schneider
To and Fro – Cat Doorman
Unhuggable – Caspar Babypants
Your Happy Place – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 13, 2017
Big Buncha Buddies – Keith Munslow And Bridget Brewer
Humans Are Still Evolving – Dean Jones
Jersey Dinosaurs – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
One Day By The Riverside – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
That Way – Chibi Kodama
Humans Are Still Evolving – Dean Jones
Jersey Dinosaurs – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
One Day By The Riverside – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
That Way – Chibi Kodama
New Bouncy Buddies from Munslow, Brewer
Some years ago, veteran children's music performer Bill Harley drew Keith Munslow into his circle. That resulted in a great friendship and partnership, witnessed in many concerts and a joint CD a few years ago. Now Keith is "paying it forward," and bringing newcomer Bridget Brewer into the kindie world with BIG BUNCHA BUDDIES.
Originally co-conspirators in the local comedy improvisation troupe The Empire Revue, Keith and Bridget worked on sketch material together. After a while, that camaraderie translated into songs for children. Even while Bridget was traveling through Mexico City writing a book, the duo used Google chat sessions to hammer out songs like "Jilly the Ghost" and "Stick Pony," which carries a Roy Rogers/Dale Evans by way of Okee-Dokee Brothers feel.
Keith has much experience as a storytelling on his own, however the Harley influence is keenly felt on "What Was a Bad Idea," where the two protagonists declare their latest scheme started out with good intentions but somehow went wrong. "Why Did You Teach Me That Word" will engage parents as well as children, teaching a valuable lesson about the right time and situations to, let's say, expand your vocabulary.
The only limitations to this partnership appear to be geographical. Keith and Bridget are simply on different continents, literally. That won't stop youngsters from sharing the tales of "The Loneliest Whale" and "Stray Dog." Once the duo get their feet inside the same state, in the same county, it will be possible for them to promote BIG BUNCHA BUDDIES together. This CD is a nice way to start the new year, hopefully helping your kids slow down and not grow up so fast. And buddy around.
BIG BUNCHA BUDDIES is available from Keith's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is a video of "Coffee Breath" from Keith's performance on Long Island last year:
Keith has much experience as a storytelling on his own, however the Harley influence is keenly felt on "What Was a Bad Idea," where the two protagonists declare their latest scheme started out with good intentions but somehow went wrong. "Why Did You Teach Me That Word" will engage parents as well as children, teaching a valuable lesson about the right time and situations to, let's say, expand your vocabulary.
The only limitations to this partnership appear to be geographical. Keith and Bridget are simply on different continents, literally. That won't stop youngsters from sharing the tales of "The Loneliest Whale" and "Stray Dog." Once the duo get their feet inside the same state, in the same county, it will be possible for them to promote BIG BUNCHA BUDDIES together. This CD is a nice way to start the new year, hopefully helping your kids slow down and not grow up so fast. And buddy around.
BIG BUNCHA BUDDIES is available from Keith's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is a video of "Coffee Breath" from Keith's performance on Long Island last year:
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
I Like LARD (In Other Words, A New Free Song)
It's 2017! With all the uncertainty, division, and unrest in the world, shouldn't we be thinking about things we like? That's definitely the impetus behind the new, FREE single from Lard Dog & The Band of Shy.
New York's favorite up-and-coming oddballs of children's music have announced a new album coming this fall. In the meantime, they plan to release a new song every month in 2017, similar to what Mista Cookie Jar accomplished in 2015 (and Cat Doorman announced, but did not succeed in doing). So kids' musicians have a 50/50 record in actually completing this task.
The plan for the new year starts with “I Like” already a fan favorite from the band's live show. As a bonus, the track can be downloaded for free during the month of January.
That's right, free music. Free kids' music. A free song. Click here to download "I Like," a free kids' music song from Lard Dog & The Band of Shy. The band performed the tune at last weekend's Hootenanny in Brooklyn and it went over well, like skipping in the breeze.
New York's favorite up-and-coming oddballs of children's music have announced a new album coming this fall. In the meantime, they plan to release a new song every month in 2017, similar to what Mista Cookie Jar accomplished in 2015 (and Cat Doorman announced, but did not succeed in doing). So kids' musicians have a 50/50 record in actually completing this task.The plan for the new year starts with “I Like” already a fan favorite from the band's live show. As a bonus, the track can be downloaded for free during the month of January.
That's right, free music. Free kids' music. A free song. Click here to download "I Like," a free kids' music song from Lard Dog & The Band of Shy. The band performed the tune at last weekend's Hootenanny in Brooklyn and it went over well, like skipping in the breeze.
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 5, 2017
Because I Love You – Caspar Babypants
Christmas In The Big House – They Might Be Giants
Dodgeball – Justin Roberts
Eyes on the Prize – Cat Doorman
Me On The Map – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Mom (feat. Kelli Trainor) – Meghan Trainor
Only One You – Danny Weinkauf
Christmas In The Big House – They Might Be Giants
Dodgeball – Justin Roberts
Eyes on the Prize – Cat Doorman
Me On The Map – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Mom (feat. Kelli Trainor) – Meghan Trainor
Only One You – Danny Weinkauf
Children's Music: Optimism Versus Happiness
People who know nothing about children's music often confuse "optimism" with "happiness." There is a clear distinction, as I determined this past year.
I went through a number of life changes over the past 18 months. It was a whole Chinese restaurant menu of water tortures, and believe me, I wouldn't wish any combination special on most people.
Throughout the entire sad process, the one constant was children's music. As if in a daze, sometimes a funk, sometimes a mania, I perpetuated a steady output of previews, event recaps with photos and videos, and reviews.
I may have been sleep-deprived. I may not have eaten properly for days or weeks. But I kept to a schedule, attempting to get to everything within a two-week window of its release date.
And children's music became my Rock of Gibraltar. If I had an especially ominous interaction or could not turn off the conversations in my head, I turned on the next CD in my queue. These were not necessarily "happy" tunes. But overall, they diffused my dark mood so I could wake to face another day.
During the summer of 2015, I felt that my world had hit rock bottom (boy was I ever wrong). I took my older son (then 14) out to the beach, where he was only 17 miles from a special camp program. This gave him five hours of hands-on activity, for eight weekdays. Except it splintered the family and I witnessed a profound loneliness in him. He missed his younger brother, his shadow and protector. He could FaceTime with him and their mother. Occasionally he'd say "I'm sad" or "I'm okay," and I put my hand on his shoulder and we'd walk through town and make observations about people and stores and music. A lot about pop music that summer.
In retrospect, I can't imagine how I held it together at different junctions. I brought two CDs to review while we stayed at the beach. One of them was Renee & Friends' SIMPATICO. It contained the most emotionally devastating song I heard that year, "You Were Meant to Be" (duet with Glenn Phillips). It's a love song to a child, declaring that his or her birth was no accident, that the child turned a man and a woman into a family. It was a gut punch and I cried when it played. The second time through, I intentionally ensured my son was in the car so I could will myself not to tear up. No, it's not a happy children's song. But it's optimistic.
A month later I had a similar moment with Tim Kubart's Grammy-winning CD, HOME. It's a celebration of childhood, family, and shared bonding experiences. The first time I heard the title track, "Last Turn Home," I was driving back to the house with both sons. It had been a long day and they'd drifted off. But we were approaching the house, their home, the only home they've both ever known. The home and the family that I knew were coming to a close. I gripped the steering wheel tight with both hands and read between the lyrics. The song is about a journey, and the destination isn't really important as long as there's love there. Again, not entirely a happy children's song. But it's optimistic.
The closing track of HOME is called "Moving Day," which reinforces the album's concept of family as people and not a place. That theme became my mantra in 2016, when I repeatedly went through the "five stages," thinking I'd finished with two or three only to cycle back to the beginning. By the summer, we had relocated. By October, the bussing situation was rectified and the boys began to settle into their routines. I accepted some absences in my life. I filled some holes in my schedule. I continued to attend concerts, shoot videos, and write reviews.
What was it about children's music more that drew me in, when by all rights I could have blasted death metal, or played dramatic operas, or danced around to show tunes? Simply put, there's no hidden agenda. With an absence of irony and a commitment to building positive values, children's music is about inclusion and being forward-thinking. You can't wallow when you have a child whose needs come before your own. You can't be narcissistic and play your favorite comfort CD from college, even if it bores the kids to tears since they can't relate to it.
Children's music gave me an uplifting release. It focused me. It helped me obtain and move toward some form of acceptance, even when there were scheduling conflicts, soul-sucking emails, or the continued existence of people I could not – nor ever plan – to stomach.
That's the putative salvation of children's music that is often misread. It's not all happy. There's no Morrissey for six-year-olds. Even Amy Lee (Evanescence) put out a delightful, cheery CD this year, DREAM TOO MUCH. You don't have to be happy to be optimistic and that's the promise of children's music. Broke a toy? Split your time between mommy and daddy? Scared of new foods? Kids can change emotions in the span of a drumbeat. It may only take one note of a special song from a fun performer. It could even be that eerie song about things going bump in the night. Because kids might not be happy when that occurs, but morning is going to come and daylight will turn that ghost into a sweater on the doorknob. They're not happy about it, but they're optimistic. That's a true super power and it's why I still enjoy children's music.
I went through a number of life changes over the past 18 months. It was a whole Chinese restaurant menu of water tortures, and believe me, I wouldn't wish any combination special on most people.
Throughout the entire sad process, the one constant was children's music. As if in a daze, sometimes a funk, sometimes a mania, I perpetuated a steady output of previews, event recaps with photos and videos, and reviews.
I may have been sleep-deprived. I may not have eaten properly for days or weeks. But I kept to a schedule, attempting to get to everything within a two-week window of its release date.
And children's music became my Rock of Gibraltar. If I had an especially ominous interaction or could not turn off the conversations in my head, I turned on the next CD in my queue. These were not necessarily "happy" tunes. But overall, they diffused my dark mood so I could wake to face another day.
During the summer of 2015, I felt that my world had hit rock bottom (boy was I ever wrong). I took my older son (then 14) out to the beach, where he was only 17 miles from a special camp program. This gave him five hours of hands-on activity, for eight weekdays. Except it splintered the family and I witnessed a profound loneliness in him. He missed his younger brother, his shadow and protector. He could FaceTime with him and their mother. Occasionally he'd say "I'm sad" or "I'm okay," and I put my hand on his shoulder and we'd walk through town and make observations about people and stores and music. A lot about pop music that summer.In retrospect, I can't imagine how I held it together at different junctions. I brought two CDs to review while we stayed at the beach. One of them was Renee & Friends' SIMPATICO. It contained the most emotionally devastating song I heard that year, "You Were Meant to Be" (duet with Glenn Phillips). It's a love song to a child, declaring that his or her birth was no accident, that the child turned a man and a woman into a family. It was a gut punch and I cried when it played. The second time through, I intentionally ensured my son was in the car so I could will myself not to tear up. No, it's not a happy children's song. But it's optimistic.
A month later I had a similar moment with Tim Kubart's Grammy-winning CD, HOME. It's a celebration of childhood, family, and shared bonding experiences. The first time I heard the title track, "Last Turn Home," I was driving back to the house with both sons. It had been a long day and they'd drifted off. But we were approaching the house, their home, the only home they've both ever known. The home and the family that I knew were coming to a close. I gripped the steering wheel tight with both hands and read between the lyrics. The song is about a journey, and the destination isn't really important as long as there's love there. Again, not entirely a happy children's song. But it's optimistic.The closing track of HOME is called "Moving Day," which reinforces the album's concept of family as people and not a place. That theme became my mantra in 2016, when I repeatedly went through the "five stages," thinking I'd finished with two or three only to cycle back to the beginning. By the summer, we had relocated. By October, the bussing situation was rectified and the boys began to settle into their routines. I accepted some absences in my life. I filled some holes in my schedule. I continued to attend concerts, shoot videos, and write reviews.
What was it about children's music more that drew me in, when by all rights I could have blasted death metal, or played dramatic operas, or danced around to show tunes? Simply put, there's no hidden agenda. With an absence of irony and a commitment to building positive values, children's music is about inclusion and being forward-thinking. You can't wallow when you have a child whose needs come before your own. You can't be narcissistic and play your favorite comfort CD from college, even if it bores the kids to tears since they can't relate to it.
Children's music gave me an uplifting release. It focused me. It helped me obtain and move toward some form of acceptance, even when there were scheduling conflicts, soul-sucking emails, or the continued existence of people I could not – nor ever plan – to stomach.
That's the putative salvation of children's music that is often misread. It's not all happy. There's no Morrissey for six-year-olds. Even Amy Lee (Evanescence) put out a delightful, cheery CD this year, DREAM TOO MUCH. You don't have to be happy to be optimistic and that's the promise of children's music. Broke a toy? Split your time between mommy and daddy? Scared of new foods? Kids can change emotions in the span of a drumbeat. It may only take one note of a special song from a fun performer. It could even be that eerie song about things going bump in the night. Because kids might not be happy when that occurs, but morning is going to come and daylight will turn that ghost into a sweater on the doorknob. They're not happy about it, but they're optimistic. That's a true super power and it's why I still enjoy children's music.
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Do You Talk To Yourself – Dean Jones
Get Loose – Father Goose feat. Little Goose
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
The Only One – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Soar – Mo Phillips
The Word – Caspar Babypants
Do You Talk To Yourself – Dean Jones
Get Loose – Father Goose feat. Little Goose
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
The Only One – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Soar – Mo Phillips
The Word – Caspar Babypants
Monday, January 02, 2017
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 3, 2017
All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Ode To Bed – Mo Phillips
This Is How We Bring In The Sun – Justin Roberts
To and Fro – Cat Doorman
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Ode To Bed – Mo Phillips
This Is How We Bring In The Sun – Justin Roberts
To and Fro – Cat Doorman
Life's a Hootenanny; Kelly Standup and Pinecones Roar
You're never supposed to have regrets. Live life to the fullest and if you missed something, consider it an opportunity to self-correct in the future.
That's just what I'm going to do next weekend. In January 2016, a group of children's music-loving adults gathered in Brooklyn to talk, network, and sing songs – not necessarily kid's songs. There's a community out there and I dropped the ball. On January 7, 2017, I'm gonna pick up that ball and throw it back into play.
It's a bit of a trek (and not direct) but I'll get down to Jalopy in Red Hook for Hootenanny with a ton of people I've reviewed, met, or interacted with via social media. Spare the Rock's Bill Childs and PR maven Stephanie Mayers spearheaded the gathering, which came from the coffee grinds of Kindiefest.
As for the lineup, oh gosh I'm agog – Jazzy Ash, Billy Kelly (the Billy Kelly) doing standup, Sugar Free Allstars, Lloyd H. Miller, Uncle Rock (perhaps as responsible for my foray into children's music blogging as much as Bill and Elizabeth Waldman), Dean Jones, and oh so many more.
If you're in the area, or from around the area, or a fan of enthusiastic local music, it's a chance to meet like-minded people in the new year. Here's the 411.
Here's a video of Ashley Albert (formerly of the Jimmies) and ex-bandmate (and minted Grammy winner) Tim Kubart singing "Suddenly Seymour" from "Little Shop of Horrors" at last year's gathering:
Speaking of Billy Kelly, he is kicking off a "residency" program at the Peoples Improv Theater on East 24th Street on (the same) Saturday, January 7 at 3 pm (repeating February 4 and March 4). We saw Mr. Kelly do his little act at the Brokerage on Long Island in November and there was much merriment (despite a tough crowd of pre-teens).
January 7 is going to be a big day for kid's music as jazz-themed JoJo and the Pinecones bring in the New Year with a show at Lincoln Center. It's aimed at 2-5 year-olds, so they'll need to bring an adult to supervise. On the other hand, it's a free performance, unlike the other two shows listed above. That's right – get yourself to Lincoln Center for free kids music as part of "Artists at the Atrium." Thus ends this portion of my public service message.
Happy New Year!
That's just what I'm going to do next weekend. In January 2016, a group of children's music-loving adults gathered in Brooklyn to talk, network, and sing songs – not necessarily kid's songs. There's a community out there and I dropped the ball. On January 7, 2017, I'm gonna pick up that ball and throw it back into play.It's a bit of a trek (and not direct) but I'll get down to Jalopy in Red Hook for Hootenanny with a ton of people I've reviewed, met, or interacted with via social media. Spare the Rock's Bill Childs and PR maven Stephanie Mayers spearheaded the gathering, which came from the coffee grinds of Kindiefest.
As for the lineup, oh gosh I'm agog – Jazzy Ash, Billy Kelly (the Billy Kelly) doing standup, Sugar Free Allstars, Lloyd H. Miller, Uncle Rock (perhaps as responsible for my foray into children's music blogging as much as Bill and Elizabeth Waldman), Dean Jones, and oh so many more.
If you're in the area, or from around the area, or a fan of enthusiastic local music, it's a chance to meet like-minded people in the new year. Here's the 411.
Here's a video of Ashley Albert (formerly of the Jimmies) and ex-bandmate (and minted Grammy winner) Tim Kubart singing "Suddenly Seymour" from "Little Shop of Horrors" at last year's gathering:
Speaking of Billy Kelly, he is kicking off a "residency" program at the Peoples Improv Theater on East 24th Street on (the same) Saturday, January 7 at 3 pm (repeating February 4 and March 4). We saw Mr. Kelly do his little act at the Brokerage on Long Island in November and there was much merriment (despite a tough crowd of pre-teens).
January 7 is going to be a big day for kid's music as jazz-themed JoJo and the Pinecones bring in the New Year with a show at Lincoln Center. It's aimed at 2-5 year-olds, so they'll need to bring an adult to supervise. On the other hand, it's a free performance, unlike the other two shows listed above. That's right – get yourself to Lincoln Center for free kids music as part of "Artists at the Atrium." Thus ends this portion of my public service message.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 01, 2017
Ben's New Year's Day Playlist - Monday, January 2, 2017
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Free Ride Everyday – Lori Henriques
How Lucky We Are – Justin Roberts
Island in the Ocean – Bob and Luc Schneider
Picky Eaters – Danny Weinkauf
Small Bird – Caspar Babypants
Solar Flares – Mo Phillips
Free Ride Everyday – Lori Henriques
How Lucky We Are – Justin Roberts
Island in the Ocean – Bob and Luc Schneider
Picky Eaters – Danny Weinkauf
Small Bird – Caspar Babypants
Solar Flares – Mo Phillips
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Ben's Final 2016 Playlist - Friday, December 30, 2016
Cloud Skateboard – Mo Phillips
Fly Like A Bird – Dean Jones
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Groove – Lori Henriques
How Can You Tell If It's Going to Rain? – Andrew & Polly
Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
Tae Kwon Do – Bob and Luc Schneider
Fly Like A Bird – Dean Jones
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Groove – Lori Henriques
How Can You Tell If It's Going to Rain? – Andrew & Polly
Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
Tae Kwon Do – Bob and Luc Schneider
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Drifting on the Edges With Mo Phillips
Long ago, Mo Phillips came to Earth on the back of a ginormous intergalactic leatherback turtle that deposited him into the mountains of Colorado. He ultimately landed in Portland, Oregon where he embarked on many careers, including that of a children's recording artist. His latest CD, SPECTACULAR DAYDREAM, serves many purposes as well, including a ukelele primer for beginners.
Indeed, you can visit Mo's home page (or go directly to his YouTube channel) and view instructional videos for many of the songs on the new disc, including the title track, "Five Blankets On," and "Moonboots." The CD is a departure from the generally genial Phillips, adding an almost ethereal quality with the gentle uke leads.
The enclosed booklet (I'd advise purchasing that rather than a straight MP3 download) contain lyrics as well as chord changes for all 12 tracks. You also get guest appearances from fellow Portland artists Red Yarn, Little Sea, and Lincoln Crockett. What does the album concern itself with? Mostly flights of fancy like "Jump Inside a Book" and "Ode to Bed." As far as "Moonboots," did you know that they're made out of french toast? True story:
Got me a new pair of moonboots.
And I'm gonna fly.
Cause that's what I wanna do.
got you a silver pair too.
And you're gonna fly.
Cause that's what you wanna do.
These boots are made outta french toast.
The moon is made outta french toast.
This song is made outta french toast.
Your ears are made outta french toast.
Mo is ably assisted by a bevy of musicians, including a different Zac Brown (we discussed it). There's a gentle timelessness to the music, principally due to the absence of guitars. The fanciful illustrations are by Lynsee Sardell (check out her artwork). SPECTACULAR DAYDREAM is a rainy day tranquility antidote, for when you'd rather roll than rock. There are not many lessons to be learned here, unless you yearn to uke. But you will be entertained by the wistful, otherworldly nature of the tunes.
You can buy SPECTACULAR DAYDREAM through Mo Phillips' website, Amazon, or iTunes.
Here is the instructional video for "Moonboots":
The enclosed booklet (I'd advise purchasing that rather than a straight MP3 download) contain lyrics as well as chord changes for all 12 tracks. You also get guest appearances from fellow Portland artists Red Yarn, Little Sea, and Lincoln Crockett. What does the album concern itself with? Mostly flights of fancy like "Jump Inside a Book" and "Ode to Bed." As far as "Moonboots," did you know that they're made out of french toast? True story:
Got me a new pair of moonboots.
And I'm gonna fly.
Cause that's what I wanna do.
got you a silver pair too.
And you're gonna fly.
Cause that's what you wanna do.
These boots are made outta french toast.
The moon is made outta french toast.
This song is made outta french toast.
Your ears are made outta french toast.
Mo is ably assisted by a bevy of musicians, including a different Zac Brown (we discussed it). There's a gentle timelessness to the music, principally due to the absence of guitars. The fanciful illustrations are by Lynsee Sardell (check out her artwork). SPECTACULAR DAYDREAM is a rainy day tranquility antidote, for when you'd rather roll than rock. There are not many lessons to be learned here, unless you yearn to uke. But you will be entertained by the wistful, otherworldly nature of the tunes.
You can buy SPECTACULAR DAYDREAM through Mo Phillips' website, Amazon, or iTunes.
Here is the instructional video for "Moonboots":
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 22, 2016
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Banana Bread – Caspar Babypants
Brain Freeze – The Not-Its!
Christmas Eve on the Woodstock Green – Ratboy Jr.
People Watching – Dean Jones
The Ultimate Frisbee – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Banana Bread – Caspar Babypants
Brain Freeze – The Not-Its!
Christmas Eve on the Woodstock Green – Ratboy Jr.
People Watching – Dean Jones
The Ultimate Frisbee – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Junie B. Jones the Musical – CD for Girls and Boys
It's tough to get boys to read. Comic books used to stem the tide but they were overtaken by videogames more than a decade ago. Graphic novels hold only a fraction of the male audience that previously read Batman and Spider-Man. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID caused a sensation (and a slew of imitators) but my younger son Matt is not in that demographic yet.
In the meantime, I was stunned when Matt expressed interest in the Junie B. Jones series of books. We were passed along a copy of the 17th book, where the character graduates from kindergarten. This was at the same time that he was moving up to first grade as well. With his birthday fast approaching, he asked for more books in the series. I see Matt advancing past the books at some point, but there are many more in the series – and now a live-action musical.
JUNIE B. JONES: THE MUSICAL CAST ALBUM, written by the team of Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler, is being released next month. The production is being performed around the country by different companies and a "junior" production for school kids is also in the works.
For the uninitiated, Junie B. Jones is a rambunctious first-grader (in line with an older Ramona Quimby). She has a mother and father, a baby brother, and a host of supporting friends and family members. The stories are simple – Junie becomes a first grader, must make new friends, and deals with having to get glasses. Author Barbara Park (and illustrator Denise Brunkus) allow Junie to explain her actions, even when she is clearly being manipulative, spiteful, or just plain wrong. And there is generally a happy resolution to every story.
JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL tackles several storylines from the first grade books, including a kickball tournament. Kids theater productions generally run one hour and the CD is 30 minutes, so newcomers may want to read a few of the books or see the stage show. I was able to fill in the blanks in my head, but younger listeners may need another medium to accomplish that task.
The Goldrich and Heisler production is friendly and breezy and the vocals (principally Lori Casteel as Junie) are winning and earnest, with nary a hint of world-weariness or sarcasm. I could tell that Matt was enjoying the CD when we left the car and he continued to sing the opening track, "Top Secret Personal Beeswax." His older brother also sang along, but he just likes to provide harmony.
We're a musically-based family and I appreciate the synergy between theater and music. When the primary mechanism is reading, it's a pleasant bonus. Literacy is a key component of Matt's curriculum. Usually music is an incentive to get him to read. In the case of JUNIE B. JONES, he's already into the books and the musical is an added surprise. I'll be on the lookout for a production in our area in 2017.
JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL CAST ALBUM will be available on January 13 from Amazon and other etailers. Follow the Facebook page or Ticketmaster to find out where the production is being performed.
JUNIE B. JONES: THE MUSICAL CAST ALBUM, written by the team of Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler, is being released next month. The production is being performed around the country by different companies and a "junior" production for school kids is also in the works.
For the uninitiated, Junie B. Jones is a rambunctious first-grader (in line with an older Ramona Quimby). She has a mother and father, a baby brother, and a host of supporting friends and family members. The stories are simple – Junie becomes a first grader, must make new friends, and deals with having to get glasses. Author Barbara Park (and illustrator Denise Brunkus) allow Junie to explain her actions, even when she is clearly being manipulative, spiteful, or just plain wrong. And there is generally a happy resolution to every story.
JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL tackles several storylines from the first grade books, including a kickball tournament. Kids theater productions generally run one hour and the CD is 30 minutes, so newcomers may want to read a few of the books or see the stage show. I was able to fill in the blanks in my head, but younger listeners may need another medium to accomplish that task.
The Goldrich and Heisler production is friendly and breezy and the vocals (principally Lori Casteel as Junie) are winning and earnest, with nary a hint of world-weariness or sarcasm. I could tell that Matt was enjoying the CD when we left the car and he continued to sing the opening track, "Top Secret Personal Beeswax." His older brother also sang along, but he just likes to provide harmony.
We're a musically-based family and I appreciate the synergy between theater and music. When the primary mechanism is reading, it's a pleasant bonus. Literacy is a key component of Matt's curriculum. Usually music is an incentive to get him to read. In the case of JUNIE B. JONES, he's already into the books and the musical is an added surprise. I'll be on the lookout for a production in our area in 2017.
JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL CAST ALBUM will be available on January 13 from Amazon and other etailers. Follow the Facebook page or Ticketmaster to find out where the production is being performed.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 16, 2016
Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Clap Your Hands – Red Yarn & Mo Phillips
Eyes on the Prize – Cat Doorman
I Don’t Wanna Live Forever – Taylor Swift, Zayn Malik
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Must Be This Tall – Justin Roberts
Thank You (feat. R. City) – Meghan Trainor
Clap Your Hands – Red Yarn & Mo Phillips
Eyes on the Prize – Cat Doorman
I Don’t Wanna Live Forever – Taylor Swift, Zayn Malik
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Must Be This Tall – Justin Roberts
Thank You (feat. R. City) – Meghan Trainor
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Ring in the Holidays at LICM With Leeds & Nightlights
As the holidays boil to their inevitable eruption point, it's good to have the kids blow off some steam in a somewhat controlled environment. Such a space is the Long Island Children's Museum. Such an occasion is this weekend's holiday party featuring Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights.
An award-winning songwriter and performer, Joanie has also recorded secular music (translation = religion-specific) for Jewish children, some for the PJ Library. Her song "Family Tree" with Jonatha Brooke was honored as top children's song by the USA Songwriting Competition in 2013 (note to USA site - you need a clear link to past winners).
The LICM concert venue is small and welcoming. Kids can sit in a close-up "low" section or at a comfortable (not so) distance. Check my YouTube channel for performances there by Brady Rymer and Billy Kelly in past December visits.
The concert is almost a bonus, as your kids can also peruse the exhibits at the LICM, such as Bricks & Sticks (investigate, build, and shape a three-dimensional world using a variety of building blocks and interactive software), Building Boom with KEVA Planks, Feasts for Beasts (explore the amazing ways animals find and eat their food), and ToolBox (construct your own creations at the carpentry bench with hammers, nails, pliers, and more).
Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights present “Holiday Parties” Saturday, December 17 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fee: $9 per seat with museum admission ($7 per seat for LICM members), $12 theater only.
Here's a video of Joanie performing solo in Union Square Park this past summer:
An award-winning songwriter and performer, Joanie has also recorded secular music (translation = religion-specific) for Jewish children, some for the PJ Library. Her song "Family Tree" with Jonatha Brooke was honored as top children's song by the USA Songwriting Competition in 2013 (note to USA site - you need a clear link to past winners).
The LICM concert venue is small and welcoming. Kids can sit in a close-up "low" section or at a comfortable (not so) distance. Check my YouTube channel for performances there by Brady Rymer and Billy Kelly in past December visits.
The concert is almost a bonus, as your kids can also peruse the exhibits at the LICM, such as Bricks & Sticks (investigate, build, and shape a three-dimensional world using a variety of building blocks and interactive software), Building Boom with KEVA Planks, Feasts for Beasts (explore the amazing ways animals find and eat their food), and ToolBox (construct your own creations at the carpentry bench with hammers, nails, pliers, and more).
Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights present “Holiday Parties” Saturday, December 17 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fee: $9 per seat with museum admission ($7 per seat for LICM members), $12 theater only.
Here's a video of Joanie performing solo in Union Square Park this past summer:
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 14, 2016
All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Frozen Penguin – Caspar Babypants
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Only One You – Danny Weinkauf
That Way – Chibi Kodama
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones
Frozen Penguin – Caspar Babypants
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Only One You – Danny Weinkauf
That Way – Chibi Kodama
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones
Justin, Not Naptime Players Entertain in NYC
One of the benefits of having a child with almost total recall is being able to ask a question with the confidence of receiving an absolute answer. When I asked Ben how many times we had seen Justin Roberts, there was a split-second of calculation (I don't remember the exact number, but it was impressive). Just counting venues, there's Symphony Space and New Victory Theater as well as World Cafe in Philly.
We returned to Symphony Space on Saturday, December 10 for a performance by Justin and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. The last time Justin played there (November 2015), it was a stripped-down three-man show with Liam Davis and Gerald Dowd. Going further back (April 2015) was our last show with the full band. So we were stoked and ready to see full-band versions of songs from the latest CD, LEMONADE.
The band brought out some rarely-played songs, such as their ballad "Wishing You A Holiday" and a rocking "Jingle Bells." Since it was coincidentally Justin's birthday, "It's Your Birthday" drew special significance from the crowd.
I would normally shoot 3-4 videos from the one-hour show. That's been my procedure at this venue and other facilities for the last 10+ years. However midway through my third recording, I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Excuse me, sir..." This has happened before. The ensuing conversation can go two ways, either "You're blocking my child's view" or in this case, a staffer informing me that "house management prohibits videos except of your own child enjoying the show."
I don't know who instructed him to shut me down but I didn't protest. I matter-of-factedly stated I've recorded songs before – for my blog – including this performer and this venue. Then I turned off the camcorder and enjoyed the rest of the performance. Which was very entertaining.
The show wrapped with the band doing an encore. "We're from Chicago and we're quite happy with how the baseball season ended," Justin said. Then the band launched into a spirited rendition of "Pop Fly." A reminder that as we prepare for winter, spring training is just around the corner. And summer music and sunny songs are just a playlist click away.
Purchase Justin's latest CD, LEMONADE, from his website.
We returned to Symphony Space on Saturday, December 10 for a performance by Justin and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. The last time Justin played there (November 2015), it was a stripped-down three-man show with Liam Davis and Gerald Dowd. Going further back (April 2015) was our last show with the full band. So we were stoked and ready to see full-band versions of songs from the latest CD, LEMONADE.
The band brought out some rarely-played songs, such as their ballad "Wishing You A Holiday" and a rocking "Jingle Bells." Since it was coincidentally Justin's birthday, "It's Your Birthday" drew special significance from the crowd.
I would normally shoot 3-4 videos from the one-hour show. That's been my procedure at this venue and other facilities for the last 10+ years. However midway through my third recording, I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Excuse me, sir..." This has happened before. The ensuing conversation can go two ways, either "You're blocking my child's view" or in this case, a staffer informing me that "house management prohibits videos except of your own child enjoying the show."
I don't know who instructed him to shut me down but I didn't protest. I matter-of-factedly stated I've recorded songs before – for my blog – including this performer and this venue. Then I turned off the camcorder and enjoyed the rest of the performance. Which was very entertaining.
The show wrapped with the band doing an encore. "We're from Chicago and we're quite happy with how the baseball season ended," Justin said. Then the band launched into a spirited rendition of "Pop Fly." A reminder that as we prepare for winter, spring training is just around the corner. And summer music and sunny songs are just a playlist click away.
Purchase Justin's latest CD, LEMONADE, from his website.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 13, 2016
All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Every Day's A Holiday – Alastair Moock & Friends
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
The Only One – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Wind in Our Sail – Weezer
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Every Day's A Holiday – Alastair Moock & Friends
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
The Only One – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Wind in Our Sail – Weezer
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 12, 2016
Bop Bodiop! – Cat Doorman
Have You Ever Been Real – Dean Jones
Jersey Dinosaurs – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
King of the World – Weezer
Love You Always – Lucy Kalantari
Rattlesnake – Caspar Babypants
The Start of Things – Alison Faith Levy
Have You Ever Been Real – Dean Jones
Jersey Dinosaurs – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
King of the World – Weezer
Love You Always – Lucy Kalantari
Rattlesnake – Caspar Babypants
The Start of Things – Alison Faith Levy
Monday, December 05, 2016
Justin Roberts: New Kangaroo Video and Tour Dates
It might be December but the sun is still shining warmly on Justin Roberts. With multiple awards, a second children's book coming in January, and an acclaimed new CD (his 13th), the vaunted recording artist is keeping busy.
Justin recently received plaudits as one of the "top 10 kid's CDs" for 2016 from Ohio's School Library Journal. The rarified air on the list includes Lisa Loeb, Frances England, Recess Monkey, the Okee Dokee Brothers, among others (but not Secret Agent 23 Skidoo).
To support his latest CD, LEMONADE, Justin has released a new video for the song "Me and My Kangaroo" (viewable below). It's a speculative discourse between a fantasy marsupial and his daydreaming mammal manufacturer.
Justin has embarked on a winter tour that will bring him to New York's Symphony Space on Saturday, December 10 and the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania on Sunday, December 11. Further out, Justin and his Not Ready for Naptime Players will trek to Malibu, Des Moines, and Birmingham. Click here for more tour dates.
Justin recently received plaudits as one of the "top 10 kid's CDs" for 2016 from Ohio's School Library Journal. The rarified air on the list includes Lisa Loeb, Frances England, Recess Monkey, the Okee Dokee Brothers, among others (but not Secret Agent 23 Skidoo).
To support his latest CD, LEMONADE, Justin has released a new video for the song "Me and My Kangaroo" (viewable below). It's a speculative discourse between a fantasy marsupial and his daydreaming mammal manufacturer.
Justin has embarked on a winter tour that will bring him to New York's Symphony Space on Saturday, December 10 and the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania on Sunday, December 11. Further out, Justin and his Not Ready for Naptime Players will trek to Malibu, Des Moines, and Birmingham. Click here for more tour dates.
Thursday, December 01, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 2, 2016
Big Things – Lucy Kalantari
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
Hammer – Aaron Nigel Smith
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
Hammer – Aaron Nigel Smith
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Dan Zanes' Holiday Show, Reflecting on Civil Rights
Families are all about traditions.
Dan Zanes and his extended family of musical friends will return to City Winery this Sunday, December 4 (11 am) for his 6th Annual Dan Zanes & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long. This year's edition features special guests and a multicultural selection of holiday songs.
During his tenure in children's music, Dan has constantly redefined his role. He's been called a folkie, an archivist, and a storyteller. If I had to describe Dan Zanes as a musician, I wouldn't call him a self-made man, I'd call him a handmade man. Now he's rebranded himself as "21st Century All Ages Music," as per his website. Dan's world is a house party, just don't expect to hear "House Party" at every show.
The Holiday Sing-A-Long is a sensory friendly show, with a comfortable environment for all children. Much thought has been given to those with special needs, meaning there will be a manageable degree of stimuli and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The holidays are the perfect time to introduce a child to live music – they are bombarded with traditional favorites as well as contemporary remixes. Why not take the opportunity and open a door to a world of possibilities?
People who don't feel comfortable singing or dancing need not worry about being coerced. And all families will receive songbooks when they arrive, so they may participate in the concert.
Click here for information about tickets to Dan Zanes & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long at City Winery.
Here's a lead I thought I'd never write:
The Lincoln Financial Group ha underwritten an audio anthology for children, WE STOOD UP: REFLECTIONS ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. The album is free for download for teachers, libraries, and community groups. And that's exactly where it belongs. This is an earnest collection of spoken word histories and recollections on the battle for desegregation in the United States. Maya Angelou's great-granddaughter Caylin Johnson does a reading of "Caged Bird." The late Julian Bond makes his points, as does Congressman John Lewis.
Is this a perfect holiday gift. No. Is it a stocking stuffer? No. But Lincoln Financial believes (rightly so) that these are important stories, songs, and poems to share with new generations. And this CD, released as part of its Lincoln's Legacy initiative, is a linchpin during the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
WE STOOD UP: REFLECTIONS ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT is available for download through this link.
Dan Zanes and his extended family of musical friends will return to City Winery this Sunday, December 4 (11 am) for his 6th Annual Dan Zanes & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long. This year's edition features special guests and a multicultural selection of holiday songs.
During his tenure in children's music, Dan has constantly redefined his role. He's been called a folkie, an archivist, and a storyteller. If I had to describe Dan Zanes as a musician, I wouldn't call him a self-made man, I'd call him a handmade man. Now he's rebranded himself as "21st Century All Ages Music," as per his website. Dan's world is a house party, just don't expect to hear "House Party" at every show.The Holiday Sing-A-Long is a sensory friendly show, with a comfortable environment for all children. Much thought has been given to those with special needs, meaning there will be a manageable degree of stimuli and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The holidays are the perfect time to introduce a child to live music – they are bombarded with traditional favorites as well as contemporary remixes. Why not take the opportunity and open a door to a world of possibilities?
People who don't feel comfortable singing or dancing need not worry about being coerced. And all families will receive songbooks when they arrive, so they may participate in the concert.
Click here for information about tickets to Dan Zanes & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long at City Winery.
Here's a lead I thought I'd never write:
The Lincoln Financial Group ha underwritten an audio anthology for children, WE STOOD UP: REFLECTIONS ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. The album is free for download for teachers, libraries, and community groups. And that's exactly where it belongs. This is an earnest collection of spoken word histories and recollections on the battle for desegregation in the United States. Maya Angelou's great-granddaughter Caylin Johnson does a reading of "Caged Bird." The late Julian Bond makes his points, as does Congressman John Lewis.
Is this a perfect holiday gift. No. Is it a stocking stuffer? No. But Lincoln Financial believes (rightly so) that these are important stories, songs, and poems to share with new generations. And this CD, released as part of its Lincoln's Legacy initiative, is a linchpin during the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
WE STOOD UP: REFLECTIONS ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT is available for download through this link.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 1, 2016
Because I Love You – Caspar Babypants
Fantastic – Lucy Kalantari
L.A. Girlz – Weezer
Picky Eaters – Danny Weinkauf
So Gazed Upon – Cat Doorman
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Your Happy Place – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Fantastic – Lucy Kalantari
L.A. Girlz – Weezer
Picky Eaters – Danny Weinkauf
So Gazed Upon – Cat Doorman
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Your Happy Place – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Lucy Kalantari and All That Jazz
Children's jazz is one of those Russian nesting doll scenarios – the primary genre is music. The subgenre is family. The smaller doll is children. And inside that you find jazz. Right now, there are a number of artists promoting jazz music for kids – Cat Doorman, Lori Henriques, Jazzy Ash, and Lucy Kalantari.
With her new CD, BIG THINGS, Kalantari uses a lush Roaring Twenties sound for some sui generis concepts – "Love You Always," "Birthday," and "My Neighbor" come to mind. She even works in some calliope music with "Balloon." Opening track "Fantastic" won the Independent Music Award for Children's Music Song.
Lucy's voice (and instrumentation) is like a gramophone playing from the past. And that's far from being an insult. I grew up watching the Little Rascals. Lucy's music harkens me back to watching those dangerously-unsupervised children careen down a steep hill on a homemade fire truck. Again, that's far from being an insult.
With her strong, friendly voice (and purple hair), Lucy immediately sets a welcoming tone. And her accomplished band, including opera singer Adelmo Guidarelli and cellist Jessica McWilliams, flesh out period-appropriate arrangements that stand out from traditional toddler fare. BIG THINGS has been available for a few months but it sounds like it's been around for years. Kalantari is a Millennial Era chanteuse and there are not enough of them. For the record and for the last time this blog post, that's far from being an insult.
BIG THINGS is available from Lucy's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is a video for her song, "Our Garden":
With her new CD, BIG THINGS, Kalantari uses a lush Roaring Twenties sound for some sui generis concepts – "Love You Always," "Birthday," and "My Neighbor" come to mind. She even works in some calliope music with "Balloon." Opening track "Fantastic" won the Independent Music Award for Children's Music Song.Lucy's voice (and instrumentation) is like a gramophone playing from the past. And that's far from being an insult. I grew up watching the Little Rascals. Lucy's music harkens me back to watching those dangerously-unsupervised children careen down a steep hill on a homemade fire truck. Again, that's far from being an insult.
With her strong, friendly voice (and purple hair), Lucy immediately sets a welcoming tone. And her accomplished band, including opera singer Adelmo Guidarelli and cellist Jessica McWilliams, flesh out period-appropriate arrangements that stand out from traditional toddler fare. BIG THINGS has been available for a few months but it sounds like it's been around for years. Kalantari is a Millennial Era chanteuse and there are not enough of them. For the record and for the last time this blog post, that's far from being an insult.
BIG THINGS is available from Lucy's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is a video for her song, "Our Garden":
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 30, 2016
California Kids – Weezer
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
Put It On Me – Austin Mahone feat. Sage the Gemini
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Small Bird – Caspar Babypants
This Is How We Bring In The Sun – Justin Roberts
12 Just Say Goodbye – Wilco
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
Put It On Me – Austin Mahone feat. Sage the Gemini
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Small Bird – Caspar Babypants
This Is How We Bring In The Sun – Justin Roberts
12 Just Say Goodbye – Wilco
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 28, 2016
Cow Cow Yippee – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.
Hold It Against Me – Austin Mahone
How Lucky We Are – Justin Roberts
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Happiness – Wilco
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.
Hold It Against Me – Austin Mahone
How Lucky We Are – Justin Roberts
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Happiness – Wilco
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 24, 2016
Matthew's 6th Birthday Playlist
Brand New – Austin Mahone
Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
How Can You Tell If It's Going to Rain? – Andrew & Polly
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith
That Way – Chibi Kodama
11 We Aren't The World (Safety Girl) – Wilco
Brand New – Austin Mahone
Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
How Can You Tell If It's Going to Rain? – Andrew & Polly
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith
That Way – Chibi Kodama
11 We Aren't The World (Safety Girl) – Wilco
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Quick Hits: Sugar-Free Allstars video, Billy Kelly Live Kids Comedy
Spell-check is my friend and arch-nemesis. Especially today, when I am trying to promote the gramatically-challenged new video from the Sugar-Free Allstars, "Grumpopotamus (and the Crankosaurus Rex)."
What's worse than one cranky kid around the house? How about two? Okay, that's the gist for the song from their recent self-titled CD. There's also a cameo from Monster Truck, the star of an earlier video from the disc. For two guys from Oklahoma (Chris “Boom!” Wiser and Rob “Dr Rock” Martin), the SFAS make a lot of joyous noise. While your cranky kids are waiting for the parade to start this Thursday, settle them down with this video:
Speaking of Thursday and the impending Thanksgiving vacation, if you're in the New York are and feel the need to laugh appropriately (and perhaps inappropriately), bring the kids (in fact, send the older ones) to see Billy Kelly perform standup comedy geared for a younger audience.
See him at Governors Comedy Club/The Brokerage in Bellmore on Saturday, November 26 at 3 PM (Tickets $12 (Kids ages 8 and up) and at Jalopy Theater on Sunday, November 27 at 2 PM (Tickets $5 kids, $10 adults, $25 family ticket).
What's worse than one cranky kid around the house? How about two? Okay, that's the gist for the song from their recent self-titled CD. There's also a cameo from Monster Truck, the star of an earlier video from the disc. For two guys from Oklahoma (Chris “Boom!” Wiser and Rob “Dr Rock” Martin), the SFAS make a lot of joyous noise. While your cranky kids are waiting for the parade to start this Thursday, settle them down with this video:
Speaking of Thursday and the impending Thanksgiving vacation, if you're in the New York are and feel the need to laugh appropriately (and perhaps inappropriately), bring the kids (in fact, send the older ones) to see Billy Kelly perform standup comedy geared for a younger audience.
See him at Governors Comedy Club/The Brokerage in Bellmore on Saturday, November 26 at 3 PM (Tickets $12 (Kids ages 8 and up) and at Jalopy Theater on Sunday, November 27 at 2 PM (Tickets $5 kids, $10 adults, $25 family ticket).
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Survivor Series Thoughts: Looking Ahead to 2017
Although a long card at 3 1/2 hours, I give WWE Survivor Series a thumbs up.
Best Match: Tag Team Elimination Match
Worst Match: Brian Kendrick vs Kalisto
2K games makes deals with wrestlers not currently employed by the WWE, and then WWE somehow works them into the ring. Ultimate Warrior, Sting, and now Bill Goldberg. A true mercenary who wrestled for nothing but the money (and later for the fame as a superhero good guy), Bill Goldberg walked away with no regrets. He came back for one year and left with a bitter taste.
But time heals all wounds. And in the intervening years, Goldberg got married and fathered a child – who learned all about the lore and legacy of Bill Goldberg but never saw his father, live, in the ring.
That all changed when 2K made the deal for Goldberg to appear as part of WWE 2017.
Goldberg came back, did a promo, and got over with the live crowd. It was a truly visceral response. Clearly there has been some recalculation on the part of WWE concerning Bill Goldberg, since his first in-ring promo a month ago, where he said "Brock Lesnar – You're Last."
In the real world, Goldberg would have done exactly what he did tonight – back up his words with a 1:27 squash of Brock Lesnar. Then he hugged his wife, kissed his son, high-fived the fans, then brought his son into the ring to celebrate with him before leaving triumphant.
And he would fade away and disappear.
But this being pro wrestling, the storyline continues tomorrow night. The finish will draw eyeballs to RAW. The WWE will either open the show with a Paul Heyman rant, or tease that Heyman and Lesnar are in the building and demanding airtime. Or they will just show up and Lesnar throws around everyone like a maniac, causing a no decision in the main event.
Or they do nothing. Not this week, not next week. Nothing until perhaps the Royal Rumble. But at some point Brock Lesnar is going to return, and he is going to return pissed. And nothing will placate him except another match... with Bill Goldberg.
And that match will be at.....WrestleMania.
Okay, I'm watching.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Double Giving Offer from Cricket Magazines
We constantly drum into our kids' heads that the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not presents. And when it comes to presents, it's better to give than to receive (like they really believe that)...
Speaking of giving during the holiday season, Cricket Media presents "Double Giving." You've heard of cleaning your oven while you sleep? Cricket is offering a chance to be charitable at no additional cost and with no added cost or effort on your part. Wait, tell me more, you must automatically interject.
Buy a subscription to one of their publications – BABY BUY (under 3), LADYBUG (ages 3-6), SPIDER (ages 6-9), or SPIDER MAGAZINE (ages 9-14) and Cricket Media will deliver a subscription to a literacy program in an underserved community.
The two selected programs are Libraries Without Borders, which supports community development in 20 countries around the world through the promotion of literacy and the Parent-Child Home Program, which provides under-resourced families with the necessary skills and tools to help their children thrive in school and in life.
Nobody loses! Everybody wins! Literacy is promoted! Society applauds! And you can sleep at night. Well, you can sleep better. Just from clicking on Double Giving (and getting your credit card ready). If you don't, well, I'm texting somebody about a lump of coal for your stocking...
Speaking of giving during the holiday season, Cricket Media presents "Double Giving." You've heard of cleaning your oven while you sleep? Cricket is offering a chance to be charitable at no additional cost and with no added cost or effort on your part. Wait, tell me more, you must automatically interject.
Buy a subscription to one of their publications – BABY BUY (under 3), LADYBUG (ages 3-6), SPIDER (ages 6-9), or SPIDER MAGAZINE (ages 9-14) and Cricket Media will deliver a subscription to a literacy program in an underserved community.The two selected programs are Libraries Without Borders, which supports community development in 20 countries around the world through the promotion of literacy and the Parent-Child Home Program, which provides under-resourced families with the necessary skills and tools to help their children thrive in school and in life.
Nobody loses! Everybody wins! Literacy is promoted! Society applauds! And you can sleep at night. Well, you can sleep better. Just from clicking on Double Giving (and getting your credit card ready). If you don't, well, I'm texting somebody about a lump of coal for your stocking...
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 18, 2016
Dodgeball – Justin Roberts
Expo Line – Andrew & Polly
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Get Loose – Father Goose feat. Little Goose
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Popsicle – Bob and Luc Schneider
To and Fro – Cat Doorman
Expo Line – Andrew & Polly
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Get Loose – Father Goose feat. Little Goose
My Magic Helicopter – Danny Weinkauf
Popsicle – Bob and Luc Schneider
To and Fro – Cat Doorman
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