September 2020 – Kids Rhythm and Rock

Bounce performed by Suzanne Jamieson

September 22, 2020 Veronica Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

I’ll admit, I’m still catching up on all the fantastic albums I missed over the past few months. Today, I was looking for something to brighten my mood. After taking one look at the cover for Bounce I thought I might have found just the thing. And boy was I right. Bounce is bubblegum pop perfection! Filled with a tremendous 80’s vibe, Suzanne Jamieson and her co-writers and producers The Pop Ups, have crafted a light, playful album filled with meaningful lyrics designed to uplift listeners.

The album opens with the title track, “Bounce” about the need to bounce back and not let failures get you down. From there listeners are treated to a collaboration with the Alphabet Rockers on a song that emphasizes the importance of being grateful for the big and small things in life, the totally 80s saxophone driven ballad, “Luna,” about the scary feelings that can emerge once the lights are turned out at night, and “That’s How Happy Feels” which encourages children to take time to recognize the simple things in life that make them happy – whether it’s taking a dip in a neighbor’s pool, nail polish on your fingers and toes, or an ice cream sundae.

Bounce also features several tracks that empower listeners. Children are encouraged to be “Brave” even when feeling shy, scared, or nervous, while in “You Got This,” the affirmation “you’re stronger than you think, you got this” is repeated in the chorus. Jamieson’s background as a certified yoga therapist shines in the upbeat “Om Shanti” which teaches that when you’re feeling anxious or angry, take a moment or two to find some peace instead.

Not only is Jamieson’s latest album a great collection of pop music for children and tweens, but it’s exactly what children (and adults) need right now – music that soothes, uplifts, and brings joy into our lives.

Take a music break and and dance along to the video below that teaches us, “when life hands me lemons, I make lemonade.”

Wendy & DB’s Kids Music Festival

September 12, 2020 Veronica Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

By nature, children’s musicians are a generous group of people with big, loving hearts and during this pandemic, their spirit of giving has only grown. Today I would like to highlight the latest music fest from Chicago’s own Wendy & DB. Over the past six months, not only did this dynamic duo release a new album, Hey Big World , they also launched a monthly Kids Music Festival to benefit organizations such as this month’s recipient, No Kid Hungry. Making sure that children have access to proper nutrition and healthy food is a passion of Wendy’s and is extremely important in this time when so many children are doing remote learning and don’t have regular access to proper meals. It is the hope of Wendy & DB that these music fests will increase awareness of this issue as well as raise money to help ensure children all across the country receive the food they need to fuel their minds and bodies.

Each month, Wendy & DB are joined by 2-3 different friends from the world of children’s music. During the concert on September 16, in addition to music from Wendy & DB, fest attendees will also enjoy performances by Val Smalkin, Brady Rymer, and Falu. For more information, visit the Kids Music Festival event page. Can’t make it to the Kids Music Festival this month? Wendy & DB will be hosting a fest with an all new musical line-up the third Wednesday of each month from now through the end of the year.

For a preview of the fun that you’re going to have during the hour-long festival, enjoy Wendy & DB’s newest video, “Kitchen Band.”

One comment brady rymer, falu, music festival, val smalkin, wendy & db

Invincible! Performed by Roger Day

September 8, 2020 Veronica Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

Singer-songwriter Roger Day‘s latest album, Invincible!, arrived just in time for the new school year. Filled with songs that encourage children to embrace the super hero within them, this is just the collection of songs that students need in these most unusual of times. From beginning to end, these ten tunes urge children to use their imaginations, be curious, and find their own super powers.

The kindie rock album kicks off with the title tune, “Invincible!” whose chorus proclaims, “Nothing’s impossible. I’m unstoppable. Every puzzle is solvable. I can do anything at all…through the pages of a book.” Sung from the perspective of the child, each track builds upon the theme that you don’t have to be an ordinary super hero (someone fast and strong, who can fly) but instead do your best and be confident and you’ll be the best kind of super hero around.

Along the way, listeners are prompted to look at all the clues to solve the problem and save the day and be a citizen scientist and take a step back to look at the bigger picture. Aspiring super heroes are also given the wise advice to “Get a Robot First” because they come in awfully handy when you’re in outer space, as well as taught a little about learning how to fly in “Me & My Jetpack.” Every family needs to listen to “The Everyday Hero Song” toward the end of the album. With school starting, this track celebrating bus drivers, school nurses, teachers, police officers and more, is the perfect song to begin conversations about who our everyday heroes are, which heroes we are still getting to see this school year, and if we’re learning remotely, which everyday heroes we are missing.

Invincible!’s empowering message will bolster a whole new generation of super heroes. Below is “Me & My Jetpack,” the newest video from the album. Watch it, make your own jetpack, and “fly” around your neighborhood showing off the super hero powers that are unique to you!