Tag: kelli welli

Song Spotlight – “Road Trip” performed by Kelli Welli

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

Almost two weeks ago, my family (my sister, her husband, our 84 year old dad, and I) embarked on a road trip to South Dakota. None of us had been to the western side of the state before so we were all very excited. We saw all the sights along the way – the world’s largest truck stop in Iowa, the Corn Palace, Wall Drug, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, the Black Hills and the Badlands. We also made a brief stop in Deadwood and checked out two amazing sights, Bear Country, USA and Reptile Gardens which were tucked in amongst some kitschy places but were really incredible. From the time we set off on our trip, my dad said there was only one thing he wanted to buy while we were gone – an authentic cowboy hat. As you can see, his wish was granted on the second day of the trip and he definitely got his money’s worth out of it while we were gone.

We made the 14 hour trip to and from Rapid City, South Dakota over the course of two days each way, making Kelli Welli’s latest song, “Road Trip” the perfect theme song for our explorations. Featuring a jaunty melody and joy-filled lyrics, “Road Trip” aptly captures the excitement that accompanies exploring new places and seeing all the beauty that the open road has to offer. If you travel with your favorite puppy dog, Kelli has an alternate version of “Road Trip” with the verses told from the dog’s perspective. Whichever way you travel, gather your favorite snacks, grab your pillow, get in the car, cue up “Road Trip” and head out for one last adventure before summer fun comes to a close.

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Video Spotlight – “My Darling Daffodil” performed by Kelli Welli and Red Yarn

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

We are officially hopping into Spring in just a few minutes, so what better time to celebrate the first flower of the season (at least in Illinois) than right now? In “My Darling Daffodil,” two of Portland’s children’s music stars, Kelli Welli and Red Yarn, team up on a delightful new duet. After many long months away from one another, the dandy dandelion and the darling daffodil sing about longing to see one another again in this thoroughly engaging tune. The charming mixed media video perfectly captures the light and joy that come along with the return of Spring and the love between the two flowers. Take a peek below.

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Baby Ninja performed by Kelli Welli

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John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Winner Kelli Welli (aka Kelli Caldwell) returns with Baby Ninja, her fourth album for families. Kelli’s unique style of mixing genres – a little country here, some rock and pop there, and a sprinkle of punk added in for good measure –  is what makes this album stand out. Things kick off with the title song, “Baby Ninja,” a rollicking tale of the speed and stealth of a toddler before mixing in over-the-top fun with songs like “Skunk in a Handstand.”  While the music is often bold, Kelli’s songwriting skills are brilliantly on display with lyrics that are loving and supportive on songs such as “Superstar” and “I Put My Heart Into” which describes making things like bread, a quilt and a rocking horse with love. In other instances, children feel empowered when Uncle Jumbo joins Kelli on “You’re a Sunny Day” and as she celebrates the strength of young ones in “Hey Little Hero.”  The lively album ends on an unexpectedly quiet note with “Frère Jacques in Five,” a rendition of the traditional tune sung in five different languages. 

The fun doesn’t end with the album though. Kelli, along with illustrator Belén Toscano, has created a 40-page graphic novel based on the title track. The album cover for Baby Ninja provides an excellent example of just what spirited mayhem to expect. 

Below is the video for the track, “Water Baby.” Kelli says of the song and the video, “I’ve always struggled with fear in water, so I wrote this song to express the awe and happiness I’ve felt watching my kids‘ enjoyment in the water. My daughter, especially, was born a water baby. And I’m so grateful for all my cool friends who came out to celebrate their water babies in this video … and reveal their hidden synchronized swimming talents!” Enjoy!

 

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2022 Children’s Music Round Up

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

Welcome to Kids Rhythm and Rock’s annual Children’s Music Round Up! For those of you new to the site, at the end of each year, rather than doing a “Top 10” or a “Best of” list, I compile a list of albums that have come to my attention during the last 12 months and separate them into fun categories. The total number of albums that are included varies from year-to-year. This year 45 albums make an appearance in the list below.

The richness and depth that is family music just keeps growing. 2022 saw the introduction of new artists, established acts returning after creative hiatuses, and veteran performers taking risks and trying something new. Let’s say hello to 2023 by taking a look back at the “year that was” in children’s music. All albums are available online. Don’t see your favorites? Please add them in the comments.

Be Mindful, Be Kind

Music to guide our everyday lives.

  • For Children of All Ages performed by You and Us
  • Happy Day performed by Jenn Cleary
  • Just a Minute performed by Jesse Jukebox
  • Mosaic performed by Jumpin’ Jamie
  • Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times performed by Raffi and Lindsay Monroe
  • Your Voice is Magic performed by Again Again

Dynamic Duos

Sometimes it’s just more fun to sing with a friend.

  • Best Day Ever performed by Stacey & Athena
  • Dear Heart performed by Martin and Rose
  • The Greats performed by Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band
  • Smith & Yarn performed by Aaron Nigel Smith and Red Yarn

Festival de Música

Music in Spanish and English for the whole family to enjoy.

  • Los Fabulosos performed by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
  • Mi Colores performed by Nathalia
  • Musiquita performed by Musiquita

Oh, to be Young

Perfect tunes for the preschool crowd

  • Let’s Move performed by Katie Dwyer
  • Echo Songs, Vol. 2 performed by Noodle Loaf
  • Forgot My Oars performed by Tim Seston
  • Rain Rain Go Away performed by Adam Steele
  • Wondering performed by Music with Gina

Our Friends to the South

2022 was the year when music from Australia and New Zealand arrived on the scene.

Potpourri

This was always my favorite category on Jeopardy! 

Rockin’ Rhythms

I’m a little bit rock ‘n’ roll!

Sweet Home, Chicago

All of these artists call Chicagoland home.

The Children Are Our Future

These groups put young people front and center in creating and performing music that educates, entertains, and uplifts all those who listen to it.

  • The Movement performed by Alphabet Rockers
  • Multiply performed by The Wise Channel

Unique Musical Stylings

There was nothing else quite like these albums this year.

  • Adults These Days performed by Greg Lato
  • Dark Side of the Banana performed by Go Banana Go!
  • Dinosaurs and Monsters performed by Howdytoons
  • Mammal Music performed by Marko Polo

Unstoppable Beats

Music to get you moving and grooving.

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Song Spotlight – “Spooky Kooky Halloween Song”

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

It’s hard to believe, but Halloween is only 13 days away! There’s really no better way to celebrate than with a song that’s spooky, kooky, and a whole lot of fun. The result of a magical partnership between kindred spirits Kelli Welli and Nanny Nikki, “Spooky Kooky Halloween Song” is no trick, just a treat. Joining forces, Kelli and Nikki created a tune that while never scary, still captures the essence of this haunted time of year. Children will especially enjoy the way each eerie sounding verse transitions into a chorus that demands that they dance around and be kooky. Get a preview of “Spooky Kooky Halloween Song” below then head to your favorite streaming service to add it to your list of Halloween favorites! 

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