Category Archives: Music

Singled out: Tornado Relief “(Look for the) Good People” – Sugar Free Allstars

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a0713912681_2Oklahoma kindie band, The Sugar Free Allstars, recently released a single in support of those who were affected by the recent tornado.  “(Look for the) Good People” reinforces the idea that there is strength in numbers and people  (“the helpers and the givers“) who are willing to help in times of crisis.

100% of the proceeds from the download of this song will go to the American Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma to aid in the disaster relief from the tornados of May 19th and 20th, 2013.  You can listen and purchase the song via the BandCamp widget below.

Additionally, Chris Wiser, front man for the Sugar Free Allstars, wrote a moving account of his experience in the aftermath of the tornado.    Check it out here along with links of other ways to help.

Check this out: Home of Song – Paul Spring

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Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, singer-songwriter Paul Spring makes his family music debut with the comforting sounds of Home of Song. Produced by Dean Jones and Joe Mailander (half of the Grammy winning duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers), Home of Song is a highly singable collection of songs will inspire a sense of imagination and adventure for listeners of all ages.

The most appealing aspect about Home of Song is Spring’s talent as a songwriter. With passion and enthusiasm, Spring delivers meaningful lyrics with much depth. Whether he is singing about the pouring rain, a beloved story or the cycles of the moon, Spring’s soulful voice shines with sincerity.

In addition to Spring’s ability to write illustrative lyrics, there is an undercurrent of love and appreciation for family that is woven into the fabric of this album. Although I typically don’t like to compare artists in terms of musicality, I find the sentiment behind Home of Song similar to Elizabeth Mitchell’s approach of incorporating family members and friends into her own music making process. Much like Mitchell, Spring is also accompanied by family members and friends who collectively add depth, dimension and meaning to the album’s makeup. Underscoring this point is the metaphorical title track, “Home of Song.” The lyrics, “Oh how often I think that melody was my mother/ rhythm my father/ keeping my steps in line/ and my brothers and sisters filled in the notes between us/ making a harmony to hold through time,” symbolize family unity in a beautiful way.

Spring invites listeners on a humorous stroll down memory lane as he sings about a washed up van from his childhood in “Sloppy Jaloppy.” While kids may not necessarily understand lyrics like “We’ll be going up and down like the Dow Jones and NASDAQ,” adult listeners are certain to smirk in acknowledgment of what feels like an inside joke. I can’t help but recall my own, similar childhood experience in which our old car broke down in the middle of a well traveled highway, interrupting our journey to the beach. As I hear Spring’s words, images from that time flash through my mind like pastel painted Polaroids.

Another lovely aspect of Home of Song is the celebration of nature. Growing up on the banks of the Mississippi provides fodder for songs like the sea-faring “Red Sky at Morning,” which taught us what a crow’s nest is. “Rain,” a refreshing tune that welcomes the pouring rain on a hot summer’s eve, is one that gets heavy rotation in our home. I particularly love the chord progression in the beginning of the song and the delicate accents of the piano as it mimics the sounds of droplets of water. There is also “Mississippi River,” a spelling game that honors the beauty of the river itself. The song has a nice tempo, smoothed out and slow enough for kids to follow along as Spring spells Mississippi letter by letter. Spelling Mississippi is a fun game for my 4 yr old and actually makes her feel quite accomplished as she continues to proudly spell it long after the song is over.

As a bookworm and someone who wanted to be Nancy Drew growing up, I thoroughly enjoy the way Spring enlivens classic works such as Peter Pan, Don Quixote and Sherlock Holmes, highlighting the love, heroism and camaraderie in each. The lyrics “What I read in my books/ I believe is true,” from the song “Don Quixote,” nicely reinforces the value of reading and the excitement it brings.

As much as I’d enjoy it, being the parent of a young child means that I don’t get to sit on the banks of a river, meditate on the beauty of nature or sit and read an exciting story while the afternoon drifts away. Thankfully, my daughter and I have Home of Song, an album that captures the essence of those feelings in a very real and harmonious way. They say home is where the heart is. In Paul Spring’s case, so is song. Highly recommended.

You can listen to samples from Home of Song through SoundCloud widget below. Purchases can be made through Paul Spring’s Official site, CDBaby, Amazon and iTunes. Make sure to check out the very entertaining video for “Peter Pan,” a groovy song which is a tribute to the kid in all of us. The song features Spring, The Okee Dokee Brothers and the Lost Boys.

Check This Out: Champions Of The Universe – Ratboy Jr.

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51x98urmivL._SL500_AA280_A name like Ratboy Jr. may not immediately make you think of children’s music, but make no mistake, this band is fantastic!

Based out of the musically rich Hudson Valley (home to the likes of Dog On Fleas, Gustafer Yellowgold, Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower, Uncle Rock, Story Laurie), Ratboy Jr. consists of longtime friends Tim Sutton and Matt Senzatimore. On their second album, Champions of the Universe, co-produced with neighbor and Grammy award-winning producer Dean Jones, the duo kicks it up a notch from their debut, Smorgasboard, with a more polished sound and a few musical guests (Dean Jones, Dog On Fleas, Jason Sarubbi, Shane Kirsch, as well as Sutton’s wife, Cat, and their son, Elliot).

Champions of the Universe is a goodie bag of fun filled with clever lyrics, creative storytelling, entertaining rhymes and humorous riddles. Each song invites listeners on a journey to explore artful and abstract scenarios that aim to nurture a child’s imagination which, according to Sutton, “is where the magic happens.” As the mom of a 4 year old dressed as Supergirl for the past 12 days (“because I can fly and jump higher with my cape on, mom!”), I couldn’t agree more.

The album opens with “Bill” an adventurous tale about a rock named Bill who goes against the grain. The lyrics have a nice way of expressing that it’s ok follow your own path and find what makes you happy: Bill was a rock with his own brain/ He just changed the game/ He did what he felt was right/ Other rocks knew he might/ He still slides down some hills/ But sometimes he slides up/ It’s a rock and roll lifestyle/ Bill the rock with a big old smile. I can’t help but think of Shel Silverstein’s “The Missing Piece” while listening to this song.

Moving on, Champions continues with some thought-provoking songs that speak directly to the inquiring mind of a child. “How To Eat A Cloud” floats along on a gastronomic journey suggesting what certain clouds might taste like (“stormy ones are scary but they also taste like cherry.”) “Upside Down,” a folksy pop tune, sung from a child’s perspective, questions what would happen if the world were upside down, i.e. “Would the fish fall out of the sea?/ would my pockets always be empty?”. I love when Sutton intones his own rendition of Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” for the song’s bridge.

Other songs celebrate organic ways of play. “High 5 Your Shadow,” reminiscent of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly,” promotes the idea that your shadow can be a fascinating friend while “Who Needs A Toy” transforms found objects, such as boxes and sticks (with a cautionary “just make sure you don’t poke your eye out“), into swords and rocket ships.

My daughter particularly enjoys the more interactive, quirkier songs like “Pretend Your Hand’s A Puppet,” which encourages movement, the Johnny Cash inspired “Guitar Pickin’ Chicken,” and “Backyard Camping,” an improvised camping extravaganza featuring some freestyle with members of Dog on Fleas.

While many of the songs on Champions of the Universe fall towards the quirkier side of the fold, the ideas these guys come up with are by no means contrived. The topics contained within the album are thoughts that have either been inspired by parenthood (since their debut, Sutton has become a father), their own childhood memories or simply what they think would make for interesting listening. They stand behind their music and put a ton of charisma and energy into each song. Like They Might Be Giants, Ratboy Jr. has the ability to make an interesting mark in the kindie scene. In a word (or two): they belong.

Champions of the Universe is available through all regular media outlets including Amazon, iTunes and CDBaby. You can also hear samples from the album at Ratboy Jr.’s official site. The album is just over 40 minutes and will appeal most to ages 4-8.

Below you can also view a video for “Guitar Pickin’ Chicken” and a video for “Worms” from Ratboy Jr.’s first album Smorgasboard, a Sesame Street inspired track that encourages love for those slimy, squirmy little friends that make rainy days more exciting. This video is perfect for little ones who feel it’s their job to get all the lost worms off the street and onto a nice patch of dirt they can call home.

Check It Out: Gaia She Knows b/w Here Comes Peter Cottontail – The Hipwaders

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The single has taken on many forms over the years. From 45’s to cassettes, singles had their place in the music marketplace. I still remember rushing out to the store, eager to get my hands on the latest colorful cardboard bound cassette. One song on each side or a new song on one side and an extended or remixed version on the other.

Over the years, the novelty of a single release has worn off a bit, however, there are still some artists that enjoy cranking them out. And boy am I glad! Bay Area kindie rock trio, The Hipwaders, recently released a CD bundle containing some great new tracks that celebrate the upcoming Spring season.

Gaia She Knows b/w Here Comes Peter Cottontail is a CD bundle that contains three songs: “Gaia She Knows,” “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and the extended version of “Gaia She Knows.” The CD is packaged up with vibrant cover art by the talented Brian Clarke.

artworks-000043195888-mym1og-t200x200“Here Comes Peter Cottontail”

Just in time for Easter, The Hipwaders deliver a swingin’ rendition of Gene Autry’s classic, “Peter Cottontail.” “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” is the perfect companion for your Easter related activities. This bouncy “tail” is filled with rockabilly style that will make you want to kick off your shoes and do a little (sock) hopping of your own. Always upbeat, the Hipwaders deliver straight rockin’ grooves while introducing us to one of the coolest bunnies in town as he hip hip hoppa hippa hip hip hop’s down the bunny trail. Get your Easter baskets ready, kids!

You can listen to the song via the SoundCloud widget below.


226936_10151490438215708_1350393429_n“Gaia She Knows”

Whereas the aforementioned single has an uptempo arrangement, “Gaia She Knows,” is a slowed down, groovier sort of tune with an endearing backstory and inspiring message. In fact, the song came about when a six year-old girl named Gaia who, according to The Hipwaders, approached lead singer Tito Uquilles after a show and “wanted to know if The Hipwaders had any songs about saving the earth and/or not using pesticides. Apparently, she had just attended a school assembly for Earth Day and was interested in the topic. Tito thought the idea of a young girl named Gaia (named after The Earth Goddess!) wanting to save the planet was too good of an idea to pass up.”

The song features soft vocals by Uquilles in accompaniment with some strings and pedal steel guitar accents giving the song a nice pop/country blend. “Gaia She Knows” is the perfect companion for Earth Day and a wonderful way to talk with your kids about conscious, green living. In fact, upon hearing this song, my 4 year old decided that she wanted to go home and “clean up the streets to help the planet right now!” Which, we did. I love being inspired by music and through their thoughtful lyrics, The Hipwaders provide a forum for families to work together. Although this song should be played for all ages, the lyrics will most likely resonate among ages 4/5 and up.

You can hear samples from the entire album as well as purchase the tracks digitally via The Hipwaders official site.

Check This Out: Cat Doorman Songbook – Cat Doorman

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CatDoormancover1-500x500Cat Doorman, the alter-ego of Julianna Bright, is the latest shining star to enter the world of kindie music. From Portland, Oregon, Bright recently released Cat Doorman Songbook. The album contains 14 impressive tracks (12 originals) offering thoughtful lyrics and a gamut of musical styles and accompaniment by performers such as Chris Funk (Decemberists), Seth Lorinczi (Corin Tucker Band), Garth Klippert (Old Light), Nick Reddel (Golden Bears), Annalisa Tornfelt (Black Prairie) and Ralf Youtz (Built to Spill).

While the Cat Doorman Songbook is Bright’s debut into the children’s music arena, the bulk of the album could very well hold its own in the adult indie world, which is not surprising as Bright has experience with indie successes such as The Quails and her current adult band, The Golden Bears.

Bright is also a talented visual artist, which is made evident throughout the album’s “songbook” as her colorful drawings and funky fonts add charm to its pages.

There is so much depth to this album, it’s incredible. To start, Bright has an undeniably beautiful voice which soars and expands with great control. The songs on the album are melodic and smart, containing sophisticated lyrics which were no doubt inspired by Bright’s educational background in English literature, but also by her wonderfully creative mind as an artist. For example, Bright takes a literary approach to the traditional alphabet song in “So Many Words” as she introduces fun words like “Bandicoot,” “Hemlock” and “Katydid.” There are, however, some familiar words mixed in like “Allosaurus,” for the dinosaur loving fans, as well as, “Archipelago,” “Glacier” and “Nocturnal.” Even if these words are not familiar to little ears, they are fun to say and offer a perfect opportunity for learning.

Other familiar songs include a rendition of Syd Barrett’s “Effervescing Elephant” and Bright’s fetching take on “Little Red Wagon,” which was released with an iPad app of the same name (produced in collaboration with Night & Day Studios).

While I appreciate the songs my 4 year old can sing along to, it’s the complexity of the other songs that I enjoy the most, mainly because of the eloquence with which the words are sung and the deeper meaning of the messages they convey. It’s as if some songs on the album are speaking back to a childhood version of Bright while others celebrate the delight she experiences as a parent.

“Two Old Shoes,” a gorgeously arranged song with some wonderful brass accents, is all about being yourself, accepting who you are and finding the beauty in things that are unpolished, despite the expectations of the world. “Lonely Girl” is a message of self-empowerment with a gentle reminder that we are capable of breaking free from the insecurities that keep us from moving towards greater things.

“With Linked Arms,” is a haunting ballad that moves at a saunter while Bright’s voice reinforces devotion and the promise of companionship. “Whistling Song,” reminiscent of Norah Jones in “Come Away With Me,” is a sentimental jaunt that encapsulates the bliss of sharing an afternoon with your little loved one. “Inspiration” is a dreamy reflection of the feelings associated with having your first child while “Let’s Get Dressed Up,” celebrates the fanciful delight in wearing grown-up clothes.

“Turn Around,” my absolute favorite song on the album, features Bright’s golden voice soaring over the following lyrics which reinforces the universal reach of this album. The last verse gives me chills every time I hear it.

The radio sounds a serenade that’s carrying us on.
Surely it is my song
Surely it is yours
Surely it was made just for us all at one and all at once
Surely it is my poem surely it is yours
Let the meter move us, turn us, take us up and ever make us new…

The Cat Doorman Songbook is a lovely gift for the entire family that is best enjoyed while easing into the morning, during lazy afternoons and winding down in the evenings. Julianna Bright delivers each song as though it is a poem and she does it with “all the grace of a flower.”

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Cat Doorman Songbook is available for digital download and purchase through the Cat Doorman official site, iTunes and Amazon. Make sure to check out Cat Doorman’s Little Red Wagon app, which features vibrant illustrations by Julianna Bright and is “both a musical songbook and delightful adventure game.” The app is currently only available for the iPad.

You can listen to clips from Cat Doorman Songbook via the SoundCloud widget below, as well as a video for “Inspiration,” which was inspired by the birth of Bright’s daughter.   The story & illustrations for the “Inspiration” video were made by Bright based on drawings by her daughter.

Read This: Loquat Rooftop picture book by Randy Kaplan

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LoquatRooftopBook
Fans of Randy Kaplan can now enjoy a 32-page picture book transcription of the song, “Loquat Rooftop,” which is featured on Kaplan’s album of the same name.  Loquat Rooftop, Kaplan’s first picture book, is brought to life with beautiful illustrations by producer Mike West.

Through his music, Kaplan has historically captivated young listeners with creative storytelling and a brilliant sense of humor so it makes perfect sense that he is now expanding into print.  Although the book is a literal transcription of the song itself, the story is just as engaging on its own and makes for a fun read.

Loquat Rooftop offers an opportunity to provide your child with knowledge about a “mysterious fruit” while expanding their vocabulary.  If you are not already the owner of the album, Kaplan is offering a CD + book bundle so that you can play the song while your child follows along with the book!   Already own the CD?  Purchase the book by itself.

LRSamples from the album are available through CDBaby, along with other highly popular singles like “The Ladybug Without Spots” and “No Nothing,” a story about a pet Monkey who was raised by ducks.
You can view clips of Randy singing “No Nothing” live through my concert re-cap post from last September.

Check this Out: The Not-Its – KidQuake!

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The Not-Its are back with another musically sound and sonically charged album filled with raw, kinetic energy. As the name implies, KidQuake! contains properties that will invoke lots of sudden movement. In other words, get ready to body rock!

In addition to being a part of the wildly talented Kindiependent collective, The Not-Its are made up of veteran indie musicians (lead singer, Sarah Shannon was the former singer of 90’s Sub Pop band Velocity Girl), Danny Adamson (rhythm guitar), Tom Baisden (lead guitar), Jennie Helman (bass player) and Michael Welke (former drummer of Harvey Danger) who channel their rock/pop/punk sensibilities into making rockin’ kid tunes. They also happen to be experienced parents, with a total of 10 children amongst themselves, ranging from ages 2 through 9, which makes for highly relatable topics the whole family will enjoy!

Kicking off the album is the title track, “Kidquake!” a thunderous tune which gives meaning to the driving force behind the frenetic energy that emanates from little bodies. As the lyrics proclaim “we may be small but we are strong” and “there’s an energy/we gotta set it free/come on every boy and girl,” “KidQuake!” could very well be the new “kid power” anthem. Or perhaps a call for a kiddie flash mob?

Parents will get a kick out of “Temper Tantrum,” which pretty much speaks for itself and “Busy,” a ska jam that reaches out to parents, acknowledging that life can be hectic while offering the suggestion that sometimes we need to slow down. Resounding horns add a nice touch throughout the song and act as alarm clocks in the video.

The Not-Its encourage staying active with “Let’s Skateboard,” a song that lists out all kinds of skateboarding tricks, and “Walk or Ride,” a song that encourages taking in the beauty of Mother Nature by using our feet to get from place to place.

What Miss Em and I like to rock out to the most is “Tarantula Funeral,” in which The Not-Its so appropriately bid a righteous farewell to a beloved classroom pet. The song has an extremely catchy chorus with blending harmonies and smart lyrics. In fact, because of Bob the Tarantula’s biological misfortune, and the curious mind of my spider loving 4 year old, we were able to bond while learning some science.

“Operation Cooperation” is a motivational song with a good message about teamwork and getting along with new friends in school while “Participation Trophy” celebrates hard work and trying your best even if it means scoring for the other team or winning 27th place in chess club.

Listeners will also enjoy songs about games with songs like “Full Tilt,” which refers to pinball mastery and “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” a perfect theme song for the classic childhood game as the lyrics exclaim “One for the money/ Two for the show/ Three pumps to get ready/ You go now throw!”

Wrapping up the album is the endearing tune, “The Not-Its Love You,” a reassuring message of love and a reminder that The Not-Its’ produce music from the heart, while uplifting the spirits of their audience.

The Not-Its take their music and their image seriously and deliver on both. Between the colorful artworkJump1
by Grammy-nominated Invisible Creature (Target, Nike, Nickelodeon) and the ladies’ vibrant pink tutus, you can immediately guess that you are about to have some serious fun! KidQuake! is another success for The Not-Its and one that every family deserves to hear. It really just rocks! Highly recommended for ages 3 and up! Tutus suggested, but not required.

KidQuake! is available through The Not-Its store , as well as Amazon and iTunes.

You can also listen to clips from the album through the Bandcamp widget below.


Tarantula_High-ResBelow is a video for “Tarantula Funeral,” which was made by guitarist, Tom Baisden’s, elementary school class. In addition to being an awesome musician, Baisden is also an elementary school teacher for children with special needs.

[Video courtesy of The Not-Its via YouTube]

55th Grammy Nominees for “Best Children’s Album”

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The 55th annual Grammy Awards are coming up and the representatives for “Best Children’s Album” are mighty fine indicators of just how much the Children’s Music genre has to offer. Below you will find a list of albums and other goodies from this year’s nominees.

So, take a listen and although you may not be able to vote per se, you can show your support by perhaps purchasing one or two (or more!) of your favorites.

radio jungle cover 12cmykThe Pop Ups – Radio Jungle

The second album from Brooklyn-based duo, The Pop Ups, Radio Jungle brings listeners on a musical adventure filled with dance beats, creative lyrics and educational topics. Listeners will explore constellations, a world created with a box of crayons, counting and even some puppets! The Pop Ups once again infuse their sense of humor and musical talent into a fun set of songs. So take a journey through the wilderness and listen to Radio Jungle through the SoundCloud widget below, along with a video for their wildly popular single, “Box of Crayons.” Radio Jungle is available for download and purchase through the BandCamp widget below, Amazon and iTunes.

“Box of Crayons” [Courtesy of YouTube]

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The Okee Dokee Brothers – Can You Canoe?

Just as the subtext on the cover says, Can You Canoe? is “A Mississippi River Adventure Album.” Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander made their way down the Mississippi River in a canoe over the course of a month. During that time, they paddled their way from Minnesota to St. Louis, writing songs inspired by the beauty of the natural world around them. With songs about camaraderie, bullfrogs, mosquitos and camping under a blanket of stars, Can You Canoe perfectly illustrates the brothers’ journey down the river. In fact, it could very well prepare you for your own river odyssey, should you be so bold. You can learn more about the Okee Dokee Brothers at their official site, where you can also purchase a CD/DVD combo, which includes the 15-track album and a documentary of the making of the album. Below are a couple of videos, a trailer from the DVD and a widget containing a few audio samples from Can You Canoe?

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Bill Harley – High Dive

Bill Harley is a master storyteller and certainly no stranger to Grammy nominations, being a two-time Grammy award winner in his own right. And now he’s back with High Dive, a hilarious collection of stories and songs about childhood. Listeners will find Harley emotive, engaging and suspenseful as he spins tales about a maniacal goat, a field trip gone awry, and finding out that perhaps mom is actually right, sometimes. Especially relevant to this time of year is a Valentine’s Day story with inadvertently “monstrous” consequences. High Dive is a hoot that will capture the attention of both kids and adults alike. You can listen to samples and purchase the entire album at Harley’s official site.

JumpinJazz-Kids-CD-Front-CoverJumpin Jazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale

A Swinging Jungle Tale is a mix of stories and songs about the adventures of a girl named Claire and her stuffed animal friends. What is impressive about this album is the amount of work the creators put in to make it as interactive as possible. The story aims to incorporate listeners by encouraging them to use their imagination along with Claire, as she travels through the jungle (which also happens to be her Grandfather’s backyard) and meets imaginary friends. The album’s cover art is bright and colorful, while the soundtrack was inspired by world-renowned jazz artists, including the legendary Ella Fitzgerald and improvisational master, Thelonious Monk, to name a few. You can read more about Claire and the making of A Swinging Jungle Tale at the Jumpin Jazz Kids official site.

You can listen to A Swinging Jungle Tale through the widget below. The album and its accompanying storybook are available for purchase through the Jumpin Jazz Kids store, as well as, CDBaby.

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Elizabeth Mitchell – Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie

Mitchell brings color and life to her re-imagined versions of Woody Guthrie’s earlier recordings. The songs covered on “Little Seed” stem from two of Woody Guthrie’s children’s albums, recorded in 1947, called “Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child” and “Nursery Days.” Like Guthrie, Mitchell is a folk frontrunner and icon in her own right, being the first female children’s artist signed to the Smithsonian Folkways label and certainly one of the most beloved. On Little Seed, Mitchell very easily glides through some complex tongue-twisting lyrics, which happen to remind me of a few Dr. Seuss books, making it even easier to follow along than some of the originals. Mitchell’s voice, as usual, is soothing and clear like a serene lake and refreshing like a cold glass of water on a hot day. You can read my full review of the album here. You can learn more about Little Seed at Mitchell’s official site and view a couple of videos from the album below. Little Seed is available for purchase through Mitchell’s online store, Amazon (CD or MP3) and iTunes.

“Sleep Eye” [Courtesy of YouTube]

“Grassy Grass Grass” [Courtesy of YouTube]

BENEFIT RELEASE: Neighbor to Neighbor – Various Artists

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Story Laurie McIntosh has been hard at work putting together a family music compilation and live concert to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The story behind the making of Neighbor to Neighbor is quite touching. Shortly after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy, Story Laurie and her family drove six hours from their home in Andes, NY, to Far Rockaway. Armed with baked goods, warm clothes, and stringed instruments, the McIntosh family was determined to bring relief to the displaced victims. Also joining Story Laurie on her relief trip was Brooklyn-based performer Amelia Robinson of the delightful Mil’s Trills.

Inspired by After The Flood, the 43-song charity download for Hurricane Irene relief, Story Laurie produced her own compilation to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy relief and recovery efforts. Kicking off the making of the compilation was “Squeezebox Bus,” an original song written by Story Laurie on her way back home.

Neighbor to Neighbor is a 16-song compilation of family music which is currently available for pre-order through BandCamp for just $15. The official release date is set for December 22nd.

By downloading the digital compilation, you will not only get to hear a fantastic set of songs but you will also receive a charming little download card that makes a perfect keepsake for your generous donation in support of Sandy relief efforts. Bonus: A beautiful .pdf booklet with liner notes is available once your download code is redeemed.

All net proceeds go to The Neighbor to Neighbor Fund for Hurricane Sandy Relief which aims to support Occupy Sandy relief efforts through the collaboration of the M-ARK Project. You can find out more about this effort at Story Laurie’s official site.

Additionally, the Bearsville Theater will be hosting a benefit concert this Saturday, December 22 from noon – 3pm featuring Story Laurie and Ira McIntosh, Uncle Rock, Ratboy Jr., Grenadilla and Special Guests. For tickets and more information regarding the event visit the Bearsville Theater’s event page.

Neighbor to Neighbor – Family Music For Sandy Relief

1 New is the New Old – Gustafer Yellowgold
2 Smiling – Grenadilla
3 The Night the Lights Went Out – Uncle Rock
4 Green Grass of Summer – Dog on Fleas
5 Row de Boat – Kim & Reggie Harris
6 Squeezebox Bus – Story Laurie & Ira McIntosh (New)
7 Solartopia – Pete Seeger, Dar Williams, David Bernz and The Rivertown Kids
8 It’s So Good – Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke
9 Cuida el Agua – Dan Zanes
10 Bull Frog – Professor Louie & The Crowmatix
11 Pretend Your Hand Is a Puppet – Ratboy Jr. (Newly released 12/16!)
12 It Really Isn’t Garbage – Danny Einbender
13 I Will Be Your Friend – Guy Davis
14 This Little Light of Mine – The Saints of Swing (Previously unreleased)
15 Under One Sky – Magpie
16 Sing Me the Story of Your Day – Tom Chapin (Previously unreleased version)

Theater review: Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets

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Christmas is creeping up on us and while many of us are still thinking about gifts or checking last minute items off our list, there are still ways to savor the joys of the season. San Francisco has no shortage of seasonal theater and ballet productions for the young and old. And while all of these productions come highly recommended, oftentimes the length and complexity of the story may supersede the mental capacity of the even younger crowd; 5 and under, specifically. Until now…

Set inside San Francisco’s historic Fort Mason Center, sits the cozy Southside Theater proudly presenting Mark Foehringer Dance Project|SF’s fourth annual holiday production of Nutcracker Sweets.

Fort Mason Center interiors - San Francisco, CA, USA

This year’s production marks the Company’s transition from the Children’s Creativity Museum to the Southside Theater until the Cowell Theater’s upcoming renovation is complete. The Southside Theater’s seating capactiy features 160 cushioned stadium style seats, making it easy for little bodies to get an unobstructed view of the stage.

Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets, while intended for children of all ages, was developed with a special focus on capturing the attention of younger children (5 and under). With a runtime of just 50-minutes, Nutcracker Sweets highlights the most exciting parts of this beloved holiday classic featuring creative costumes, colorful set design and a live orchestra with musical direction by the multi-award winning Michael Morgan.

“Nutcracker Sweets was made for the child in all of us,” said Mark Foehringer, artistic director of Mark Foehringer Dance Project|SF. “The production features storytelling, dance theater, ballet and a live music performance all in one.”

The fact that Foehringer incorporated multiple disciplines into the concept and choreography is what makes this particular adaptation so captivating. The dancers do such an excellent job of expressive movement that it feels as though you can hear what they are saying, even though the show is completely silent.

Nutcracker Sweets mainly revolves around the adventures that unfold throughout Clara’s dreams. Starting out in Herr Drosselmeyer’s toyshop, Scene 1 serves as a prelude to the manifestation of the Nutcracker soldier. Chaos and silliness abound as the Mouse King and Queen infiltrate the toyshop, romping with leaps and flips just before the Mouse King turns Drosselmeyer’s nephew into the Nutcracker doll. Emmy nominated costume designer, Richard Battle, designed a stunning headdress for the Nutcracker, giving the the soldier doll an almost human-like quality. With a swing of his cape, Drosselmeyer changes the life-sized Nutcracker into a miniature, wooden doll and brings it to his niece, Clara.

Scene 2 progresses with a smoke filled stage as Clara falls asleep. The dreamscape begins as the Mouse King and his army challenge the Nutcracker (and his toy soldier army) to a fight. As the battle unfolds, the Nutcracker is almost defeated until Clara rescues him by hitting the Mouse King on the head with her shoe. Swooping in, Drosselmeyer reappears, leading the couple into Candy Land.

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Candy Land’s scenic design, created by Peter Crompton, is perhaps the most interesting and colorful with its one-dimensional images of frosted confections and cherry topped ice cream sundaes. Scene 3 is the most dance intensive part of the production as Clara and the Nutcracker prince are presented with sweets of all sorts from the Sugar Plum Fairy. After a delightful party, everyone disappears as Clara’s dream fades.

Scene 4 picks up with Clara coming into Drosselmeyer’s toyshop where she is once again reunited with her Nutcracker Prince. This is the only part of the production where I felt like the story was a bit rushed, as though it was at risk of exceeding the 50 minute mark. Although, based on the aforementioned ages of the target audience, it’s likely that this observation went unnoticed. From my daughter’s standpoint, for example, things made perfect sense and ended quite happily.

Overall, I was entertained by the show and impressed by the thought that went into creating a special experience for the younger set. The choreography was expressive and moving, and the costumes were bright and inspiring. I took a peek around the audience from time to time to gauge their response and saw nothing but wide eyes and smiles.

Perhaps the most spectacular piece of the production was the characterization of Herr Drosselmeyer as a magician and the significant role he played in making the transitions seamless through the use of his cloak. Although the talented cast danced wonderfully and with vibrant smiles, it was the character of Herr Drosselemeyer that continually caught my eye. Using Drosselmeyer’s cape to move the show along in such a smooth way was a subtle but significant part of show that upheld the magic of the story. It was as if the cloak was a character all on its own, which is a hat tip to Mark Foehringer’s excellent direction and choreography.

As a bonus, the dancers made themselves available for a meet and greet afterwards which added to the excitement of the entire experience, especially since the Sugar Plum Fairy was more than happy to lend her wand for photo opportunities. This was the icing on the cake as many of the young theater-goers eagerly awaited their turn to snuggle next to their favorite character and smile for the camera. In fact, I was instructed several times, by my daughter, to make sure I got a picture of her with her favorite dancers, which is profound because getting her to pose and smile for the camera at the same time is akin to asking her if I can brush her hair.

For parents looking to introduce this beloved tale to their little ones, Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets is a great way to go. It upholds the charm and fantasy of the classic tale while captivating the hearts and minds of the young and young at heart.

The final two performances will take place on the following days. Location, pricing and box office information can also be found below, as well as a video preview.

Dec 22 Sat 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm
Dec 23 Sun 11 am and 2 pm

WHERE: Southside Theater (Landmark Building D, 3rd Floor) at Fort Mason Center, Marina Blvd. and Buchanan Street, San Francisco

TICKETS: $25 general admission http://www.fortmason.org/boxoffice