Psychobaby: The hardest working mom in kids' showbiz

I haven't done barely any self-promotion you know on this blog but. . .

Psychobaby: The hardest working mom in kids' showbiz

The Power of Music

A couple weeks ago, several parents that happen to also be musicians at my daughter's school got together to do a fundraiser called Burleypalooza. Several of the parents were professional musicians but all of us did it for free. The parents represented all types of music from classical to Irish to folk to 80's music to indie rock to jazz and even some spoken word. Together we were able to raise a good chunk of change. More importantly, the energy in our school seemed to have been lifted up by this event. With all the budget cuts, the economy, not winning the US cellular money, etc. it was music that brought us al together through this tough year. It was music that filled our souls with hope.

Feist on Sesame Street 1234

I must admit I've been singing this song in my Wiggleworms music classes - a parent/baby interactive music class at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. I've been singing this version. Of course, I'm giving Feist full credit so please don't sue me anyone out there. This version is great because unlike Feist's real 1234 song, the counting is accurate in the Sesame Street version. I'd hate to be sending babies into the world learning to count incorrectly. So anyways, it's a real hit in class for the indie-rock parents out there.

I heart Sufjan Stevens

My all time favorate Christmas music is from Sufjan's Stevens Christmas box set. The video itself is kind of lame but it's got a nice heartwarming message. Anyways, this is one of my favorate songs from the box set. I love all the quirky instruments and harmonies. Happy Holidays to my 2 readers out there!

Chairlift - Bruises

So I've mentioned that I teach Wiggleworms at the Old Town School of Folk Music. I basically bring my guitar and sing tunes for babies and caregivers. Last Tuesday, was the last class of the 16 week session so of course we had a little holiday party. I must say that there are some very generous people in the world. Along with some nice gift cards, I received some heartfelt thank you cards from several moms. A little affirmation goes a long way. Anyways, Hal, one of my little babies, and his mom, Nanette, made me a mix cd as a thank you gift. This is the second cd she has made me. I'm always trying to find fun "grown-up" pop songs that I can bring into the classroom to play on my guitar or even just to play while I blow some bubbles. Here is the one that stuck out the most for me. I love this song!

Old Town School of Folk Music Holiday Party

So . . it's late right now and I've had a couple mixed drinks. I'm allowed to say that right? Anyways, I went to the Old Town School of Folk Music Holiday Party. That's the place where I work as a Wiggleworms instructor. The party was at a place called Schuba's in Chicago. Honestly, I'm a little sweaty because I spent the last 2 hours dancing my you-know-what off. Here's why I'm writing though. Here's the cool part. Well Old Town has this thing where employees can sign up at the party to play 2 songs on the stage. If you know anything about Old Town, you know there is a very talented pool of musicians who work there. It's is really quite amazing. I didn't get up and sing. It was really nice to sit back and drink my drinks and watch the talent. But there were a few kids musicians who went up on stage. There was Lindsey, and there was Tisa who don't have kids cd's but should. Then there was Jeremy Babcock of the "Dreamtree Shakers' who got the crowd going and also Joel Frankel who is a kids musician that I just adore. In the audience, there was Laura Doherty and Mr. Singer of Sharp Cookies. As well some other Wiggleworm instructors who are very talented like Lisa and Anne-marie. Anyways, I'm feeling a bit inspired these days especially with this blog. I watched Julie and Julia today and that inspired me. I guess I've been feeling a bit confused as to why I write this thing. I think I felt like I had to just write reviews of cd's and concerts. But lately I"m seeing the possibilities with this thing. Kids Music is so much more than just that. And overall I live it everyday in some shape or form. I'm going to find a way to share this world with you if you'll let me.

Red Moon Winter Pageant 2009

For me, nothing says Chicago like Red Moon Theater. Yes, I know they made it big-time at the White House this year at Halloween. However, at this year's Winter Pageant, my husband, daughter and I felt the same sense of magical wonderment we've always felt at their productions over the years. Even though Red Moon seems to find it's way everywhere in Chicago like Millenium Park, Wicker Park, Columbus Park, and Chinatown, viewers still get a grass roots feel from almost every production. You get a sense that a community of artists and musicians are working together to make it happen. It's puppets, it's machines, it's art, it's juggling, it's shadow and water and bubbles and more. The music at this years pageant was amazing. Mark Messing of Mucca Pazza I believe was involved.
Here's a little taste of the magic.