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children’s music

Groovy Ruby – you go, girls!

Nov 20th, 2008
by lauralee.
1 comment

My kids are very much into music right now, and one of their favorite things to do lately is gather up all the little toy instruments scattered around the house and pretend to be a band. Look, aren’t they just sickeningly cute? They’re fully convinced we’re going to take this act on the road and put out an album. So you can imagine how much fun it’s been for us to review music from Groovy Ruby, an all-girl preteen band put together in 2005 by New Jersey teacher/songwriter Dean Laterra. The songs are original, catchy, and they actually sound…good! Here’s some info from their site:

Think Beatles meet the Go-Go’s…in grade school. Maybe a little Jackson 5, Doo-Wop, and some Ramones thrown in there too. Or how about a cross between Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers? That might be Groovy Ruby.

This all original band sings up on your feet, hooky, catchy, feel good tunes that get kids up and dancing. Led by five tween girls, the band’s songs contain messages of friendship, perseverance, and encouragement, amongst other positive themes.

I feel a special connection to these young singers anyway, since my oldest daughter is the same age as most of them. And here’s the best part – they do lots of live events! How great would it be to get out there to one of their shows, and let these young ladies inspire your own kids to rock out? Here’s the video for their song Change…

I have a houseful of girls (and a little boy!) and I’m always looking for good music for them to listen to – this is a GREAT CD, full of songs with good, positive messages. Consider passing the word along to Santa that this would make an excellent stocking stuffer! It’s only $15.00 and you can get it online right here. Is your kid lucky enough to have his own MP3 player? It’s also available as a digital download. Hook it up, mama!

Kicking off Children’s Music Month!

Sep 5th, 2008
by lauralee.
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We seem to live our lives in the minivan these days, and I love being able to pop in a CD that the kids enjoy – it cuts down on the bickering BIG TIME and makes for way less stress for mommy! But do you have any idea how hard it is to find something to listen to that appeals to 5-year-old twins, 3-year-old twins, a 13-year-old girl who thinks everything is “below lame” and their jaded, sleep-deprived mommy? Let’s just say it doesn’t happen very often.

Music is a huge part of our lives, particularly since we have a child with autism who adores music. So often, I hear other parents tell me that they can’t stand listening to kids music CDs, but I’m here to tell you – times have changed! The selection of music for children extends way beyond Disney movie soundtracks and songs from Barney. And this is what led to the idea of doing a whole month of giveaways featuring artists who create great children’s music.

Throughout September, I’ll be posting music reviews of artists that my kids adore, and you’ll have the chance to win CDs and prize packs from all of them! I’ll update this post with links to each giveaway. Yay! You’re going to discover some fantastic music!

Links to each contest:

Children’s Music Month – Coming Soon!

Aug 25th, 2008
by lauralee.
5 comments

I’ve been alluding to this for awhile – and I’m pleased to announce that September (just a week away!) is going to be CHILDREN’S MUSIC MONTH!

Each week, I’ll be spotlighting different artists and giving away CDs, so plan to discover lots of great music! Here are some of the bands participating:

  • Milkshake

  • The Laurie Berkner Band
  • The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
  • Hot Peas ‘n Butter
  • Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck
  • And lots more!

If you have little kids, you’ve probably seen lots of these folks on Noggin! Now you can win some of their CDs! And plan to discover some great artists who haven’t made it big yet. Just think, when they’re on Noggin and Nick Jr., you’ll be able to say, “Hey! I knew them when they were but a wee little garage band, rocking out for their children…” Woohoo! It all begins in just one week. Mark your calendar!