Music

A recent outing to a UC Berkeley symphony concert epitomized my family's appreciation of (rather, lack thereof) classical music. My 10 year old son--a novice violin player himself--complained: "I'll never be as good as that soloist," my 4 year old daughter chirped: "These songs are WAY too long!" and my well-meaning husband fell immediately asleep, chin to chest, later explaining that "the music was just so beautiful that I couldn't keep my eyes open."

Good one, I know.

We've been known to thrown down some serious Guitar Hero family band jam sessions on most weekend nights. While our 4 year old daughter prefers to be the lead singer we do rotate through the instruments to keep it fair. And although she wields the guitar like a real trooper it's obvious how awkward it is for her to play her very best...We can't have that (especially when "money" and new gigs are to be earned).

We love kindie rockers Gustafer Yellowgold. Their music delivers the goods on so many levels and on stage they are a whole 'nother level of awesomeness...A musical experience parents can truly enjoy along with their children. And the best news is they are coming back to the West Coast!

It's that time of year again, the hippest-of-the-hip in the indie music, film and interactive scene converge on Austin, TX for South by Southwest, aka SXSW, "an exhausting and exhilarating feast of music discovery and industry deal-making, South by Southwest draws more than 1,700 bands and untold thousands of fans to Austin, Texas, for a four-day music festival in the middle of every March." At npr.org, hear live concerts, see exclusive photos and get blog and podcast updates.

Hanukkah 2009 is almost here (starts Friday, December 11); time to dust off the menorah, toss the dreidel and eat lots and lots of fried foods. For us, it's also time to crank the holiday music and let loose. For the past few years, The LeeVees have been in heavy rotation as we've lit the candles and recited the blessings. But this year, we've got another new favorite, "Chanukah Fever," and it's got a seriously contagious energy.

I recently received a copy of Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck's latest album Rockin', Rollin' and Ridin'. I'd never heard any of this band's music, and quite frankly, I misjudged them when I first saw the cover of their newest CD: a cartoony cover with Rebecca photoshopped behind the wheel of a yellow smiley-faced car.

Part variety show-part dance party Peter Himmelman's weekly webcast for kids Curious World launches this Sunday, September 27th on Land of Nod. Every Sunday morning 11 am Central time through November 29th kids, and their parents, can tune in for a real treat...All of the swankiness of Hugh Hefner's Playboy After Dark minus the sex and bunnies...but he's got a talking tortoise.

Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck just released a brand new video for their catchy song Big Truck. Kooky and sweet the video features one wacky ride through a bright and cheery animated town. Rebecca behind the wheel of her big yellow truck, reminiscent of those cutie-pie Chevron Cars, she travels through the city and over hills picking up happy passengers (band members) along the way. The song is topped off with a wicked flute solo by Beth Adleman.

They Might Be Giants drops their new audio/video album for children on iTunes this week making this their fourth kids' album, if you count my favorite No!.

It's no secret we find kindie rock band the Boogers peachy-keen.