August Music News
Join the 1 World Chorus and say “Hola, Amigo” with Latin Grammy winners in August
Right now, with families trying to figure out what “back to school” will mean, it may be helpful to take a little music break. At troubling times in history, people turn to songs of comfort, and they look to music to soothe frazzled nerves. Music can turn a stressful day into something brighter and clearer, and we call can use more light and lucidity in these murky days.
Aaron Nigel Smith
Aaron Nigel Smith has been called one of Portland’s treasures. In a normal year, this family reggae star would be a familiar face and voice, performing shows and workshops with children at local schools. Like all artists, Aaron is mostly stuck at home right now, creating live-streamed concerts and putting the finishing touches on his first live album.
The Aaron Nigel Smith & 1 World Chorus: Live in LA album was recorded last year during a live performance at The Broad Stage near Los Angeles. Smith intended to add more tracks from a scheduled March show at Symphony Space in New York, but when the show was postponed, he decided that the existing songs offered enough to share right away. The collection of songs from his two-decade career spread messages of unity and love for these challenging times. Catch the album trailer HERE to see Aaron in action with the youth of his 1 World Chorus, and check out new episodes of his Big Up Show on YouTube and Facebook Live.
123 Andrés
Last September, at the inaugural Building Bridges Family Music Festival (sponsored by NW Kids magazine), the Latin Grammy winning duo 123 Andrés made a big splash with their bilingual songs and dance moves. Parents were learning Spanish right along with their kids. The duo can’t get to Portland this year, but they have been productively creative during quarantine. Their newest album is called Hola, Amigo: Songs of Friendship, and it features a nice array of popular family music stars and an eclectic mix of musical styles, from hip hop to Latin jazz to bluegrass. Every week, Andrés and Christina post fun music videos to inspire movement and language learning. Scholastic also just published their Hola, Amigo/Hello, Friend bilingual board book for tots, too!
Roger Day
Now more than ever, kids need to find the power to deal with life’s challenges. We may all be looking for a super hero to save the day, but Roger Day reminds us that our true power lies within. Day, the (normally) nationally touring and multiple award-winning Nashville-based singer-songwriter, just released an album called Invincible! to help youngsters “solve the problem” and “save the day” using their own imagination and skills – no imaginary super heroes needed. Spin samples from the songs by clicking HERE.
For kids who are growing out of children’s music and want tunes that speak to them with a Taylor Swift-style power pop vibe, check out Erica Rabner’s new Real Me album, available from the ad-free audio app Pinna.FM (and other music sources later this month).
The Story Pirates
For pure hilarity and nonsense, an upcoming album from The Story Pirates fills the bill. Every one of these ridiculous story-songs, including the title track “Cats Sit on You,” was inspired by a real kid’s idea. Check out www.storypirates.com for information when the album is out on August 28th.
