Cool Summer Music for NW Kids!
In normal times, summer is a chance to bask in the light and to seek out what’s cool. While many families are still restricted, and summer festivals and shows remain closed, they may still enjoy hearing new songs that can soothe as well as energize the whole family.
Three upcoming releases from top award-winning (and normally touring) family artists provide a nice, cool distraction:
Backyard Bop by Red Yarn
Portland’s family folk hero rounds up the critters for a rousing rockabilly dance party album that stays close to home while celebrating our neighborhoods and communities. Red Yarn’s songs unite people in troubled times. While all of Red Yarn’s summer shows have been canceled, there are still fine ways to connect and enjoy his tunes. To get in the mood for creating your own “Backyard Bop” family party, check out the album trailer, and stay tuned for news about his next livestreamed concerts on Facebook.
Songs Across the Pond – by Brady Rymer and David Gibb
A three-time Grammy nominee teams up with a friendly UK family folk artist to create happy songs for play and exploration. Check out their new “Two Towns” music video to learn what’s unique about each artist’s home town, and maybe make your own “Hey There” posters to share with virtual pen pals.
This month, kids who like to move will groove to the newest album from the world’s most popular children’s band:
The Wiggles!
Choo Choo Trains, Propeller Planes & Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car features songs about all forms of travel – walking, wheelchairs, space travel, swimming, surfing, trains, planes and of course traveling in the famous Wiggle mobile, the Big Red Car. The band’s 55th studio album takes listeners on an imaginative virtual journey while being conscious of our times.
If your kids just like to make up stories, bravo! The Story Pirates (who take kids story ideas and turn them into sketch comedy and song) are offering lots of livestreamed and interactive content via their Creator Club and summer camps. One of this month’s Story Pirates Podcast episodes features none other than Julie Andrews!
And for something that will bring (happy) tears to the eyes of #BelugaGrads, check out this duet between beloved children’s entertainer Raffi and Yo-Yo Ma, who celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic children’s song this month with a video performance on the official Raffi You Tube channel, The freshly recorded song will be available as a digital single on all services on July 31st. Profits from the sale of this song will benefit The Climate Mobilization, a grassroots group working to restore a safe planet.
Lastly, what are you listening to this month that is providing you with inspiration and sustenance? Everyone at @NWKidsMagazine wants to know!
