ARTIST ROSTER

Hug Trees (Tom Freund and Friends) -- Roots rocker Tom Freund channels his inner soul child into kids’ music that celebrates and promotes a happy, healthy home and planet. Tom’s long, acclaimed  career as a rock singer-songwriter (think Tom Petty meets Tom Waits) afforded him the opportunity to bring a stellar cast of musicians into the studio to make Hug Trees. Tom says that his young daughter Delilah, with whom he created the songs, is his co-producer and muse. It’s an album overflowing with warmth and talent with a funky soul and strong ecological message.

Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang -- L.A.’s premiere live children’s band makes awesome records too! Led by the impossibly effervescent Gwendolyn, the band works out authentic grooves ranging from funk to bluegrass behind message-driven lyrics that speak directly to kids. The band’s live show is a frequent winner of “Best of L.A.” awards in the children’s music category. Kids just adore Gwendolyn and her 7-piece band, the Goodtime Gang.

Randy Kaplan -- a singer-songwriter with seven solo albums, Randy has turned his prodigious talents to children’s music with resounding success. His 2nd album, Loquat Rooftop has been named to numerous top ten of 2008 lists, notably, NPR’s. With his storyteller’s flair, his accomplished folk guitar, and his light-hearted tone, Randy Kaplan’s two charming albums for children overflow with charm, musicality, and kid appeal. Like a slightly quirky pairing of Dan Zanes and Arlo Guthrie, Randy Kaplan’s music has won over critics and kids alike with it’s presentation of a broad range of authentic folk stylings, shaggy dog stories, and smart original tunes, all delivered with a wink and a smile

Johnny Bregar -- Funky, roosty singer Johnny Bregar first entered into the world of children’s  music with two enormously fun and engaging albums of blues-inflected kiddie standards. For his third offering, Johnny has released Dragonfly, his first album of original songs for kids. A very accomplish guitarist and piano player as well as a bluesy singer with a classic American voice, Johnny’s music is warm, infectious, and authentic and his original lyrics are full of the cozy intimacy and wonderment of childhood. Great stuff.

Rebecca Frezza -- This New Jersey based songstress has been a staple on PBS and Noggin for years now. Through four CDs, her music for kids runs the gamut of musical styles and emotions and serves as a wonderful introduction for children to the power of music and lyrics. Always catchy and brimming with enthusiasm, Rebecca’s award winning music is life affirming, positive, and fun. Highly recommended!

Very Helpful Songs (David Tobocman) -- A veteran of the music industry as a songwriter, film composer, and record producer, David is a musical dad with a collection of fun, memorable songs that are written to help kids learn, grow, adapt, and feel safe in a big world. Spanning styles from swing to rock to bluegrass to hiphop, David’s catchy, melodic songs are crackling with clever positivity, strong musical hooks, and infectious rhythms. As David says, it’s kids’ music that won’t drive parents “Barney.”

The Jellydots -- Independent kids’ music is experiencing a cultural renaissance and The Jellydots are certainly at the forefront. A punk-pop trio with a garage rock sound and a soft, empathetic edge to their lyrics, this is energetic music with a vitality that is usually only found in underground guitar bands, and the Jellydots are just that, but for kids. Leader and songwriter Doug Snyder teaches guitar to children in Austin, Texas, and his songs blend guitar chops, emotional realism and a kid’s perspective perfectly.

Rhythm Child -- Combine the excitement of a Venice Beach drum circle with simple, catchy message-driven songs and you’ve got a good idea of the immediate appeal of this happy family band led by percussionist and musical dad, Norman Jones. Formerly a member of the pop ska band General Public, Norman now focuses his talents and energy on moving children with melody, words, and most of all, rhythm.

Renee & Jeremy -- Renee Stahl and Jeremy Toback, both reknowned singer-songwriters have joined forces to bring children a miraculously engaging lullaby album that is centered on messages of self-worth and indelible, simple melodies. Each parents, Renee and Jeremy have hit upon a mode of pure expression that appeals immediately to little ones and whose gentle, positive approach is uplifting and life affirming for parents as well. A critical success, “It’s a Big World” is soon to be followed by the duo’s second album, the upbeat “Wonder” which is equally winning, melodic and brimming with optimism.

Melissa Green -- Another former pre-school teacher, Melissa’s songs are filled with love and infectious spirit. With two children’s albums, a full length video and a storybook in print, Melissa’s prolific output is matched by her contagious enthusiasm for life, storytelling, and music. A constant performer in the Los Angeles area, Melissa Green is a true fan favorite in the world of children’s music.

Sandra Sandía -- A professional songwriter and percussionist in the world of Latin Music for over 20 years, Sandra has made an album of sunny children’s songs sung in Spanish and Portuguese that is alive with joy and vitality. The sort of music that brings both cultural diversity and rambunctious fun to any child’s musical world, Sandra’s first album of children’s music fills homes and cars with the smiling, open spirit that mirrors childhood itself.

Arthouse DVD -- Kids love the opportunity to learn an actual skill and Arthouse teaches children to draw animals using familiar, simple shapes. Wonderfully executed and fully integrated with great songs, this video has young children walking away with finished, recognizable drawings of animals that will make them feel like true artists. Each short lesson focuses on a single animal, and is followed by a song where the drawn animal comes to life in animation to star in its own music video. Arthouse brings together many aspects of art to make a fun learning experience, including the child’s own creativity.

Charlie Trash Truck DVD -- Kids join young Charlie as he visits his Dad, a real life trash truck, at work. In this video which combines animation and live action, kids learn the value of recycling and keeping the Earth a clean, happy place to live, work, and play. The brain child of famed pediatrician, Dr. Jay Gordon, Charlie Trash Truck gives little kids an appreciation for ecology, responsibility, and what they crave most, lots of fun footage of big trucks!

Let’s Go Chipper DVD -- In “Into the Great Outdoors,” children follow Chipper the chipmunk as he playfully teaches about nature and instills in kids a love for the environment, using music, mishap, and humor along the way. This appealing DVD features animation and award winning live footage by Bay Area naturalist, Doug McConnell and is correlated to national academic standards covering social skills, arts and literature, and sciences. Other titles in the “Let’s Go Chipper” series to follow.