Kansas City Jiggle Jam

ENTERTAINER BIOS

They Might Be Giants - Saturday, Jam Stage
In their 25 years of creating innovative music, alternative rock legends and Grammy winners They Might Be Giants have broken many music conventions. Their foray into children's music has proven no less eventful. With a unique simultaneous appeal to kids and adults, TMBG has created three albums of children's music: "No!", "Here Come the ABCs" and the latest, "Here Come the 123s," which won a 2009 Grammy Award for Best Children’s Album. Having unleashed their inner child on several tracks over the past two decades, the duo deploys its usual earnest wackiness on its children's albums with a variety of musical influences, from twisted American folk to '60s rock riffs and '70s soul. TMBG won a Grammy in 2002 for the "Malcolm in the Middle" theme song, "Boss Of Me." They have also written and performed theme songs for "The Oblongs," "Higglytown Heroes," "Resident Life," and ABC's "Nightline Primetime," as well as songs for "The Simpsons," "Home Movies," "Dexter's Laboratory" and "Courage the Cowardly Dog."

www.theymightbegiants.com

Dan Zanes & Friends - Sunday, Jam Stage
Spreading his musical tunes globally from New York to Australia, Dan Zanes focuses on bringing friends and neighbors together with his homemade family music. He is a ringmaster, introducing new songs and reconnecting people to songs that have always been there, and still are- it's just that people forgot about them. Keeping things all in the family, Zanes also spent some time in 2007 with bandmate Father Goose (aka Wayne Rhoden) and longtime recording ally Rob Friedman co-producing It's a Bam Bam Diddly!-a musical memoir of sorts, sounding very much like the most incredible block party stretching from Jamaica to Brooklyn and spilling out into neighborhoods around the globe, filled with Caribbean flavors and a cavalcade of great guests including Sister Carol, Sheryl Crow, Wayne Smith, Ansel Meditation, and Zanes himself. Lately, Zanes has been spending his spare time with Spanish dictionaries listening to salsa or merengue or norteño or anything along those lines; writing songs for films (and even making a cameo appearance here and there), and brushing up on Broadway tunes as his next recording project takes shape.

www.danzanes.com

Brady Rymer & the Little Band That Could - Sunday, Jam Stage

2009 GRAMMY nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could "might just be the best-sounding band in children's music," according to NPR's All Things Considered. First class, all-American roots/rock with a feel-good R & B foundation is Brady Rymer’s calling card, and his Little Band That Could creates a happy, rollicking back-porch vibe that gets everyone up and dancing, and smiling from ear to ear. Kids love the energy and Rymer’s magnetic, good-times-guy charm, and the band’s musicianship is something even the most discerning music-loving parent can appreciate. Brady Rymer toured and recorded with RCA's From Good Homes for thirteen years - sharing the stage with the likes of Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, and the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir - before parenthood expanded the scope of his music to include young and old alike. Brady’s five albums of family music and live performances have been enthusiastically praised by critics across the country; along with a GRAMMY nomination, he has collected thirteen national awards, including the prestigious Parents' Choice Gold and NAPPA Gold Awards. His songs "Road Trip" and "Jump Up (It's A Good Day)" are in heavy rotation on XMKids radio. The L.A. Daily News praised Brady’s “superbly written songs … an exceptional, toe-tapping collection of music,” while USA Today termed Rymer's style "genuine roots rock for kids." The New York Times reported "Rymer's music has a rock 'n' roll heart.” The Staten Island Advance enthused that Rymer’s “rock-inspired lyrics have a real generation-spanning appeal … he’s got a magical quality about him in the way he connects to his listeners,” and the Washington Post sums it up: "When it comes to entertaining kids, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could definitely can!”

www.bradyrymer.com

Recess Monkey - Saturday, Jam Stage
Having met on the faculty of the famed University Child Development School in Seattle, WA, the trio (vocalist/guitarist Andrew "Drew" Holloway, drummer/percussionist Daron "The Dancing Bear" Henry, and bassist/pianist Jack Forman) formed their band Recess Monkey while punching the clock as kindergarten teachers. Striking a balance between goofy and cerebral, Recess Monkey calls on its audience to evolve along with them from the age of the (purple) dinosaur to a new era of growth and development. From their original hit "Math Vitamin" to class-inspired songs like "Messy Monday" and "Can You Build a Bridge" to the "rock-pop opera" music on 'Wonderstuff,' Recess Monkey offers tunes about topics as far-ranging as putting on socks and dealing with frustration- good and important lessons all. In a further effort to connect with their audiences, Recess Monkey not only invites kids to sing along but often brings them into the studio, encouraging them to interact and even inspire the band's musical creations. By popular demand, 'Welcome to Monkey Town' (2005) was followed in 2006 by 'Aminal House' (not a typo) and last year's ambitious double CD release, 'Wonderstuff.' Now the boys are preparing to release their newest album, 'Tabby Road.'

www.recessmonkeytown.com

The Doo Dads - Satuday, Jam Stage & Sunday, Jiggle Stage
Four friends and veterans of the Kansas City music scene embarked on a new chapter of their musical careers in 2002 and founded The Doo-Dads, a kid-cool rock 'n' roll band. The have since released three CDs and made appearances all over town! The band brings its high-energy live show, with all the fun and excitement of a rock concert experience, to kids of all ages. The Doo-Dads perform at festivals, theatres, schools and a variety of community and private events both locally and across the country.

www.thedoodads.com

Sugar Free Allstars - Saturday, Jiggle Stage
Imagine that Deep Purple and Sly and the Family Stone had a love child that grew up in New Orleans listening to Ray Charles, Black Sabbath and Booker T. That love child would be the Sugar Free Allstars . Due to their various musical influences and unusual instrumentation, this funky organ/drum duo is tricky to classify. The music is a unique blend of New Orleans funk, Memphis soul and Hammond organ-drenched gospel all wrapped up in a rock and roll package. Add to the mix a touch of pop songwriting sensibilities and a high-energy live show and you've got the Sugar Free Allstars. Sugar Free Allstars have hit the road hard and are expanding their fan base with every show. Calling Oklahoma City home, the band frequents the Central states including the Rocky Mountains. Music from Sugar Free Allstars' second and third studio releases, Dos Machos and Return of Dos Machos , has appeared in episodes of PBS' "Roadtrip Nation" and both albums have spent time on the Jambands.com top 30 radio charts. SFA's most recent release and first kid's album, Dos Ninos , has received favorable reviews by national children's music reviewers such as Warren Truitt of the New York Public Library, Stefan Shepherd of "Zooglobble", and Fred Koch of "Chicago Parent" magazine. The album has also made it into Fids and Kamily's top 15 "Best Music of 2007 for Kids and Families" awards list.

www.sugarfreeallstars.com

The La-La's - Saturday, Jiggle Stage
Singing together since the fourth grade, longtime friends Jill Simpson and Whitney Coulson wanted to bring a fun new style of music and harmonies to the kid's music scene. Thus, this mommy duo created the La La's! Pulling from her background as a preschool music teacher, a degree in child and family development and working in radio and television, Jill started writing kid's music with a positive message. Complimenting these talents, Whitney's background includes 10 years in Chicago as a professional actress and singer performing in theater as well as doing film and commercial work. She returned home to start a family with her husband, Scott, and currently directs school plays and musicals at St. James Academy in Lenexa, KS.

www.thelalasmusic.com

Justin Roberts & The Not Ready For Naptime Players - Saturday, Jam Stage
Justin Roberts is truly one of the all-stars of the indie family music scene. He logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children's show business. With national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin and his wonderfully named bandmates “The Not Ready for Naptime Players” dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents. Justin’s latest CD, Pop Fly, is filled with eleven highenergy pop hits spanning topics from a dandelion watching ballplayer to a girl’s unusual hairstyle in which funky characters of all shapes and sizes take up residence. There are images of permission slips, first days, and grandmother’s home cooking. Gently plucked piano strings, vintage synthesizers, tender trombones, pounding drums, and giant electric guitars emerge on this journey through the pop flies and pratfalls of childhood. It’s yet another Justin Roberts home run filled with witty lyrics, sing-along choruses and touching insights. It continues a hot streak that started in the early 90s.

www.justinrobertsmusic.com

Trout Fishing in America - Sunday, Jam Stage
Trout Fishing in America is the long-standing musical partnership of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet. Their infectious mix of folk/pop and family music is tempered by the diverse influences of reggae, Latin, blues, jazz and classical music. TFIA recordings have garnered three National Indie Awards and multiple Parents Choice Gold and American Library Awards, as well as three Grammy nominations. Sharing knowledge and encouraging art has become another musical mission of TFIA. They have developed a variety of song writing workshops for teachers and students that illustrate how art and music come from the fabric of everyday life. Their willingness to make fun of our most annoying and sometimes disgusting habits in one song then touch hearts with tender and passionate images of family life in the next is what makes the connection between TFIA and their audience so real.

www.troutmusic.com

Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove & The Hiccups - Saturday & Sunday, Jam Stage
Award-winning kid-rocker Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove has delighted audiences throughout the U.S. and Europe, including two performances at The White House. Cosgrove is a Kansas City-based singer/composer known among the elementary set as "Mr. Stinky Feet," due to the popularity of his CD award-winning CD, Stinky Feet. His music has earned three national Parents' Choice Recommended Awards, a National Parenting Publications Award, and a Kids Radio Mania Award. His approachable style and ability to immediately connect with children has made him a cool favorite on the concert tour circuit, especially with parents, who appreciate his educational, interactive, and high-energy shows. The former newspaper journalist and corporate publicist has become a hero to some for his courage to leave the security of a traditional career to follow his passion and discover his true purpose in life.

www.mrstinkyfeet.com

Dino O'Dell & the Veloci-Rappers - Saturday, Jam Stage & Sunday, Jiggle Stage
With an acoustic guitar, a box full of musical instruments and a wealth of stories, Dino O'Dell has been entertaining children in daycares, parking lots, bookstores, churches, living rooms, theaters, and elementary schools for over 10 years. Performances include such hits as "Zar," "Itty Bitty Monsters," "The Peanut Butter Pond," "The Pizza Polka," "Worms - They Really Hit the Spot" and "I Go Bananas for Bananas." It's a celebration of cultures; from Jamaican Reggae to Ska to British Punk to German Polka and Waltz to American Rock 'n' Roll.

www.dinoodell.com

Funky Mama - Sunday, Jiggle Stage
Krista "Funky Mama" Eyler is an energetic, guitar-playin' and sweet-singin' mom who left the TV news business to be with her son full-time at home and write funky songs for children. She was an on-air reporter with KMBC-TV Channel 9 (going by her maiden name, Krista Tatschl) and is currently a part-time preschool music teacher. Funky Mama has performed regularly in theatre productions in and around the Kansas City area for years and also sings professionally with the Dickens Carolers. Funky Mama blends rock n' roll, bluegrass, country gospel, funk, and fun on her high-energy albums.

www.funkymamamusic.com

Soundz Of Africa - Sunday, Jiggle Stage
With the Soundz of Africa, exciting rhythms and exhilarating dances transport you to the setting of an African village. Celebrate a baby-naming ceremony, watch a dance honoring a king or queen, listen to music honoring the achievements of a hunter or experience a harvest dance. Hear the thunderous djunjun drum and the powerful djembe drum from Mali and Senegal. Explore the meaning of African music and how it not only conveys history, but also reinforces important moral and social values.

www.traditionalmusicsociety.org

StoneLion Puppet Theatre - Saturday, Jiggle Stage
Using multiple styles of puppetry, including marionettes, masks, shadow, mouth, and rod puppets, StoneLion Puppet Theatre brings the magic of world-class puppet shows to you. The shows are fresh, original and educational and have been presented throughout the United States. StoneLion is a Smithsonian Institute touring performer, on the Missouri Arts Council Touring Roster, and a member of UNIMA International and The Puppeteers of America.

www.stonelionpuppets.org

Bongo Barry - Saturday Jiggle Stage
What started with pots and pans in the family kitchen has evolved into a passion for Barry Bernstein, MT-BC.

A registered music therapist, Bernstein is a wealth of knowledge about the healing and motivational power of rhythm. As a music therapist he has developed programs and presented papers on the use of music therapy to treat a number of mental and physical disorders. His clinical experience, as well as his years as a performing artist provide the perfect mix for an informative and entertaining show.

www.healthysounds.com

The Jazz Storytellers - Saturday, Jiggle Stage
The Jazz Storytellers expose children to the sights, sounds and instruments that create jazz music. With their blend of skits, interactive activities, storytelling and music, the Jazz Storytellers delight kids from 0 - 100.

The group is comprised of professional jazz musicians Michael Warren (drums), Tyrone Clark (bass), Lisa Henry (vocals), and premier storyteller, Brother John.

Let the Jazz Storytellers move, groove, thrill and delight you.

Falcon Punch
Falcon Punch started in the summer of 2008 for fun. FP Guitarist Katherine Borderud called up classmates Chris Salavitch (keys), Anisha Patel (Lead Vocals), and Katelyn Cavaleri (drums). They started out practicing on unplugged electric guitars, plastic drum machines, and hairbrushes for mics. Katherine and Chris co-wrote their first hit single “Promise Me” and instantly knew they FP could be something. But the band was still missing something, so the band decided to ask classmate Sloan Cloke (bass guitar) to jump on board. Soon, the band was complete, and they found their sound as the bass-pumpin’, crowd-rockin’, electropop rock explosion that is Falcon Punch. All five band members are currently Juniors at Lansing High School in Lansing Kansas, and their influences are bands like 'Paramore' and 'The Cab'. Falcon Punch will be recording a demo EP album this summer, in hopes of record labels, and rocking the world!

myspace.com/falconpunchmusic

Richard Renner The Vodvill Klown
Actor, Juggler, Orangutan, Poet and Fool all describe Richard Renner as performs his special brand of humor. Whether juggling, unicycling, ropewalking, or creating a zany improvisation, riding in the Recycle cycle or operating Gizmo the Robot, Richard performs with unbounded energy and skill. He has spent years and a small fortune studying with such teachers as Marcel Marceau - the French mime master, Yuri Belov - a famous Russian clown, and Avner the Eccentric - the famous New Vaudevillian. He is comfortable entertaining a crowd of on or one thousand in any setting. Whether roving or on stage he creates an excitement and visual spectacle hard to forget. All together his performances are marked with laughter, smiles and participation as he uses all he has learned to make us laugh and discover the love of laughter in us all.