Laurie Berkner Announces New Live Streaming Concert Info

Courtesy: Waldmania PR

Family entertainer Laurie Berkner will hold another special live streaming concert next month.

Berkner is scheduled to hold what she has dubbed her Pajama Party Family Concert at noon ET on Sept. 20.  The concert will stream live through Berkner’s official Facebook page.

Berkner said in a prepared statement, she is looking forward to the ticketed performance.

“I am so excited to be coming back with my third Virtual Family Concert!” said Berkner. “We have already started building our own pillow and blanket fort for the set of our Pajama Party, and I’m really looking forward to all of the singing and games we’ll be playing together. I’m also so grateful to all of the many fans who are supporting me as an artist by attending these events. And I can’t wait to do an entire show in my pajamas!”

The forthcoming concert will feature an interactive pre-show scavenger hunt and craft activity.  A special, ticketed pre-show meet-and-greet is also part of the overall event.  Tickets for the meet-and-greet are available along with general admission here.  General admission tickets include admission to the concert for the whole family on one device, as well as a pre-show “welcome” video.

The details for the meet-and-greet are noted below.

– Two-Minute Virtual 1-on-1 Private Meet & Greet with Laurie Berkner after the show. Participants will be called directly when it is their turn.
– Virtual Photo Opportunity with Laurie Berkner.
– Recording of video session emailed to ticket holder 3 days post-event.
– Opportunity for parents to chat with fellow families in the Virtual Waiting Room while awaiting their turn in line.
– Live tech support.

In related news, Berkner is scheduled to hold her next “Music in the Classroom” seminar Thursday.  Music in the “Classroom” 2 is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 27 live on Berkner’s official Facebook page. The free one-hour session will offer information about the use of music in education for parents, educators, caregivers, therapists and librarians.

The bulk of Berkner’s seminar — approximately 40-50 minutes — will be devoted to addressing virtual teachers and in-person caregivers.  A 10-minute question and answer session will immediately follow.

Berkner held her first Music in the “Classroom” session May 13.  That session was also hosted through her official Facebook page.

More information on Berkner’s upcoming session is available online along with all of her latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.laurieberkner.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurieBerkner

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Laurie Berkner Announces Details For Second ‘Music In The “Classroom”‘ Seminar

Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton

Family entertainer Laurie Berkner will hold her next Music in the “Classroom” seminar next month.

Music in the “Classroom” 2 is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 27 live on Berkner’s official Facebook page. The free one-hour session will offer information about the use of music in education for parents, educators, caregivers, therapists and librarians.

Berkner said in a prepared statement, she hopes the seminar will help all involved as the new school year begins.

“This fall, teachers and caregivers are entering a new landscape of having to provide at-home teaching or using blended learning models to share music with kids,” said Berkner. “I know they want to provide the most supportive experiences, but there’s no guidebook! So, I’m excited to share what I have learned from being a performer and educator – both in person and in virtual spaces – to try to make their jobs easier during this uncertain time.”

The bulk of Berkner’s seminar — approximately 40-50 minutes — will be devoted to addressing virtual teachers and in-person caregivers.  A 10-minute question and answer session will immediately follow.

Berkner held her first Music in the “Classroom” session May 13.  That session was also hosted through her official Facebook page.

More information on Berkner’s upcoming session is available online along with all of her latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.laurieberkner.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurieBerkner

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

Laurie Berkner Resumes Live Facebook Concerts

Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton

Family entertainer Laurie Berkner has resumed her “Berkner Break” concerts.

Berkner is holding her free concerts at 11 a.m. ET most Mondays and Fridays through her official Facebook page.  The half-hour shows feature Berkner performing her own songs, telling stories and presenting activities that get families moving while having fun.

Additionally, Berkner has announced that once a month, she will hold a free Facebook Live birthday celebration for children whose birthdays are in the given month.  The free events are scheduled to start Aug. 21 and to run through Dec. 18.  The performance schedule is noted below.

 

Friday, August 21
Monday, September 14
Friday, October 16
Friday, November 20
Friday, December 18

 

In related news, Berkner will take one week off before and after each of her upcoming full-length virtual family concerts beginning with her scheduled Aug. 9 “Dinosaur Beach Party” concert.  The full schedule for the ticketed full-length concerts is available here.

More information on Berkner’s upcoming concert is available online along with all of her latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.laurieberkner.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurieBerkner

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Laurie Berkner Announces Date, Details For Upcoming Virtual Concert

Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton

Family entertainer Laurie Berkner will hold a special live, interactive streaming concert next month.

Berkner announced Thursday, she will host a “Dinosaur Beach Party” Aug. 9.  The streaming event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET that evening.  She will take families to a virtual beach with lights, camera and paleolithic action.

The online concert will feature her fan (and family) favorite ‘We Are The Dinosaurs,’ as well as other favorites, such as ‘Party Day,’ ‘Mahalo’ and ‘Like A Seashell.’  Children and their parents are encouraged to bring their own instruments, beach towels and animals for their heads during the concert.

Berker said during a recent interview, the success of her recent Father’s Day concert, held June 21, played in to the decision to hold the upcoming concert.

“I am absolutely thrilled with how successful our first Virtual Family Concert was, and I can’t wait to have a Dinosaur Beach Party with my fans!,” she said.  “I’ll be singing my hits – plus some new songs – and we’ll have plenty of surprises at the show!”

Along with the songs, Berkner’s upcoming show will also feature a craft activity in the virtual lobby ahead of the concert.

Tickets and VIP packages for the virtual concert are available here.at a cost of $20.  Meet-and-greet packages are $80.  Each family ticket for the concert comes with access to the concert for one device and a “welcome” video from Berkner.

Regular tickets must be bought before buying the meet-and-greet VIP add-ons.  A limited number of those VIP packages is available.  They include the following:

 

– Two-Minute Virtual 1-on-1 Private Meet & Greet with Laurie Berkner after the show between 6:15-8:00 p.m. ET. Participants will be called directly when it is their turn. (Laurie will do her best to get East Coast families in early to respect bedtimes!)
– Virtual Photo Opportunity with Laurie Berkner.
– Recording of video session emailed to ticket holder 3 days post-event.
– Opportunity for parents to chat with fellow families in the Virtual Waiting Room while awaiting their turn in line.
– Live tech support.

 

More information on Berkner’s upcoming concert is available online along with all of her latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.laurieberkner.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurieBerkner

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Laurie Berkner To Celebrate Father’s Day With Live Streaming Concert

Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton

Family entertainer Laurie Berkner will hold a special live concert to help families celebrate Father’s Day.

Berkne is scheduled to perform live at 6 pm EST on June 21.  The ticketed streaming concert is an interactive event for the entire family.  It will take place live on Berkner’s official website.

Berkner said in a recent interview, she is looking forward to holding the performance.

“I am SO excited for this virtual concert,” she said. “It has been really hard not being able to tour – it’s actually the longest I’ve gone without performing a live, in-person show since my daughter was born 15 years ago! I can’t wait to be able to bring this experience of a live concert to families watching from home, with some added fun that we can have because it’s a virtual show. It feels amazing to be able to do something joyous together during this difficult time.”

Family “tickets” cost $20 while Meet & Greet packages cost $80.  Meet & Greet packages feature the following exclusives:

 

– Two-Minute Virtual 1-on-1 Private Meet & Greet with Laurie Berkner after the show between 7:15-9:00pm ET. Participants will be called directly when it is their turn. (Laurie will do her best to get East Coast families in early to respect bedtimes!)
– Virtual Photo Opportunity with Laurie Berkner.
– Recording of video session emailed to ticket holder 3 days post-event.
– Opportunity for parents to chat with fellow families in the Virtual Waiting Room while awaiting their turn in line.
– Live tech support.

 

Among the songs expected for inclusion in the concert’s set list are works, such as ‘I Love You Daddy,’ ‘Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)’ and ‘Victor Vito.’  Families are encouraged to take part in the event by making their own capes, instruments (or noisemakers) and by dancing together to the music.

The Laurie Berkner Band bassist Brad Rymer will join her for a special performance of ‘There’s a Hole in The Bucket.’  Along with performing and recording with Berkner, Rymer is also a member of the jam band From Good Homes.

More information on Berkner’s upcoming concert is available online along with all of her latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.laurieberkner.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurieBerkner

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

 

Laurie Berkner To Hold Special Seminar Tonight For Parents, Teachers, Librarians

Courtesy: Waldmania PR

Family music entertainer Laurie Berkner is doing her part to help parents, teachers and librarians educate America’s youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Berkner will hold a free live streaming  seminar at 6:30 p.m. ET tonight on her official Facebook page.  The hour-long seminar, titled “Music in the “Classroom,” will offer tips for how her music can be used to educational play and for structured learning in the home.

The presentation will focus on six of Berkner’s songs and how they can be used to encourage children to use their voices, bodies, percussion and props to engage children in lessons about melody and rhythm.  The session will also feature a discussion on development of fine motor skills, through movement and finger play.

A free Q&A session will follow Berkner’s presentation.

Berkner talked about her inspiration for holding the session during a recent interview.

“The country may or may not start opening up soon, but most kids and teachers are not going back to school,” she said. “I want them all to know that we have not forgotten about them and that I am still here to provide support. I’m excited to share the way I think about using music for kids with all the teachers and parents who are having to provide at-home learning.”

Along with holding her special educational session tonight, Berkner is holding live performances at 10 a.m. daily through her official Facebook page.

Additionally, she has created a 50-minute “Educational Music Videos” compilation on her official YouTube channel.

More information on Berkner’s upcoming session tonight is available online along with all of her latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.laurieberkner.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurieBerknerBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurieBerkner

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra’s New Family Music Album “Directs” The Way In This Year’s Top Family Music Albums List

Courtesy: Blue Engine Records/Jazz AT Lincoln Center

Family Music, otherwise known to most audiences as children’s music, is one of the most underrated genres in the musical universe.  The genre often-times gets a very bad reputation due to stereotypes created by audiences who are less educated than others about said genre.  Those who are more educated know that the world of Family Music offers perhaps more variety and originality than any mainstream genre.  The variety of albums released in this year’s field of Family Music albums clearly supports that statement.  From the Lincoln Center Orchestra performing its own surprisingly enjoyable takes on classic children’s songs, to the distinct presentation of Paul Winter Consort to even a Backstreet Boy’s own unique Family Music debut, this year’s field of new Family Music records has proven once again that said genre deserves far more respect than it gets.  That is why Phil’s Picks does its best each year to delve into that genre.

The Lincoln Center Orchestra tops this year’s list of new Family Music albums with its new recording Jazz For Kids.  It is just one of the interesting releases this year that the whole family will enjoy.  The Paul Winter Consort’s latest album can be considered not only Family Music, but possibly even World Music in its own right.  Former Backstreet Boy Howie D. offered one more of the year’s biggest surprises with his debut Family Music album, making it worthy in its own right on addition to this year’s list of top new Family Music albums.  It is joined by many others.  In fact, the list features the 10 top new Family Music albums along with five honorable mentions for a total of 15 titles.  noting again the variety of content featured across the Family Music genre, it made arranging this list anything but easy, but the final list here is that final choice.  Without any further ado here is this year’s Phil’s Picks Top 10 Family Music Albums.

 

PHIL’ PICKS 2019 TOP 10 FAMILY MUSIC ALBUMS

1. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis — Jazz For Kids
2. Thank You, Mr. Rogers — Music & Memories
3. Diana Panton — A Cheerful Little Earful
4. Paul Winter Consort & Friends — Everybody Under The Sun: Voices of Solstice — Volume 1
5. The Shazzbots — Light Speed
6. Howie D. — Which One Am I?
7. Dog on Fleas — I’m An Optimist
8. Johnette Downing with Scott Billington — Swamp Romp
9. Moozika! — Moove to the Mouzika
10. Sharon & Bram: Sharon & Bram and Friends
11. Parker & Alexander — All Of Us: Bible Songs For Everyone
12. Jesse Jukebox — Awesome
13. The Laurie Berkner Band — Waiting for the Elevator
14. Camille Harris — Baby on the Subway
15. Again Again — Listen Love Repeat

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Jazzy Ash “Swings” Her Way To The Top Of Phil’s Picks’ 2017 top New Family Music Albums List

Courtesy: Leaping Lizards Music

Children’s music, this critic has noted time and time again, is one of the most underrated genres of the vast musical universe.  To this day, so many people still have the belief that children’s music is cutesy pre-school level material that will only appeal to its young target audiences.  The reality of children’s music is that while some of that music does appeal mainly to younger listeners, just as much of it will appeal to older audiences, too.  The bluegrass sounds of the Okee Dokee Brothers, the hip-hop vibes of Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, and even the light jazz arrangements of Diana Panton prove that there is just as much music out there that will appeal just as much to adults as it will to children.  That being the case, this critic is hereby proposing that the music industry eliminate the term “Children’s Music” from here on out and replace it with the term “Family Music.”  Now with that in mind, this critic has been focusing quietly a handful of Family Music albums yet again this year, and this year’s list has some interesting new additions that will indeed appeal to the whole family including the list’s topper, Swing Set, from veteran Family Music entertainer Jazzy Ash.

Also included in this year’s list of new Family Music offerings is the soundtrack to the Junie B. Jones stage play, Dolly Parton’s (yes, Dolly Parton) I Believe In You, Danny Weinkauf & The Red Pants Band’s Totally Osome! and so many other offerings.  As always, this critic’s list includes the top 10 New albums plus five additional honorable mention titles for a total of 15 records.  Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks 2017 Top 10 New Family Music Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2017 TOP 10 NEW FAMILY MUSIC ALBUMS

1. Jazzy Ash — Swing Set
2. Ladysmith Black Mambazo — Songs of Peace & Love for Parents & Kids Around The World
3. Putumayo Presents — Cuban Playground
4. Putomayo Presents — Italian Playground
5. Junie B. Jones: The Cast Album
6. Mr. Dave — Feeling Good
7. Mister G. — Green World
8. Danny Weinkauff & The Red Pants Band — Totally Osome!
9. Paper Canoe Co. — Beanstalk Jack
10. Dolly Parton — I Believe In You
11. Twinkle — Just Dance
12. Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights — Brooklyn Baby!
13. Hullabaloo — The Best of Hullabaloo
14. Laurie Berkner — The Dance Remixes
15. Dana Cohenour — Dana’s Best Jump & Jam Tunes

That’s it for this list, but not it for Phil’s Picks year-ender lists.  With this list out of the way, there are still lists of the year’s top new Jazz & Blues albums, rock, hard rock & metal albums, live recordings, albums of the year, and plenty of DVD/BD lists.  Since time is short in the year, Phil’s Picks will offer multiple lists each day in an effort to make it to the year’s end.  So stay tuned for all of that.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Danny Weinkauf Announces Release Date For Solo Family Debut

Courtesy: Idewild Records/Red Distribution

They Might Be Giants bassist Danny Weinkauf will release his debut solo family album this Spring.

No School Today will be released Tuesday, April 29^th via Idewild Records.  The sixteen-song album includes songs that cover a number of topics.  From topics as simple as spelling bees and the four food groups to more in-depth topics such as voting rights and a song about fellow musician Ben Folds, this album runs the gamut.  Weinkauf even follows up his hit song ‘I Am A Paleontologist’ (from They Might Be Giants Grammy-nominated album Here Comes Science) with a new song simply titled ‘Archaeology.’  Says Weinkauf of the song’s birth, “Several times after a Giants show, people would come up and tell me how much they liked my “Archaeology” song.They were confusing the title of ‘Paleontologist,’ but I decided to honor them by writing another song.”

Just as interesting an addition to Weinkauf’s new solo family album is a bonus track titled ‘The Kidney That Lived in Four People.’  The song is based on a true story.  It was written and recorded with guest Hank Green of the Vlog Brothers.

Green is just one of a handful of guests on No School Today.  He also included his own son Kai, daughter Lena, wife Michelle, and fellow family music star Laurie Berkner.  She joins Weinkauff on the song ‘Our Love Fits.’

No School Today was an entirely fan-funded album.  Weinkauff funded production of his album via Kickstarter.  There was such support for No School Today that Weinkauf had reached his support goal in only five days.  He ended the campaign with the album being 160% funded.  The albums’ release will be preceded with the release of a video for the song ‘Marsupial’ in early April.  More videos will be released around the album’s release date.

More information on No School Today is available online now at http://www.dannyweinkauf.com.  To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.