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June 2021
Roger the Jester
Roger the Jester keeps pretty mum on stage, but here are some words of his. “My work is constantly changing; every venue will elicit new material. Every performance is a debut, since my work is so improvisational…There are many events where I create something special just for that event… I recently was commissioned to perform at a wedding reception. I played an arrangement of the Beatles’ ‘All you need is Love’ on the tuba, trombone, pocket trumpet, baritone, melodica, boom whacker and cymbals… [But] I will continue to juggle, spin, throw and play with all sorts of objects. Don’t worry.”
Family Song Circle with the Children’s Music Network
with Nancy Hershatter, Stuart Stotts, Jackson Gillman, Kim Wallach, and Lydia Adams Davis
Nancy Hershatter is New York Metro Regional Coordinator for The Children’s Music Network. Since 1992, she has been teaching joyful, child-centered music classes in early childhood settings all over the tri-state area. musicandmovementct.com/
Jackson Gillman was a recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s 2020 Oracle Award. He incorporates participatory movement, mime and sign language in his songs and musical stories. jacksongillman.com
Stuart Stotts is an author, storyteller, educator, and songwriter. He’s sung with and performed for kids and families in schools, libraries, and community settings around the world since 1984. Stuart is a Kennedy Center teaching artist and a frequent presenter at educational events, keynoting conferences and leading workshops for early childhood and elementary school teachers, librarians, and social service professionals around the country. stuartstotts.com/
With original songs, traditional gems, hard-earned wisdom, an out-of-left—field sense of humor and instrumental skills on piano, guitar and banjo, Kim Wallach has performed both solo and with the short Sisters up and down the East Coast, in the Midwest, California, Texas and England, since 1978. Every concert and album is a smorgasbord of songs, stories, emotions and discoveries— come have a taste! kimwallach.com
Lydia Adams Davis brings fresh interpretations of Hudson River/Pete Seeger songs and poignant, often funny, originals to the Circle Of Song. A professional folk artist for 40 years, Lydia, a puppeteer and award-winning children’s artist, is an entertainer known to write songs on the spot. So hang out and be prepared to sing along with “Lake Erie”, “I am Snake” and other family favorites from her five albums! Lydia is a student of history. She is currently bringing Abigail Adams and Susan B Anthony to life through original conversations and traditional songs. LydiaAdamsDavis.com
Children’s Music Network is a group of artists, educators, and activists–performers, songwriters, classroom teachers, music educators, librarians, storytellers, record producers, distributors, broadcasters, parents, grandparents, and children. Diverse in age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and culture, they celebrate children’s music as a powerful means of encouraging cooperation, celebrating diversity, building self-esteem, promoting respect and responsibility for our environment, and cultivating an understanding of nonviolence and social justice. childrensmusic.org
Clapping & Singing with the Kora with Jali Bakary Konteh
For children and parents, elementary school and beyond. Clapping, swaying, and singing along with the Kora with Jali Bakary Konteh. Learn about the parts of the Kora too.
Forty-eight years ago, Alhaji Bai Konte brought the music of the kora (Mandinka harp) from Gambia to the U.S. This year, his grandsons (the word is used a little more loosely than usual) Great Gambian Griots, continue to carry on that tradition. Jali Bakary Konteh is an imaginative improviser who can support the tradition or blend traditional and modern instruments. Pa Bobo Jobarteh is a human rights activist whose songs were instrumental in the rarest of events in modern politics: a bloodless, democratic overthrow of a dictator. Fled for his life, returned a folk hero! africanculturalencounters.com
Heard
Heard is a collective of musicians who bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz, and improvisation together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for a decade, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and beyond. The core quintet: Jonathan Greene (woodwinds), Bobby Kendall (bass), Brian Melick (drums), Zorkie Nelson (percussion/vocals), Forsino Nelson (percussion and dance), and Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius (keyboard/vocals).