Rock & Roll into Summer with the School of Rock Summer Camps!

This summer, give your kids the chance to turn up the volume and enroll them in School of Rock Summer Music Camp!  The nationally acclaimed music program SCHOOL OF ROCK is offering their annual one and two-week summer rock music camps from June-August at participating locations including Austin, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte NC, Denver, Downingtown PA, NYC, Kansas City, Miami, San Diego, Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tenafly NJ and more.  Camp days and hours are Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:30pm.

Designed for kids ages 9-18 of all levels, students will to learn new skills and develop their musicianship in a fun, creative environment. The camps are a great introduction to the superb year-round performance program as well as a great way for kids who love playing music to spend the summer with their rockin’ peers! Parents can take advantage of an early enrollment discount if registered by April 2.

Some of the exciting elements of School of Rock Summer Music Camps include learning the nuts and bolts of live performance, lessons and clinics on the key instruments of rock (guitar, bass, vocals, drum and keyboard), and learning to perform together as a band.  At the conclusion of the camp, students will have the chance to show off their rock swagger by performing before an audience. 

Select schools will host specific songwriting and recording camps for students who want to immerse themselves in the creative and technical process behind songwriting and recording, working on both original and cover material. School of Rock camp instructors are all outstanding professional working musicians who share their valuable industry insight as well as help kids master all aspects of performance. 

About School of Rock:

School of Rock has been teaching kids how to amaze audiences for more than 10 years. We believe the best way to learn music is to play music. We get students from the lesson room to the stage, developing both their confidence and musician ship with programs designed for all skill levels. School of Rock operates 66 schools in 25 states and 1 internationally, with two new locations coming in early 2011 (Naperville, IL; Mokena, IL). We are expanding rapidly to meet the demands of kids who want to play music and parents who appreciate music education. With opportunities available nationwide, it’s an exciting to become a SoR Franchisee! For more information about School of Rock, please visit www.SchoolofRock.com.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

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CD Review - Ole & Play

About the CD
Isabella and Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures™ is an innovative Spanish language learning program for children in the Washington DC area that seeks to give students both linguistic and cultural fluency – providing them with advantages in our growing bilingual society. Founded by two accomplished Latina mothers who were looking for high-quality Spanish classes for their own young children, Isabella and Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures™ has grown into a dedicated team of language teaching professionals who have created a dynamic and effective curriculum - immersing children in high-caliber Spanish, while learning about the art, literature, music and culture of Spain and Latin America.

Upon entering the language program, every student is taught La Canción de Isabel and Fernando (“The Isabella & Ferdinand Song"). Produced by GRAMMY & Multiple LATIN GRAMMY award winner Andres Castro (music director for Latin superstar Carlos Vives) and sung by Latin Grammy-nominated Colombian vocalist Adriana Lucia, the song details the joys of learning Spanish, reinforces the ability to count to 10 and encourages students to write “like Gabriel García Márquez". Inspired by the high demand from families seeking copies of this theme and other original songs composed for Isabella & Ferdinand by its gifted music director, Fran Revert, the school has created the special children’s album “Olé and Play! Songs from Isabella and Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures.”

In order to share this wonderful teaching tool with parents and educators nationwide who are looking to further the bilingual interest and ability of their children, the thirteen-track “Olé and Play!” album will be released digitally on Tuesday, April 19th in advance celebration of Cervantes Day (April 23rd – the birthday of Miguel de Cervantes). Akin to the impact of Shakespeare on English, or Dante on Italian, the famed Spanish novelist/poet/playwright’s influence is so strong that Spanish is often referred to as la lengua de Cervantes (“the language of Cervantes”).

In addition to the participation of Andres Castro and Adriana Lucia, “Olé and Play!” sees several other prominent young talents performing alongside the students of Isabella & Ferdinand. A certain standout is Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno. The Guatemalan-born artist won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2006 and has had songs featured on television shows such as CBS’ "The Ghost Whisperer,” ABC's "Lincoln Heights," MTV's "The Hills" and multiple programs on Nickelodeon. Moreno’s current Emmy nomination honors her composition of the theme song for NBC's "Parks and Recreation". Multiple songs on the album also feature Carlos Barroso from Madrid – first prize winner at the city’s Teen Pop festival and famed Festival de Benidorm. In keeping with the celebration of Cervantes Day, the school produced the special feature track "Don Quijote" with both Gaby Moreno and Carlos Barroso joining Isabella & Ferdinand students in an ode to the classic novel. Look for the YouTube video shortly. Visit Isabella & Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures at: http://www.isabellaandferdinand.com/
 

 
My Take on the CDThis CD was an amazing multi-cultural experience! My wife taught elementary spanish for many years so I am always a huge advocate for immersion of children early in learning of a foreign language. I loved the idea of this foreign language center and the CD itself. In listening to this CD, I have to say that it is a fun, light, toe-tapping adventure. Even if you do not speak spanish (yet) this CD will come to a better appreciation for the language and the music!

I loved the fact that (as you might notice in the video above) in the making of this CD, they utilized kids from the language school as well as professional artists. This partnership allows the listener to again hear the amazing power of being multi-lingual!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Mandisa releases new album "What if We Were Real"

About the CD
GRAMMY® nominee and American Idol Alum Mandisa has reached her goal of shedding an incredible 100 pounds, and five years to the day she left American Idol, April 5th, will unveil her third recording,  What If We Were Real.

The news of Mandisa’s weight loss arrived this week as her first single, “Stronger,” was released to digital retailers. To purchase the single, visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stronger-single/id416340994. Inspired by the belief that surviving hardship makes us more resilient, the tune sums up the past year of Mandisa’s life.

 "I can't think of a better time to have finally lost 100lbs," Mandisa remarked this week. "How appropriate that on the day my single "Stronger" is released, proclaiming that God is able to take us through the difficult times and bring us out stronger, He gives me a physical manifestation of that truth!"

With a goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Mandisa hired her own trainer and worked diligently to keep a very healthy diet to drop the pounds, learning how to cook and get creative on the road, where healthy meals aren't always easy to come by.

Immediately after weighing in, Mandisa went to her 23,000 plus Twitter followers to share the news. Her update caused such commotion on Twitter that the GRAMMY ® nominee was a trending topic in Nashville as The View’s Sherri Shepherd and others took to their Twitter accounts to send their congratulations. The support and feedback from Mandisa’s Twitter following was also among the inspiration for her new album, What If We Were Real. Recalling a moment where she bared her soul on Twitter, Mandisa said, “I had gained weight and was so frustrated at that moment that I said so on Twitter. I said, ‘I’m fed-up and over it.’ I was feeling embarrassed and ashamed. I realized that I had only talked about how great things were. I never let people in when they were not. It was then that I decided I’d talk about the bad things too—that I’d be real.”

Marked by its honesty and authenticity, What If We Were Real is a welcomed addition in the line up from Mandisa whose previous studio albums have conquered exploration of inner grace and personal emancipation. The 11 songs of joy, struggle, worship and redemption encourage shining the light on who we really are, including both the good and the bad. What If We Were Real was produced from a trio of talent including Chris Stevens (Carrie Underwood), Dan Muckala (Amy Grant) and Chance Scoggins (Natalie Grant).

My Take on the CD
This CD just jumps out of the radio from start to finish. With an amazing, powerful voice Mandisa is a testament to living the life that we all want to spiritually. I was also very impressed by the lyrics and the story behind the CD and how hard she worked to get this CD off and into our hands. She is a great role model for young girls to look up to!

With songs like "Stronger" and " The Truth About Me" Mandisa bears her soul to the listener and allows you to understand that even in the toughest times God is still there supporting us!

"Good Morning" is one of my favorite songs. I have enjoyed Toby Mac in the past and this duet was perfectly matched.

Overall, this is a great new album, but more than that, it is a great addition to Christian Contemporary Music today. The messages shared in this album are so important for all to hear! Go and check it out today!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 

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CD Review - Silly Dilly Band - Come Out and Play

About the Band

The Silly Dilly Band’s new CD, Come Out and Play fits the bill. The band nicely combines a variety of instruments into an appealing and upbeat rock band sound.  The lyrics don’t try to teach lessons on morals or politics, which is refreshing for a change – the message seems to be let’s just enjoy the music and, perhaps, introduce the kids to a few new musical styles.

The CD begins with the upbeat title track Come Out and Play which immediately brightens the mood gets the kids dancing. The mood continues with The Happy Train with only a mild dissonance reminiscent of the train whistle. The traditional Oh Suzanna is a fun version of this perennial kids’ favorite and Robot Dance and will grab the ear of every six-year-old.  We can hope that an introduction to the blues in Tummy Ache Blues will encourage children to be open to something other than the most recently marketed pop stars. Wuz’n Me is a kids’ favorite and the minor sound is a nice break from all of the upbeat songs. Be warned though, you will be humming this one for a long time.  The happy reggae style of Swim, Swim, Swim is likely to appeal to younger children. The Driving Song, our least favorite, delivers a level of repetition that, while appealing to the little ones, can wear on mama’s nerves

The order of the cd is well planned and concludes with Times for Dreamland and Yes You Can, two tunes that will help to calm your dancing, crazy, kids down and give them a chance to catch their breath.

The Silly Dilly Band’s Come Out and Play is a welcome addition to a family’s CD collection.  Danielle Moore is a concert violinist turned full time mom who now devotes her time to homeschooling her two oldest kids while chasing her toddler.  She uses her extensive musical background to make the kids practice piano and appreciate Bach and Beethoven. 

Instrumentation Melissa Biffer - Lead Vocals
Apryl Green - Lead Vocals and Flute
Dennis Guiney - Vocals, Rhythm and Lead Guitar
Kelly Reis - keyboards
Claudio Galinski - Drums
Brian Duggan - Bass Guitar
Emma Biffer - Back - Up Vocals

My Take on the CDMy kids are music aficionados and they tend to be quite choosy on the music that they listen to and that they enjoy. They are always looking for music that they can dance to and that they will remember no matter how few times they listen to it, and this CD fits the bill on both fronts.

Whenever we put this CD on the girls start spinning around like whirling dervishes, dancing themselves around until they fall over.

The songs are also very catchy (in a good way) and are ones that have great lyrics that you would not mind your kids singing along with. All-in-all this is a great album, one that I would recommend to any parent!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews? Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

CD Review - Rebecca St. James: I Will Praise You

About the CD 
Rebecca St. James charts yet another new course with I Will Praise You, a new collection of worship songs she terms “ her most personal recording to date.” From the opening notes of track one, listeners are offered a welcoming connection with Rebecca’s recognizably authentic vocal warmth and delivery.

More than anything, I Will Praise You represents the latest steps in Rebecca’s life long journey towards the presence of God.

My Take on the CD
I have been a fan of Rebecca St. James for some time so I was excited to get her new album, I Will Praise You, to review. This CD was amazing and uplifting as most of the CD's that Rebecca has had in the past. Some of the songs were ones that I had heard others sing in the past, but as is true of the artist in the past, even if she is covering a song, she still brings her own flair to the song itself.

Rebecca St. James' voice is clear and full of passion, which is one of the main reasons that I have continued to follow her music.

After listening once to this CD, I know that it will definitely be one that you will continue to find in my CD player as I listen to it over and over. The reason that I say this is that I am amazed to find that each time I listen to the song I feel renewed, and this is not something I can say of all CD's that I own!

A Great CD and one that I would highly recommend.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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WINNIE THE POOH -- Zooey Deschanel Hits the Hundred Acre Wood!

ZOOEY DESCHANEL HITS THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD

              

Actress/Musician/Singer/Songwriter Zooey Deschanel Performs Three Songs for the Philosophical Bear’s New Big-Screen Endeavor

BURBANK, Calif. (March 31, 2011) – He’s a bear of very little brain. She’s half of the acclaimed band She & Him. This year, they come together on the big screen in “Winnie the Pooh,” which hits theatres on July 15, 2011. Actress/Musician/Singer/Songwriter Zooey Deschanel (“Almost Famous,” “(500) Days of Summer”) joins Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, performing three songs for the film, including her own take on the classic “Winnie the Pooh” theme song, “A Very Important Thing to Do” and the original end-credit song “So Long,” which was written by Deschanel and performed with She & Him bandmate M. Ward.

“This has been one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had,” says Deschanel. “And I’ve just been thanking my lucky stars that I was able to work on this movie, because it’s delightful.”

Filmmakers were drawn to Deschanel’s signature style. “She was the perfect choice to do the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ song—a classic theme from the Sherman Brothers,” says director Don Hall. “Her music actually embodies the underlying spirit of the movie. We’re taking something that has vintage roots in the sixties, but spinning it in our own way and updating it. If you listen to Zooey’s music with She & Him—that’s their sound to a tee.”

Adds director Stephen Anderson, “It’s a perfect way to start the movie, letting the audience know right off the bat that this is Winnie the Pooh like you know him, but it’s something for today. We wanted to keep the same charm as the original, but give it a fresh spin, a contemporary feel, and she opens the movie with so much freshness, so much energy.”

“It’s always fun to have a contemporary artist rediscover a classic and that’s exactly what Zooey did,” says producer Peter Del Vecho. “She brought her own personality to the song—when she sings about introducing the individual characters, it’s as though she’s known them her whole life—and she has.”

“I’m a big fan of Winnie the Pooh and all his friends,” says Deschanel, who also plays the ukulele in the song. “It’s really hard to pick a favorite: Winnie the Pooh is so special, he loves honey and he’s just cool. Eeyore is amazing, I love Eeyore. And Piglet is so small. It’s really a four-way tie between Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger.”

Among the songs Deschanel performed for the film is “A Very Important Thing to Do”—a song that helps illustrate the contest the friends from the Hundred Acre Wood take on to find Eeyore a new tail. She also lent her voice to “Everything is Honey” and “Pooh’s Finale,” joining Jim Cummings (the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger), Tony Award®-winning songwriter Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q”) and other cast members. 

For the end-credit song, Deschanel teamed up with Ward to perform “So Long,” a song Deschanel wrote.  “When I was writing ‘So Long,’ I just held the images for the end credits in my mind,” she says. “I spent a number of days tinkering with ideas, melodies and chord progressions that I thought would fit the images, the new music being written and the original Sherman Brothers stuff-- but still be my own thing. The song definitely has its own feel, but also pays respect to the original.”

Deschanel plays piano for “So Long” and turned to the instrument when it came time to write the song. “I usually write on piano because that's the first instrument that I learned when I was a little kid,” she says. “All of my musical theory knowledge is in linear piano form.”

Her heart, however, is in the vocals. “I’m always thinking in terms of vocals, and arranging a fabric of vocals is the most exciting part. I love to sing backup parts—I always try to squeeze in as many as possible,” she says. “It’s fun; it’s my style.”

Deschanel’s songs, plus the Sherman Brothers classic and a host of original songs by Robert Lopez and wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“The Wonder Pets”), as well as original score from composer Henry Jackman (“The Da Vinci Code,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”), will be included on the “Winnie the Pooh” soundtrack (available Spring 2011 in select international markets, and in the U.S. on July 12, 2011) from Walt Disney Records.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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THE HELP GROUP AND MUSIC FOR AUTISM PRESENT SECOND CONCERT FEATURING BRAD ELLIS FROM THE HIT TV SERIES "GLEE"

The Help Group and Music for Autism are proud to present the second autism-friendly interactive concert designed for young people with autism and their families.  Brad Ellis and Friends will perform place at The Help Group Autism Center Theater on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 1:00pm and 3:00pm and is free of charge.

Brad Ellis is an American composer, musical director, orchestrator and jazz pianist. These days, Ellis is perhaps most visible as the quiet teacher/piano accompanist for the high school kids on Glee, the Fox television show for which he is part of the musical production team.

Music for Autism offers professionally performed, enriching musical experiences in an environment where individual differences are celebrated.  All shows include “concert time”, “conducting time” and “percussion time” with provided instruments.  Concertgoers will be free to leave their seats, to dance and explore the space.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Some great Easter Gifts!

Peter Cottontail wants to be the #1 Chief Easter Bunny and everyone in April Valley agrees...except for his archrival, evil Irontail. Hop along with Peter and his friends as they race through time celebrating all of your favorite holidays to deliver the most eggs...and save Easter for children everywhere!

Currently available for $9.98 SRP

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade (Petunia Rhubarb) is hunting for a way to help others. On a tip that the old town theater will be shut down, Marlee cooks up a plan to save the stage and make a difference through the power of musical theater. With a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit - “Up With Bunnies” is hatched! There’s only one thing missing – the star of the show!  When news spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle) is arriving to perform in her hometown church’s Easter service, Marlee gets worried.  Concerned about the competition, she schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee’s dreams – or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about?

Available March 8^th for $14.93 SRP

The Hosanna! CD includes ten all new easy-to-sing worship favorites made popular by some of today’s top worship artists – sung by beloved VeggieTales characters and kids just for kids! Amy Grant sings the title track, “Hosanna,” and lead vocalist Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, named Billboard’s No. 1 Top-selling Christian Band of 2010, lends his voice on the group’s No. 1 radio hit, “Who Am I.”  Also included are Veggie arrangements of Israel Houghton’s upbeat “Just Wanna Say,” Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone,”) Hillsong LIVE’s “Mighty To Save” and Brenton Brown’s “Everlasting God,” to name a few.

Available March 8^th for SRP $9.99

VeggieTales: Hosanna! Today’s Top Worship Songs for Kids! Track Listing

1. Mighty To Save
2. Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)
3. Hosanna
4. Everlasting God
5. Your Grace is Enough
6. Just Wanna Say
7. Your Name
8. Who Am I
9. Perfect Love
10. Lord You Are Good

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Madagascar Live Tour Coming to Detroit and 69 other Cities

DreamWorks Theatricals and Broadway Across America have partnered to launch “Madagascar Live,” DreamWorks Theatricals’ first-ever live family touring show. The production is expected to visit over 70 cities across the United States, including a stop at Detroit’s Fox Theatre from Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1. The brand new stage show aimed at family audiences stars the cast of popular characters from the beloved Madagascar film series, including Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and members of the madcap Madagascar crew, King Julien and the crafty Penguins.

Tickets ($15.50, $28.50, $38.50 and VIP $85.50) go on sale Friday, Feb. 25 at 10:00 a.m. and may be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Groups of 10 or more save, call (313) 471-3099. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.

“Madagascar Live” is sending one lucky family on the trip of a lifetime to see the show at New York City’s legendary Radio City Music Hall. By registering for a “Madagascar Live” passport for a chance to win at www.MADlive.com, the family will win airfare, hotel, a meet and greet with the “Madagascar Live” characters and a VIP backstage tour. Rules and restrictions can be found at www.madlive.com.

Widely successful across audiences of all ages, the original story will be brought to new life in the 90-minute stage show that will transport audience members from the Central Park Zoo to the wild of Madagascar. In addition to featuring everyone’s favorite characters, “Madagascar Live” takes the audience on an action packed adventure with imaginative set, costume and puppet design, magnificent singing and dancing and the hit song “Move It, Move” for an experience the entire family will enjoy.

“We are thrilled to have assembled such an exceptional crew of artists, storytellers and musicians to capture the adventure and humor of DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar movies in an inventive live entertainment experience for the whole family,” said Bill Damaschke, President of DreamWorks Theatricals. “We look forward to working alongside the talented team at Broadway Across America to bring the magical setting of Madagascar to life in fun and engaging ways that have never been done before.”

“We are tremendously excited about our new partnership with DreamWorks and look forward to creating an innovative and entertaining new live tour based on its popular Madagascar film series,” added John Gore, CEO, Broadway Across America. “The production’s creative team is top notch, and we look forward to bringing the humor, colorful visual style and heartfelt story of the original film to life on stage for audiences of all ages to enjoy.”

“Madagascar Live” is being directed by Gip Hoppe, director of “Dora the Explorer Live” who has worked with Broadway Across America and Nickelodeon on other family friendly live touring productions including: “Blue’s Clues Live,” “Dora’s Pirate Adventure” and “Go, Diego, Go Live!” Hoppe also wrote and directed the Broadway play “Jackie: An American Life” and is a founding member and co-artistic director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actor’s Theatre.

The show is being written by Kevin Del Aguila, who received a Drama Desk Award nomination as book writer of the Off-Broadway hit “Alter Boyz” and has also written the musical adaptations of the children’s books “Lilly’s Big Day” and “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.”

Tony Award-winner David Gallo, whose Broadway credits include “Memphis,” “Xanadu,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and whose touring show credits include “Dora The Explorer Live” and “Blue’s Clues Live,” serves as the show’s Scenic Designer.

The show will feature costume design by Tony Award-winning Gregg Barnes, whose Broadway credits include “Legally Blonde,” “Flower Drum Song,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and whose touring show credits include “Disney On Ice – Princess Classics,” “Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular,” “Winnie The Pooh” and Madison Square Garden’s “The Wizard of Oz.”

Joel Someillan and George Noriega are serving as the show’s composers and lyricists. Joel and George have worked with several popular artists including Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin and Mandy Moore and between them have amassed a collection of gold and platinum records and won multiple Grammys. They have also composed music for Nickelodeon’s “Dora the Explorer” and “Go, Diego, Go” television shows and the “Go, Diego, Go Live!” touring stage show.

For more information and on-sale dates for “Madagascar Live,” visit www.madlive.com.

Find “MADAGASCAR LIVE” on Facebook (www.facebook.com) by visiting:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madagascar-Live/156147897738163.

Madagascar Live 2011 Tour Dates (schedule subject to change)

February 18-20         Durham, NC             Durham Performing Arts Center

February 22-23         Toledo, OH             Stranahan Theater

February 25-27         Columbus, OH                   Palace Theatre

March 1-2                Peoria, IL                Peoria Civic Center

March 4-6                Louisville, KY           Palace Theatre

March 8-9                Kalamazoo, MI                  Miller Auditorium

March 11-13            Des Moines, IA        Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

March 16-20            Chicago, IL              Rosemont Theater

March 22-23            Saginaw, MI            Dow Theatre

March 25-27            Memphis, TN           Orpheum Theater

March 29-30            Indianapolis, IN        Murat Theater

April 1-3                  Minneapolis, MN       Orpheum Theatre

April 8-10                Providence, RI                   Providence Performing Arts Center

April 15-24               New York City, NY    Radio City Music Hall

April 26-27               Knoxville, TN           Tennessee Theatre

April 29 – May 1     Detroit, MI                Fox Theatre

May 3-4                  Appleton, WI           Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

May 6-8                  Wallingford, CT        Oakdale Theatre

May 11-15               Philadelphia, PA        Academy of Music

May 18-22               Washington, DC       Warner Theater

May 25-29               Toronto, ON            Sony Centre

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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CD Review - Shabbat Shaboom! With Mama Doni & The Mama Doni Band

About the CD
The inimitable Mama Doni brings her special brand of “funky music with a Jewish twist” to a new “Challah-Day” album, with the March 22 release of Shabbat Shaboom (Mama Doni Productions, $15, run time 42 minutes, all ages).

Doni Zasloff Thomas, aka Mama Doni, is the lead singer/songwriter in The Mama Doni Band.   Doni’s “wacky, Jewish indie-rock band for kids” won the Simcha Award for Inspiring Joy Through Music in competition with more than 100 bands from 15 different countries at the 2008 International Jewish Music Festival in Amsterdam.   Quirky, zany, offbeat, and unpredictable, The Mama Doni Band expands the horizons of traditional Jewish music with a contagious and unexpected blend of reggae, rock, disco, Latin, klezmer and “Jewgrass” – all woven together with a hip Jewish sensibility.

The original songs and stories on Shabbat Shaboom transport listeners to a place where the album’s warmly sincere pop-rock title track happily melds with a Gloria Estefan-meets-Fiddler on the Roof conga line tune, "Challah-Day,” where the reggae-influenced “Mazel Tov” meets a disco ditty, “Sabbath Queen.”  Shabbat Shaboom touches on such aspects as lighting candles, being with family (mishpocha), celebrating bat mitzvahs, and even the “workout” that Mama Doni mischievously terms "synagoguersizing."

Shabbat Shaboom marks the first Mama Doni CD to showcase the entire Mama Doni Band.  Says Doni, “Shabbat Shaboom is really an evolution for us.  It’s a little less shticky than my previous CDs.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s still fun!  But this album has a slightly different vibe.  It’s more sophisticated musically than my earlier work, a bit more soulful, you might say.”

The raison d'être of Mama Doni’s presentation goes deeper than surface “shtick.”  What’s important to Doni is the idea of giving children their own current and positive musical voice.  Doni lays out her mission: “I want to share with kids of all ages and backgrounds the humor and richness that effervesces throughout Yiddish language and Jewish culture. Through my music I hope that they can access the joy in this culture in a new way and have a rockin‘ good time in the process!”

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MAMA DONI & THE MAMA DONI BAND in Performance Highlights – Winter/Spring 2011

January 16                  Morristown Jewish Center                                          Morristown, NJ
February 6                  JCC of Greater Washington                                         Rockville, MD
February 20                Congregation Emanu El                                               Houston, TX
March 5                       Congregation Beth Or                                                  Maple Glen, PA
March 6                       Young Limmud Philly/Gershman YMHA                     Philadelphia, PA
March 20                     Museum of Jewish Heritage                                        New York, NY
April 3                          Congregation Keneseth Israel                                    Elkins Park, PA
April 22                        Friedberg JCC/Mid-Island YJCC                                 Oceanside, NY
May 10                         Weinstein JCC                                                              Richmond, VA
May 11                         Simon JCC                                                                    Virginia Beach, VA

http://mamadoni.com

My Take on the CD
This CD along with the other CD's from Mama Doni are simply hilarious. I have heard some of her music in the past and I and my kids think they are great. Not that we are Jewish, but the way she shares her culture puts a smile on our faces and sometimes even makes us roll on the floor in side stitching fun.

Her music reminds me something of Weird Al Yankovic with his light banter and humorous lyrics. Sometimes Mama Doni does seem a bit self-deprecating, but for me, it was definitely funny and definitely a band that I would recommend to all that are looking for a laugh and witty lyrics. You will not be disappointed!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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