A JOYFUL NEW FAMILY MUSIC PROJECT CELEBRATING DISABILITY, NEURODIVERSITY, IDENTITY, AND INCLUSION- OUT JULY 10 

Award winning recording artist, author, and disability culture advocate Lachi will release her debut children’s album Magnificent on July 10 with Platoon Kids. The 10 song collection brings together pop, hip hop, R&B, and global rhythms in a colorful and joy-filled musical celebration inviting kids and families to embrace differences, celebrate who they are, and have fun doing it.

Magnificent bringing together more than seventy collaborators, many of which are artists, musicians, writers, and advocates with disabilities, neurodivergence, and other lived experiences, for a truly collaborative and community-driven project. Featured collaborators include 123 Andrés, Alphabet Rockers, Mega Ran, Lisa Loeb, Matthew Whitaker, Raul Midón, Mandy Harvey, Divinity Roxx, and dozens more. The album will have a companion curriculum from CEL’s The Nora Project, helping classrooms continue conversations around identity, inclusion, and belonging through each song’s themes and lyrics. 

PBS KIDS Alma’s Way Heads to Oz in Music-Filled Special Episode, Alma in Oz: The Musical!

A Bronx rooted musical adventure inspired by the original Oz story invites kids to discover the power of their own voices.

Special Out July 13, 20206, Soundtrack out July 10

Alma’s Way, the PBS KIDS series produced by Fred Rogers Productions in association with Pipeline Studios and created by Sonia Manzano, takes children on a musical journey with Alma in Oz: The Musical!, a special episode inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

After her younger brother Junior gets his tonsils removed and worries he may never roar like a dinosaur again, Alma comforts him with a story that unfolds as a music-filled journey through a magical, Bronx-inspired Oz. There, a girl trying to find her way home, a Juniorsaurus searching for his roar, an artist without inspiration, and a person who is the world’s greatest everything except the world’s greatest friend, set out to seek answers from the mysterious Rubber Band Wizard.

Structured as a fully realized musical, “Alma in Oz” offers a rare, kid-friendly entry point into musicals for young audiences and their families. Through original songs and expressive storytelling, the episode introduces children to the emotional language of musicals while remaining grounded in experiences they can recognize. It creates a natural bridge for parents looking to engage their children with musicals early, in a way that feels accessible and age appropriate.

The episode’s musical world is shaped by a strong cultural foundation and global collaboration. A standout sequence features bomba inspired choreography animated in Colombia and developed in collaboration with choreographer Luam Keflezgy, bringing movement driven energy to the storytelling. The score also includes contributions from one of the shows composers, Puerto Rican musician Fabiola Méndez, along with the Alma’s Way songwriting and composing team, adding to the rich and distinctive sound.

Alma in Oz carries a simple but powerful message as shared in the new song "You’ve Got it in You". As the characters search for answers, the story reinforces the importance of believing in yourself, thinking critically, advocating for your needs, and showing up as a friend - strong themes of Alma’s Way that are infused into both the narrative and the music.

PIERCE FREELON ANNOUNCES BLACK BOY GLOW

A POWERFUL NEW CHILDREN’S ALBUM CENTERING AND CELEBRATING BLACK BOYS

JOYFUL & INTENTIONAL PROJECT ROOTED IN CULTURE, CARE, AND CONNECTION- OUT JUNE 19, 2026

2X GRAMMY nominated artist, author, and Afrofuturist creator Pierce Freelon returns with Black Boy Glow, a vibrant and affirming new children’s album dedicated to uplifting young Black boys and the communities that nurture them. The album arrives on Juneteenth, during Black Music Month, grounding its release in a broader cultural moment of reflection, celebration, and creative legacy.

At a time when conversations around masculinity and male loneliness are shaping the cultural landscape, Black Boy Glow offers something both urgent and expansive: a musical space where they are embraced in their fullness. Through rhythm, storytelling, and joy, the album plants seeds of confidence, connection, and self-worth from an early age.

Black Boy Glow is a feel-good family album full of beats, laughter, and love while carrying a deeper intention: affirming the beauty, brilliance, and humanity of Black childhood in all its forms.

Pierce

From the multi platinum selling band American Authors  ("Best Day Of My Life") comes a new children’s project, Bogoo’s Best Day.

Bogoo’s Best Day is the brainchild of Zac Barnett and Matt Sanchez, two artists no strangers to creating music with a positive message.

“It’s incredible to see people celebrating and using ‘Best Day of My Life’ and so many of our songs for life’s biggest moments,” says Zac. “We wanted to build a world and a body of music that families could enjoy together, learn from, and most importantly, have the best time doing it.”

With Bogoo’s off-the-wall energy, his adorable yet mischievous best friend Bestie, and Papa Piña keeping the crew grounded, Bogoo’s Best Day delivers music and storytelling that’s fun, meaningful, and made for the whole family.

WEBSITE

ELENA MOON PARK CELEBRATES THE MAGIC OF EVERYDAY LIFE ON NOTHING IS ORDINARY

A GLOBALLY INSPIRED ALL AGES ALBUM OUT MAY 29, 2026

Musician and cultural producer Elena Moon Park returns with Nothing Is Ordinary, a luminous new collection of songs that invites listeners of all ages to rediscover the wonder woven into everyday life.

Built around the idea that the world surrounding us is both ordinary and extraordinary at once, the album encourages a deeper kind of listening, one that embraces birdsong in the morning, the quiet glow of the moon in daylight, and the countless small stories unfolding around us at any given moment.

“When I sit with this idea, I find myself noticing more of both the grand and the mundane,” says Park. “I’m reminded that so much of my joy comes from listening closely, from paying attention to the world and the people around me.”

Nothing Is Ordinary is Park’s third all ages album, and continues her singular approach to family music, one rooted in respect, curiosity, and artistic depth. The collection brings together reimagined folk and children’s songs from East and Southeast Asia alongside original compositions inspired in part by the artwork of longtime collaborator Kristiana Pärn.

WILD CHILD
WILD CHILD FOR KIDS
A JOYFUL CHILDREN’S ALBUM YEARS IN THE MAKING
OUT APRIL 17, 2026

After nearly sixteen years of making music together, Wild Child enters a new chapter with Wild Child for Kids, their first children’s album. Known for their signature harmonies and heartfelt indie folk sound, the Austin based band expands their songwriting into family music with a joyful, thoughtfully crafted collection created for the fans who have grown up alongside them, and are now sharing their music with a new generation.

Blending indie-folk warmth with playful storytelling, Wild Child for Kids is perfect for family drives, classroom playlists, living room dance parties, and nighttime wind down routines. The album captures a full circle moment, welcoming a new generation into the Wild Child world.

Artist Website

FYÜTCH & AURA V PRESENT THE 2026 GRAMMY WINNING ALBUM HARMONY
DADDY-DAUGHTER DUO CELEBRATING MUSIC, FAMILY & LOVE
A JOYFUL AND INSPIRING HIP HOP EXPERIENCE

Harmony is a GRAMMY winning vibrant and unforgettable collection of songs by the dynamic daddy-daughter duo, artist and educator Fyütch and his 7-year-old daughter, Aura V. Inspired by Aura’s dream to make music, this lively album became a meaningful way for the family to bond and explore songwriting and performance.

With themes of self-love, family, friendship, and community, the album serves as both an introduction to Aura V's musical journey and a celebration of their wholesome father-daughter relationship. Featuring hard-hitting Hip-Hop beats, soulful melodies, and infectious pop hooks, it’s an energetic musical experience that resonates with all ages. Get ready to move, sing, and embrace the magic of Harmony.

Artist website

Latin Grammy nominee Sonia De Los Santos has a joyful new single for families “Musica” which is the title track of her new album coming later this year! 

On her new Latin folk inspired song “Música,” Sonia invites kids and families to discover the joy of music while celebrating the voices of women. Backed by her all-female band, the song draws inspiration from the Spanish word músicas, a term used for women who dedicate their lives to music. Singing from a young age shaped Sonia’s sense of purpose and connection, and with “Música” she hopes to pass that feeling on to the next generation.

The uplifting track encourages young listeners to find their voices, express themselves, and welcome more music into their everyday lives. Instrumentation on the song includes: jarana, guitarrón, drumset, violin, saxophone, kass kass, and zapateado.

LISTEN TO MÚSICA

LITTLE FOLKIES, FOLK MUSIC SONGBOOK FOR KIDS,  RELEASES 4 ALBUM BOX SET WITH SONGBOOKS ON SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS

LITTLE FOLKIES: SONGS FOR SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, AND WINTER

EACH SEASON OF LITTLE FOLKIES’ ORIGINAL FOUR-VOLUME SET – FALL, WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER – IS INCLUDED IN THE NEW BOX SET

OUT JANUARY 23, 2026

Little Folkies, the San Francisco-based folk music program for parents, teachers, and kids ages 0-5, will release a special four volume box set of original folk music for young children on Smithsonian Folkways. Songs for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter will feature the sounds of all the seasons performed on string instruments with the gentle vocals of musician, educator, and Little Folkies co-founder Irena Eide (who also performs as Rainy Eyes).

Little Folkies presents foundational, evergreen songs that are cheery and accessible with the goal of nurturing a love for music and inspiring families to sing and play. "Music is within us all, and it brings happiness into our lives and brightens the day, rain or shine," says Irena Eide. "There is so much to learn from a little song, and the connection made between child and parent through music and singing is one that will only strengthen and build, creating a loving foundation as they navigate through life.” 

Little Folkies classes are often a child's first real engagement with folk music, and Eide’s hope for this collection is to share that same valuable and impactful connection with families outside the classroom. Each album presents a wide repertoire of original and traditional folk, old-time and bluegrass songs for children that are insightful about the world around us and that connects to the energy of the seasons. The songs are joyous, warm, and cheerful, encouraging children to connect with nature and one another.

AT SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS

MEGA RAN CLIMBS HIGH TO FIND A SAFE SPACE FOR KIDS ON 2026 GRAMMY NOMINATED BUDDY’S MAGIC TREE HOUSE

ALL ARE WELCOME ON THE RAPPERS SECOND CHILDREN’S ALBUM 

Mega Ran’s Buddy’s Magic Tree House is the second children’s album from the former teacher turned rapper who exploded into the family music scene in 2023. 

In 2022, Mega Ran’s world was flipped upside down when he decided with his wife to enter into the unpredictable world of foster parenting. This crash course into parenting completely changed Mega Ran’s approach to making music as a video game composer and rapper, leading him to create Buddy’s Magic Toy Box, which debuted on Billboard as the #2 Kids Music album in the US.

After the album’s release, Mega Ran’s transformation into a children's music artist seemed destined. It was seamless. Ran began playing shows at museums, parks and libraries.

Ran also toured the world playing over 100 tour stops with legendary bands like Wheatus and The Cybertronic Spree, to all-ages and 21+ venues; yet he STILL played his children’s hits, despite having a mile-long catalog of rap songs about comics, games and pro-wrestling. “If I can teach 12 year olds, then adults are easy,” Ran would say on stage, half joking. He wasn’t wrong. Crowds of all ages from all walks of life would chant along with his catchy tunes about affirmations, healthy eating habits and friendship. The merging of all of Mega Ran’s worlds was complete.

That was what inspired the direction of Buddy’s Magic Tree House. “If the first album was about opening the toy box and enjoying playtime, then the second is about sharing those toys with others, and creating a safe space for everyone to play in as themselves, unpologetically. Everyone is welcome and safe when they enter the Tree House.”

GRAMMY WINNING OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS LITTLE OLD YOU
A COZY ACOUSTIC ALBUM FROM THE HEART
OUT NOVEMBER 7, 2025

This fall, the GRAMMY Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers are going back to basics on their 7th full length album Little Old You. Delivering an all acoustic collection recorded in their backyard shed, this warm album comes right from the heart and sounds like home.

On Little Old You, a departure from their iconic “adventures,” the Brothers pare down to the essentials of what makes their sound – memorable melodies, brotherly harmony, and thoughtful lyrics based in the nature of childhood. There is a special feeling of comfort in this attentive, loving, and understanding collection of songs as the Okee’s help us find our place in this “great big universe”.

Banjo, guitar, playful humor and childish energy take the lead on these playful songs full of life and the mystery of the natural world. They call it “a big bucket full of sticks, mud and cosmic wonder". It’s about accepting who you are and knowing the power of our unique voice. Little Old You is laying out the map for a child’s journey of discovering themselves and learning what the future can hold.

Artist Website

Donkey Hodie Hee-Hawesome Songs Vol 2  features the single “It’s You I Like,” along with 4 other songs. The EP features songs about friendship, family, joy, a rock anthem about bouncing back when things don’t go our way, a bubbly bop about bathtime, confidence boosting musical affirmations, and more. It is a follow up to Donkey Hodie Hee-Hawesome Songs Vol 1, which debuted last summer, and features popular songs including “The Panda Dance” and “It’s Such A Good Feeling,” another reimagined Fred Rogers’ song.

GO BANANA GO! & FLULA BORG PRESENT: SLIPPERY WHEN PEELED

Go Banana Go!, the funniest band on the family music scene, are back with their fourth full length, fever dream of an album, Slippery When Peeled, releasing June 13, 2025.

With Slippery When Peeled, Go Banana Go! continue to go where no kid’s band has gone before into a land of pure absurdity. Check your sanity at the play button and open yourself up to their manic yet appealing ridiculousness. 

Slippery When Peeled marks the first full-length collaboration between Go Banana Go! and comedian Flula Borg (Pitch Perfect, Trolls 2, The Rookie, Conan O’Brien). Having had too much fun working together in the past with "German Lessons" on their debut album Hi-YA! and later on their EP It's For You…, they decided to dream big and make a full record together at the legendary Sonic Ranch studio near El Paso, TX.

Artist website
As heard on NPR

PENTATONIX’S SCOTT HOYING & HUSBAND MARK HOYING RELEASE NEW CHILDREN’S ALBUM M.Y. F.A.M.I.L.Y.
Eight Tracks With Features from MEGHAN TRAINOR and BÉLA FLECK

M.Y. F.A.M.I.L.Y. sees Scott and Mark performing a variety of joyous tracks suited perfectly for kids. The tracks include all the things they love most: new renditions of old classics, sweet original songs focusing on family and love, and, of course, magical Christmas songs. With lush sonic depth, Scott’s signature vocals, Mark’s sweet tone, sweeping orchestrations, and major features from GRAMMY-winner Meghan Trainor and 17x GRAMMY-winner Béla Fleck, this album is an early gift from Santa. We even get to hear Mark’s parents sing in the Filipino language, Tagalog at one point. The inclusive new project speaks to families of all shapes and sizes and includes a personal message from Scott and Mark to their future children. 

INTRODUCING OOPSIE DAISY: TEACHER PETER’S DEBUT ALBUM 
BRINGS EMOTIONAL GROWTH, BILINGUAL JOY, AND BIG FUN!
OUT MAY 2, 2025

Teacher Peter’s Oopsie Daisy is the debut album from Los Angeles-based indie rocker turned beloved children’s musician Peter Schrupp. Crafted from years of hands-on experience as an educator and children’s entertainer, this album is an upbeat, heartfelt, bicultural exploration of meaningful themes for young children. 

As a children’s music teacher, Peter spends his days teaching and learning from kids. Small classroom moments blossomed into the heart of Oopsie Daisy, a title pulled from a lyric that captures the album’s playful, gentle, and accepting outlook on mistakes. It’s this message that Teacher Peter hopes to share with his audience. This album is a part of his overall mission to spread openness, emotional growth, bilingual learning, and creativity to children beyond the classroom. 

Artist Website

JUSTIN ROBERTS PRESENTS BRAIN FREEZE
SONGS CHAMPIONING THE JOYS & CHALLENGES OF CHILDHOOD
17th ALBUM FOR FAMILIES! OUT APRIL 18, 2025

This spring, five-time GRAMMY® Nominee Justin Roberts’ presents his 17th full-length album Brain Freeze. With his signature power pop hooks and insightful lyrics, Roberts thoughtfully reminds listeners of the seminal little moments of being a kid. Including personal experiences with tender and honest songs about fatherhood, he takes listeners on a journey through the innocent joys and the unavoidable bumps in the road of childhood. 

Justin Roberts has long been known as a pivotal figure in family music, beloved for his ability to write from a child’s perspective. With Brain Freeze Justin brings a new level to his songwriting as the father of a six year old. For parents listening, he’s providing a heartfelt reconnection to our own childhoods while opening a window to understand what our own kids are facing right now- the good and the bad. From the fun stuff like brain freezes and treasure hunts, to challenges such as managing tough emotions in ourselves and others. For the kids listening? They’ll hear the fun, the energy, the joy, the silliness and the ease, and will find themselves seen in the best way possible as Justin has done for them time and time again.

GRAMMY NOMINATED DIVINITY ROXX PRESENTS DIVI ROXX KIDS WORLD WIDE PLAYDATE

A HIP-HOP FAMILY PARTY ALBUM AMPLIFYING THE POWER OF PLAY TO SPREAD JOY

FEATURING VICTOR WOOTEN, MUMU FRESH, TARRIONA “TANK” BALL FROM TANK AND THE BANGAZ, MALCOLM JAMAL WARNER AND MORE - OUT AUGUST 9, 2024

This August, Grammy nominated recording artist Divinity Roxx presents World Wide Playdate, a positive party album of ten original bops for kids twelve and under, and for the kid in all of us. Three years after the release of her Grammy nominated debut family album Ready Set Go!, Divinity is back to spread even more joy while amplifying the power of play.

Inspired by the music of her formative years, World Wide Playdate feels like a 90’s hip-hop classic, complete with timeless, catchy hooks, fun and vibrant lyrics, and beats that get you out of your seat. Affirmations and positive messages echo over groovy bass lines and provide the blueprints for being good to ourselves and others. The order of the day is to let loose, and connect, with hip-hop and pop singalongs that encourage us to engage with one another. The National Institute For Play says that "Play is part of the solution to our harried, anxiety-creating lives."  With themes that include friendship, family, self-empowerment, and bringing your dreams to life, World Wide Playdate provides the soundtrack to finding our happy place.

Artist Website

JOHN LEGEND TO RELEASE MY FAVORITE DREAM

AN ALBUM OF SING-ALONGS AND LULLABIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY ON AUGUST 30

Produced by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, the project features nine original tracks written by Legend as well as three bonus covers of Fisher-Price® songs

Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend will release My Favorite Dream, an album of sing-alongs and lullabies for children and families, via Republic Records: Kids & Family on August 30.  Produced by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, the project features nine original tracks written by Legend. As part of a collaboration with Fisher-Price, the album also includes three bonus tracks with covers of songs from their beloved toys.

“I’m right in the thick of fatherhood,” says Legend, father of daughter Luna (8), son Miles (6) and two toddlers, daughter Esti and son Wren. “My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids.  We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important tothe way we interact and communicate with them.”

LUCY KALANTARI & THE JAZZ CATS PRESENT CRECIENDO
2X GRAMMY WINNER CELEBRATES GROWING UP
1st FULL LENGTH SPANISH CHILDREN’S ALBUM- OUT MAY 28, 2024

Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats are thrilled to announce the release of their first full length Spanish children’s album Creciendo. Creciendo means growing up in Spanish and is just what this collection is about. The beautifully crafted 10 songs shine a bright and inquisitive light on the amazing transformation of growing up, from the inner joy and spark within children to their never ending need to learn.

Raised by immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic and from Puerto Rico, Kalantari draws from her own experiences growing up in both the Dominican Republic and in America, and from raising her own bilingual child. The music of Creciendo shares her signature blend of old jazz with Latin influences drawn from her familial roots. Universal themes throughout the album include resilience, understanding emotions, friendship, community, and following your dreams. Musically, its a full on party with various guest singers and musicians with vibrant vocals and expert instrumentation that elevate the listening experience to new heights.

Lucykalantari.com

SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS PRESENTS PIECES OF HOME FROM DAN + CLAUDIA ZANES

SPIRIT AND SOUL LIFTING SONGS FOR ALL- AUGUST 30, 2024

On August 30 Smithsonian Folkways presents Pieces of Home by renowned musicians Dan + Claudia Zanes. For almost 25 years Dan Zanes has been known as a pioneer and a leader in family music, bringing people of all ages together and blending cultures and genres in his distinct voice, style and vision. For the past decade, Claudia Zanes has brought her skill and extensive history as a jazz vocalist and her experience compassionately practicing community music therapy to performing with Dan. This fresh collection from Dan + Claudia of soulful and uplifting songs carries on these noble traditions and expands both artists’ vast, unique and impressive catalogue. 

Pieces of Home, the duo’s second album with Smithsonian Folkways, is rooted in American and Haitian folk traditions that call family and neighbors to sing, dance, and play together. Dan + Claudia like to think of this gentle and energetic album as a front porch concert—an invitation to sit and stay for a while. In beautiful harmony, the artists  remind us that with the people we love by our side, we can find home wherever we are. 

Next year marks a quarter century since the release of Dan Zanes’ genre changing album Rocket Ship Beach, a classic which redefined the modern family music genre. Today Dan is still creating homespun music from the heart for kids and for kids who’ve grown up. Now, he and Claudia embark on a shared music-making mission: it’s always a party and everyone’s invited.

danandclaudia.com

EMMY NOMINATED COMEDIAN KATE MICUCCI
CELEBRATES DEBUT CHILDREN’S ALBUM MY HAT 
CAPTURING THE JOYOUS DELIGHT OF CHILDHOOD- OUT NOW 

Emmy nominated actress/musician/artist Kate Micucci is having a belated celebration around her upbeat and joyous debut children’s album My Hat. The quirky and endearing 14 song collection perfectly captures the light-hearted innocence of childhood. 

Though Micucci’s debut family album was released in November of 2023, the artist (known for her work on Big Bang Theory, Garfunkel & Oates and so much more) faced unexpected challenges in celebrating her accomplishment. Diagnosed with lung cancer the day the album debuted, Micucci was unable to share the project widely at its initial release. Now, 10 months later, after a life saving surgery and much rehabilitation, Kate is healthy, cancer free, and very ready to get back to her music. 

My Hat is a heartfelt and just plain fun collection of songs that captures the child-like joy that Micucci most naturally creates from. Inspired to record My Hat after the birth of her son, she is overjoyed to now have the opportunity to share her work with other families.

LISTEN TO MY HAT

MISS TUTTI AND THE FRUITY BAND PRESENT CONFIDENCE JUICE

A MUSICAL SAFE SPACE & AN ALL- AGES CELEBRATION OF INDIVIDUALITY

JOY-FILLED RETRO-POP TUNES ABOUT BODY CONFIDENCE, INCLUSIVITY & REPRESENTATION- OUT NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Miss Tutti and The Fruity Band is a musical project celebrating themes of confidence, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ representation for kids and families of all-ages. Their debut release Confidence Juice, out November 10, is a bright and joyful album that proudly celebrates the unique qualities that make us who we are.

The eight positive retro-pop tunes were co-produced by music educator Gracie Nash and Grammy/Tony winner Charlie Rosen. The band is made up of thriving New York City musicians and educators including: Emma Jayne (The Tonight Show, Emmy Nominee), Laura Dadap (Nickelodeon), Dan Corica (Theatreworks), Olivia Griffin (Little Shop Of Horrors), and Scott Still (NY Pops)

For founder Gracie Nash AKA Miss Tutti, as the body positivity movement started growing in music and media, she found freedom in finally seeing herself represented in pop-culture. Nash was inspired to write a medley of songs that she wished she could have heard as a child. The artist found herself a victim of bullying starting at age 4, but as hard as the bullies tried to take her down, she forever found a safe place in the music classroom where her teachers offered a creative and kind place to land. Miss Tutti is on a mission to create a musical safe space for all, kids and adults alike.

ARTIST WEBSITE

GRAMMY WINNER J. IVY PRESENTS
THE LIGHT INSIDE
A CELEBRATION OF LOVE, LIFE AND POETRY
HONORING THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

FEATURING DJ JAZZY JEFF, ANTHONY HAMILTON, CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, PJ MORTON, MALCOLM JAMAL WARNER, THE HBCU SYMPHONY, DJ TERRY HUNTER, JAMES POYSER, LOUIS YORK, SIR THE BAPTIST, OM’MAS KEITH, TARREY TORAE & MORE

OUT SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

GRAMMY and multi-award winning poet, spoken word artist and songwriter J. Ivy is releasing his 7th album, The Light Inside September 15. Following his GRAMMY winning The Poet Who Sat By The Door, The Light Inside is the next chapter of love, life, and poetry. 

After breaking through the door this past year, J. Ivy found himself in the center of the spotlight. But the light he is in search of isn’t inside the room, it’s always been inside of him, inside all of us. The Light Inside reflects on the life of the poet and his passion to create while also acknowledging the support he’s received on his journey. Poetry is receiving the attention it deserves and J. Ivy is taking in this special moment, feeling the warmth and pride. He reaffirms his devotion to this art form by speaking to the times from his heart with leading themes of perseverance, inspiration and of course, love. 

Artist Website

THE BEST OF GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD


CELEBRATING THE MUSIC & ART OF VISIONARY CREATOR MORGAN TAYLOR



FAN VOTED FAVORITES AND SPECIAL GUEST RECORDINGS


LIMITED EDITION DOUBLE YELLOW VINYL ALBUM

On September 8 comes The Best of Gustafer Yellowgold, a special 2 disc yellow vinyl collection remembering the music and art of the late visionary Morgan Taylor, and celebrating his rich and creative journey with Gustafer Yellowgold. 

Two-time Grammy-nominated musician, artist, illustrator and dreamer Morgan Taylor (1969-2022) created Gustafer Yellowgold for the delight of all. Since the first album was released in 2005, countless children and families have enjoyed the songs that tell the story of Gustafer Yellowgold’s whimsical journey from the sun to earth and how he built a life there with his new-found friends. These songs reveal the inner soul, thoughts, and emotions of a charming character for to all relate to, resulting a loyal and loving fanbase. From themed birthday parties and Halloween costumes to fan drawings and more, followers have showed their deep love of Gustafer in many ways throughout the years.

The Best of Gustafer Yellowgold part one is a greatest hits album as determined by Gustafer’s biggest supporters. Out of 100 songs on the 9 Gustafer Yellowgold releases from 2005-2021, fans voted for their favorites, and the top 14 songs were chosen to be included on the vinyl album. Selections include “I’m From The Sun”, “Pinecone Lovely”, “Cakenstein”, “Slim Gets In ‘Em”, “Rock Melon” and many other Gustafer hits.


For the second half of the album, dear friends of Taylor’s, world-class musicians and artists, came together to honor his work by recording their own heartfelt versions of their favorite Gustafer songs. Guest performers include The Okee Dokee Brothers, John Munson of Trip Shakespeare, Frances England, Justin Roberts, Recess Monkey and many more. With 17 tracks in all, including a reading by his youngest son, Ridley Loshak-Taylor, these artists captured the humor, beauty, nuance, and pure soft rock genius that Morgan’s songwriting so lovingly encapsulated. 

The cover art of the album was drawn by Morgan’s eldest son, Harvey Loshak-Taylor. 

The Best of Gustafer Yellowgold will be available digitally and as a limited edition double-yellow-vinyl album on September 8.

Artist website

NEW BOOK- VIVA DURANT AND THE MYSTERY AT THE MASQUERADE BALL OUT FEBRUARY 2024
JUST IN TIME FOR MARDI GRAS!

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VIVA DURANT AND THE MADNESS OF MADAME BOUCHARD

Viva Durant, teen detective, is back in New Orleans to crack her latest case! This audio original features original music from the creator, Ashli St. Armant, and an engaging performance from Audible Hall of Fame narrator, Bahni Turpin.

Now that she’s returned to New Orleans for Thanksgiving break, Viva is charged with figuring out the truth behind a mysterious bout of illness traced back to a local creole restaurant called Madame Bouchard’s. Were customers poisoned on purpose, or was it a simple cooking mistake? And who could be behind the chaos? Viva only has a week to solve the culinary mystery, and to do so, she’ll have to contend with a longtime rivalry, rumors of voodoo magic, and Thanksgiving dinner with her extended family!

Listeners will love the continued detective adventures of Viva Durant and her stern-yet-spirited Gram!

VIVA DURANT AND THE SECRET OF THE SILVER BUTTONS

The Audible Original Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons released in the fall of 2019 and held strong in the top 5 best sellers at Audible for all of November in 2019 and has received thousands of 5 star rave reviews. The stories which will now be a series at Audible are New Orleans based jazz infused mystery adventures perfect for middle grade audiences.

At Audible

Ashli St. Armant is a vocalist, writer, arts educator and a Queer Black mother of 2 boys based in Los Angeles who spent much of her youth in New Orleans. She is the founder of Leaping Lizards Music, a music and theater education program for students, TK-12 and is a professionally trained vocalist and actor who attended the Orange County High School of the Arts and holds a degree in Child Development from Saddleback College. Alongside teaching, writing, and raising her two sons, Ashli tours with her band, Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards, a jazz band for young audiences. Together they have produced five albums featured by NPR and L.A. Times, and have performed at numerous venues including Lincoln Center and Sprout Network (NBC). The rave reviewed Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons was Ashli’s debut middle grade novel. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Website.