Kids music can be really irritating sometimes with its puppet voices, lack of imagination in lyrics or absence of real music. Dan Zanes and Friends’ is a rare gem in the world of children’s music. This group of real musicians, artists, singers and entertainers has put together a new music video DVD, THE FINE FRIENDS ARE HERE! of old favorites plus a release of some new tunes. This DVD/CD combo was released September 22nd.
The Fine Friends Are Here! is Zanes and Friends’ first DVD in over four years. The DVD showcases what the band’s trademark rollicking concerts are all about and allows kids and fans alike to participate in the wildly popular and regularly sold out experience. This concert performance of the band’s favorite songs was shot on location at The Jalopy Theatre in Red Hook, Brooklyn this past winter and features well-known songs from across the Zanes and Friends catalog including “Let’s Shake,” “Wabash Cannonball,” “El Canario” and “Catch That Train!,” among others. Two special guests join the band at the show: spoken word artist Caridad de la Luz a.k.a. La Bruja raps on “The Welcome Table” and is featured in the video for “Pollito Chicken” while break dancer David Alan a.k.a. Cyclone appears on “Jump Up” and “Walking the Dog.” The DVD also contains three new music videos for the songs “Wonder Wheel,” “Pollito Chicken” and “Night Owl.”
You might recognize Zanes from popular kids shows like Sesame Street, Playhouse Disney and Noggin but Zanes’ and Friends fame reaches much farther. They have achieved acclaim in London, Australia, Spain and Bahrain. The fame started simply, handing out cassettes (what are those LOL) in a neighborhood park in New York City. It was all about introducing people to this “new sound”, but the sound wasn’t exactly new just different from what parents were used to. Using the world as inspiration Zanes’ and Friends blend the cultures they love with the talent they possess to create a mix that is not only a relief to listen to but ultra-fun to watch, have you seen Zanes’ suits and hair!
Catch a show and see for yourself how entertaining, imaginative and original children’t music can be.
paramount theater in asbury park, nj: sat oct 3
capitol one bank theatre in westbury, ny: sat oct 4
nj performing arts center in newark, nj: sat oct 10
shaftman performance hall in roanoke, va: sun oct 11 ( a bit too far for me )
umass fine arts center in amherst, ma: fri oct 23
halloweentown in boston, ma: sat oct 24 and sun oct 25 (3 performances a day!)
