New Biscuit Brothers in 2009

No secret that we're big Biscuit Brothers fans 'round these parts. Currently we're watching their Go Make Music Vol. 1 DVD just about daily, with Little Boy Blue asking constantly, "Watch tuba?" (one of the episodes is loosely tied around a tuba that is inexplicably producing high notes rather than low ones). So it was with a "woohoo!" that I read in the Brothers' latest newsletter that they're working on new Biscuit Brothers episodes to air starting in early 2009. Not only that, they've produced Christmas and Holiday specials for airing this year. Perhaps a DVD for those of living in areas with PBS stations insufficiently clued in to start airing the show isn't far behind... I'd also note that although I happen to think our soiree in Austin next weekend will be lots of fun (6 PM Saturday the 27th at Ruta Maya, just $5, hint hint), I'm also very impressed by the lineup the Brothers have put together for their Austin Family Music Festival the following Saturday, October 4th. Besides the Biscuit Brothers, the Festival will feature performances by Mr. Steve (aka SteveSongs), Lucas Miller, Super Pal Universe, and maybe coolest of all, Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. Plus lots more. So go to Family Music Meltdown a week from today and AFMF two weeks from today. Or move to Austin.

Austin Kiddie Limits 2008 Preview: Big Don

We're continuing our ongoing series of previews of the artists who will be playing the Austin Kiddie Limits stage at the 2008 edition of the Austin City Limits Festival. Today it's Big Don. (Previous artists: Buck Howdy with BB, Uncle Rock, Jambo, The Jimmies.) First, the technical specs... -- Official Website -- Videos -- Myspace page -- Zooglobble archives, though this entry is it for the moment. For those of you thinking you can't break into Austin Kiddie Limits, Big Don (aka Austin hip hop artist Don Robinson) proves ya wrong. How do I know? When I was at Austin Kiddie Limits last year, I got a copy of Big Don's Big Beat... because somebody was passing them out to any interested party. I'm assuming Tor Hyams was one of those people who got the CD, too. Anyway, the album is nothing too complicated, just good, solid hip hop for preschoolers, mostly. I have no idea how he'll be in concert, but I'm looking forward to bopping along. Big Don plays at 2:30 on Friday and 11:30 Sunday. Big Don - "Humpty Dumpty"

Because One Pirate Video Today Was Insufficient

To wrap up International Talk Like a Pirate day posts, loyal Zooglobble reader Katy sent me a link to the video below, which despite its occasional lip-sync issues is not without its charms. (Oh, and pirates in schoolrooms is apparently an irresistible theme.) It's from the Edmonton band Captain Tractor and language is not quite G-rated. A safe PG, perhaps, just not totally G. Captain Tractor - "The Last Saskatchewan Pirate"

Songs For Pirates

In honor of International Talk Like A Pirate Day, here are some songs for pirates from the kids music tradition, which you can listen to while pondering how pirates say "Arrrrgggghhhh, mateys" in non-English langauges. First off, the obvious: -- All albums by >Captain Bogg & Salty (search on 'em here to find reviews -- some are more appropriate only for slightly older kids). -- Sam's Rot'n Pot'n Pan Band's self-titled debut, which isn't entirely piratical, but fun nonetheless. -- Mike Mennard's Pirates... Do the Darnedest Things, which definitely is on the jokier side of things. -- Sea Music from Dan Zanes isn't really pirate songs, but definitely puts you in a seafaring mood. (And Dan Zanes does a pretty good version of "Drunken Sailor" on one of the Old Town School disks.) And now songs: -- "Blackbeard, Bluebeard, and Redbeard," Eric Herman -- "Drunken Sailor," many sources, including a rambunctious version from Astrograss and a spoof version ("What Can You Do With a Baby Brother?") from Ralph's World. -- "I'm A Pirate," Uncle Rock -- "A Pirate's Song," Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer -- "Pirates," Milkshake -- "Pirate Ship," traditional -- Little Miss Ann does a nice version -- "Pirate Girls Nine," They Might Be Giants -- "The Ballad of Dirty Joe," Bill Harley I have little doubt I'm overlooking some... care to help?

New Pirate Music in 2009. And, Yes, That Video

EmphaticalPiratical.jpgToday (Friday) is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, so it's only appropriate that the word from Captain Bogg & Salty is that, shiver me timbers, they will have a new album coming out in the new year. Emphatical Piratical is the album's name, and it'll be released in early 2009 (though attendees at this weekend's Portland Pirate Festival might be able to pick up an early copy). Here's the track listing... 1. Emphatical Piratical 2. Don’t Drink Sea Water 3. Port Side 4. Treading the Seas for Pirate Gold 5. Bunnyjacks 6. Frogg Island 7. Purple Tiki 8. The Plank Walker 9. Sea Monster II 10. Never Smile at a Crocodile 11. Waltz of the Waves 12. Who’s at Captain’s Table? And, after the jump, quite possibly the best kids music video ever. If you haven't seen it, click through. And if you have, then click anyway, 'cuz you know how great it is.

Readers Who Need Readers: Teaching ESL to Older Kids

Bill "Nine Fingers" Childs passed on an e-mail he received from a reader of his asking for his help...
I have traveled from my native Minnesota (still reading an online offering of your monthly Parent articles), and I now find myself in the arctic climes of Moscow - teaching english to juniors (age 7 - 10) and pre-teens (age 10 - 13). I am starting with british-based textbooks that are not well conceived from my perspective. It is too cerebral an approach to simple introduction of alphabet and phonics. Can you recommend some recordings of good basic ABC songs? What of the old camp songs for young children (ears hang low, hand shoulders knees toes, etc.) The pre-teens are simply hellions. I don't know what to do with them. Music would give them an outlet for all their energy and desire to "perform". But again, what is appropriate or accessible for them? For them, it needs to be something that isn't "childish", if you understand that. It is so difficult... for them - for me, in a strange country and city.
Well, I've got some suggestions after the jump, but would love for you to suggest the ones I've missed...