Funky Mama accepted as Kansas Arts Commission Roster Artist

Coming to a Kansas school near you...Funky Mama! Ta-daaaaah!

I've been accepted to the Kansas Arts Commission Artist Roster for Fiscal Year 2010. It basically means I'll be included in the roster of touring artists for hire in the state of KS. Just an official stamp of approval for folks to have Funky Mama as their guest in schools or other programs.

Funky Mama Moo Juice Review in the School Library Journal

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6618443.html?industryid=47072#Music

Moo Juice. CD. 36:30 min. Funky Mama Music. 2008. $12.
PreS-Gr 1—Krista "Funky Mama" Eyler brings a tremendous amount of energy and excitement to this collection of 15 original songs and two adaptations. Whether she is evoking a Cajun beat, rocking with the electric guitar, creating a revival feel, or singing a ballad, her full, rich voice takes everyday topics and turns them into songs that children can relate to and parents can enjoy. Some of the standouts include "The Grandparent Song," a jiving list of the variety of names given to grandparents; "No Sleep Tonight," a song for mother's whose babies are up crying again, "Hot Time in the Old Town," about Old Mother Leary leaving her lantern in the barn; and the beautiful ballad, "Hush Baby, Hush Child." Eyler sings about other topics such as potty training, hard-working dads, multi-tasking mamas, and milk, giving them a richness and an amazing musical feel. She is fearless on every song, bringing forth a myriad of feelings from joy to exhaustion to wonder. Listeners will be mesmerized by Eyler's amazing vocals and return to Moo Juice again and again. A superb selection for all collections.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Funky Mama on Hatteberg's People

Larry Hatteberg of KAKE-TV, Wichita, KS, was kind enough to feature me as one of his "Hatteberg's People."
very fun day!

Thank you, Larry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM1U3wIKkd0

http://www.kansaspeople.com/

Moo Juice: The Musical...begins!

Well....here I go.

This week marks the beginning of Moo Juice: The Musical, officially.

I'll be in the studio starting this week and will be there off and on (as a working-mommy-schedule allows) until the scoring of it is complete. Blah, blah--getting it to sheet music, basically.

It requires electric guitar, keyboard, bass and drums, and some REALLY good singers. I'm lucky that I have really-good-singer friends in this KC theatre community, as well as a great drummer and bassist.

A brief synopsis:

Moo Juice: The Musical is a 19-song rock n' roll show about 5 kids in daycare and their daycare provider. (The adults play the 5-year-old characters.) The majority of songs are Funky Mama tunes with several that haven't yet been recorded. Each character in Moo Juice plays a role in maintaining order in what can be a very chaotic daily environment. The children must behave or their favored field trip to Happy Chippy Cheeseland will be cancelled. Much singing and physical comedy ensue...

I'm a spiritual person. That being said, I asked God about this endeavor because it's, number one, VERY expensive. Very risky and very outside of my comfort zone. Today, at church, I was given an epiphany, if you will, that shouted,

NO FEAR.

So, with NO FEAR. Moo Juice: The Musical will be here.

Moo Juice review and Funky Mama news

Here's a new mention at Children's Music That Rocks for Moo Juice! Thank you!

Also, I've taken a bit of a break from Funky Mama performing this last month due to my portrayal of Patsy Cline in "Always, Patsy Cline" here in Kansas. We were sold out every night and finished our 59th performance this last Sunday night. (We will be bringing the show back next December! Guess you'd better get tickets now at the Chestnut!)

Funky Mama news now...

I've written a musical. It's called "Moo Juice: The Musical" and just think rock n' roll and kids in daycare. I will be scoring it in the studio this Winter and next Spring with the help of some talented folks. I plan on marketing it to high schools and area theatres, but I get to be in the first run!

My gigs start back up tomorrow at Pottery Barn Kids on the Country Club Plaza--10 & 11 am. See you there!

GRAMMY VOTING

I just voted for the 1st time as a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. Yes, I get to vote on the Grammys because I paid my $180 fee and have some published music out there.

I was surprised I wasn't lobbied more. I got emails from Buck Howdy and Laurie Berkner's people asking me to consider their albums.

I joined so I could vote for musicians I believe deserve a chance to really get some well-deserved recognition. If you get to vote, choose wisely. I did.

Funky Mama featured in Tot Trends Weekly

http://www.tottrendsweekly.com/current-issue.php?id=P1516

Funky Mama's Moo Juice
is featured this week in

Tot Trends Weekly!

Check out the link and the magazine. So fun!

Here's what they had to say:

Get your groove on with Funky Mama. "Moo Juice" is the fantastically fun rock 'n roll creation that keeps the kids movin'. "Freeze Dance", "My Dad Rocks", and "Hot Time in the Old Town" are our personal favorites-but we, basically, just love the whole album!

KC KIDS Music review!

http://www.kckidsfun.com/2008/09/kc-kids-music-krista-funky-mama-eyler/
KC Kids MUSIC - Krista “Funky Mama” Eyler
If you’ve spent any time on the Kansas City kids’ festival, fair or storytime circuit over the past few years, you’ve surely had the fantastic opportunity to experience a Funky Mama performance. Krista Eyler, a.k.a. Funky Mama, is a local mom (and former television reporter) who knows how to get your kids moving, singing and laughing!
Funky Mama plays a cherry red electric guitar and her music really has a bluesy rock and roll feel - but it’s all geared to the kids. Her third and most recent release is the full length CD “Moo Juice.” It came out in late summer and I was lucky enough to get a copy to test drive. Things have been so busy here on KC Kids Fun and with school, sports, dance, church - you know the drill - that I haven’t gotten around to talking about it yet!
The CD is good - it’s really good! (Not that it’s a big surprise that it’s good!) Songs like the title track “Moo Juice” -about milk - and “Pop ‘n Hop” - about making popcorn - took my kids by surprise though. I don’t think they thought it was “their kind of music” until they really started listening to the lyrics. And then the smiles broke out.
My favorite songs on the CD are “Sippy” which has a great shout-out, sing-along chorus, perfect for annoying my children in the car and “Ooo, Aah, Ow!” (about hair-brushing) which just causes my daughter to roll her eyes while I laugh. It’s not just funny lyrics though - the music is really solid. And Krista has such a full, soulful voice - so easy to listen to.
The kids swiped the CD from the car and it has now disappeared into the abyss of their bedrooms. I can report though that I regularly hear them singing some of the songs around the house, especially “Down, Down Baby” (a fabulous a cappella song) and “Freeze Dance.”
So, we’re big Funky Mama fans at our house. We highly recommend “Moo Juice” and we highly, highly recommend catching Krista live around Kansas City. She’s playing this weekend (September 27, 2008) at the Plant Hope for Hearts fundraiser at English Landing Park in Parkville. And at the Johnson County Museum on October 1, at a shopping benefit for Abby’s Run in Overland Park on October 4 and at Wonderscope on October 8! Check the KC Kids Fun Events Calendar for more details.

Moo Juice Review from the Opinionated Parent

New review of Moo Juice:

http://www.theopinionatedparent.com/2008/09/22/road-trip-tunes-funky-mamas-moo-juice/

Thanks!

I've been working a bunch and in the throws of a new Fall preschool schedule. I'm also performing in a real grown-up musical!

Always, Patsy Cline.

Here's the link if you're in the KC area this month:

www.chestnutfinearts.com

LaLa Girl Review of Moo Juice! And CD giveaway...

(How have I not seen this wonderful blog?)

Hope you enjoy it, too, and the review of Moo Juice.

http://reviews.lalagirl.org/2008/09/09/funky-mama-moo-juice-giveaway/

Thanks for loving the CD as much as I do, Laura! You can stalk me anytime. :)

New Video From Present Magazine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P-F4TCUV2s

Funky Mama performing Pop n' Hop
Thanks, Pete!
Present Magazine

Moo Juice Review-Ink KC

New review from Ink KC Magazine!
Thank you, Travis! Glad you liked it.

http://www.inkkc.com/press+play/blog/1652&pt=Ink-album-review:-Funky-Mama

Funky Mama
Moo Juice
Funky Mama Music
Having children while still in your 20s is difficult. Aside from the daily routine of having to care for newborns or toddlers, you also strive to make sure they’re not nerdy and lame like you were growing up. You want to dress them in cool clothes, find them interesting TV shows and movies to watch and, if possible, find them music that won’t make you go insane.
At first glance, Moo Juice doesn’t look like something you’d have in your car stereo. But after the first couple of songs you realize maybe both you and your children could enjoy the album.
Funky Mama — aka local musician/mom Krista Eyler — once worked as an on-air television reporter for KMBC-TV News. Then she decided to follow her passion for playing the electric guitar, singing and songwriting. Thus, Funky Mama was born.
Moo Juice, her third album, is fierce. For a children’s album, this CD rocks. Both the guitar playing and Eyler’s vocals are cranked up, and you get the sense she’s comfortable belting out the blues. Her backup band comprises talented musicians who have room to shine and aren’t forced into the background.
A sense of fun and looseness permeates the album, with children introducing songs and a few a cappella numbers that allow Eyler’s incredible vocals to shine. The album also leaves in small talk among the bandmates at the beginnings and ends of songs, which adds another layer of playfulness.
The soulful way Eyler sings about “Sippy” makes you wonder if the title character isn’t a long-lost love instead of a sippy cup. “Potty Train” is sure to be a hit with children of all ages, as well as the popcorn-making ditty “Pop n’ Hop.”
My 4-year-old son’s favorite song was “Freeze Dance,” during which the music comes to a halt each time Eyler utters “freeze. ...”
There are plenty of songs for the parents, as well. Anyone with an infant will appreciate the church-choir-stomping “No Sleep Tonight,” in which Eyler ponders, “Baaaaaabaaaaaay, why can’t you tell me what you need?” as the child cry, cry, cries. “Multi-Taskin’ Mama” is a rousing blues number about housework piling up, kids needing to get to school, and Funky Mama having no time to do her hair.
Chances are, you’ll dig the music, kids will enjoy the silly lyrics, and your friends will scratch their heads when they hear you singing “go, potty, go” under your breath at the next get-together.— travis fox { special to ink }

MOO JUICE REVIEW-MID OHIO VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE (Sept. issue)

Funky Mama is Fun

Music for children is often much better than music for adults, consideringthe singer isn't pining for someone they can't have, and the music¹s justlighter. Krista Funky Mama Eyler takes that fun to the next level with Moo Juice. It's obvious to listeners that Eyler has a varied background with soundssuch as gospel, blues, and even samba coming through in the tracks. Eyler has earned an Emmy nomination as an on-air reporter for Kansas City,MO ABC affiliate KMBC-TV News for her coverage of events such as fires,homicides, and tornados. After five years of reporting, she left reporting to become Funky Mama. In 2007, Eyler performed at the White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington,D.C. to earn national recognition. Moo Juice is Eyler's third studio CD, and it includes 17 original songs.Her previous releases include Funky Mama Sings: Giggle Jiggle and Grandma's House and a children's book, Funky Mama's Grandma's House. I was surprised to hear such powerful and amazing vocals on a children¹s CD. Eyler has the capability to belt out a power ballad with the queens of rockand blues. Each song has its own, personal sound from 1960s beach pop (The Grandparent Name Song) to pure rock (Moo Juice). Every track is geared towardschildren of all ages and, for the older ones, is meant for them to singalong about sippy cups, grandparents, dad, and the dreaded sleep. Moo Juice is not only fun for children, but for those young at heart. The CDis perfect for long or short car trips or for just sitting around the housewith nothing to do. Moo Juice is available online at http://www.funkymamamusic.com<http://www.funkymamamusic.com> , cdbaby.com, and iTunes.

MOO JUICE REVIEW FROM CELEBRITY CAFE

Here's a link to a new (and positive!) review for "Moo Juice" :

http://thecelebritycafe.com/cd/full_review/13621.html

Thank you!

KC PARENT FAMILY FAVORITES SURVEY!

Funky Mama was voted as a finalist for the 2008 KC Parent Magazine's Family Favorites Survey! I didn't even know this was going on so...great! Congrats to Mr. Stinkyfeet for winning the Grand Prize status!

Audience Etiquette

I've been wanting to blog about this for a long time, but this weekend's gig really made me NEED to blog about it:

AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE: From the performer's perspective

As a performer/singer for kids and their folks, I am constantly surprised at things that happen at gigs and I'm sure I'm not the only one who notices.
1. The performer is not a babysitter. Watch your kids for the safety of all. (I don't diaper or clean snot off any kids but my own or those of my best buds.)
2. Please don't invite children to pop/stomp/obliterate balloons as one is performing (and then proceed to let children take the leavings and snap each other, the performer, the guitar, etc.)
3. Performers don't need 3-year-old sound board operators. Please don't let your kids touch electrical equipment...that's sitting in standing water no less...and plugged in. (It happened, oh yes.)
4. Don't let your kids spit on the performer. At least not during flu season.
5. See #1
6. See #1
7. See #1

I love performing for kids and I love kids. Parents sometimes forget performers need their assistance in keeping control of hundreds of toddlers. I want everyone to have a great rock n' roll experience and BE SAFE!! I'm happy to hear anyone's thoughts on the matter...

gooney bird kids: Featured Artist - Funky Mama

Thank you, Gwyneth! (Psssst...come to Jiggle Jam next year!)
GOONEY BIRD KIDS: Featured Artist - Funky Mama

New Gig Pics from last night

Wow! What a turnout for last night's FREE Overland Park gig with Funky Mama and Mr. Stinkyfeet Jim Cosgrove!
Holy crowd control on a Sunday night, Batman.
There were over 800 folks there (the city folks said 1,000, but Iiiiii dunno 'bout that...)
It's very cool to play a gig about 4 blocks from where you grew up, with your parents AND 4th-grade teacher, Mrs. Klemm, in the audience.
So much fun and many thanks to the City of OP, kids, parents and the Stinkyfeet and Hiccups crew.
(Jeni, we definitely need more Jiggle Jam biz-talk time than 20 minutes after the gig, swatting mosquitoes, cleaning up our gear and chasing our children in the dark!)

Out With The Kids: Funky Mama "Moo Juice" CD Review

Out With The Kids: Funky Mama "Moo Juice" CD Review

New Review! Out With the Kids!

Got a new review from Out With The Kids for Moo Juice.

Thanks so much!

http://outwiththekids.blogspot.com/2008/08/funky-mama-moo-juice-cd-review.html

DINNER DRAMA...yes, a new song is coming soon out of this...

Ok, dinner tonight.

Just watch...

This went on forEVER at the Funky Mama household until we all left him sitting at the table alone.

In 5 minutes by himself, the yummy taco and fresh cucumbers (thanks to Funky Grandma's garden) were gone and happiness reigned again.

Ahhh. Feisty 4-year-olds....

Can I get a witness out there? I KNOW you know this dinner drama.

New review of Moo Juice!

Thanks to Stephanie of hearit, loveit, shareit for the kind review of Moo Juice!
The link is below:
http://hearitloveitshareit.blogspot.com/

New Rockin' Logo!

I'm so pumped about this:

I love my new logo and my brother who drew it! You can get it on my t-shirts, stickers and the like at my website's products page. (It cracks me up that my husband labeled everything in the website's page addresses beginning with a "fm". Just like a man!)

Changes on the Funky Mama Website

Our website look has changed a bit at http://www.funkymamamusic.com/ thanks to my hard-workin' hubby.
It's a little easier to navigate and has all the Funky Mama info you need to know at a glance on the homepage.
All my products including new T-shirts and stickers can be found on the products page.
Hope you surf around!
****VIDEOS ARE JUST BELOW! SCROLL DOWN! :)

New Videos!! Funky Mama on XMKIDS RADIO!

Hi all!
Thanks to the folks who came out to the Moo Juice local showcase party. So much fun to see everybody there! I appreciate your support.

I hope you enjoy the CD on its upcoming official release.

Until then, here are 9...yes, 9 videos of the new tunes, so enjoy, learn and sing along. (You asked for them, you got 'em!)

Some news to share: Moo Juice is now listed as a "New Student" on XMKids Radio!

If you get XMKids, please request Funky Mama!

Wonderscope Block Party and Record Bar gigs!

My weekend gigging isn't quite done, but I thought I'd post some pics of a couple gigs I did with friends Billy and Mr. Stinkyfeet Jim Cosgrove around town at Wonderscope's Block Party and the Record Bar.

I'm headed to the Plaza to the KC Duck Derby today--a great fundraiser for Children's TLC! Check the website for upcoming shows. I get a bit of break this next week (whew!) and then we head for a family beach vacation. WOO HOO!

We return just in time for my local, sold-out CD release party for MOO JUICE. Can't wait to see you all there!

When stressed out moms and screaming 4-year-olds collide....

...WITH CLIPPERS!!

Notice the side of my son's head. Yes, that does look like what happens when you take your pet to the vet for surgery. Just thought I'd share my afternoon story of woe and laughter.

He hates haircuts...PERIOD. But, I try and save a few bucks and use the clippers myself. Usually, things work out fine despite all the squirming and screaming.

Well...today was a bit different. He got his obligatory sucker (which usually keeps him in one place) and proceeded to scream like I've never heard. I was changing clipper guards and handed one to the baby in the high chair to fiddle with. Well, in my haste, I never put a guard back on, so, hence, the above photo.

As soon as I realized I was shaving him BALD, I stopped and muttered my standard phrase of ...

"GEEZ LOUISE!!!"

(which is a substitute for any swear words I'm not allowed to utter anymore as a mommy).

J. starts screaming, "WHAT WHAT MOMMY?!! WHAT DID YOU DO??!"

He was a gooey mess of hair, spit, tears and chocolate Tootsie Roll Pop.

And, oh no, it doesn't end there...

By this time, I put the baby on the floor outside of the hair-ridden kitchen and blocked the entry, so I could deal with screaming (and now-hairless) Child #1.

Baby is obviously going to be an escape artist because before I knew it, he was in the mess of hair and Tootsie Roll Pop, too.

The screaming continued.

Both went into the bathroom with me.

As one was getting showered off, the other found the toilet...with the toilet seat up. Splash, splash.

Also, a box of Q-Tips now decorated every inch of the floor.

And...I almost knocked myself out on the corner of our bathroom cabinet trying to stop Baby Fast Hands from his mayhem.

"GEEZ LOUISE!!!!"

"WHAT MOMMY?!! WHAT? I NEED A HUUUUGGG!!!"

My head still smarts, but all are calm now and I SWEAR if my husband says one word when he gets home.....

There has to be a song coming out of this. At least, there had better be!

Suggestions for a title?

Hear It, Love It, Share It Review

Hear it, Love It, Share It author/and busy mom Stephanie is working up a review of "Moo Juice," and I'll post it soon. She said so far, "This is a FUN CD!"
I've started work with my publicist, Elizabeth Waldman Frazier of Waldmania!, to help get Moo Juice some national attention and HOPEFULLY press! She has some really great clients in the world of kids' music and is a mom/grandma herself, so she "gets it."
(Her daughter is the publicist for Laurie Berkner. I guess good writing runs in the family.)
The official release is Sept. 2, 2008, but I'm holding a local pre-release party on July 12. Should be so fun with all the 300 folks running around my church! :)
CDBaby will be selling Moo Juice starting in late August and you can get it on my website or at my gigs.
Rod Cockle is working up final drawings for the "Down, Down Baby" video and I'll post that here, YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and on my website when it's through.
6am...babies are up, off to breakfast...

Moo Juice Review By Bill Childs of Spare the Rock

Well, Moo Juice got some attention by Bill Childs of Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child.
(He's a law professor who writes about kid's music for Parenting Magazine, Little Rock Family and other outlets.)

Here's a link to the Little Rock Family article which includes notes about Laurie Berkner and Cathy Heller's new CD ventures, but here's the Funky Mama paragraph below:

Funky Mama - Moo Juice: Krista "Funky Mama" Eyler has been playing kids' music, largely in the Kansas City area, since 2005, after leaving her career in television reporting. Her prior releases had left me underwhelmed - her voice was undoubtedly great (more on that below) but the CDs ended up seeming a little distant. On Moo Juice, though, the rest of the CD has caught up with Eyler's rich, soulful, bluesy voice. Most of the CD stays in territory that matches her vocal style - bluesy rock and the like - and the shifts from that zone (to zydeco with "Potty Train" and a capella on "Down Down Baby") work well. Lyrically, she's in familiar territory in the kids' music world - potty training ("Potty Train" again), the greatness of grandparents and parents ("The Grandparent Song" and "My Dad Rocks," respectively, with "Multi-Taskin' Mama" finishing out the trifecta from the titular mother's perspective). The CD is perhaps a few tracks longer than it has to be, but that's nitpicking: this is good fun music that doesn't sound like much else out there. www.funkymamamusic.com

Funky Mama and Mr. Stinkyfeet in Concert!

From time to time, Jim (Mr. Stinkyfeet) Cosgrove and I do kid/family shows together as the "Funky Feet Duo" and we finally have one PUBLIC event coming up!
Click on the above pic to find out all the info and print some to hang up at your church or school. We both are playing with full bands at the RECORD BAR in Kansas City, MO. It's just north of the Country Club Plaza on Southwest Trafficway and Westport Rd.--1020 Westport Rd. (It's in the northwest corner of the shopping strip there.) Check the Funky Mama website for more schedule info! Should be a lot of fun for all. Jim plays first at 4pm and I go on at 4:30pm. $5 for adults, $2 for kids. IT IS A SMOKE FREE SHOW!

Need a proper cup of coffee....

Watch this then! Love that Trout Fishing In America. The video's a hoot,too. This song ALWAYS makes me laugh. (Just so you know, Funky Mama doesn't share ALL the political views shown in the video montage and doesn't endorse any particular political, spiritual, emotional, or other view that could get me in trouble or hurt someone else's feelings or American sensibilities. There, I'm covered.)

KC JIGGLE JAM!!

KC JIGGLE JAM!

(In the above middle pic left to right: Jim Cosgrove, Monty Harper of Kids Music Planet, Dino O'Dell, Ezra Idlet of Trout Fishing In America, Krista "Funky Mama" Eyler)

What a joyful event I have been lucky enough to be a part of this weekend!
The 1st Kansas City Jiggle Jam was a huge success with thousands and thousands of folks from 5 states coming in to enjoy the following acts:
Trout Fishing In America
Justin Roberts and the Not Ready For Naptime Players
Tom Chapin
John McCutcheon
They Might Be Giants
Jim "Mr. Stinkyfeet" Cosgrove and the Hiccups
Funky Mama (Me)
Dino O' Dell
and so many other fine local acts and workshop musicians.

Now...backstage skinny and stage pics....
The morning of DAY ONE---the skies opened up and we thought we were doomed! (The Crown Center Pavilion serves also as an ice rink with NO DRAINAGE system in the middle, so it becomes a swamp. Thanks to all those squeegie-ing the stage and walkways!)

But, Dino O'Dell warmed up the folks coming in and the fun was rolling.

Justin Roberts brought in an expectedly huge crowd and gave a great show...but I had to catch his 2nd set because I played at the same time! (Here's his set list---fun fun!) I have to say, though, Justin's crowd was not nearly as large as that of Jim "Mr. Stinkyfeet" Cosgrove. It was packed! He is a superstar in Kansas City and he felt the love. It was very cool to watch and sing with him on his last song. (Jim is out in front . Hard to get a good shot from this side of the stage.)

Trout Fishing In America---well, I fell in love with their music and stage charisma immediately and am now a life-long fan. They have the smoothest act and are excellent musicians. It's no wonder they've been nominated for a Grammy 4 times and have been playing together 32 years! They are also COOL guys. Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood are class acts. Ezra and I talked about songwriting and how he's going to help me on some new tunes. Keith and I talked about diminished chords and key changes (by the way, Ezra HATES modulations). Great guys and both of them took time to take my Moo Juice CDs and listen to them. They stuck around all weekend to talk with everyone. I so appreciated that.
They have a new CD coming out in September "Big, Round World" so watch for it!

I didn't really get a chance to talk with They Might Be Giants (beyond a "Hey, nice set" in the greenroom as they gnoshed on Chipotle and their guitarist nursed a bad knee due to recent surgery), but did discover their broom prop that became our greenroom mascot. He manned the food table and VIP area.

Now...Funky Mama!

I had great turnouts for both shows and I want to thank all the moms and dads who stayed through rain and CRAZY KCMO heat in May! It was a wonderful experience and I loved seeing all the kids jam out to my tunes.

The above shot is of Trout Fishing with Tom Chapin backstage working out an impromtu set. Tom Chapin and I had a couple nice chats about family and traveling and the like. His guitar is sweet! Made just for him with a headstock inlay of his girls. Chapin and Trout played with Tom McCutcheon (below left/Chapin on right), as well. I don't think all 4 of them have ever played together at the same time. It was amazing! All of those guys being gracious performers, they invited Jim Cosgrove and myself to sing Iko, Iko with them. So much fun, I can't even tell you, to be in the company of such talent. The song rocked, too.
Next year....watch out! Acts are already lined up...BIG...I'm talking BIG!

READING REPTILE AUCTION! HELP THE COOLEST STORE EVER GET OUT OF DEBT!

Ok, Kansas City Moms...

How many of us have gone to The Reading Reptile for a break in Brookside?
Me, too.
Now, here's a link to an auction that's going on to help the store take care of some debt.

THE READING REPTILE AUCTION

They have cool, original book illustrations and even autographed Ralph's World items.
Take a look!

Kids rockin' to Grandma's House and other announcements!

I love it when folks alert me to videos like this. THIS is why I am Funky Mama....


So cute!
If your kids are rockin' out at my concerts, please, please, POST IT!

The KC JIGGLE JAM kicks off this weekend! Saturday I play at 12:45 in the Jam Tent and Sunday, I play at 11am on the Jam Stage.
Come out and jam with me and so many other musical friends. Lots to do, remember the sunscreen and a change of clothes for the kiddos. NO outside snacks or drinks are allowed, so come with some moolah for munchies. Bring the camera and snap lots of shots so I can post them here.

One more thing...
My friend Jim "Mr. Stinkyfeet" Cosgrove is allowing downloads of his new album "Upside Down" for 2 weeks on his website. You can get it for free or pay what you like! Only for 2 weeks, though.
I sing on two tracks and, overall, I think it's his best work to date. Lots of fun!

From the mouths of babes...

Check out a Mom review of "Moo Juice" at Blueberry's site. (Scroll down a little after you get there.)
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! Take that video and post it! That would be so funny...

Here it is below, too:
Here is bean singing. she is "playing" rock band with daddy. she isn't singing the song that he is playing on drums though. she is singing one of her new favorites, funky mama!

last week the lovely maggie had a contest. the winner got funky mama's new cd, moo juice. and, holy cow, we won! bean was SO excited when she found out she would be getting a package in the mail. she couldn't wait. when the package arrived on saturday, she wanted her prize now! (i don't even think she understood what it was at that point, she just knew that it came in the mail and it was hers!)
so, we listened to it in the car sunday. she was hooked. every time we get in the car she asks for "potty train" or "sippy" or "freeze dance". (we get the most requests for potty train. it is so funny to hear her say "mommy, i want potty train!") it is a truly great cd. i highly recommend it to anyone looking for music to entertain their children! and yes, you adults will find it fun too. :)

so, anyways, here she is singing "can you hear me? yes, funky mama!" into the microphone. too darn cute for words! (i so wish i had taken video!)

2008 AIDS WALK FUNDRAISER

Hi all!
I'm playing a fundraiser for the 2008 AIDS WALK here in Kansas City.
It's going to be a really cool block party in one of the hippest neighborhoods in town! Great homes, great food, great music.
Here's the skinny....

Party with a Purpose

A Fund-Raising Benefit for AIDS Walk Kansas City

Holmes Street residents in Central Hyde Park are planning the fourth annual PARTY with a PURPOSE.

They are combining a fund raiser for AIDS Walk Kansas City, a thank-you event for major donors, team captains, and organizers of AIDS Walk 2008, and a STREET PARTY, TOO!

Holmes Street will be closed off from the north side of Gleed to the south side of 36^th St from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, June 7^th. A BBQ sandwich dinner will be served and there will also be hot dogs and veggie-burgers. They will have soda, water, and adult beverages to drink. This year four Holmes street homeowners will open up there first floors for a mini-tour from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. A live band will play throughout the evening and the ebullient musician Funky Mama will play a set for the kids (and adults) at 6:15 pm. There will be kid’s entertainment, face-painting, snow cones, and popcorn. And there will also be a silent auction with many exciting items.

All this for just a $25 dollar minimum donation per adult (children are free) to AIDS Walk Kansas City. Everyone is welcome.

All proceeds will benefit the over 5,000 men, women and children in the Kansas City area living with HIV/AIDS and provide funds for educating our young people.

HOPE YOU CAN ALL MAKE IT!!

SNEAK PEEK AT KC PARENT--JUNE COVER!

Ok...
Here I am (in cartoon form in the righthand corner) with Dino (on left), Jim (middle) and the Doo-Dads (back) on the June cover of KC Parent.
I had to giggle at the cartoon cleavage, so go right ahead. :)

Seriously though, it's great of KC Parent to devote an issue to our music and thanks to John Hayes for the artwork. We all appreciate it, so pick up one of the 50,000 copies around town.

Patsy Cline lives again!....Sort of...

(Hi all. I don't know why I haven't posted about this before. Probably because MY WORLD is Funky Mama right now!)

In October, I'm portraying Patsy Cline in "Always, Patsy Cline" at the Chestnut Fine Arts Center in Olathe, KS and taking a break from Funky Mama for a bit. My friend Stasha, who is the funniest person I've ever met in my life and one of THE most talented, is also leading the charge in this musical as Louise---Patsy's buddy. This will be our 4th run of this show in the last 3 years and every single performance has sold out.
So, basically if you want tickets, CALL NOW---913-764-2121.
Everyone who reads this needs a date night, so go!
I sing 23 Patsy songs (all the favorites and some rock n' roll tunes that might surprise you). I used to do theatre a lot and I guess the bug is still in me. :)

Now...back to Funky Mama....

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE KC JIGGLE JAM!!! TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS WEEK! You can even get them at Hy-Vee.
Some of the Jiggle Jam musicians met for a photo shoot for the KC Star this week. We all were goofing around with our instruments near the Crown Center fountains while a photog took some shots while we were "doing our thing." (Mr. Stinkyfeet and I serenaded Dino O' Dell with a very weird version of Dino's "Peanut Butter Pond" tune.) I think the shot and accompanying story comes out on May 15th in the Preview section? Not sure. If you see it first, let me know!

The Numbers Game...and more Funky Mama news...

Hi all.

Thanks to those moms (and dad) who came to my gig this morning at the Lenexa Community Center. I appreciate it a bunch!
Thanks to Pam for sharing some pics from the morning. Check out the jump from Ms. Lyda!

Anyhoo...
If you happen to pick up a copy of 435 South Magazine, there I am--smack dab in the middle of the cover! It's got some great articles about area moms, so try and pick one up.
ALSO, next month, KC Parent is running features on Funky Mama, Mr. Stinkyfeet Jim Cosgrove, Dino O' Dell, and The Doo-Dads. We all are featured on the cover in CARTOON form! Should be cool! Also, in the June issue, you can enter to win one of my new MOO JUICE CDs. Lots of fun things a'comin'...

Now a mommy note~ My 4-year-old has been struggling with recognizing his numbers, so I came up with a game. Really simple stuff. I got a deck of Uno cards and mixed them up. I get 2 of each number (1 follows a 1, a 2 follows a 2, etc.) so he'd get some repetitions.
3's and 7's, for some reason, trip him up, so I came up with a little phrase for each. Maybe it can help your kids, too.
For 7, I trace it and say, "You walk across the top and you SLIDE DOWN number 7!" Now, HE GETS IT!
For 3, I trace each level of the number and say, "I have 3 fingers, 1-2-3." That worked, too!
Now for 6 and 9, remember 9 has a "big head" and 6 has a "big belly." We practice before nap and bedtime. Hope it helps!

AND THE WINNER IS.....

Congrats to:
NICOL

You are the winner of the brand new MOO JUICE CD!

Thanks so much to all who left comments.
Please keep checking my website: www.funkymamamusic.com
for details about upcoming shows, videos and other fun Funky Mama things.
I'll do this again in July, so be ready! In the meantime, you can hear Moo Juice songs at my MySpace page: www.myspace.com/funkymamamusic

BLOGGY CARNIVAL GIVEAWAY TIME FROM FUNKY MAMA!!

Ok...I'm going to giveaway a brand spankin' new Moo Juice CD.
It's Bloggy Carnival Giveaway weekend! Click here to find out more.
I told you about Maggie's giveaway and I thought it wasn't fair for her to do all my publicity for me, so, even though I'm a little late here...
Leave a comment below to enter and I will randomly select a winner on Sunday night.
The winner will be contacted on Monday and I'll ship Moo Juice to you for free. You can't buy it until September, so enter to win!
Good Luck!

Funky Mama CD giveaway at ....

Hi all!
My friend Maggie is giving away a new copy of my CD "MOO JUICE" as part of her blogger giveaway.
Leave a comment here and get a chance to win!!
Maggie and her boys have been great concertgoers at my gigs and I appreciate it. :)
Go to Maggie's RIGHT NOW!

Just some fun photos of gigs!