New Funky Mama gig pics!

I just want to say thanks to all the folks who came in the BITTER cold this last Wednesday to Pottery Barn Kids on the Plaza for my show.
My goodness, we were all frozen marching in there, weren't we? Here are some fun pics (Thanks, Sarah and Maggie!) of some fun moments.

Child Care Providers Coalition Fundraiser

I wanted to let you know about a fundraiser/concert coming up that you might want to support! Jim Cosgrove, "Mr. Stinkyfeet" is the headliner! Here's the info:
Tuesday April 22, 2008
10:00 am
Westside Family Church
8500 Woodsonia Drive
Lenexa, KS 66227
(at the corner of K-7 and 83rd Street)

Jim Cosgrove knows what kids like to laugh about and sing about. And he’s taken that knowledge along with his guitar and a box full of instruments around the country and the world, singing his songs for kids of all ages. In a 50-minute interactive program, there are opportunities for kids to play along in one of several impromptu “jam” sessions. Jim introduces kids to instruments from all over the world and engages them in songs about science, geography, conflict resolutions, and just being a kid. Throughout the program kids will learn about honoring and expressing personal rhythm, and making the effort to succeed in sports, homework and music. There’s a load of laughter and learning for audiences from pre-school through fifth grades.

Fund raiser for Child Care Providers Coalition of Kansas, Inc.
(State of Kansas Family Child Care Organization)

Admissions: $5.00 each Make checks payable to: CCPC

For reservations or information contact: Pam Elliott 913 384-9338

VIDEOS OF FUNKY MAMA IN ACTION!

"Grandma's House"

"C'mon Hear the Drum!"
Thanks so much to Maggie with andtheducksaid.blogspot.com for taking this snippets of some fun times!

"Grandma's House video"

"White House Easter Egg Roll 2007 Footage"

FUNKY MAMA CD RELEASE PARTY AND CONCERT!

I want to tell you more about my new CD--"Moo Juice."
It's going to be straight up rock n' roll (thanks to many great musicians and my new Gibson ES 135 Kick Bootie guitar!) and I can't wait to get started. We go into the studio in March and will be ready to release it at a party on July 12. It's at my church, Southminster Presbyterian, in Prairie Village, 6301 Roe Ave. Just email me at funkymamamusic@hotmail.com to reserve a spot.
It'll be so, so fun. Snacks for the kiddos and great music for all! $2.00 per child; $4 at the door without a reservation.We'll have some giveaways, too! Let me know if you need more info.
Now...about the songs on Moo Juice:
17 of them---rock out with your little ones. I think this one will be my favorite.
I've been asked, "Is the popcorn song on there? Is the down, down, baby one on there?" The answer to both questions is YES!! Most of what I play live now will be on this CD PLUS some fun new ones NO ONE except my family and a few patient friends have heard.

Thoughts on places I play....

As Funky Mama, I get to visit many, many preschools, daycares, and schools. I think this is a great place to talk about them.
I get to have an interesting vantage point as a singer in front of a lot of educators and kids. I can immediately get a "vibe."
Here are some memorable places where I've seen a lot of love going from the careproviders to the kiddos. Remember, these are just my humble observations on a few places. I know there are wonderful childcare facilities all over the metro area:

1. Congregation Beth Shalom 14200 Lamar, OP, KS
I love this place. Let my bias be known. I teach music there and adore the teachers. They love kids--bottomline. Besides, the education they give as a preschool is second to none.
The director, Judy Jacks Berman, greets each kid by name and gives them a kiss on the head. The teachers take children into their laps and freely cuddle and seem to love it! It's funny how many places I visit where I see teachers look so tired and can't seem to muster energy for the kids.

2.Village Preschool (Village Presbyterian Church) Prairie Village, KS
Bias again. Patty Zender, the director, has to be one of the most kind-hearted, dynamic, and warm educators I know. Don't get me started! The teachers, too! Wow. Warm, loving and firm with the kids. And understanding. A well-respected preschool of which I love being a part.

3. Brookridge Day School 9555 Hadley, OP, KS
The director, Mary Beth Daley, who I think is awesome, was one of the first educators to give Funky Mama a shot and I will always appreciate that. (She also rides a girly scooter to and from work!) The place is fun and the folks are enthusiastic and caring.

I know everyone has their favorites. These are just a few of mine. We should talk librarians, too. They rock! What unsung heros for kiddos especially in the summertime.

(Thanks, Tina for the pic.)