In a media universe where movies, TV shows and music are increasingly targeted toward ever-more precise demographics, it’s become harder and harder to find entertainment that parents and kids can enjoy together.
In fairness, there have been some movies (i.e. anything by Pixar or Walden Media) that have crossed the age divide but, for the most part, it’s pretty slim pickings for those seeking truly family entertainment.
Well, when it comes to pop music, there is at least one group filling in the generation gap.
Dream Jam Band is group of musicians dedicated to the creation and performance of songs that families can listen to together. Its members go by the names Erin the Red (whose name refers to the color of her hair), Maestro C , Barry G and Francine.
Their self-titled first album featured eleven original songs, at least two of which (Nicky Nicky Knock Knock and Look Around) achieved number-one hit status on SiriusXM satellite radio. The album also made NPR’s list of Top Ten Best Children’s and Family Albums. The group has also been featured on the PBS kids’ show Sprout.
I recently spoke with Francine (Wheeler) about the group’s success, goals and influences.
She credits the band’s achievements with the fact that they all love what they’re doing and eclectic musical influences that keep things fresh — everything from classical to folk (i.e. Woody Guthrie) to rock (i.e. Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead) to Broadway show tunes and rap. Also, the fact that the music is joyful in a way that appeals to all ages.
She says that, while she’s pleased with the commercial success the group has enjoyed and certainly wants to record a lot more CD’s, she’d love to see Dream Jam Band’s music get into schools where she thinks their joyful sounds could make the learning process a lot more enjoyable for kids.
Francine, an experienced teacher who has designed music programs children, lives in Connecticut with her husband and two young sons. She sings, plays guitar, piano and percussion and organizes Dream Jam Band’s live shows. She’s also been featured on the cover of Working Mother Magazine.
She says “I bring a background of classical, Broadway, cabaret, swing and pop vocal performance to my music” but notes that she’s been especially influenced by the work of the Beatles.
Other band members have other musical influences, like Barry G (Gellert) who is a big fan of Led Zeppelin and Maestro C who loves Mozart. Taken together, she says members of the group play about twenty different instruments. It’s an assortment of talent she believes serves the group well in creating an interesting and entertaining mix of musical styles.
That seems to be one thing parents and their kids agree on.
Dream Jam Band’s new album, Leave it in the Soup, is due out on August 10.
