Take a stand against gun violence, with the new organization, Artists for Safe Kids

Hundreds of creators of visual, literary and performing arts for children are taking a stand against gun violence, joining a new organization, Artists for Safe Kids (www.artistsforsafekids.org). ASK joins a growing number of organizations calling for stronger gun laws and safety measures. Many ASK members will join with Concert Across America To End Gun Violence on September 25th, a Congress-designated National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

 

The idea for Artists for Safe Kids (ASK) began shortly after the Sandy Hook school massacre in December 2012. Over GRAMMY weekend in Los Angeles in February 2013, GRAMMY winner and author Bill Harley delivered an address, “How Shall We Speak”, to a children’s music industry audience, which he later posted online. Now director of ASK, Harley explains, “As artists, writers and performers who work with and for children, we have witnessed with growing concern and despair the tragic effect of gun violence on children. Some of us are gun owners, some of us have never touched a gun. What unites us is our recognition that our nation needs a saner, more rational gun policy, nationally and in our local states and communities.”

Among the supporters are Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey (Peter Paul and Mary), and GRAMMY winners Cathy & Marcy, Dan Zanes and The Okee Dokee Brothers, plus authors Norton Juster (Phantom Tollbooth), Lemony Snicket, Mo Willems, Sharon Creech and Jane Yolen. More artists are adding their support daily. (List available online at http://www.artistsforsafekids.org/about.html)

Donna Dees, founder and organizer of the Million Mom March, Mother's Day 2000 –  still the largest protest against gun violence in U.S. history – is an early supporter. Dees is also involved in producing the Concert Across America To End Gun Violence on September 25th.  Dees says, “I'm impressed with the variety and the quality of the artists involved in ASK. This new organization will spark awareness and action toward a saner gun policy. It’s so important for artists to take a stand on this issue, and to engage their fans in this ongoing effort.

“ASK joins with a growing chorus of voices calling for comprehensive universal background checks for gun purchasers, better screening for mental health problems, better gun safety regulations for gun owners to keep children safe from accidental firings, and a limit on semi-automatic weapons and large magazines. Artists who wish to show their support for a safer world for kids may join the organization and receive tips for organizing a concert on September 25 by sending an email to ASK at info@artistsforsafekids.org.

"The Laurie Berkner Band" Returns with Superhero CD

Eight years coming, and it's almost here! The Laurie Berkner Band, authentic superstars of kids' music, have announced a September 23rd release of Superhero, the highly anticipated first full album since 2008 loaded with all-new songs by beloved children's musician Laurie Berkner.

Jam-packed with twenty one newly composed Laurie Berkner original tunes,  plus two "bonus" tracks, Superhero is indeed the album Laurie's fans have been waiting for. With music ranging from quiet, a capella finger plays to get-up-and-dance full band anthems, this is Laurie Berkner at her absolute best.

Says Laurie Berkner, "I wrote Superhero thinking about many things that I found fun as a kid, and I'm so thrilled to have such wonderful guests to share that fun, including superstar crown prince of reggae, Ziggy Marley, super musical yogini Kira Willey, and our own superbassman, Brady Rymer, who gets a special slot up front in addition to his regular vocal and instrumental contributions as a member of The Laurie Berkner Band.

Superhero covers a spectrum of musical styles, including '60s pop, rootsy rock, lullabies, reggae, Latin, and more. As fans have come to expect, all of Laurie Berkner's songs on Superhero speak to kids without talking down to them, through imaginative lyrics that both enchant and empower.

"American Girl : Grace Stirs Up Success" Soundtrack Releasing

American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success will be released on June 23 by  ABKCO Records through its Little World Records imprint. This marks the second time time Little World has teamed up with American Girl to release a music CD soundtrack for a direct-to-video title based on its popular Girl of the Year series for girls ages 8 and up (American Girl: Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight was released last summer). The new album features music from the live action film, which will be  available on HD Digital June 9 and on Blu-ray and DVD June 23 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Starring Virginia Madsen (“Witches of East End,” Sideways) and Olivia Rodrigo, the heartwarming film brings to life the story of Grace Thomas, an inventive, enthusiastic nine-year-old girl who is full of  big ideas. A planner at heart, Grace finds the courage to step outside her comfort zone during a trip to Paris that broadens her perspective and challenges her to try new things. Back home, Grace uses her newfound courage and culinary skills to start her own French baking business with her two best friends. When she learns her beloved grandparents’ bakery might close, Grace and her friends combine their talents to mix together some great ideas that, ultimately, lead to many sweet rewards.