The Ketchup Report, Vol. 7

I see a lot of stuff. I don't always have time for a separate post. Here, then, is a collection of random pieces of information -- videos, downloads, news -- that never made it into its own neatly-titled post.

-- Aaron Nigel Smith is offering up a free mp3 of his song "In a Book," a slow reggae jam not featured on his forthcoming Let's Pretend album. Pick it up here.

-- I'd read somewhere -- probably a comment on its Facebook page -- that there was going to be a Kidzapalooza in Chile this year. That struck me as odd, but sure enough, yes, there is. April 2nd and 3rd, while Lollapalooza entertains a whole bunch of folks in Santiago, acts such as Achú, Cuchara, Fractal + Joe Vanconcellos, Los Pulentos, Los Plumabits, and Magictwins will be rocking the Kidza stage (though in the case of the Magictwins, I'm not sure "rock" is the word, even though they rock... magically). Kidzapalooza co-founder Tor Hyams reports he is indeed making the trek down to South America to produce the stage, a trek which makes the cross-country flights folks like Hyams and myself will make for Kindiefest seem like small potatoes.

And, Tor, please see what you can do about bringing Los Plumabits -- featured on a Chilean kids' TV show which seems to be somewhat analagous to Yo Gabba Gabba! -- to the States.

Los Plumabits - "Disco Laser" [YouTube]

More -- much more -- after the jump.
-- We're big fans of the KC Jiggle Jam 'round here, and they recently announced their lineup for Memorial Day weekend (May 28 and 29). The lineup was strong enough as it was -- Justin Roberts, the Verve Pipe, Okee Dokee Brothers, Brady Rymer, Funky Mama, Mayor of Kansas City (it seems like) Jim "Stinky Feet" Cosgrove, and more -- but they added one more via voting on their Facebook page. A nifty idea, I thought, which led to the Not-Its joining the lineup. For the price -- $15 for both days -- it's a great deal.

-- First Seattle, then Los Angeles, then San Francisco, and now Portland, Oregon. A bunch of Portland's family musicians are banding together for a couple shows on April 23 and 30. See folks like Matt Clark, The Alphabeticians, and Mo Phillips on the cheap. More details here.

-- I have wanted to mention the newsletter LA kids' musician Groovy David does on a weekly basis because I think it's an example of the way musicians can create community even without doing shows together and so forth. His newsletter features links to family-friendly activities, interesting sights on the web, and links to his podcast. The podcast features interviews with other kindie artists and often new songs (I heard a new song from the Jimmies a while back). If interested in getting on the list, send an e-mail to soundssweetshow AT gmail DOT com.

-- Morgan Taylor, creator of Gustafer Yellowgold, has been releasing a series of entertaining "behind-the-scenes" videos. Today's release looks at pterodactyl evolution. At least in animation. (Plus also: a look at the very first Gustafer Yellowgold product, dating all the way back to 2004.)

-- Finally, two videos: The first is from Chuck Brown and the Chuckleberries and the second is from Groove Kid Nation. Both will amuse your kids, I think.

Chuck Brown and the Chuckleberries - "Yellowberry Jam" [YouTube]

Groove Kid Nation - "Itsy Bitsy Spider" [YouTube]

Video: "Love Me For Who I Am" - Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Brady Rymer's forthcoming April 12th album Love Me For Who I Am comes with a trainload of back story.

Rymer's new video for the title track just comes with a trainload of kids. It's lots of fun, and enjoyable regardless of whether you know the back story (which you can read about just by going to Rymer's site). The video is below; after the jump, you can stream the entire album.

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could - "Love Me For Who I Am" [YouTube]

Even More Free Holiday Music From Jitterbug.tv

In the midst of Hanukkah, and only a week or so before the solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, it's prime time for holiday music. No sooner do I post about a free track than the folks at Jitterbug's let me know about their holiday playlist. It's a good one and even better, it's a free one, available for downloading or streaming. Music from The Hipwaders, Brady Rymer, Didi Pop, Gustafer Yellowgold, Princess Katie & Racer Steve, Rock Daddy Rock, and David Tobocman. Good stuff (I've already talked about a few songs on the list), downloadable here and in a few cases, nowhere else.

Live Video: Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

As we continue our stroll through the showcase from KindieFest 2009, the memories from the event -- now a good ten days behind us -- grow a bit dimmer. The one thing that I remember crystal clear regarding Brady Rymer was that everytime I saw him throughout the day, he was smiling.

That especially went for his performance with the Little Band That Could. I think most of the bands up there on the Jalopy stage were having fun to some extent, but by far Rymer was having the most fun of all. Certainly that ties in well with his music, suffused with warmth and good feelings, but he and his band were clearly having a blast during their set. Good times.

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could - Jump Up (It's a Good Day) (Live at KindieFest)

One more picture...

All photos used with permission of J.P. Stephens from the band Lunch Money; visit him at Lumos Studio. Thanks, J.P.!

As Saturday Morning Concerts Go, This Is A Good One

A couple months back, I let you know that the Grammy folks would be hosting a new kids music series at their new Grammy Museum, including a show tied to the kids music genre.

Well, that show is coming up here -- this Saturday in fact -- and if you're in the LA area, heck even if you hate the Grammys, this should be one heckuva show. Brady Rymer and Buck Howdy, both nominees in this year's kids audio categories, will be performing. Add to them Tom Paxton, who's receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys next weekend, and Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, who will be presenting some awards at Sunday afternoon's Grammy ceremony, and it's a sweet little concert. Starts at 10 AM, tickets just $8/person, or free with Museum admission.