Kids' Jam for Janeway Poster

The launch of our website was primarily built around an event that we organized during the Juno Award celebrations in St. John’s, Newfoundland.   Inspired by a discussion we had with Charlie Hope, we approached the other Juno nominees for Children’s Album of the Year and everyone that was going to be in town for the Juno Awards agreed to participate in a free benefit concert for the local children’s hospital.

The concert was a great success, despite losing The Bees Knees as they were stranded in Halifax because of fog, and not having Norman Foote, the ultimate winner of this year’s Juno Award as he was unable to travel to the awards.

Here is a short video with some clips of the performances.  A special thank you to Charlie Hope, The Kerplunks, Bobs & Lolo, and our wonderful host Rik Barron for outstanding performances.  In the end, we were able to raise over $1100 for the hospital through donations, raffle, and refreshment sales.

We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors, Little People’s Workshop, Dominion, The Newfoundland & Labrador Musician’s Association (AFM Local 820), Sheth Designs, Gower St. United Church, Oompa Toys and Trees & Tots.

Charlie Hope

Charlie Hope is a gifted, award winning singer songwriter who knows how to tug the heartstrings of children – and their parents, too. You can catch her whimsical sound and melodic lyrics in her Award-winning debut album, “I’m Me!”.

Since the release of I’m Me!, the album has received two Independent Music Awards for Best Album and Best Song and the Silver Parents’ Choice Award. She is now honored by a Juno Award nomination for this same album.

Adored by critics, Hope’s vocals are “clear-as-glass, pitch-perfect” according to Cool Mom Picks, and according to Kiwi Magazine, she’s “in good company with some of the best lyricists and vocalists out there.”

“I’m Me” invites little feet to dance, hands to clap and attracts ears to the stereo like moths to a glowing porch lantern on a summer’s eve. Children become roaring lions, squeaking mice, and whistling trains answering Charlie’s siren song.

Charlie Hope’s train song was chosen for an Emerging Canadian Artist compilation for Air Canada in November 2009 and her whole “I’m Me” album has been offered on the Air Canada entertainment system, since December 2009.

“I’m Me!” has been followed-up by the lullaby album “World of Dreams.” This original album gently lulls children (and adults) to sleep with images of balloons, teddy bears on boats, the gentle rain, and more.

Charlie, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Children’s Art Therapy, believes music is an integral part of a child’s well-being and can help them express their inner thoughts.For Charlie, music should empower not only the creator, but also the listener. She strives to create music that is relevant to children’s lives – reflecting and respecting their experiences.

Be sure to download a free Frog Song from Charlie Hope, along with a free song from the 3 other KidsBeet artists here!

The Bees Knees

The Bee’s Knees are a JUNO Award Nominated musical duo based out of Toronto, Ontario and comprised of sisters Andie Duncan and Cyndi Duncan-Lumsden. Since it’s inception in 2006, The Bee’s Knees have quickly become one of Canada’s most musically accomplished bands making records for children today. With catchy, upbeat original tunes with strong melodies and solid production sounds, The Bee’s Knees write songs that inspire and entertain children, while engaging their parents at the same time. Andie Duncan (Actra, AFM) is the lead singer, composer and producer for The Bee’s Knees. Prior to writing children’s music, Andie’s musical career included solo artist performances of her original songs on the Lilith Fair stage, as well as opening theatre dates for a number of higher profile artists including k.d. Lang, Holly Cole, Jann Arden, Paula Cole and Joe Cocker. Andie and her husband are raising their two young children in Toronto.

Cyndi Duncan-Lumsden (BA, B.ed) is the co-writer and principle lyricist for The Bee’s Knees. Cyndi draws on her 22 years of experience as an inner city teacher to capture the interests and moods of the children she teaches when writing songs for The Bee’s Knees. Cyndi is married to a fellow teacher and together are raising their three teenaged children.

Andie and Cyndi were thrilled to win the the award for Favourite Children’s Group at this year’s Canadian Independent Music Awards (The “Indies”), and are over the moon about the JUNO Nomination for Best Children’s Album 2010. The Bee’s Knees are excited to be embarking on an animated film project currently in pre-production to support their music.

The Kerplunks

The Kerplunks are award winning children’s entertainers bringing high-energy, colourful performances to the stage – and outfits that match! As a group they are committed to educating children through musical creativity. When they start playing, kids are soon dancing and following along with the actions. Even parents can’t resist getting up out of their seats!

The Kerplunks have two full-length albums and are in production for the third to be released in the summer of 2010. Their self titled debut album (The Kerplunks, 2007) made a big splash and immediately garnered recognition from the music industry. The Kerplunks won a 2008 Canadian Folk Music Award for Children’s Album of the Year and a 2008 Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Children’s Recording as well as being nominated for a 2009 JUNO Award for Children’s Album of The Year. Their second release (Walk On, 2009) was supported by FACTOR and has already been recognized with a second 2010 JUNO Award nomination, a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, 2010 Canadian Indie Award, International Songwriting Award as well as two separate nominations for the International Independent Music Awards (Best Children’s Song – Walk On and Best Children’s Album).

Fronted by the dynamic female duo of Tina Jones (vocals, trumpet, baritone horn, trombone, kazoo) and Dinah D (vocals, upright bass, banjo, mandolin, kazoo) and backed up by their talented male counterparts Aaron Cadwaladr (guitar, kazoo, vocals) and Phil Wipper (drums, vocals). The Kerplunks have played some of Western Canada’s best festivals – including the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and The Winnipeg Folk Festival. They have also performed in theatres and throughout BC public schools with the Art Starts in Schools program. Garnering rave reviews, The Kerplunks are looking forward to bringing their high-energy show to audiences across Canada.

The Kerplunks provide a unique live performance with a full four-piece multi-instrumental band, presenting a wide variety of upbeat lyrics and musical styles that even parents can enjoy. The Kerplunks get the whole audience singing along, on their feet and participating in the actions.

To say the least, The Kerplunks have gained a high-level of success in a short period of time. With a third full-length album to be released in the summer of 2010, this standout children’s band, like their little fans, is getting bigger every day.