Betsy Stern Kids' Music: News

What a fantastic year this has been! I've played about 350 events so far and had two marvelous trips back to France. Regional touring was great, as were local gigs. I have about 25 more events to go before the end of the year, and am looking forward to those coming up in 2010.

At this time of year I often think of my godmother, a music teacher and classical harpist who attended Juilliard. We spent every Christmas Eve at her house, playing music of, course. She'd unwrap her amazing harp and play. It was unbelievable to hear and watch her because she was so tiny. She founded the music program at Berkeley High School, and supported so many musicians, some of whom went onto international careers in classical music. She supported me 100% in my music endeavors all the time I was growing up, and set me up to do solo gigs from about age 12. When I started orchestrating, around age 14 or so, she gave me Rimsky-Korsakov's book on orchestration. She sat with me while I wrote lines and she played back my work on her piano. She spent hours with me. She had no tolerance at all for attitude among professional musicians and was known in her classroom to throw dusty chalkboard erasers at the backs of visiting professional musicians who showed arrogance around her students. She had a twinkle in her eye and an Irish sense of humor, and she was mischievous and marvelous. One day, while still a child, I commented to her, "Music is for everybody." She had a rubber stamp made for me, with the phrase imprinted on it." I still have the stamp.

I think also of another of my teachers, from kindergarten, who was an outstanding educator and kept a watchful eye on those of us she'd taught by continuing to invest in our futures by following our interests and always helping us to pursue them. At Christmas she organized the neighborhood caroling. It doesn't snow here, but I still remember having to wrap up a lot before heading out and singing our hearts out. When I was about 15 she had me come into several classrooms to teach music, while she oversaw me as the master teacher. It was an incredible experience.

I watch the grown-ups who help make all my work possible, watch them work so hard and with such dedication, and often with little recognition. They deserve so much, all of them. Raising and educating children in these times is really tough. It’s tough because of the economy, cutbacks, people being really tired from having to work so hard, and values that often go against our investing in our kids. But we still do it. It takes all of us working together to pull it off, and I’m honored to be a part of the groups and families with which I work, and so lucky to have grown up with the support I had.

Oh, those beaming faces looking at us, laughing, dancing, and showing us that they’re really absorbing the arts. That’s what it’s all about. I thank everyone who is part of this journey, kids and adults.

I returned earlier this week from an absolutely fantastic visit to Paris. In addition to seeing dear friends and being in the city I love most, I got back together again with some wonderful French musicians whom I met at a jam in Paris in February. We played a lot and came together to record a couple nights to see what would happen with some traditional American music. I've just posted the first take we did of "Hush Little Baby" I love playing with these guys, and out of this session came my new Paris-based band, "Betsy and the Frenchmen." I'm really excited about this group! I'm working now on bookings for 2010.

The kids and grown-ups I met and played for in Reno, LA., and Monterey were wonderful! I did a variety of programs, from "Rhythms of the World" to one about the senses, one on the ABCs and reading, and another where we made percussion instruments. Watching the kids play percussion instruments so naturally and so well -- and at such a young age -- is fantastic, and they dance so freely.

During the shows I read very, very short stories, in English, Spanish, and French, to help steer kids towards the joy of reading. I started reading to my kids when they were infants and they've grown up to be avid readers, so I'm continuing this tradition as it was passed onto me by my parents.

I love singing songs from around the world to honor the cultures from which the music comes. When there are grown-ups present who come from one of those cultures, it's wonderful to see them light up, as we are honoring them too.

The show at the Children's Museum at La Habra was about the Ring of Fire exhibit, so I took along some of my sister-in-law's beautiful bead work from Alaska. The kids got to smell the tanned caribou hide on my moccasins, and I played a traditional fiddle tune for them, as this is what is played in my sister-in-law's village.

I've written this before, and will do so again: to all of the grown-ups out there who are taking their kids to libraries, museums, music classes and events, and sharing the arts with your children -- and to those grown-ups who make these events possible -- I send my heartfelt thanks. It's a lot of work, but when we see the looks on those little faces when they discover something new and fun that provides a building block for their understanding of the world and ability to learn, it's so worth it. Thank you!!!

I am on tour in Reno right now, where the weather is fantastic and the mountains are still snow-capped. The library kids and grown-ups are wonderful. I've just finished the third of nine shows in six days. I'm happy to see the libraries full of people and books - a good sign!

I am delighted to learn that I will be getting airplay through the radio program, "Pulse of the Planet," in Spain. Per their web site: "Pulse of the Planet is a world music radio show on Onda Cero International (OCI) in southern Spain that delivers a sound portrait of our world with the purpose of promoting unity while respecting diversity. Pulse of the Planet is pre-recorded and airs twice a week in English and once in Spanish, for an hour each broadcast." What a wonderful program!

April is packed with about 28 dates. I will be back at the Children's Museum at La Habra for two shows for their new exhibit, and will be doing two programs at the Monterey Library. Lots of fun events coming up.

I still think so often of my dad, and what he passed onto me that I can now pass on as well.

I'll be leaving Paris tomorrow, to return to California. My trip back to France has been fantastic.

Today, as I walked for hours along the Seine, I saw wonderful prints of Babar at the booksellers' stalls. I read Babar, Madeleine, and other French stories over and over as a child and later read them to my own kids. I am bringing home some newer kids' material (thanks to my dear friend here, who worked for years as a teacher in early childhood education in France), which I'll be integrating soon into my programs.

Now, off for dinner...

Today a little girl, who is in a class that I teach, left briefly with her teacher to go get something. When they returned, the little girl handed me a beautiful maraca. "I got it. It's for you," she said. She'd gone to Mexico and brought it back. WOW! I was so moved. Gifts like that are so from the heart (she'd brought her mom to class one day too, to hear the music!).

After reviewing the scale today with some classes, I watched a little boy, about 2, reach for my hand bells and he started singing "Do Re Mi" on his own, pointing to each bell separately. I don't think that he can talk yet.

The kids at gigs are still dancing. We had very young ballroom dancers at a Jazz gig that I played over the weekend. Sometimes the girls also do ballet or what looks like Renaissance dancing at my kids' gigs. These children are amazing!

I've got my flight booked for the France trip and am over the moon: February…wintery, cold, and rainy, I know, but I can't wait to see my friends and Paris again.

Today one of my duo partners and I played privately for a very famous folk musician who performed for many years for children, as well as on the international folk circuit. It was the most moving experience to be at his bedside and see the power of what music can do. We were speechless after we left because there's something so phenomenal about being in the presence of a great who has passed onto us what we are now passing onto others. I'm truly grateful.

I just got home from a really fun trip to LA, where I played again at the Children's Museum at La Habra. The kids were great, and they seemed to enjoy the new show about the five senses, which complimented the museum's new exhibition about the same. I love kids' museums, and the staff at this one are so welcoming and really love kids.

I've noticed in the past couple weeks that a lot of kids are starting to do ballroom dancing while I play. It's so funny, as these are young children, around 3-6 years old. I'm not sure where they're learning the dances from, but they seem to be having a great time.

I stayed in Anaheim, where I suspect that, no matter what, you'll end up at Disneyland if you walk. I did! I didn't have time to go in, but there sure were tons of families in the area. I awoke early at the hotel each day to the laughter of young children who were definitely very excited about their vacation destination.

As the economy puts people through the wringer, I'm so glad to be able to share music. These are times when community really matters, and music is one of many wonders that brings people together. I hope that, if you play it, you've got the time to do so on your own, with friends, or with bandmates - and that, if you are a music lover, you have time to listen to your favorite music. If you are into the other arts, likewise!

"Waltzing Matilda" seems to be popular and selling as a single in Europe.

Meanwhile, I'm putting together a local show for tomorrow and then fly in and out Sunday to play a private event in LA. I have to say that hauling my gear all over keeps me strong, and presents amusing challenges because of my being 5' tall. So, if you ever see a whole lot of instruments and gear heading your way with no sign of a human, it's probably me (behind everything). It's quite a sight, and people do everything from nearly scream to offer to help. It all goes with the territory though…I could have played piccolo!

Just got back from playing a really fun concert produced by the Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch, for their summer outdoor concert series. It always moves me to see kids who don't know each other at all come together like a flock around the percussion instruments and break up into their own groups to play together. It's fantastic. It's also fantastic that so many cities and other organizations are sponsoring free family events. I know how important this was to me when my kids were little (and when I was little), and being able to play at these events now is incredible. I thank everyone who works to produce these concerts.

After playing the last gig of this tour today in Holland, where the weather was absolutely perfect and everything went well, I met up again with my friend in Saugatuck. He brought some instruments, so we started playing in the Gazebo in the park, when a couple arrived and asked us about what we were playing. The husband asked to borrow the guitar and started singing, and his wife sang harmony. They were fine musicians. As we were sitting there, a birthday party entourage arrived and joined us. We sang "Happy Birthday" to the guest of honor, and, as we parted, the couple that had joined us mentioned a jam session at a cafe this evening. We went, and played for 3 hours straight. It was a blast and the people were so nice and welcoming.

Sharing music is one of life's greatest treasures.

Butterfly Books is a delightful and very community-minded children's bookstore in De Pere, Wisconsin, and sponsored a program that I gave on Tuesday. What a nice group of people and very fun kids, who sure know how to dance. The event was in the church across the way, which was perfect, and the pastor very kind to let me use the sound system. The owner of Butterfly Books is wonderful.

Yesterday I drove from De Pere through Chicago and to Saugatuck, where I'm staying in a small and cozy log cabin. Saugatuck is a charming artists' community and seaside resort on the Kalamazoo River. Last night a friend and I started a walk along the river - until the lightning and rainstorm hit rather quickly. Lots and lots of lightning! We had a really enjoyable evening anyway – indoors.

This morning I played at the Oshtemo Library, in Kalamazoo, which was a ton of fun. The kids were right up on their feet, dancing, singing, and playing the percussion instruments. I also got to meet the librarian who brought me in to play, who spent a lot of time with his wife and older kids (a delightful family) in Berkeley. He used to take his kids to a store where I used to take my kids, so I brought him a little souvenir. The store has all sorts of unusual things that kids love, like bugs of all sizes mounted or in plastic containers, skeletons of animals, an albino (live) boa, live crickets, alligator backscratchers, and that type of thing.

After that show, I drove to Ann Arbor to visit family. Lovely visit and lovely town. I drove back to Saugatuck after the huge rainstorm this afternoon. I'm getting used to them.

Tomorrow I'll play in Holland, and then back home this weekend. This tour is fantastic. I've met such nice people, such great kids, and seen some beautiful countryside.

My first show this trip was in the beautiful Thomas Hughes Children's Library, a grand piece of architecture in downtown Chicago. Last night I played at CJ Arthur's, in Wilmette. The kids were up and dancing and singing behind me, in front of me, and to the side (as was one mom!). Lots of fun, followed by this morning's show at the Elmhurst Library, which is a very nice facility. I met some very kind people in Illinois.

I thought that I was driving into a fog bank on the way to Wisconsin this afternoon, but was greeted by the heaviest sheets of rain I've ever encountered, along with thunder and lightning. Wisconsin should sell its rain to California (we're in a serious drought)!

I'm staying by the Fox River, and walked the nearby trail this afternoon. Show tomorrow afternoon at a charming bookstore here, and then off to Michigan. I'll be playing in Kalamazoo and Holland, and in between visiting family in Ann Arbor.

Still no lightening bugs...but I found out that the racket that I thought was coming from birds is the song (well, the screaming really) of the local cicadas. They kind of sound like high-speed chainsaws.

Yesterday I walked about 10 miles along Lake Michigan on a bird-watching trail. I don't think that the trail is that long, but I kept making detours as the sky began to turn pretty dark and a lifeguard finally shouted, "EVERYBODY OFF THE BEACH. RIGHT NOW! Serious storm warning."

The natives seem to know exactly what to do. If it had been a trembler, I'd have known too, but this was embarrassing. A lady rode up beside me on a bike and told me about the warning. I said, "But I'm not from here...what do you do?" "Take cover," she shouted, cycling off.

I got back to the apartment pretty soaked.

Chicago puts a lot of money into the arts, and my visits to Millennium Park today and then the Art Institute were amazing. I ended the day by going to a free concert in a beautiful underground concert hall, near an equally amazing amphitheater. There's a free music festival going on downtown this weekend too. So much to do and so much of it is free.

I really loved the water sculpture in Millennium Park, where the kids were having a real blast running through the water and getting sprayed. What a treat for them on a warm summer day.

Off very soon for a return trip to Chicago, where I've been advised to seek out fireflies at dusk. In addition to playing some very fun shows in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, I'll visit more of the fantastic museums in the Windy City.

Back home I've been playing very enjoyable local solo kids' shows and also playing with some fantastic Jazz and Blues musicians. At one of the kids' events, a little boy (not yet 3) walked up to me with his mom. He said, very clearly, "That's a stand-up bass, not an electric bass." He's been teaching himself about instruments. I stood the bass up and had him bow and pluck it. Sometimes I really wish that I could bring along 1/8th-size basses and hand them out to kids to take home.

Before leaving on the first tour I planted a small container garden. I'm trying to figure out why the cucumber plant is growing beans!

Must pack instruments now...

I've received the RadioIndy.com Gold Artist award for "Foyo."

I've been having a fantastic time in Fairbanks, where I just did the Midnight Sun Festival. It was great to see kids and grown-ups dancing to the music. I was on all three stages, and enjoyed the whole event. I think that they must have had well over 40,000 people there today. The weather was incredible, and we went for shade in between sets.

Last night I got to visit family up here. It was wonderful to see all of them again and meet the two new babies, my great niece and great-great niece. I had my first taste of muktuk, along with smoked Alaskan char. This morning we had reindeer sausage. My sister-in-law is working very hard as an elder of her tribe to pass on traditions to the young. She's an extremely talented beader, and my nieces bead too. I'm going to miss all of them a lot.

Off early tomorrow morning for the train to Denali.

One of the things that I love about touring and traveling is that I get to meet so many people.

The kids at today's shows stuck out their arms so I could see what Alaskan mosquito bites look like. Yikes!

One of the kids came up after the show and said quietly, "I play a rather unusual instrument: bagpipes." He must have been about 11 years old, and went on to describe how he'd decided to play pipes and the ordeal of actually ordering a full set with bellows. I've never met such a young piper, and I wish him well. (I like bagpipes a lot.)

After the later show, a dad came up and introduced himself as the Jazz arranger for the local Air Force Jazz Band. He said that he wanted to ask me a very technical question. He wanted to what the chord changes are that I use for my arrangement of "Kookabura." He's going to add a bass trombone to the arrangement, and use it for the Eagle River Air Force Jazz Band.

I arrived in Anchorage on Sunday evening, and spent an awfully long time trying to find a rental car that would fit a double bass! I ended up scrambling in and out of cars in the parking lot until I found a vehicle that would work. Such are the adventures of bass players on tour.

Anchorage is situated in an incredible location, surrounded by very beautiful snow-capped mountains. The gigs have been going really well, and the locals are very friendly. The drive to and from Girdwood, a resort area, this evening was stunning. At the library in Girdwood, I asked the kids what bears eat in Alaska. They replied, "Garbage!"

...and it isn't raining. The weather was beautiful yesterday when I landed, and is cool and a little foggy today. This round, I ended up somehow with an Audi rental car that has voice-driven GPS, a sun-roof, and even more buttons than the rental car in Chicago. At least the GPS voice is very nice and doesn't get mad when I make a wrong turn. Fitting my cousin's upright in the car was a little dicey, but worked. He has a great music studio in his house, where I'm practicing for tomorrow's shows.

Third Place Books is a really nice bookstore, and there was a very nice crowd of kids and their grown-ups this morning. I'm off soon to meet a friend in the U District, but meanwhile working on logistics for the next Midwest tour. I'm planning to stay very, very close to Lake Michigan because I hear that it's going to be extremely hot!

I'm getting excited about the next leg of the tour, heading up to Seattle shortly and then onto Alaska.

After the gigs and visiting with friends and family in Seattle, I'll head to Pike Place Market if I have any extra time. I'm really grateful to my cousin, Ev, for letting me stay with him and for letting me borrow one of his uprights.

From Seattle, I'll fly to Anchorage. I've never been to Anchorage. It looks unbelievably beautiful in the photos I've seen. I'm playing six shows there, and will spend as much time as I can on the local trails.

From Anchorage, I'll fly to Fairbanks I'll be playing throughout the day at the Midnight Sun Festival, and get up early the next morning to take the train to Denali, where the ranger whom I contacted advised me for my very short visit to stop by the kennels to visit with the park's sled dogs (which I'll do).

The last time I was in Alaska I got snowed in while staying in my sister-in-law's village (120 miles north of the Arctic Circle). When the mail plane finally made it in, my brother very quickly pulled an electric piano off the plane, pushed me in, and waved good-bye. That was after I'd rammed my sister-in-law's snow-go into her cabin accidentally because I had no clue how to drive a snow-go! (No damage done, but my nieces thought it was hilarious.)

I'm heading off to Chicago tomorrow. I'll return here, and then leave soon after for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska; return; then off again to the Midwest; return; off to Pacific Northwest again; return; off to the South; return, and then return to France (which will mostly be a vacation!).

The other day, after a very fun performance with lots of kids participating with percussion instruments, a toddler came up and said, "Thank you! Thank you very much, and can you come back on Friday?" She couldn't have been more than 2.5 years old.

There is something really magical in doing what one loves, and for me, that's playing and sharing music.

My kids' CD, "Foyo," is available from ITunes, Digstation, CD Baby, and from me directly (please send an email to me to place an order; the direct price is $15, including shipping).

I was contacted yesterday by a Canadian internet radio station and am honored that they are interested in doing a feature on my CD, "Foyo." I'll post more details to follow. I'm also now on Gooney Bird Kids, an American internet radio station.

My CD, "Foyo," is now available through CD Baby, at:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/betsystern