This Spring, Grammy Award-winning Americana adventurers, The Okee Dokee Brothers, invite families on a woodland musical escapade as they wander deep inside the forest of imagination to Brambletown. The album is a 17-song collection that celebrates a fantastical place where “critters can talk, trees can walk and nothing’s as it seems.”

Listeners will be introduced to the forest’s wild residents: Junkyard Raccoon, Doctor Mole, Fox and Hare, Possum, and Old Badger who lead a journey full of mysterious dreams, rowdy celebrations, tempting distractions, and ancient wisdom. The inviting and mystical setting encourages listeners to take a look around to see how we are truly all connected. Brambletown provides an honest look at life’s challenges through  lightheartedness and optimism.

Through their welcoming and joyous music, The Okee Dokee Brothers hope the approachable collection will encourage families to have meaningful conversations about the important topics and universal messages raised in their songs. Themes include environmental concerns, interconnection, plant and animal wisdom, and how taking care of ourselves and our relationships is part of taking care of the world. The Brothers aim to inspire a sense of gratefulness, humility, wonder, and respect for the life forces that connect all things.

The Brothers’ trusted melodies and unfussy lyrics act as a guide through the woods of Brambletown. Like on previous albums, the Brothers draw heavily from the sounds and instrumentation of traditional folk songs that have been passed down for generations. Blends of banjo, trombone, harmonica, cello, pedal steel, accordion, and more echo throughout the forest.

The eclectic mix of music includes upbeat songs like the call and response “In The Bramble”, the raucous “Night on the Town”, female empowerment in the fiddle driven “Run, Little Rabbit, Run” and campfire sing-alongs like “Child of Nature”. Humorous songs like “Weasel & Weasel’s Convenience Store”, the Fur Metal jam “The Varmints” and “Critter Jitter Brew” bring out the giggles, while softer soothing tunes like “Little Bird”, “Trouble In Paradise” and “The Mycelium Underground News” all touch on the state of our planet. Certain songs address challenging topics that act as conversation starters for families. “The Fox and the Hare” touches on domestic separation, and “Old Badger” confronts dependency and recovery - all with heart and compassion. More mellow tracks include “The Life That’s In You” an anthem about interconnection, and “Little Dipper and Big Dipper” a lullaby which contemplates our place in the cosmos.

The band recorded the album at No Parking Studios nestled in the woods of New York’s Hudson Valley where Grammy winner Dean Jones produced, mixed and engineered. Huntley Miller at HM Mastering mastered the tracks, and the enchanting album art and design is by well-known board game artist, Andrew Bosley.

Brambletown releases March 31 on CD, vinyl, and digital everywhere your adventures may take you. The Okee Dokee Brothers are currently working with paper stop-motion animator Eric Power to create a Brambletown short musical film/visual album that will be released within the next year. To learn more, visit okeedokee.org and stay tuned for news on the upcoming film.

ABOUT THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS
As childhood friends growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. Now, as the GRAMMY® Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they have put this passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music. Joe and Justin record and perform family music hoping to inspire children and their parents to step outside and get creative. They believe this can motivate kids to gain a greater respect for the natural world, their communities, and themselves. The five-time Parents’ Choice Award winners have garnered praise from the likes of NPR’s All Things Considered and USA Today, and have been called “two of family music’s best songwriters.”

BRAMBLETOWN TRACKLISTING

1. In the Bramble
2. Child of Nature
3. Junkyard Raccoon
4. Doctor Mole’s Apothecary
5. Night on the Town
6. Weasel & Weasel’s Convenience Store
7. Little Bird
8. The Varmints
9. Run, Little Rabbit, Run
10. Critter Jitter Brew
11. Old Badger
12. The Fox and the Hare
13. The Mycelium Underground News
14. Trouble in Paradise
15. Possum’s Point of View
16. The Life That’s in You
17. Little Dipper and Big Dipper

On September 9, 2023, Symphony Space in New York City will be celebrating the life and art of the late 2x Grammy nominee Morgan Taylor. The special event will feature friends of Taylor’s, world-class musicians and artists who will gather to celebrate the immense creativity of the Gustafer Yellowgold catalog.

Featured artists at the concert include Norah Jones, Matt Wilson of Trip Shakespeare, David Poe, The Pop-Ups, Joe Mailander of The Okee Dokee Brothers, Danny Weinkauf of They Might Be Giants, Jesse Harris, Justin Roberts, Frances England and Taylor’s wife, Rachel Loshak, all accompanied by long-time bandmates of Taylor, Rob Jost and Dan Rieser.

Two-time Grammy-nominated musician Morgan Taylor (1969-2022) created Gustafer Yellowgold for everyone. Since the first album was released in 2005, countless children of all-ages have enjoyed the songs that tell the story of Gustafer Yellowgold’s whimsical journey from the sun to earth and how he built a life there with his new-found friends. These songs also reveal the inner soul, thoughts, and emotions of a charming character we can all relate to and love.

For 17 years children and families came, over and over to Gustafer Yellowgold Shows from coast to coast and almost everywhere in between, as well as across the ocean in the UK, and even once in Seoul, South Korea.

Symphony Space’s Director of Performing Arts Darren Critz said “It was deeply meaningful for Symphony Space to be a home to Morgan and Gustafer Yellowgold for so many years, and to revel in the joy he brought to audiences. Many of the musicians paying tribute to him at this event are also longtime members of the Symphony Space family, and though our dear friend Morgan won't be here to guide us, his creative spirit, musical joy, and incredible warmth will be palpable as we join together to honor him.”

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Taylor family, with a portion being donated to the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) Q the Music program in Taylor’s hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Q the Music is an El Sistema inspired daily after-school string orchestra program that supports the musical, academic and social growth of at-promise youth in the Dayton community.

Also, that same weekend brings the release of ‘The Best of Gustafer Yellowgold,’ a limited edition double-yellow-vinyl album. The collection was created to remember and celebrate Taylor, and his rich and creative journey with Gustafer Yellowgold. Out of 100 songs on the nine Gustafer Yellowgold albums released from 2005-2021, fans voted for their favorites, and the top 14 songs were chosen to be included on the vinyl album. For the second half of the album, dear friends of the artist came together to honor his work by recording their own versions of their favorite Gustafer songs. With 17 tracks in all, including a reading by his youngest son, Ridley Loshak-Taylor, these artists captured the humor, beauty, nuance, and pure soft rock genius that Morgan’s songwriting so lovingly encapsulated. The cover art of the album was drawn by Morgan’s eldest son, Harvey Loshak-Taylor.

Gustafer Yellowgold, originally from the sun, is a shining example of the brilliance of Morgan Taylor, and though he may be gone into oblivion, Gustafer Yellowgold will stay with us forever.

ABOUT MORGAN TAYLOR:

The music and ‘moving art’ of Gustafer Yellowgold was created and performed by 2x Grammy™ nominated artist, Morgan Taylor. The Ohio native transplanted to New York City in 1999, melding his artistic passions of cartooning and songwriting in what began as children’s picture books starring the yellow, friendly Sun alien. Acclaim has included The New York Times, which described Gustafer as “A cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” and Entertainment Weekly who praised “…The most infectious original songs. It’s like tapping into some pleasure center in the brain- both adult and kid…absurdly appealing.” 

This spring marks the release of "AnceStars," a family-focused album by Grammy-nominated mother-and-son duo Nnenna and Pierce Freelon. "AnceStars" is a distinctive recording that delves into the wonder and mystery of the ancestral spirit world. It comprises 13 original songs, each thoughtfully crafted to appeal to all ages. These songs foster a healthy curiosity about life, the afterlife, transformation, healing, and legacy.

The Freelons share a deep and thriving connection to their ancestors. Through their music, rooted in their family’s journey and African American folklore and tradition, they aim to ignite a similar authentic connection in others. This artfully produced album presents the concept with a touching, soothing, celebratory, and beautiful softness. The 2019 passing of Pierce's father and Nnenna's husband, Phil Freelon, significantly influenced their lives and creative paths. Phil, renowned as the architect of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, succumbed to ALS. Both Nnenna and Pierce received Grammy nominations in 2021 for their individual album tributes to Phil: Pierce's "Black to the Future" and Nnenna's "Time Traveler." "AnceStars" represents the next step in their deeply spiritual artistic journey.

"Making music with my son has been a dream come true. I never realized how much I needed this healing," Nnenna reflected. "There are moments when you feel your ancestors uplifting you. This recording is one of those moments."

"I've sensed generations of ancestors flowing through me during this project. They are always with me, offering guidance, love, and protection. I am grateful to honor them with our music, celebrating our sacred bond," added Pierce.

The title track, "AnceStars," warmly invites listeners into the album, serving as an ancestral call to the homeland of the spirit world. "The Land of Love," as Queen Mother Frances Pierce (Nnenna’s mother) referred to 'Heaven,' represents the cosmic origin and destination before birth and after death. "ABC You a G" is a loving alphabetical tribute from Pierce to his daughter Stella. "CelebraShine" is an Afrobeat party song that encourages family dance and celebration. "Build an Altar," featuring Las Cafeteras, highlights ancestral veneration in African American, Mexican, and Indigenous traditions. "Sing Me Down," originally from Nnenna’s 1998 jazz album "Maiden Voyage," gains new meaning after the loss of Pierce’s nephew and Nnenna's grandson, Wonderful. This lullaby, accompanied by Grammy-nominated vocalist Jarrett Johnson and 10-time Grammy Award winner Alvin Chea of Take 6, symbolizes both death and transformation.

"Side by Side," an interlude with Nnenna and granddaughter Stella, reflects on perpetual closeness to ancestors, inspired by Pierce's picture book "Daddy & Me: Side by Side." "You Live in My Memories" honors the enduring presence of departed ancestors in our lives. Nnenna's "Cry a Rainbow" embraces the spectrum of emotions, while "Help You Do The Work," again featuring Jarrett Johnson, underscores the importance of support and self-care. "Little Mushroom" expresses gratitude to fungi for their role in life's cycle, and "Everything Comes and Goes" uses seasonal changes as a metaphor for life's transience. "SonShine," a collaboration between Pierce and producer Omari “Hir-O” Hall, honors their fathers' legacies. The album concludes with "Not So Far Away (interlude)," a gentle reminder of the ever-present spirit of our ancestors.

All songs were written and produced in Durham, North Carolina, by Nnenna and Pierce Freelon, mixed by Steve McKie, and mastered by Jason Richmond. "AnceStars" releases everywhere on May 19. Concurrently, Pierce Freelon's new children's book about his late father, "Daddy & Me: Side by Side," and a new PBS documentary on their family’s ALS journey, "Matter of Mind: My ALS," will be released during ALS awareness month. Nnenna's award-winning podcast "Great Grief" has also recently launched its second season.

ABOUT THE FREELONS
Nnenna and Pierce Freelon, a dynamic mother-and-son duo, are national treasures. Nnenna, a multiple Grammy® Award nominee and creator of the award-winning podcast "Great Grief," is celebrated for her compelling storytelling and captivating performances. Pierce, a Grammy®-nominated musician, author, and educator, has gained recognition through appearances on the Today Show, Rolling Stone, and an Emmy award for his PBS web series "Beat Making Lab." In 2022, they made Recording Academy history as the first mother-and-son to be nominated for Grammys in different categories at the same awards: Pierce for Best Children’s Music Album and Nnenna for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Together, they offer a transformative and electrifying live experience, blending story, voice, and music.

Connect with Pierce and Nnenna through their websites and social media platforms.

ANCESTARS TRACKLISTING

    AnceStars
    ABC You a G feat. Stella Freelon
    CelebraShine
    Build an Altar feat. Las Cafeteras
    Sing Me Down feat. Jarrett Johnson & Alvin Chea
    Side by Side (interlude)
    You Live in My Memories
    Cry a Rainbow
    Help You Do The Work feat. Jarrett Johnson
    Little Mushroom
    Everything Comes and Goes
    SonShine feat. DL Zene
    Not So Far Away (interlude)

On August 30 Smithsonian Folkways presents Pieces of Home by renowned musicians Dan + Claudia Zanes. For almost 25 years Dan Zanes has been known as a pioneer and a leader in family music, bringing people of all ages together and blending cultures and genres in his distinct voice, style and vision. For the past decade, Claudia Zanes has brought her skill and extensive history as a jazz vocalist and her experience compassionately practicing community music therapy to performing with Dan. This fresh collection from Dan + Claudia of soulful and uplifting songs carries on these noble traditions and expands both artists’ vast, unique and impressive catalogue.

Pieces of Home, the duo’s second album with Smithsonian Folkways, is rooted in American and Haitian folk traditions that call family and neighbors to sing, dance, and play together. Dan + Claudia like to think of this gentle and energetic album as a front porch concert—an invitation to sit and stay for a while. In beautiful harmony, the artists  remind us that with the people we love by our side, we can find home wherever we are.

Next year marks a quarter century since the release of Dan Zanes’ genre changing album Rocket Ship Beach, a classic which redefined the modern family music genre. Today Dan is still creating homespun music from the heart for kids and for kids who’ve grown up. Now, he and Claudia embark on a shared music-making mission: it’s always a party and everyone’s invited.

Pieces of Home is all about finding peace in this moment, surrounded by family, friends, and even pets. “A Friend in Springtime” tells us that through the good times and the bad, it’s our friendships that carry us and make our lives so rich and meaningful. “Conversations” highlights the ways we share our thoughts and willingly open our hearts to each other. The swinging and sentimental “Nobody Smiles the Way You Do” salutes uplifting talk while “Breathe, I’m Here” offers a soothing reminder to seek out calm when things get tough. “Believe” is a ballad written for all of the young graduates who have been through so much since the pandemic began, featuring Dan + Claudia’s dear friend Father Goose. Performed with Munit Mesfin, a well-loved Ethiopian-American singer, and her family band Z Lovebugs, “Sweet and Cool” sounds a groovy call-and-response singalong about freedom and love for all humanity. Claudia learned the Haitian storytelling favorite “Se On Tifi” from her mother. “My God” explores the possibility of a spiritual home. The endearing “Little Pal of Mine” was written for Dan + Claudia’s dog Rezi, who reminds them that every day is an adventure.

So much of Pieces of Home is rooted in Dan + Claudia’s local community. Greater Baltimore is their home now, and on the jazzy “Walkin’ Talkin’ Baltimore” they celebrate Charm City and its beautiful people. “Fly Like a Raven” is a retro hand-clapping house party song that may or may not have something to do with the local football team. It was also in Baltimore that Dan + Claudia met Tyree Austin, a talented young jazz vocalist who is featured all over this record and currently tours with the artists. The album also features Baltimore’s own Brad and Ken Kolodner, fronting the banjo-driven old-time song “Cranberry Rock.” Front porch music, indeed!

In the Pieces of Home universe, home is also about keeping it moving. For the original folks out there who are not afraid to be themselves, Dan + Claudia perform the dance party song “Jump–O!” Any fan of Dan Zanes knows he is no stranger to a train song, and “Tomorrow’s Train”—featuring the iconic Americana singer-songwriter Steve Earle—rolls in as a social experience. Get on board, have a seat and watch the world go by.

A special stand-out on the album is “Guide My Feet (for Ella Jenkins),” dedicated to The First Lady of Children’s Music in anticipation of her 100th birthday this summer (August 6). Ella Jenkins opened many of the doors that Dan + Claudia walk through today and they are honored to pay tribute to her. Ella learned this song from the Freedom Riders in the early 1960s. The message of Dan + Claudia’s version resonates in our moment and in tribute to Ella, who challenged inequality with her music throughout her decades-long career.

ABOUT DAN + CLAUDIA ZANES

Grammy award-winning children’s performer Dan Zanes and Haitian American jazz vocalist and music therapist Claudia Zanes march to the beat of their own tambourine as they mix a love of early rock and roll, vocal jazz, and North American folk music with a deep desire to lift spirits and “get the house singing.” They are modern day social music makers creating a joyful noise for kids and kid sympathizers with bits and pieces of yesterday’s harmonious traditions.

Dan is a rock and roller who became one of the most well-known and well-loved family musicians of the 21st century. He’s released over a dozen all-ages records, toured several continents, and has appeared on every major children’s TV network. Before meeting Dan, Claudia was running one of the largest music therapy programs in New England at the Community Music Center of Boston. She was the first Black woman in Massachusetts to direct a program of such size. The two sang together on the day they met in 2016 and have been singing with each other ever since.

The past several years have been filled with many musical adventures. Together, Dan + Claudia created Night Train 57, America’s first sensory friendly comic folk opera for the Kennedy Center. To make people feel less isolated from each other, they also recorded a video of a song every afternoon for the first two hundred days of the pandemic in what they now call “The Social Music Song Series.” They published House Party, an award-winning songbook, with The Quarto Group. And now, this summer, they will release Pieces of Home on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, their second for the legendary folk label.

In their extensive touring life, Dan + Claudia are committed to sensory-friendly performances that make space for neurodiversity and create the conditions for a relaxed and exciting theater experience for large numbers of people. In addition to their family theater performances, Dan + Claudia are also developing a “deep touring” model that includes community outreach in places like classrooms, shelters, eldercare facilities, and hospitals. Wherever people are hungry for music, Dan + Claudia want to be there serving it up with love, humor, and harmony.