New Children’s Music to Brighten Your Autumn

As the days get shorter and families get settled back into the school routine, sometimes we need a little something to put a bounce back in our step. Which is why I’m so happy to bring you this list of wonderful new children’s music to brighten your autumn and keep everyone dancing their way through the crisp fall days and nights. And don’t miss an announcement about a music tour from one of the giants of children’s music!

Disclosure: I received complimentary copies of the music below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

New Children’s Music to Brighten Your Autumn

If you have heard of any children’s musician, chances are that it is Raffi. For four decades he has delighted audiences at his live shows and through his numerous albums. Little ones seem to instinctively respond to his gentle music and uplifting lyrics. At the age of 70, you’d think this music icon would be slowing down, but he just released a brand new 15-song album, Dog On The Floor. Young animal lovers will adore the songs inspired by Raffi’s dog Luna, as well as the other animal songs. And parents will appreciate his interpretation of “Here Comes the Sun.”

I am delighted to share that Raffi is also going back on tour and is coming to Sacramento! Proceeds from his concerts benefit the Centre For Child Honoring. Remaining dates are as follows:

Saturday, October 27, 2018 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre – 1:00 PM

Sunday, October 28, 2018 – Easton, PA – State Theatre – 1:00 PM

Saturday, November 3, 2018 – New Haven, CT – Shubert Theatre – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 4, 2018 – New York, NY – Town Hall – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 24, 2018 – Sacramento, CA – Alex Theatre – 1:00 PM

Sunday, November 25, 2018 – Glendale, CA – Alex Theatre – 1:00 PM

Saturday, January 19, 2019 – Tampa, FL – Tampa Theatre – 1:00 PM

Sunday, January 20, 2019 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Parker Playhouse – 1:00 PM

Find more details for the Sacramento concert as well as other stops in the tour.

The very first song on Blue Skies and Sunny Days references the Beach Boys, and it is an apt reference, as this album from Grammy nominated Frances England definitely has the same laidback, cheerful vibe. Anytime we play this album, it puts me in a more peaceful state of mind. England has a wonderful ability to tune into the mood of a beautiful day (“Perfect Tuesday Afternoon”) or even a bad one (“Mama Said”).

Ms. England says, “I hope these songs provide an antidote to all the bad news out there…I wanted to make something that sounded really light and loose…I knew that’s what I wanted to share with children and families next because I feel like that’s what’s needed right now.” If you need a pick-me-up, be sure to listen to this album, which will remind you there is still so much to sing about.

Back to the Land is an old-school style album, returning to roots “to honor the great tradition of children’s music where families could all sing along and share the experience,” as their band leader puts it. I love the diversity of musical styles – in addition to the folk influences of greats like Pete Seegar, there are also tunes based on Liberian music traditions (“Funga Alafia”) and Caribbean influences (“Ven Conmigo Para Esta Tierra”).

My little one loves “Listen to the Water,” which features animal noises, while my oldest begs to hear “Big World Kid” over and over again. A really fun multicultural family music band you don’t want to miss!

Ready Or Not! (releasing September 21) is the 7th album from the energetic group the Not-Its. The music absolutely sounds like something you would hear on a rock station, so kids and parents alike will love it! It is geared more to school age kids, addressing their interests (like playing hide and seek or having a staring contest) as well as their concerns, like what to do when you’ve told a lie. And I believe this is the first time I have ever heard a song about budget cuts at school! The Not-Its approach all of their music with a real understanding of a kid’s point of view. All of their music is really rockin’, but it is also very melodic and several songs, like “Heading Home,” are quite beautiful.

Be prepared to giggle with the new album I Am Your Food from Grammy nominated Gunnar Madsen. (Look for guest vocals from Frances England, among others). Though the songs are frequently silly, the music is still top-notch. My oldest identified right away with “10,000 Pancakes,” about a kid who never quite feels full, while my younger two loved “Divine Bovine,” sung from the point of view of a cow. Often the songs are about what happens to food, such as “Egg Salad in the Sun,” and one asks the important question, What happens if fast food is so fast that you can’t catch it?

I’m thrilled to share something very special with you – a brand new video from artist Sara Lovell that just debuted yesterday! It is the title track from her award-winning album Wild Is Everywhere. As someone raising city kids, I love the message that nature is everywhere, and children can be explorers wherever they are. The ethereal vocals highlight the beauty of the lyrics. Enjoy!

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