Putting Resilience to Music in The World of Nickhoo

WINNER: Congratulations to lmarston!

At Barista Kids we love music for kids that’s not kiddie music. Artists like Elizabeth Mitchell and Tom Chapin keep us sane despite pleas to “Play it again!” It’s music that is able to connect with children while maintaining creativity and melody and accessible lyrics.  And now we’ve found another band to add to the list: The Dream Jam Band. Their latest album, The World of Nickhoo, is a part of an interactive performance program, but it stands on its own as an enjoyable collection of songs.

With a style reminiscent of Jack Johnson’s Curious George album, The World of Nickhoo was partly inspired by singer/songwriter David Kulund’s (Ramblin’ Davey) response to his brother’s struggle with Leukemia and eventual passing. As Nicky Kulund, the drummer for The Dream Jam Band, fought his leukemia, he created the character “Nickhoo” as a way to comfort children experiencing the same type of health struggles he had. As a way to connect with Nicky’s character, David wrote songs for “Nickhoo” that center on themes of friendship, positivity and hope, environmental awareness, and empowerment. Each song has a child-friendly sound and message without condescending to young listeners. Have a listen to a song here: Daylight, composed and sung by Barry G (Barry Gellert).

Songs like “Say What” encourage children’s curiosity with lyrics like “If you’re curious and you feel confused, there are explanations that will keep you quite amused…” The beautiful “Free as the Wind Blows” connects emotions with nature, as does “Sun, Moon, and Stars.” The album ends with calm and quieter songs, which makes for a great transition to nap-time or bedtime. Get a taste of each song here: The World of Nickhoo. The album is available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.

We’re thrilled that The Dream Jam Band has offered to send a CD of The World of Nickhoo to one lucky Barista Kids reader — we know you’ll love it!

To enter, answer this question in comments: What is your favorite music to share with your kid(s)?

Contest starts Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 10 am EST and ends on Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 5 pm EST. One person who leaves a comment by Sunday, August 10 at 5 pm will be chosen at random to receive the CD from the Dream Jam Band!

You MUST leave a comment here to be entered and you may only comment once to get an entry, but if you want another entry and up your chances of winning, here are a couple of ways:

• Follow us on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Make sure to include @baristakids and @DreamJamWorld in your tweet.
• Subscribe to our newsletter here and send us a message telling us you did with your email address.

Good luck!