School Library Journal Review

My latest CD Dixieland Jazz for Children with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band received a rave review in the July 2008 issue of School Library Journal:

“New Orleans natives Johnette Downing and Jimmy LaRocca have teamed up to acquaint youngsters with Dixieland Jazz in this collection of 18 original tunes and one classic piece. The opening number, “Dixieland Jazz,” presents the sounds of each instrument in the combo. “That Dixie Beat” explains that type of jazz music. The lyrics of many songs make them useful for story times. “Do the Charleston,” “Alligator Snap,” and “Dance and Sing” are fun for dance/movement activities. “Busy Beeline” is a peppy tune about bees, and “Swaying with the Trees” is a laid-back song that could be used for dancing with scarves. “Someday Your Dreams,” a bluesy Big Band-sounding ballad, closes the recording.

Jimmy LaRocca’s Original Dixieland Jazz Band, a New Orleans staple, is highlighted throughout the CD. LaRocca sings lead on a few numbers with a voice that channels Louis Armstrong in its timbre and tone. Downing sings lead on most songs, and her pleasant voice and predictable style is more akin to Doris Day than a soulful Ella Fitzgerald. Curiously, she chooses to pronounce the city as “New Orleenz” in several tunes, rather than the local pronunciation “New Or-luns” (which she does use once in “New Orleans Strut). Downing and LaRocca have assembled a toe-tapping collection of Dixieland jazz to introduce youngsters to this niche music.”

–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Today Is Monday in Louisiana Activity Booklet

The long awaited Activity Booklet for my book Today is Monday in Louisiana is now available to download from my website. The booklet includes story stretchers, crafts, lessons, activities and the song sheet to help extend the learning beyond the book. Download your copy today at:

http://www.johnettedowning.com/ebooks.html

August 2008 Tour Schedule

August 2 at 12:00, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, San Jose, CA
August 6 at 2:00, Lincoln Parish Library, Ruston, LA

Performance Video

This video of my Planet ROCK performance at the Bourg Library in Bourg, LA on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 appeared on the Houma Courier Newspaper website. Check it out!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1488687251/bclid958657626/bctid1657894197

Rock On Kiddos, New Orleans Style

Here is a great review for our Dixieland Jazz for Children CD that appeared on the Opinionated Parent website:

New Orleans-based singer/songwriter Johnette Downing’s new album, Dixieland Jazz for Children, featuring Jimmy LaRocca and the Original Dixieland Jazz Band is, as far as I can tell, the very first Dixieland jazz CD for kids. If you’re a fan of Louisiana’s musical stylings, you and your kids will get a real kick out of this unique CD full of New Orleans inspired “can’t sit still” music.

Johnette Downing, dubbed “the Pied Piper for Louisiana music traditions,” has won 18 national awards for her recordings and children’s books. You can hear her passion for the art of Dixieland Jazz as she plays, and neither you or the children you spend your time with will be able to resist dancing.
Being that I have no idea what Dixieland dancing is supposed to look like, this is one time I’m very glad we don’t have a flip video camera.

Check out the site at: http://www.theopinionatedparent.com/2008/07/04/johnette-downing/