Snow in South Louisiana?

It snowed in South Louisiana last week! No, this is not a misprint! It actually snowed. Of course, I was on tour in North Louisiana at the time and missed the entire four hours of snow, though I did see photographs and I had to drive in the icy and snowy conditions from North Louisiana through Mississippi to South Louisiana. The hardest part of it all was that we don't know how to drive in ice and snow, so the roads were a hazard. I arrived home safely, but all the snow was gone. Now, when everyone says, "Remember when it snowed," I can only say "not really." The silver lining to this story is that my performances in Oak Grove were so much fun and I had a great time with all the children.

Kids Music that Rocks

Thanks Kids Music that Rocks for mentioning me on your Blog! You rock!


A View From The Inside: Kids' Musicians Who Blog
By Warren Truitt(Warren Truitt)

I've always loved reading about the day-to-day lives of rockers, not necessarily how many tv sets they've thrown out various hotel windows, but normal stuff like working in the studio or playing in front of a rabid crowd.The kids' music world is building up a pretty good list of musicians who blog about their experiences, from Yosi Levin's interview-rich Indie Kids Rock, to Monty Harper's neverending pro-library tour at Monty's Children's Music Blog, from Johnette Downing's look at the business side of kids' music on her self-titled Johnette Downing blog, to Steve Dreher's musings on music and parenthood at Rockin' the Kids' Music World, to Eric Herman's reviews and interviews on Cool Tunes for Kids and his tour diary at Travelblogue.

Kids' Music that Rocks - http://kidsmusicthatrocks.blogspot.com/

5 Star Rating from TD Monthly Music Expert!

TDmonthly’s Music Expert
She’ll Tell You Which Albums Hit the Right Notes
By Anna Bendorf December 2008

If you want to know which children’s CDs may be worth carrying in your store, see what TDmonthly’s Music Expert has to say. Each month, she listens to music from various publishers and rates each album with from 1 to 5 TD (for TDmonthly!) stars — 5 is the highest rating. She was blown away by the musicianship, lyrics and creativity found in the following albums:

Dixieland Jazz for Children by WIGGLE WORM RECORDS
Age: 4 to 8
Gender: Boys and Girls
MSRP: $15.99
TDmonthly rating: ***** Five Star

My Impressions:

These musicians know Dixieland jazz style and have produced a really fun CD for kids! At the very beginning of the CD, the lead singer gives a brief story about when and where Dixieland jazz originated. In addition, they introduce each instrument on the CD, one by one, so that kids can hear the difference in the sound. As a music educator, I love how the musicians have put this one together.

Kid's Perspective:

One of the great things about this CD is that it is truly not age-specific. Many CDs on the market are targeted at a very small age group, and your child can only enjoy them for a couple years at most. At age 2, my daughter thinks this CD is really fun to dance to, but I know she will be able to continue listening to it for years to come.

My Recommendation:

As a musician and a mom, I give this CD a very high rating! The musicians are very good and this music is easy for all ages to enjoy. As a side note, my husband and I thought the last song, "Someday Your Dreams," was very pretty and even romantic.

Thanks Anna! You hit the right notes with us too!

December 2008 Tour Schedule

December 5, School Performance Tour, Westtown, PA
December 7 from 11:00-12:30, Book signing, Grand Opening, Borders Books and Music, New Orleans, LA
December 10 at 9:00 & 1:00, Fiske Theatre, Oak Grove, LA
December 11 at 9:00 & 1:00, West Carroll Parish Library, Oak Grove, LA
December 13 from 10:00-12:00, Book Signing, Rouses #14, Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA
December 13 from 1:00-3:00, Book Signing, Rouses #33, Power Blvd, Metairie, LA
December 20 from 10:00-12:00, Book Signing, Rouses #20, Hwy 190, Covington, LA
December 20 from 1:00-3:00, Book Signing Rouses #31, Park Place Dr., Covington, LA

de Grummond Children's Literature Collection

de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg recently sent a letter saying they received 650 titles from publishers this year and My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane was a favorite among many of their visitors.

Thanks USM for the nice letter and for sharing my book with your visitors!!!

Another Catchy Book Review!

Here is another review for my book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane:


"My Aunt Came Back From Louisiane by Johnette Downing is another catchy book from the singer/songwriter."

— KATC.com, Lafayette, LA USA

Grammy Deadline

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline to vote for the first round of the 51st Grammy Awards for Best Musical Album for Children is November 5.

Wish us luck in making it to the Nomination Round!

We're getting children jazzed about Jazz with our historic Dixieland Jazz for Children recording!

Tour Schedule - November 2008

November 12 at 9:30, Gibson Library, Gibson, LA
November 14 at 11:00, Educator Workshop, NELA Family Literacy Conference, Monroe, LA
November 15 at 10:30 & 2:00, Children's Stage, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Downtown Covington, LA
November 24 at 2:45, Educator Workshop, 2008 Lutheran Teachers Conference, Atonement Lutheran School, New Orleans, LA

Music Monthly - October 2008

This month's Music Monthly is all about making musical transitions in the classroom.

Making transitions from one activity to another in school is often when children lose focus, become distracted and perhaps even get into mischief. Valuable learning time is lost each day during transition times as the educator finds himself or herself in the position of redirecting student’s attention between tasks.

Music is an excellent way to make transitions run smoothly and efficiently. I challenge you to sing, sing, sing (no matter how you think you sound). Sing everything from "Good morning, good morning, good morning to you" to "Line up, line up, everyone line up" to "Pack up, pack up, everyone pack up" to “Math time, math time, everyone it’s math time.” You can even sing “get out your math books and turn to page 10” or any number of instructions. Any melody will do. Try singing high and low, fast and slow and soft and loud depending upon the mood you wish to create or the speed with which you wish the transition to take place.

I have found that if I use the same melody for all of my transitions, the students will, upon hearing the melody, automatically make the transition as self-directed learners. You will be amazed how well children listen to singing and how quickly they will join in the song. You will transform your class during transition times.

51st Grammy Awards

We are thrilled to announce that our new CD Dixieland Jazz for Children is listed on the first round of the 51st Grammy Awards ballot. This round determines which recordings move on to the Grammy Nominee round. We are listed on this first ballot as:

Field 18 Children's
Category 77 Children's Music Album
#021 Dixieland Jazz for Children, Johnette Downing and Jimmy LaRocca's Original Dixieland Jazz Band

We are deeply grateful to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for this wonderful honor of being selected in this first round.

Wish us luck in moving on to the Nominee round!!!

CityBusiness 2008 Women of the Year

CityBusiness announces 2008 Women of the Year honorees

NEW ORLEANS — CityBusiness has announced its Women of the Year Class of 2008.
The 10th annual event honors 50 women whose success in business and contributions to the community set the pace in our region. This year’s honorees are innovative leaders with energy, ideas, achievements and a commitment to excellence.

Honorees will be recognized at a noon luncheon Nov. 21 at the Sheraton hotel on Canal Street where an overall Woman of the Year will be announced. A Women of the Year insert spotlighting all honorees will run in the Nov. 24 issue of CityBusiness.


The 2008 honorees:

- Jackie Alexander
- Heather Alleman
- Sandra Andrieu
- Therese Badon
- Jesyka Bartlett
- Lauren Baum
- Penny Baumer
- Dottie Belletto
- C. Lynn Besch
- Julia Bland
- Kim Boyle
- Cindy Brennan
- Christine Briede
- Debbie Brockley
- Nancy Cassagne
- Jackie Clarkson
- Michelle Craig
- Bernie Cullen
- Beth Dannewald
- Nancy Scott Degan
- Dell Dempsey
- Johnette Downing
- Patti Ellish
- Cathi Fontenot
- Lisa Futrell
- Jocelyn Greely
- Samantha Griffin
- Jayne Gurtler
- Kristine Hatfield
- Donna Klein
- Priscilla Lawrence
- Deborah Lea
- Nancy Marshall
- Anne Milling
- Cheryl Mintz
- Beverly Nichols
- Michelle Nugent
- Beth Payton
- Tara Richard
- Jade Russell
- Elizabeth Scheer
- Rachael Schorr
- Laura Held
- Stacy Seamon
- Pamela Senatore
- Kristin Shannon
- Jessica Soileau
- Carol Solomon
- Charlee Williamson
- Rachel Wisdom
- Ellen Zakris•

Read A Song of Louisiane

Here is a great review written by Marigny Dupuy in The Times Picayune for my new book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane.

Books to Grow On

Read a song of Louisiane
Johnette Downing's latest book focuses on the state's food and music
The Times Picayune
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
By Marigny Dupuy

Johnette Downing is a powerhouse in the world of Louisiana children's music -- she's a singer, songwriter, performer, traveling educator, writer and illustrator, and a Louisiana native. Author of three books for children (with another coming in the spring), all related to songs, and creator of seven CDs (several of them award-winning), Downing also travels extensively throughout Louisiana, the United States and internationally (she is scheduled to perform in Dubai in March 2009), spreading the word about all-things-Louisiana through a variety of programs and workshops. Music -- specifically Louisiana music -- defines everything that Downing does.

The appealing text in her latest book for young children, 'My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane,' written and illustrated by Downing (Pelican Publishing Company, $15.95, ages 3-7), is an adaptation of a traditional song, as were the words in her two successful previous books, "Monday is Red Beans in Louisiana" and "Down in Louisiana." Focused on the food and music of our state, the gently rhyming text leads the reader from well-known places such as New Orleans and Lafayette to lesser-known spots in Louisiana such as Mamou, Albany and Ruston, gathering delicious food and musical instruments along the way. Downing's colorful collage illustrations add to the playful spirit of the text.

Music to accompany the adapted lyrics appears at the back of the book, along with a glossary with helpful pronunciation guides and additional information about the Louisiana cities and towns in the text. Anyone who has heard Downing's sweet, clear voice singing to a zydeco beat will long to hear her perform this new song.


Thanks Marigny! You're a powerhouse book reviewer!

October 2008 Tour Schedule

October 3 at 9:00 & 1:00, Educator Workshops, SPALS Conference, Cajun Dome, Lafayette, LA
October 4 at 11:00, Book Signing, Pelican Publishing Booth, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 12:30, Storytelling Tent, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 1:45, Book Talk, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 4 at 2:45, Book Signing, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library, Baton Rouge, LA
October 5 at 1:00, Sugar Fest, West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, LA
October 10 at 5:00 p.m., Kids Alive, Festivals Acadian, Downtown Lafayette, LA
October 12 from 3:00-5:00, Book Signing, Country Day School Book Fair, Metairie, LA
October 16 at 2:00 & 4:00, Washington Parish Fair, Franklinton, LA
October 17 at 6:00 p.m., Kent House Halloween Concert, Alexandria, LA
October 18 from 9:00-12:00, Educator Workshop, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
October 19 at 1:30 & 3:00, Trolley Tales, Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette, LA
October 24, Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 25 at 10:00, Monster Mash, Bogue Falaya Park, Covington, LA
October 25, Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 26 at 9:30, Buddy Walk Concert, Zephyr Stadium, Metairie, LA
October 27-28, Red Ribbon Week Concerts, St. Francisville, LA

Downing Combines Music and Writing in Winning Way

Here is a great review for my latest book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane:


Downing combines music and writing in winning way

By JUDY BERGERON
News Features staff writer
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA
Published: Sep 21, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.


Johnette Downing’s children’s books come from her music for children, which in turn comes from her love of Louisiana, its music and its children. As a singer, songwriter, musician and author, Downing says she puts a little Louisiana spice in everything she creates, her latest project the children’s book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane.

The book takes its title and inspiration from the song, “My Aunt Came Back,” often heard around Girl Scout campfires. In the traditional version, the aunt travels around the world, bringing back gifts from exotic countries. Downing has narrowed the scope of her adaptation to Louisiana’s boundaries.

“I thought this would be a good geography book for our children in Louisiana and I’m sort of like the aunt in the book because I bring my nieces and nephews back things from all over Louisiana,” Downing said.

Written in simple rhyming verse, the aunt travels to different Louisiana towns and cities, always bringing back a sample of something the area is noted for: red beans from New Orleans, file gumbo from Thibodaux, crawfish stew from ’ti Mamou. Young children can easily read or sing along, learning little tidbits as they go. At the back of the book is a word map, giving pronunciations for some of the more difficult towns mentioned, with explanations for the foods, or in a few cases, musical instruments they’re associated with. The sheet music for the adapted song follows.

In synch with the simplicity of the text are the illustrations, which Downing created herself. Deborah Kadair had illustrated Downing’s first two children’s books, Today is Monday in Louisiana and Down in Louisiana, but encouraged her colleague to try this one on her own. “This is my normal format, collage. It’s childlike, children can relate to it. It’s cut foam and construction paper, which gives it that soft quality,” Downing said. The brightly-hued illustrations clearly identify the subjects, without bogging down the young readers with a lot of intricate detail.

Downing, who lives in Uptown New Orleans, has been catering to a young audience for years, since leaving a folk band to devote herself full-time to Louisiana music for children.
“It’s been such a wonderful thing. My whole career has been organic,” she said, adding that a friend encouraged her career change, saying she would be good with kids. First performing her songs around Louisiana, she soon went national, and eventually, landed an appearance in Puerto Rico.

Someone from Costa Rica saw the show and booked her for an event there. Then it was on to Guatemala and Egypt. In all, she’s now performed in 11 countries. “That is the great thing about Louisiana music. People all over the world know about our music and our culture and when I travel to other countries they want me to do my Louisiana music for children and they want me to bring my instruments that are from Louisiana and I bring all my books and they just love Louisiana culture. And it’s so nice because that’s who I am, you know, that’s what I do.”
Downing said her music is inspired by Dixieland jazz, jazz, Cajun, Creole and zydeco music. Her parents were both musicians and singers at their church, and Downing said she grew up performing. Downing dedicated her new book to her mother, who died last year.

“In memory of my mother, who always had a song in her heart and a child on her knee,” the dedication reads.

Like mother, like daughter, it seems.

Music Monthly - September 2008

I offer a music activity each month in my email newsletter that goes out to 5000 fans and friends. I have had such positive feedback from educators and parents on the email newsletter list who say they use the activity each month with the children in their care. Therefore, I am going to offer the Music Monthly activity each month here on my Blog as well. Feel free to use the activity with the children in your care and give proper usage credit. Thanks and enjoy!

Roll Call
by Johnette Downing
Copyright 2008 Johnette Downing

Let’s add a little music to roll call in school or at home by singing the names of children in your care. An easy way to do this is by using the tones in do, ra, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do. For two syllable names, I use “so-ra” for the syllable tones. For three syllable names, I use “so-ra-do.” Play around with tones to see which ones you like.

If you are musically inclined, play the notes on an instrument while you sing roll call. For a greater challenge, assign each child their own name tone and use it throughout the school year. You just might be amazed to see how quickly the children learn the name tones and sing each other’s name as well.

Have a musical month!

To join my monthly email newsletter list, click here:

http://johnettedowning.com/newsletter.html

CHEF CREOLE - New Book Coming this Spring!

Illustrator Deborah Kadair and I have teamed up for another picture book titled

Chef Creole.

This book is my adapted version of the beloved traditional song “Aiken Drum.” Following the familiar repetitive pattern of the song, his hair is made of rice, rice, rice; his eyes are made of red beans, red beans, red beans; and his mouth is made of a praline, praline, praline. With a King Cake body and beignet feet, this Louisiana Chef is good enough to eat! Published by Pelican Publishing, this book is slated for a spring 2009 release.

Check out the book cover on my Store page today!

My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane book RELEASED!

My new book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane (Pelican Publishing Company) has just been released and is available on my website at:

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


This rhyming picture book offers children a tour of the Louisiana traditions of many beautiful towns and cities of the state. Based on a traditional song adapted by the award-winning Louisiana singer/songwriter Johnette Downing, the book invites children to learn the various cultural nuances of each area. Along with the whimsical song lyrics, interesting facts about Louisiana are included on the word map. Children will learn that the town of Albany was settled by Hungarians and is known for its large, sweet strawberries, and the small Florida parish town of Franklinton is famous for its delicious watermelons. In Ruston, a town in northern Louisiana, peaches are the special fare, and in Thibodaux, it is the filé gumbo. Many more interesting facts are presented in a unique, enjoyable fashion.


Get your autographed copy hot off the press today!

Hurricane Gustav

I made it home safely after five days near Alexandria (yes, I evacuated to where the eye of the storm and the worst weather passed). I was trapped by flood waters with no electricity, Internet or phone service at my friend's lovely house and we could not leave. As an evacuee, I volunteered helping my sister at an evacuee animal shelter in Alexandria the day before the storm. The best part of the evacuation experience was that I was with my sister Robbie, my dear friend Rose Anne and Rose Anne's gracious and welcoming family.

My house, my dog Emma and I are fine. Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, text messages, calls and emails. My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow Gulf Coast citizens who are still evacuated, sustained property damage and are still without electricity. Many blessings for a speedy, safe return.

September 2008 Tour Schedule

September 26 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Book Signing, Barnes & Noble, Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA
September 27 from 11:00-12:30, Book Signing, Maple Street Children's Book Shop, New Orleans, LA

Publishers Weekly

My new book My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane received a brief mention in the July 21, 2008 Fall Children's Listings issue of Publishers Weekly (page 90).

"My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane ($15.95) by Johnette Downing adapts and illustrates a traditional song. (5-8)"

Summer Tour is Over. Back to School Begins!

My summer tour in Louisiana, Texas, New York and California is over and I was able to take a lovely vacation with friends in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Now I am gearing up for school performances as students and educators head back to school.

My booking calendar for the 2008-2009 school year is beginning to fill up, so contact me early to book a performance at your school! I have some new show offerings this school year:

Planet ROCK!
A galaxy of rockin’, hip-hoppin’ songs about the solar system. Learn about the sun, planets, gravity, Saturn’s rings, and simple ways we can care for Planet Earth.
Theme: Solar System and Caring for the Earth

Clean and Green
Go green! Join Johnette's "Green Team" and get in step with reducing your carbon footprint on the Earth with songs about environmental conservation and preservation. Like Johnette's song says, "Clean and green is a natural thing, think globally if you know what I mean. "
Theme: Environment

I am also developing a new program about self-esteem and character building titled, "I Believe in Me." More details will follow.

Check out my other program offerings on my website at: http://johnettedowning.com/

Booking a show is easy by using the convenient online booking request form at: http://johnettedowning.com/booking.html

See you in school!

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