March 16 at 4:45-6:15, Educator Workshop, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 23-31, Performance and Workshop Tour, San Jose, Costa Rica
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Shokran (Thanks) Bahrain and UAE!
After 32 hours in planes and airports, I arrived home on Saturday from my two week tour in the Middle East. My schedule was booked solid with performances and workshops in three countries; Kuwait, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, where I was met with warm welcomes and generous hospitality. Smiles and giggles were abundant as teachers and students learned some unusual food names from Louisiana, and even more giggles ensued when I attempted to pronounce Middle Eastern food names like balaleet, machboose, briyani and sammoosa. No matter how you pronounce them, these foods tasted delicious!
I did manage to find a few moments to be a tourist. I walked on the beach of the Arab (Persian) Gulf, shopped in souks in downtown Manama, Bahrain with my friend Fatema, saw camels roaming the desert and goats climbing rugged mountain terrain in Fujairah, UAE, saw a ski slope in a mall in Dubai, drove through two sand storms and shared meals with many new friends in the region.
The trip was quite memorable and enjoyable and I have been asked to return for another tour in March 2009. Shokran (thanks) to all of my hosts as well as all the educators and children who attended my workshops and performances. I hope to see you all next year!
I did manage to find a few moments to be a tourist. I walked on the beach of the Arab (Persian) Gulf, shopped in souks in downtown Manama, Bahrain with my friend Fatema, saw camels roaming the desert and goats climbing rugged mountain terrain in Fujairah, UAE, saw a ski slope in a mall in Dubai, drove through two sand storms and shared meals with many new friends in the region.
The trip was quite memorable and enjoyable and I have been asked to return for another tour in March 2009. Shokran (thanks) to all of my hosts as well as all the educators and children who attended my workshops and performances. I hope to see you all next year!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Kuwait Was Great!
My brief three day tour in Kuwait was great! I performed concerts for Kindergarteners in an American Academy. The children and teachers were delightful and really enjoyed participating in my silly songs at "turbo" speed. I also conducted workshops for high school students, and workshops for educators at the American University of Kuwait. The teachers were enthusiastic and eager to use the activities in my workshop with their students. Did I mention the food was delicious? I even made the ArabTimes news! I want to thank my hosts for making my trip to Kuwait memorable and enjoyable. I hope to see you all again soon.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Mardi Gras Maracas
Here is a fun craft for making music this Mardi Gras!
MARDI GRAS MARACAS by Johnette Downing
Copyright 2005 Johnette Downing
Materials:
Dry, empty and cleaned plastic water bottle with lid
Mardi Gras beads
Instructions:
1. Place three or four Mardi Gras beads in an empty and clean plastic water bottle.
2. Screw bottle lid securely on bottle.
3. Shake!
MARDI GRAS MARACAS by Johnette Downing
Copyright 2005 Johnette Downing
Materials:
Dry, empty and cleaned plastic water bottle with lid
Mardi Gras beads
Instructions:
1. Place three or four Mardi Gras beads in an empty and clean plastic water bottle.
2. Screw bottle lid securely on bottle.
3. Shake!
Middle East Tour
I am gearing up for my upcoming tour in the Middle East from February 8-22, 2008. I will be performing concerts and workshops in Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirants. I am looking forward to the sharing of cultures through music with children, parents and educators.
Dixieland Jazz for Children CD Available in Stores
The Dixieland Jazz for Children CD is now available online and in stores at:
Maple Street Children's Book Shop, New Orleans, LA
Garden District Books, New Orleans, LA
Mignon Children's Shop, New Orleans, LA
Linden Tree Children's Books, Los Altos, CA
www.Amazon.com
www.CDbaby.com
www.johnettedowning.com
Maple Street Children's Book Shop, New Orleans, LA
Garden District Books, New Orleans, LA
Mignon Children's Shop, New Orleans, LA
Linden Tree Children's Books, Los Altos, CA
www.Amazon.com
www.CDbaby.com
www.johnettedowning.com
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Bay Area Tour a Big Success!
I have just returned from my tour of the San Francisco Bay area. I had performances in schools and libraries in Millbrae, Santa Clara, Petaluma, Foster City and Los Altos. I had a great time singing and dancing with children and their parents and educators.
I also had a chance to visit Monterey, Carmel and Point Lobos as a tourist with my friend and fellow musician. The vistas were stunning. The Monterey Aquarium was amazing as well. I was so inspired by the living kelp forest in the Aquarium that I wrote a song and several poems about it. Here is one of the poems I wrote:
kelp forest
the ocean
breathing
Immediately after my performances, I was booked for another tour in the Bay Area in July, 2008. So, I'll be seeing my Bay Area fans again real soon!
I also had a chance to visit Monterey, Carmel and Point Lobos as a tourist with my friend and fellow musician. The vistas were stunning. The Monterey Aquarium was amazing as well. I was so inspired by the living kelp forest in the Aquarium that I wrote a song and several poems about it. Here is one of the poems I wrote:
kelp forest
the ocean
breathing
Immediately after my performances, I was booked for another tour in the Bay Area in July, 2008. So, I'll be seeing my Bay Area fans again real soon!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Mardi Gras Music for Children
Just in time for Mardi Gras, Johnette Downing and Jimmy LaRocca's Original Dixieland Jazz Band release a new CD titled Dixieland Jazz for Children. A truly authentic New Orleans sound, the album contains two Mardi Gras songs for children titled "It's Time for Mardi Gras" and "Throw Me Something Mister." Celebrate carnival New Orleans style today, on Mardi Gras day which is February 5, 2008, and everyday!
Check out the CD at
http://johnettedowning.com/music.html
Check out the CD at
http://johnettedowning.com/music.html
Sunday, January 20, 2008
February 2008 Tour Dates
February 2 at 11:00, Mardi Gras Madness, The Mall at Cortana, Baton Rouge, LA
February 9-11, Performance and Workshop Tour, Kuwait
February 12-15, Performance and Workshop Tour, Bahrain
February 16-22, Performance and Workshop Tour, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
February 26, School Show, New Orleans, LA
February 9-11, Performance and Workshop Tour, Kuwait
February 12-15, Performance and Workshop Tour, Bahrain
February 16-22, Performance and Workshop Tour, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
February 26, School Show, New Orleans, LA
Friday, January 11, 2008
Dixieland Jazz for Children - New CD
Four years in the making and staying true to my Louisiana musical roots, I have collaborated with Jimmy LaRocca's Original Dixieland Jazz Band to record a new CD titled DIXIELAND JAZZ FOR CHILDREN to introduce children of all ages around the world to the joyful sounds of Dixieland Jazz; the music I heard growing up as a child in New Orleans. Nineteen original songs blend the upbeat, happy sounds of Dixieland Jazz with lyrics for children and their extended families. It is our hope that this authentic and innovative recording for children helps keep the tradition alive with a new generation of Dixieland Jazz lovers.
I trust you will discover that Dixieland Jazz harmonizes nicely with children’s music because it is lively, upbeat and joyful.
CDs are NOW available on my website! Purchase one today at:
http://johnettedowning.com/store.html
I trust you will discover that Dixieland Jazz harmonizes nicely with children’s music because it is lively, upbeat and joyful.
CDs are NOW available on my website! Purchase one today at:
http://johnettedowning.com/store.html
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Book Review from Acadiana LifeStyle
My book DOWN IN LOUISIANA received a nice review in the November, 2007 issue of Acadiana LifeStyle:
You know the song, “Down in Louisiana,” don’t you? Well, Johnette Downing has adapted it to entertain children while teaching them to count the animals in their habitats in the bayous and swamps of Louisiana. Deborah Kadair’s fanciful illustrations highlight the animals in simple images kids can enjoy and re-create with construction paper. A delightful gift that entertains and educates.
-Ray Saadi, Book Editor, Acadiana LifeStyle, November, 2007
You know the song, “Down in Louisiana,” don’t you? Well, Johnette Downing has adapted it to entertain children while teaching them to count the animals in their habitats in the bayous and swamps of Louisiana. Deborah Kadair’s fanciful illustrations highlight the animals in simple images kids can enjoy and re-create with construction paper. A delightful gift that entertains and educates.
-Ray Saadi, Book Editor, Acadiana LifeStyle, November, 2007
"The A-List" - Today's Books, Bookweek
My new book DOWN IN LOUISIANA was placed on “The A-List” in the October 29, 2007 issue of Today’s Books, Bookweek:
“NEW ORLEANS SINGER-SONGWRITER Johnette Downing adapts a bayou counting song in the April 2007 Pelican Publishing $15.95 animal nursery rhyme, DOWN IN LOUISIANA (978-1-58980-451-7), a hardcover color-illustrated with collages by Deborah Ousley Kadair, Texas. Family Choice and Parents’ Choice awards are among the many collected by Downing, who also collaborated with Kadair on Today Is Monday in Louisiana for Pelican. Louisiana wetland critters - including pelicans, of course -- are shown in their habitat, with alligators, bears, armadillos, possums and mosquitos among those getting their verse and their due. Downing has produced six CDs of her own original songs which draw on Louisiana’s musical past. Today’s Books puts Down in Louisiana on ‘The A-List.’”
“NEW ORLEANS SINGER-SONGWRITER Johnette Downing adapts a bayou counting song in the April 2007 Pelican Publishing $15.95 animal nursery rhyme, DOWN IN LOUISIANA (978-1-58980-451-7), a hardcover color-illustrated with collages by Deborah Ousley Kadair, Texas. Family Choice and Parents’ Choice awards are among the many collected by Downing, who also collaborated with Kadair on Today Is Monday in Louisiana for Pelican. Louisiana wetland critters - including pelicans, of course -- are shown in their habitat, with alligators, bears, armadillos, possums and mosquitos among those getting their verse and their due. Downing has produced six CDs of her own original songs which draw on Louisiana’s musical past. Today’s Books puts Down in Louisiana on ‘The A-List.’”
January 2008 Tour Dates
January 13 at 1:30, Krewe of Muses Private Party, New Orleans, LA
January 16, School Show, Covington, LA
January 17, School Show, Metairie, LA
January 23, School Show, Metairie, LA
January 26 at 10:15, Mountain View Library, Mountain View, CA
January 29, School Show, Petaluma, CA
January 29 at 7:00 p.m., Santa Clara Library, Santa Clara, CA
January 30 at 10:30, Foster City Library, Foster City, CA
January 30 at 3:30, Los Altos Library, Los Altos, CA
January 31, School Show, Millbrae, CA
January 16, School Show, Covington, LA
January 17, School Show, Metairie, LA
January 23, School Show, Metairie, LA
January 26 at 10:15, Mountain View Library, Mountain View, CA
January 29, School Show, Petaluma, CA
January 29 at 7:00 p.m., Santa Clara Library, Santa Clara, CA
January 30 at 10:30, Foster City Library, Foster City, CA
January 30 at 3:30, Los Altos Library, Los Altos, CA
January 31, School Show, Millbrae, CA
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Washington Post - Best of the Year!
Great news! My "Fins and Grins" CD is included in Scott Moore's annual "Best of the Year" list published in today's Washington Post!
Check it out at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/12/11/AR2007121101974.html
Yippee!
Check it out at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/12/11/AR2007121101974.html
Yippee!
Video Clip
Hey Fans! I just added a video clip to the Media Kit on my website. The video clip is of a feature about me on Naturally N'Awlins on WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA. Check it out at http://johnettedowning.com/samples.html
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wiggle Worm Fan Club
Love Johnette's music? Live to wiggle and giggle? Well, you must be a Wiggle Worm! Join hordes of other fans by becoming a member of Johnette Downing's Official Wiggle Worm Fan Club. Best of all it's fun and it's free!
You'll get a personalized autographed photograph, quarterly member's only newsletter and a behind the scenes look at Johnette and her music. You'll be the first to know about book and CD releases and other exciting news with member's only news flashes, plus much more! Check out details at: http://johnettedowning.com/fan_club.html
GO WIGGLE WORMS!
You'll get a personalized autographed photograph, quarterly member's only newsletter and a behind the scenes look at Johnette and her music. You'll be the first to know about book and CD releases and other exciting news with member's only news flashes, plus much more! Check out details at: http://johnettedowning.com/fan_club.html
GO WIGGLE WORMS!
California Tour
Alright California fans, I'm heading your way in January, the week before Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I will be performing at schools and libraries in the Bay Area. Here is the schedule for the library shows:
Mountain View Library on January 26, 2008 at 10:15. It's a Silly Sing Along so get ready to giggle and wiggle.
Santa Clara Library on January 29, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. A family concert at the library on a school night? Don't worry, you'll be home in plenty of time for bedtime!
Foster City Library on January 30, 2008 at 10:30. A special Storytime concert for youngsters.
Los Altos Library on January 30, 2008 at 3:30. It is an after school concert for one and all.
Books and music all in one? Hmmm, I guess READING really does ROCK!
Mountain View Library on January 26, 2008 at 10:15. It's a Silly Sing Along so get ready to giggle and wiggle.
Santa Clara Library on January 29, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. A family concert at the library on a school night? Don't worry, you'll be home in plenty of time for bedtime!
Foster City Library on January 30, 2008 at 10:30. A special Storytime concert for youngsters.
Los Altos Library on January 30, 2008 at 3:30. It is an after school concert for one and all.
Books and music all in one? Hmmm, I guess READING really does ROCK!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
December 2007 Tour Dates
December 1 from 11:00-1:00, Book Signing, Sams Club, 455 31st Street, Kenner, LA
December 1 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sams Club, 3900 Airline Hwy, Metairie, LA
December 15 at 10:30, Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette, LA
December 15 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sams Club, 3222 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Lafayette, LA
December 22 from 11:00-1:00, Book Signing, Sams Club, 181 Northshore Blvd., Slidell, LA
December 1 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sams Club, 3900 Airline Hwy, Metairie, LA
December 15 at 10:30, Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette, LA
December 15 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sams Club, 3222 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Lafayette, LA
December 22 from 11:00-1:00, Book Signing, Sams Club, 181 Northshore Blvd., Slidell, LA
Monday, November 12, 2007
National Haiku Day
December 21, 2007 is National Haiku Day! Celebrate the day with a haiku poetry workshop by yours truly! Check out the haiku workshop offerings on my Two Dragonflies -Haiku and Music for Children website at http://www.twodragonflies.com/ The website is a great resource for poetry lovers and is filled with fun activities for children, families and educators.
If you book an educator or student workshop for your school for the month of December, you will receive 10% off the booking fee! Use the online booking request form at http://www.twodragonflies.com/booking.html That is simply poetic!
Here is a haiku I wrote for children:
outdoor jazz concert
one child does cartwheels
the other splits
Happy haikuing!
If you book an educator or student workshop for your school for the month of December, you will receive 10% off the booking fee! Use the online booking request form at http://www.twodragonflies.com/booking.html That is simply poetic!
Here is a haiku I wrote for children:
outdoor jazz concert
one child does cartwheels
the other splits
Happy haikuing!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
November 2007 Tour Dates
November 3 at 11:00, Storytelling Tent, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library of Louisiana, Downtown Baton Rouge, LA
November 3 from 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Pelican Booth,Louisiana Book Festival, State Library of Louisiana, Downtown Baton Rouge, LA
November 3 at 2:00, Author Presentation and Book Signing, Seminar Center, State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana Book Festival, Baton Rouge, LA
November 3 from 3:00-4:00, Book Signing, Barnes & Noble Booth, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library of Louisiana, Downtown Baton Rouge, LA
November 8 at 5:30 p.m., Tots N Tunes, Mandeville, LA
November 10 at 1:05 & 3:45, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Children's Tent, Downtown Covington, LA
November 13 at 1:00, Book Signing, Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA
November 14 at 9:30, Gibson Branch Library, Gibson, LA
November 17 from 11:00-1:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, 1527 Manhattan, Harvey, LA
November 24 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, 10444 N. Mall Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
November 3 from 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Pelican Booth,Louisiana Book Festival, State Library of Louisiana, Downtown Baton Rouge, LA
November 3 at 2:00, Author Presentation and Book Signing, Seminar Center, State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana Book Festival, Baton Rouge, LA
November 3 from 3:00-4:00, Book Signing, Barnes & Noble Booth, Louisiana Book Festival, State Library of Louisiana, Downtown Baton Rouge, LA
November 8 at 5:30 p.m., Tots N Tunes, Mandeville, LA
November 10 at 1:05 & 3:45, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Children's Tent, Downtown Covington, LA
November 13 at 1:00, Book Signing, Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA
November 14 at 9:30, Gibson Branch Library, Gibson, LA
November 17 from 11:00-1:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, 1527 Manhattan, Harvey, LA
November 24 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, 10444 N. Mall Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Fins and Grins on the Grammy Ballot!
My latest CD titled "Fins and Grins" is on the 50th Annual Grammy Awards first ballot!!! My CD is up for Best Musical Album for Children. Votes on this first ballot determine which CDs will be Grammy Nominees. Votes on the second Grammy Nominee ballot will determine which CD is a Grammy winner.
If you are a NARAS voting member, please vote for my CD. Here are the details:
Field 18 Children's
Category 77
Best Musical Album for Children
Johnette Downing
027. Fins and Grins
All you have to do is BELIEVE....and vote!
If you are a NARAS voting member, please vote for my CD. Here are the details:
Field 18 Children's
Category 77
Best Musical Album for Children
Johnette Downing
027. Fins and Grins
All you have to do is BELIEVE....and vote!
Monday, October 15, 2007
International Youth Summit
I had the great honor of performing at an International Youth Summit in Giza, Egypt in August. Teens from fifty different countries were in attendance. During my performance, I asked for volunteers to come on stage with me. The result was a magical moment with teens from all socioeconomic, religious and ethnic backgrounds enthusiastically joining me to play, sing, laugh and dance together as one. Music truly is the thread that unites the world and what a blessing it was for me to witness this first hand. I will never forget that moment nor the connections I made with teens there. See the photo at right.
October Tour Dates
Here are some of Johnette's public performance dates for October, 2007.
October 12 at 10:00, Dularge Library, Houma, LA
October 17 at 6:00 p.m., Educators Night, Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA
October 19 at 2:30, Washington Parish Fair, Children's Stage, Franklinton, LA
October 20 from 11:45-12:45, Book Signing, Catholic Library Association Conference, Metairie, LA
October 26 at 7:45 p.m., Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 27 at 10:00, Monster Mash, Boga Falaya Park, Covington, LA
October 27 at 7:45 p.m., Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
We hope to see you there!
October 12 at 10:00, Dularge Library, Houma, LA
October 17 at 6:00 p.m., Educators Night, Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA
October 19 at 2:30, Washington Parish Fair, Children's Stage, Franklinton, LA
October 20 from 11:45-12:45, Book Signing, Catholic Library Association Conference, Metairie, LA
October 26 at 7:45 p.m., Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
October 27 at 10:00, Monster Mash, Boga Falaya Park, Covington, LA
October 27 at 7:45 p.m., Boo at the Zoo, Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
We hope to see you there!
NAPPA Honors Book Award!
Hurray! Yippee! Johnette's first book Today Is Monday in Louisiana just received the prestigious NAPPA Award (National Parenting Publications Award)! The results will be announced Nov. 1, 2007 in 40 regional parenting magazines across the country and online at Parenthood.com. This distinction recognizes products as the best among toys, books, DVDs, software, video games, music and spoken-word recordings available for children today.
Welcome Friends and Fans!
Welcome to Johnette Downing's new Blog. Here you will find a "behind the scenes" look at Johnette and her music and books as she brings her special brand of musical and literary spice to children around the world. The latest and greatest news and information will all be posted here, so check in as often as possible. Also, be sure to check out Johnette's performance schedule on her website at http://johnettedowning.com/calendar.php and come out to see Johnette in concert when she is in your area! Until then, keep a song in your heart!
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