Meltdown 2009 – Archive
Here’s what happened at the 2009 Meltdown, where we welcomed nearly 2,000 people for a great day of family fun (you can see photos here):
Last year, we had appearances by:
Local heroes the Nields will play a full-band show, featuring tracks from their terrific kids’ double CD, Rock All Day, Rock All Night!
Listen:
Who Are You Not to Shine:
Muffin Man:
Brooklyn-based Deedle Deedle Dees are long-time friends of the River’s kids’ show Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, and have played a bunch of packed shows here.
Listen:
Nellie Bly:
Teddy Days:
Jane really needs no introduction. Jane has been called the “Hans Christian Andersen of America” by Newsweek and “the Aesop of the 20th century” by the New York Times. She has countless books to her credit, including How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and the immortal Owl Moon.
This former member of the Fleshtones (who also played Buddy Holly on London’s West End) has been making “rock of all ages” in the Hudson Valley, with frequent jaunts to Northampton. The New York Times calls him “a star among the young.”
photo Steve DePino
Jarrett Krosoczka is putting together the book side of the event. Jarrett used to be a goofy kid who liked to draw. Now, he is an award winning published author/illustrator with many books to his credit, including the Punk Farm series and, coming this summer, the graphic novel Lunch Lady. He lives in Florence.
Aric Bieganek’s Recess Rock
You know Aric from rocking the kids at the Northampton Parents Center, the Northampton Community Music Center, Cup & Top Cafe, and elsewhere. The Gazette calls him the “Jack Black of kids’ music,” and he’s got a new kids’ record out, “Bright Lights, Big Kitty.”
Dennis, working with Charlie Braun, has a terrific new kids’ record out (I Miss the Mud) and is a veteran of the Pioneer Valley scene, both kids’ and otherwise. Charlie will be playing with Dennis at the Meltdown and it promises to be a fun and engaging set. Dennis and Charlie will be on Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child on Saturday, March 21.
Former member of the Pop Rockets (shown above) and the Juice Pops, Laura has been making great music for the whole family in the Pioneer Valley for quite a while! At the Meltdown, she’ll be playing solo…but might have a guest or two show up.
Tim is the illustrator of the award-winning Tales of Despereaux and the author/illustrator of Frog Belly Rat Bone and Necks Out for Adventure! He’s the biggest kid you’ll ever meet.
Local hero and Guy Who’s In Every Band Henning Ohlenbusch and the band play appealing pop, mostly for grown-ups, but when you behave very, very well, they’ll play for the kids too. The Meltdown is a very well-behaved event.
Mariana Iranzi, a native of Argentina and a graduate of Berklee School of Music, got her U.S. start as a rock bassist in the Boston area. She recently released her debut kids’ record, Adventura Collage, a bilingual adventure.
Ratboy Junior
The family iteration of Hudson Valley jam band Ratboy, Ratboy Jr. has been the house band at Kidtopia in recent months and recently released their first EP.
Anna’s work is reminiscent of a modern day Bread and Jam for Frances. Her work is beautiful! She is the illustrator for the lavishly illustrated chapter book The Purple Ribbon and she is the author/illustrator for Estelle and Lucy and Francine’s Day. Her new book is called What Can You Do With an Old Red Shoe? (A Green Activity Book). It’s a craft book on recycling.
Marcy is a relative newcomer to the Pioneer Valley but, with well-received shows at Cup & Top, Flayvors of Cook Farm, and elsewhere, is becoming a fast favorite.
…and a whole lot more – local vendors, great food, activities, storytelling with River DJs, and surprises!
