Many rock and pop performers working as musicians or singer/ songwriters, have attempted to prolong their careers by taking an alternate route. The better musicians find their way into the studios of Nashville, Los Angeles or New York City. The writers go on to pen hit records for various other artists (Hey, Selena Gomez’s songs don’t write themselves!). True vocalists wind up anywhere between American Idol and the Holiday Inn lounge three shows a night, try the veal, don’t forget to tip your waitresses… No one who has ever tasted success or felt the pride that goes along with transforming a group of strangers into a group of friends, or taken a random selection of audience members on a lyrical and musical voyage ever wants to give up the dream. We don’t want to sell strings and picks at the Guitar Center (although a noble profession), we don’t want to give lessons to the musically challenged offspring of Barry Manilow fans, and we sure as hell don’t want to work for our uncle Louie in the removal business. So what do we do? Where do we go? What can we create?
Enter Laurie Berkner. Back in 1992 when she started out with the rock and roll dream, she had no idea where the fates would take her. So she did fate one better. She created her own niche in the entertainment arena, one that would propel her into the stratosphere of accolades and record sales that can only be influenced by the young. Rock and roll has and will always be the bastion of youth, but again, she did it one better. The market for children’s entertainment and music was slim at best during the 90’s and early 21st century. There was Disney and Sesame Street sure, but who was challenging the norm with a relatable type of sing-along song? Yo Gabba Gabba? The Doodlebops? Little Einstein? Mike Huckabee?
She started out by creating her own record label – Two Tomatoes. She envisioned a style of music that doesn’t pander to kids and plays real rock and roll, critics and pundits dubbing it “KindieRock.” The most brilliant move on her part is that she writes with a duality, whereby children and parents are equally entertained. That is not easy to do. But she accomplishes this feat with flair and a set of chords. Her band is a collection of characters and real players, who could be touring and playing with anyone. They are that good. She has released five CD’s, starting with “Whaddaya Think of That?” in 2007 and up to her latest release “Party Day.”
Laurie continues to be inspired by her audience. “I want to create songs that matter for children,” she says. “I was singing once and saw a four-year-old girl shut her eyes and start swaying to the music. I thought, ‘That’s the reason I got into music.’ It keeps me wanting to do more.”
Did I mention she’s a Jersey girl, growing up in Princeton? She’s coming home. On March 9th, she and her band will be performing in concert at the Matthews Theatre at McCarter Theatre on the Princeton University campus. Bring the kids. Heck, bring grandpa and grandma. This show will keep you on your toes no matter what your age is. And that is just the point.