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Press Releases
It has been six years in the making but worth the wait! Award-winning, best-selling
children's music superstars The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam
Bernstein will release their first CD since 2002, 'Rocketship Run,' (Two
Tomatoes Records, distributed by Razor & Tie Entertainment, $18.98, run time 52:32) in
August. Widely recognized as the most popular childrenÕs music artist in the United States,
Laurie Berkner's intelligent songwriting, captivating vocals and infectious melodies
have won not only legions of little fans, but also parents, who enjoy the music as much as
their kids.
'Rocketship Run' portrays a musical journey on a rocket ship in search of
treasure. Laurie Berkner collaborates with bandmates Susie Lampert (keyboards)
and Adam Bernstein (bass)on 20 new songs and arrangements ranging from a Brazilian
samba to an Irish jig to a folk song set against a gospel/country background. The CD takes
off with the title track Ð which was seen and heard this season in a NOGGIN* video Ð
video Ð and lands with LaurieÕs lovely solo rendition of the standard "Fly Me to the Moon."
Some of the music on 'Rocketship Run' has a symphonic setting, arranged with strings, flute, piccolo, bassoon, and
trumpet, while other songs are delicate and personal. Dialogue among Laurie, Susie, and Adam threads together all
the songs, like chapters in a book.
'Rocketship Run' represents considerable growth by The Laurie Berkner Band. Says Laurie, "It's a much more
collaborative effort than I have ever done before. We arranged most of the songs as a band, Susie and Adam have both
contributed songs, and I co-produced the album with Bob Golden, who recorded/produced the sound for all our NOGGIN
videos and our 2006 DVD, instead of doing it mostly all myself. We also have a lot of talented guest artists
performing on this CD."
The Laurie Berkner Band has received tremendous critical acclaim. Time Magazine lauded Laurie as "a kind of
sippy-cup Sheryl CrowÉBerkner inhabits a kid's curious perspective in her lyrics and pens folk-pop melodies that bear
repeated Ð very repeated Ð listenings." The Wall Street Journal called Laurie "one of the most popular children's
performer's in America É Her music is distinctive because it speaks to kids without talking down to them, charming
youngsters without boring grown-ups." The Laurie Berkner Band performed on "The View" earlier this year, following
appearances on "Good Morning America Weekend," "The Today Show" and "Live With Regis & Kelly."
A former preschool music teacher by day and indie rocker by night, Laurie Berkner started selling her music out of
her living room on her own label, Two Tomatoes Records, and all four of her previous CDs are now best-sellers.
Laurie, Susie and Adam were the first artists to ever appear in music videos on NOGGIN, Nickelodeon's 24-hour
educational, commercial-free preschool network, and are featured in nearly all of the episodes of the channel's
"Jack's Big Music Show." The Laurie Berkner Band's debut DVD, 'We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band' (Two Tomatoes
Records/Razor & Tie Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) was certified quadruple platinum.
Laurie's concern for the environment has prompted her to make the switch to "green" packaging for 'Rocketship Run,'
using an eco-friendly package made entirely of post-consumer recycled paper, rather than the standard plastic jewel
case, and to organic cotton for the band's t-shirts, totes and other merchandise (available at concerts and online at
www.twotomatoes.com).
'ROCKETSHIP RUN' TRACK LISTING:
Songs written by Laurie Berkner (except where otherwise noted)
Rocketship Run
Going on a Hunt (ska)
Mouse in my Toolbox
Candy Cane Jane
All Around My Room
One More Stop on the Train
Going on a Hunt (blues)
Jump and Fly (Adam Bernstein)
Pigbasket (Susie Lampert)
Five Days Old
Mr. Bassman
Winter Lullaby (music Susie Lampert; lyrics William J. Smith)
LetÕs Samba
Going on a Hunt (conga)
My Blue Sailboat (Adam Bernstein)
Balance Beam
Thunderstorm (Susie Lampert)
Fast and Slow (The Rabbit and the Turtle)
Going on a Hunt (jig)
Farm Song (That's What I Did on the Farm)
Nona
Walk Along the River
Going on a Hunt (hand jive)
Fly Me to the Moon (Bart Howard)
See Concert Dates >>
The Story Of My Feelings Due Out In September (Orchard Books/Scholastic)
The Laurie Berkner Songbook Out This Month (Music Sales Group)
Children's music star Laurie Berkner will release her second book in September,
The Story Of My Feelings (Orchard Books/Scholastic, $12.99, Ages 0-4), based upon
the song from The Laurie Berkner Band's third album, Victor Vito. An
expressive picture book filled with easy-to-read lyrics, it will include a CD with the
title track as well as a bonus song "Walk Along the River." Kids can read and sing along
as feelings come to life through Caroline Jayne Church's delightful illustrations.
"This is the story of when I laugh; When I'm feeling happy that's when I laugh; And it
makes me feel better; It makes me feel better; You know I feel better; After I laugh."
Growing up is not always easy, and it is important for children to be able to identify and
express their feelings. The Story of My Feelings will help kids (and parents) embrace
laughing, sighing, crying and yelling. Says Laurie, "I wrote this song to remind myself
that it's okay to express my feelings with sounds - and to remember how good it feels to
connect with my life energy that way." Laurie's first book, 2004's critically acclaimed
Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco, was released by Orchard Books in paperback this spring.
Laurie Berkner's first sheet music compilation, The Laurie Berkner Songbook (Music Sales
Group, $16.95), was released on June 1st. The book comprises 25 of the band's songs,
arranged for easy piano, voice and guitar. It also includes suggested guitar strumming
patterns and many related play activities suitable for both the home and classroom. An
instrumental sing-along backing CD, containing seven selected songs, is included as well.
The tracks include such favorites as "Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)," "Victor Vito" and "We Are
the Dinosaurs."
In fall 2007, The Laurie Berkner Band will be featured on a software cartridge that
accompanies a Fisher-Price¨ sing-along, interactive learning system. It will be an
updated version of the current, award-winning product, Learn Through Music Plus. In its
fifth year on the market, this innovative learning platform teaches a fundamental
preschool curriculum through the rhythm, rhyme and repetition of song.
Laurie Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein are regulars on the
NOGGIN channel's hit preschool series Jack's Big Music Show, a platform for kids' music
featuring videos and in-studio performances by guest musicians every week. The band's
first-ever DVD, We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band (Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie
Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) was certified quadruple platinum earlier this year.
Widely recognized as the most popular children's recording artist in the United States,
Laurie's honest, intelligent songwriting, captivating vocals and infectious melodies have
won not only legions of little fans but parents, who enjoy the music as much as their
kids.
Laurie has contributed to Adam Bernstein's new CD for grownups (kids like it too!), Dust
off the Timeless Night. Produced by They Might Be Giants drummer Marty Beller, the CD is
an original collection of pop gems with thoughtful lyrics and fine musicianship. Says
Laurie, "I'm proud to have been a part of this album. In listening, I am transported to a
world of soulful grooves and heartfelt melodies that have quickly become familiar
friends." It is for sale (among other outlets) at www.laurieberkner.com.
Caroline Jayne Church is the acclaimed illustrator of many books for children including
the Orchard picture book One Smart Goose. She has also illustrated Cluck, Cluck, Who's
There? by James Mayhew; Do Your Ears Hang Low; and Pudgy: A Puppy to
Love. She lives in the United Kingdom.
See Concert Dates >>
"The Laurie Berkner Songbook"
With Backing Instrumentals CD To Be Released June 1st
"The Story Of My Feelings" Book-With-CD
Due Out In September
The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein drew a massive crowd when they gave a rare free performance for
families at the Green Apple Music & Arts Festival on Sunday, April 22 in Central Park. The Festival was part of a nationwide
Earth Day celebration. A whopping 15,000 big and little fans alike rocked out on the grass to Laurie's hugely popular songs.
New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe likened the show to Woodstock, describing the line of people and strollers
that stretched all the way down to 93rd St. People were climbing over rocks to try to get around the lines on the paths, and
part of the park had to be closed off in an effort to control the crowd. Said Laurie, "Someone stopped me on the street the
other day and told me, "I'm so bummed that we missed your show in the park last week. I heard it was like Simon and
Garfunkel!"
Many of the Laurie Berkner Band's concerts this year have sold out within minutes of going on sale. The Earth Day
celebration was an opportunity for the band to give back to their fans as well as to the earth.
Laurie's first songbook, "The Laurie Berkner Songbook" (Music Sales Group), will be released on June 1st. The book is a
sheet music compilation of 25 of the band's songs, arranged for easy piano, voice and guitar. It also includes suggested
guitar strumming patterns and many related play activities suitable for both the home and classroom. An instrumental
sing-along backing CD, containing seven selected songs, is included as well. The tracks include such favorites as "Bumblebee"
(Buzz Buzz), "Victor Vito" and "We Are the Dinosaurs."
This spring, Laurie's 2004 critically acclaimed book "Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco" will be released in paperback on
Scholastic's Orchard Books imprint. Orchard Books will publish her second book in September, "The Story Of My Feelings,"
based upon the song from the band's third album, "Victor Vito." The book will include a CD with the title track as well as
the song "Walk Along the River."
Also in fall 2007, the band will be featured on a software cartridge that accompanies a Fisher-Price¨ sing-along, interactive
learning system. It will be an updated version of the current, award-winning product, Learn Through Music Plus. In its fifth
year on the market, this innovative learning platform teaches a fundamental preschool curriculum through the rhythm, rhyme
and repetition of song.
Laurie Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein are series regulars on NOGGIN's* hit preschool series
Jack's Big Music Show, a platform for kids' music featuring videos and in-studio performances by guest musicians every week.
The band's first-ever DVD, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" (Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie Entertainment/Starbucks
Hear Music) was certified quadruple platinum earlier this year. Widely recognized as the most popular children's recording
artist in the United States, Laurie's honest, intelligent songwriting, captivating vocals and infectious melodies have won
not only legions of little fans but parents, who enjoy the music as much as their kids.
See Concert Dates >>
Band To Headline Children's Concerts
At Free Green Apple Music & Arts Festival,
The World's Largest Earth Day Celebration In Central Park, April 22
The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein will give a rare free
performance for families at the Green Apple Music & Arts Festival on Sunday, April 22 in
Central Park. The Festival is part of a nationwide Earth Day celebration.
Many of the Laurie Berkner Band's concerts this year have sold out within minutes of
going on sale. Says Laurie, "This is a great opportunity for us to give back to our fans
by putting on a free show, and give back to the earth by further raising awareness of the
dire need for us ALL to be environmentalists. I'm really looking forward to being a part
of Green Apple and hopefully inspiring renewed dedication to protecting our planet and
ourselves."
Entering its second year, The Green Apple Music & Arts Festival was founded by producer
Peter Shapiro and Relix Magazine in partnership with Earth Day Network and presented by
JPMorgan Chase. The mission of the event is to increase awareness for Earth Day by
combining top-tier live musical performances with educational programs to elevate
activation of crucial environmental issues on both local and global levels.
Laurie Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein are series regulars
on NOGGIN's hit preschool series Jack's Big Music Show, a platform for kids' music
featuring videos and in-studio performances by guest musicians every week. The band's
first-ever DVD was recently certified quadruple platinum. Widely recognized as the most
popular children's recording artist in the United States, Laurie's intelligent
songwriting, captivating vocals and infectious melodies have won not only legions of
little fans but parents, who enjoy the music as much as their kids.
WHO: The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein
(Opening act Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could)
WHAT: Green Apple Music Festival Earth Day Celebration
WHEN: April 22, 1:00 P.M.
WHERE: Central Park, The Great Hill (enter from 103rd/Central Park West).
INFO: Visit www.greenapplefestival.com
New Tour Dates Added For 2007
Season Two Of Noggin's Hit Music Series Jack's Big Music Show Underway
Laurie To Appear on American Public Television Fund Drive
"We are É The Laurie Berkner Band" DVD Certified Quadruple Platinum
The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein is ringing
in the New Year with a host of activities.
Laurie, Susie and Adam have returned to the concert stage in 2007 with
performances scheduled in Chicago, New York, Florida and Boston. Since
their tour schedule began late last year, many concerts have sold out
within minutes of going on sale.
The band has returned to NOGGIN's hit preschool series Jack's Big Music
Show, a platform for kids' music featuring videos and in-studio
performances by guest musicians every week. The commercial-free,
educational preschool network from Nickelodeon kicked off the second
season of its original half-hour music show on January 6. Laurie
Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein are series
regulars, and are featured in almost every episode of season two.
NOGGIN continues to premiere new episodes on Saturdays and Sundays
throughout January and February. The regular time slot for Jack's Big
Music Show is every day, Monday through Sunday from 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
(ET/PT).
Laurie is also set to appear on a live fundraising special for public
television on February 11 that will air on KQED in San Francisco.
Laurie will talk about the importance of children's television
programming. Select videos by the band will also be featured. Those
who pledge their financial support to public television will receive as
a gift the band's first-ever DVD, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band"
(Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music).
American Public Television, a prime source of programming for public
television stations, will distribute the program nationwide beginning in
March (check local listings).
"We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" (Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie
Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) was released in 2006 and has just
been certified quadruple platinum. A collection of 11 new music videos,
"We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" is packaged with a bonus CD of
five songs (including a brand-new track, her first on CD since 2002).
The DVD was chosen by Parenting magazine in its February 2007 issue as a
Parenting Mom-Tested! DVD Of The Year.
This spring, Laurie's 2004 book "Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco" will be
released in paperback on Scholastic's Orchard Books imprint. Orchard
Books will publish her second book in the fall, "The Story Of My
Feelings," based upon the song from the band's third album, Victor Vito.
Also in fall 2007, the band will be featured on a software cartridge
that accompanies a Fisher-Price® sing-along, interactive learning
system. It will be an updated version of the current, award-winning
product, Learn Through Music Plus. In its fifth year on the market, this
innovative learning platform teaches a fundamental preschool curriculum
through the rhythm, rhyme and repetition of song.
The trio performed last year on Good Morning America, The Today Show and
Live With Regis & Kelly, as well as at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day
Parade®. Widely recognized as the most popular children's recording
artist in the United States, Laurie's intelligent songwriting,
captivating vocals and infectious melodies have won not only legions of
little fans but parents, who enjoy the music as much as their kids.
See Concert Dates >>
Season Two Of Hit Music Show For Preschoolers
Premieres Saturday, January 6
New Tour Dates Added For 2007
The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein will return
to NOGGIN's hit preschool series Jack's Big Music Show next year. The
commercial-free, educational preschool network from Nickelodeon will kick
off the second season of its original half-hour music show on January 6,
2007 at 12:00 P.M. (EST).
Laurie Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein are
series regulars, and are featured in almost every episode of season two.
The band will perform in several music videos including two new songs, "The
Farm" and "Rocketship Run." Laurie also appears in two episodes of Jack's
Big Music Show in which she sings original songs at Jack's clubhouse,
"Little Rhythm," and "Let's Samba."
Jack's Big Music Show, produced by Spiffy Pictures for NOGGIN, is a
live-action series hosted by Jack, a preschooler puppet and his cast of
friends who play every day in his clubhouse. The mission of Jack's Big
Music Show is to expose and foster an appreciation of music in young
children. The series is a platform for kids' music and features videos and
in-studio performances by guest musicians every week.
Nickelodeon Preschool and General Manager of NOGGIN. "Jack makes learning
about music fun and season two will introduce a new, diverse group of
amazing musicians who raise the bar for quality preschool music."
The Laurie Berkner Band made their debut on NOGGIN in 2004 with a series of
six music videos airing throughout the day's programming as part of the
network's Move To The Music series.
Laurie, Susie and Adam recently made their first-ever appearance at the
80th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The band performed on
Fisher-Price's® "Magic of Childhood" float. Laurie's songs will be
featured on a software cartridge that accompanies a Fisher-Price®
sing-along, interactive learning system, which is scheduled to hit stores
in the fall of 2007. It will be an updated version of the current,
award-winning product, Learn Through Music Plus. In its fifth year on the
market, this innovative learning platform teaches a fundamental preschool
curriculum through the rhythm, rhyme and repetition of song.
The band performed this year on Good Morning America, The Today Show and
Live With Regis & Kelly. Widely recognized as the most popular children's
recording artist in the United States, Laurie's intelligent songwriting,
captivating vocals and infectious melodies have won not only legions of
little fans but parents, who enjoy the music as much as their kids.
The band's first-ever DVD, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" (Two
Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) was
released in February of this year. It has been certified triple platinum,
and is fast approaching quadruple platinum status. A collection of 11 new
music videos, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" is packaged with a
bonus CD of five songs (including a brand-new track, her first on CD since
2002).
Laurie recently made the decision to resume live performances after taking
an extended hiatus to spend time with her young daughter. The band marked
its first public performances of 2006 this fall with sold-out concerts on
the East Coast
See Concert Dates >>
The Laurie Berkner Band will make their first-ever appearance at the 80th
Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® in New York City on November
23. The band will perform on Fisher-Price's® "Magic of Childhood" float.
The Parade is broadcast on NBC from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. in all time
zones. Says Laurie, "I'm excited to be a part of such a great holiday
tradition. The fact that it takes place here in New York City, where my
daughter can watch in person, makes it even more special."
Laurie will also give a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" at
Macy's Herald Square on November 19 at 3:00 P.M. The reading is part of
"Macy's Lights Up The Holidays," which culminates with the unveiling of the
store's annual holiday window display.
The Laurie Berkner Band will be featured on a software cartridge that
accompanies a Fisher-Price® sing-along, interactive learning system, which
is scheduled to hit stores in the fall of 2007. It will be an updated
version of the current, award-winning product, Learn Through Music Plus. In
its fifth year on the market, this innovative learning platform teaches a
fundamental preschool curriculum through the rhythm, rhyme and repetition
of song.
Laurie Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein
performed this year on Good Morning America, The Today Show and Live With
Regis & Kelly. Widely recognized as the most popular children's recording
artist in the United States, Laurie's intelligent songwriting, captivating
vocals and infectious melodies have won not only legions of little fans but
parents, who enjoy the music as much as their kids.
The Laurie Berkner Band can be seen on NOGGIN's hit preschool series Jack's
Big Music Show where they are featured in almost every episode of the
original half-hour music show. The commercial free, educational preschool
network from Nickelodeon will kick off their second season of Jack's Big
Music Show in January 2007, which will feature two new music videos by the
band in addition to show appearances by Laurie.
The band's first-ever DVD, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" (Two
Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) was
released in February of this year. It has been certified triple platinum,
and is fast approaching quadruple platinum status. A collection of 11 new
music videos, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" is packaged with a
bonus CD of five songs (including a brand-new track, her first on CD since
2002).
Laurie recently made the decision to resume live performances after taking
an extended hiatus to spend time with her young daughter. The band marked
its first public performances of 2006 this fall with sold-out concerts on
the East Coast. More dates are being scheduled through early 2007.
See Concert Dates >>
Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) and located in
East Aurora, New York, is the leading brand of infant and preschool toys in
the world. The Company has a 75-year legacy of high-quality toys that
enhance early childhood development. Its often-emulated Play Laboratory
was the first child research center of its kind in the toy industry,
allowing researchers to observe the way children play and how play benefits
their development. Some of the Company's best-known "classic" brands
include Little People®, Power Wheels® and View-Master®. Fisher-Price is
also a leading developer of baby gear products (nursery monitors, infant
swings, high chairs) as well as a wide array of character-based toys
inspired by high quality children's programming such as Sesame Street®,
Dora the ExplorerTM and Winnie the Pooh. The Company's web site, at
www.fisher-price.com, provides valuable information and resources to
parents.
NOGGIN, the commercial-free, educational preschool network from
Nickelodeon, currently reaches 52 million households via cable, digital
cable and satellite TV. NOGGIN, which airs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(ET), is like preschool on TV, with educational programming both on-air and
online at www.noggin.com. NOGGIN and all related titles, characters and
logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.
The Laurie Berkner Band will hit the road for the first time this year! Laurie has made the
decision to resume live performances after taking an extended hiatus to spend time with her young
daughter. The band will mark its first public performances of 2006 this fall with sold-out concerts
in New York and New Jersey. More dates are scheduled through early 2007.
Laurie Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein recently performed on "Good
Morning America," following appearances on "The Today Show" and "Live With Regis & Kelly." Widely
recognized as the most popular children's music artist in the United States, Laurie's intelligent
songwriting, captivating vocals and infectious melodies have won not only legions of little fans but
parents, who enjoy the music as much as their kids. The Laurie Berkner Band can be seen each week on
NOGGIN's* "Jack's Big Music Show." The commercial-free, educational network for preschoolers will
premiere the series' second season in early 2007, featuring three new songs by the band.
The band's first-ever DVD, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" (Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie
Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) was certified triple platinum, with shipments totaling 400,000
units. A collection of 11 new music videos, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" is packaged with
a bonus CD of five songs (including a brand-new track, her first on CD since 2002).
See Concert Dates >>
* NOGGIN and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom
International Inc.
The Laurie Berkner Band will hit the road for the first time this year! Laurie has made the
decision to resume live performances after taking an extended hiatus to spend time with her young
daughter. The band will mark its first public performance of 2006 with a concert on Staten Island
in New York on September 24. They will make their Orlando, Florida debut at SeaWorld on October 15,
and will appear in New Brunswick, New Jersey on November 11. More concert dates will be announced
shortly.
The band's first-ever DVD, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" (Two Tomatoes Records/Razor &
Tie Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) has now been certified triple platinum, with shipments
totaling 300,000 units. A collection of 11 new music videos, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band"
is packaged with a bonus CD of five songs (including a brand-new track, her first on CD since 2002).
Laurie Berkner, keyboardist Susie Lampert and bassist Adam Bernstein will perform on "Good
Morning America" on Saturday, August 26, following recent appearances on "The Today Show" and "Live
With Regis & Kelly." Widely recognized as the #1 children's music artist in the United States,
Laurie's intelligent songwriting, captivating vocals and infectious melodies have won not only
legions of little fans but parents, who actually enjoy the music as much as their kids. The Laurie
Berkner Band can be seen each week on NOGGIN's* "Jack's Big Music Show." The commercial-free,
educational network for preschoolers will premiere the series' second season in early 2007.
See Concert Dates >>
* NOGGIN and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom
International Inc.
Children's music phenomenon Laurie Berkner's first-ever DVD, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner
Band" (Two Tomatoes Records, LLC/Razor & Tie Entertainment/Starbucks Hear Music) has been certified
platinum, with shipments exceeding 100,000 units. The DVD continues to top the Billboard Music
Video DVD chart, holding the #1 spot for six straight weeks since its release. This week's sales are
up by 17%. The DVD marks the first time Starbucks Hear Music has promoted a family entertainment
title. A collection of 11 new music videos, "We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" is packaged with
a bonus CD of five songs (including a brand-new track, her first on CD since 2002).
Berkner has been at the forefront of the recent explosion in children's music and has cemented
her position as the #1 children's music artist in the United States. Over the past several years,
Laurie's intelligent yet accessible songwriting, warm, captivating vocals and infectious melodies
have garnered weekly appearances on Noggin on "Jack's Big Music Show," a national touring base, rave
reviews from the press, appearances on "The Today Show" and "Good Morning America," and huge CD
sales on her home-grown label Two Tomatoes Records, which is distributed by Razor & Tie.
Co-release is Starbucks Hear Music's First-Ever Family Entertainment Title
"One of the biggest names in alternative children's music." -Child Magazine
"Laurie Berkner's 'Victor Vito' video rocks hard. Minivan hard." -Entertainment Weekly/CNN.com
On February 14th, 2006, Razor & Tie Entertainment/Two Tomatoes Records/Starbucks Hear Music will
co-release the first-ever original music video collection from children's music superstar Laurie
Berkner and her band entitled "We Are...The Laurie Berkner Band," a collection of 11 original music
videos packaged with a bonus CD of five songs. Berkner, whose videos have become a staple on NOGGIN
(Nickelodeon's educational, commercial-free network for preschoolers), is now the top-selling
children's singer in the country. This new music video collection marks the first time Starbucks
Hear Music has co-released a family entertainment title. "We Are...The Laurie Berkner Band" will be
available at Starbucks Company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as traditional
retail outlets in February.
The Laurie Berkner Band received significant media attention in 2005, with segments on "Good
Morning America" and the "Today Show," and a headlining slot on the first-ever Jamarama Live!
Kidsfest tour, a unique interactive kids' musical experience. Time Magazine lauded Laurie as "a kind
of sippy-cup Sheryl Crow...Berkner inhabits a kid's curious perspective in her lyrics and pens
folk-pop melodies that bear repeated - very repeated - listenings." Child Magazine called Laurie
"the kind of kids' singer whose songs parents sheepishly play even when their children aren't
around."
"Starbucks Hear Music is proud to collaborate with Laurie Berkner, Two Tomatoes Records and
Razor & Tie Entertainment to offer an engaging family entertainment music title, "We Are . . . The
Laurie Berkner Band," says Ken Lombard, president, Starbucks Entertainment. "This co-release further
demonstrates our commitment to helping our customers discover new, quality music in all genres,
including innovative music for families."
"We are very excited about releasing the new Laurie Berkner DVD," Razor & Tie co-owner Cliff
Chenfeld added. " She has built a significant fan base of loyal parents and kids and they are going
to love this collection of music videos. That Starbucks has chosen to collaborate with Two Tomatoes
Records and Razor & Tie to release "We Are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band" as their first
family-entertainment music title adds to her credibility and accomplishments."
The music video collection is produced by award-winning producer Jane Startz. Jane Startz's many
film credits include Miramax's "Ella Enchanted," Disney's "Tuck Everlasting" and Paramount's "The
Indian in the Cupboard," and her television credits include the multiple Emmy Award-winning PBS
show, "The Magic School Bus."
A New York City-based mother, Laurie Berkner turned her experience as a preschool music
specialist by day and rock singer by night into a career as one of the biggest names in music for
families. Over the past several years, Laurie's intelligent yet accessible songwriting, warm,
captivating vocals and ridiculously infectious melodies have garnered awards, rave reviews, a
national touring base and huge CD sales on her home-grown label Two Tomatoes Records, which is
distributed by Razor & Tie. "I have always thought that making videos would be another good way to
connect musically with kids," said Berkner. "The visuals add a new dimension to the songs, and my
hope is that by watching us while they are listening to the music, kids will be even more encouraged
to move their bodies. I'm excited to finally be able to put out this DVD! "
"We Are...The Laurie Berkner Band" is a collection of 11 music videos, including "Bumblebee
(Buzz Buzz);" "Victor Vito;" "We Are the Dinosaurs;" and "Pig on Her Head." Included in the package
is a five-track bonus audio CD of some of The Laurie Berkner Band's best-known hits and the new
song, "Walk Along The River." Laurie wrote the song shortly after the birth of her first baby. "At
that time I was taking many walks along the Hudson River. I was inspired both by watching the water
and watching my daughter Lucy smile whenever I played it for her." Bassist Brian Mueller (and
Laurie's husband) takes the lead vocal on the traditional song, "O Susannah." The collection also
contains extras such as a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of the videos, a live on-the-set
version of "I'm a Mess," and hand movements to "Moon Moon Moon."
The Laurie Berkner Band is: Laurie Berkner (vocals, guitar), Brian Mueller (bass) and Susie
Lampert (keyboards).
"We Are...The Laurie Berkner Band" music video collection track listing:
1. "I'm Gonna
Catch You"
2. "We are the Dinosaurs"
3. "Victor Vito"
4. "Walk Along The River"
(previously unreleased)
5. "Under a Shady Tree"
6. "Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)"
7. "O Susannah"
8. "The Goldfish"
9. "Pig on her Head"
10. "Moon Moon
Moon"
11. Credits/ "Telephone" (live)
Bonus audio CD track listing:
1. "Walk Along the River" (previously unreleased)
2. "We are the Dinosaurs" (from "Whaddaya Think of That?")
3. "Telephone" (from "Buzz
Buzz")
4. "I'm Gonna Catch You" (from "Under A Shady Tree")
5. "The Happiest Song I
Know" (with Tom Chapin from his album "Some Assembly Required")
Contact Sarah Geist Rosen at SKG Publicity,
847.432.8177 or publicity@twotomatoes.com
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"We are...The Laurie Berkner Band" Continues To Top Billboard Music Video DVD Chart Since Release