Kindiefest

Stacey Peasley is a local children’s musician who has been playing music professionally for over fifteen years and recently began to focus her talents on kids’ fair. She teaches music classes for kids in Newton, Natick, and Needham. Her music is classic and lively, the sort of stuff you won’t feel embarrassed to sing out loud to, and her shows always elicit random toddler dancing. You can find her on Facebook, too. Below Stacey reports on her very first visit to Kindiefest earlier this month.

Stacey meets Joanie Leeds.

A weekend away without the kids—VERY rare and exciting! I jumped in my car and left Natick, MA for Brooklyn, NY, and even though my kids would not be present, the weekend itself would be very much about kids.

In fact, the weekend would be comprised of many talented people dedicated to creating and promoting music for kids and families.

Kindiefest was a three day event created by three extremely talented and successful members of the children’s music community—Bill Childs, Tor Hyams, and Stephanie Mayers—who all share the goal of making family music an exciting part of the lives of parents and children.

I was entering as a total newbie and pretty much not knowing a soul that would be there. I couldn’t find the exact location so I stopped to ask a group of guys who were walking by for directions. They told me they were headed there and said, “We’re Recess Monkey”… my first celebrity sighting!!

I parked my car and bravely entered the venue. I had my cool Kindiefest ID around my neck, so I was officially part of this scene, right? One of the first artists I came in contact with was Joanie Leeds… second celebrity sighting!! Her CD is a staple on my IPOD, so it was great to meet her (and to tell my kids I met her!)

She was one of many names and faces I recognized as we all spent the evening mingling, meeting new people, and examining each other’s cool Kindiefest ID’s to find out who we all were and where we were from.

Dan Zanes giving his keynote speech.

Dan Zanes was the keynote speaker for the evening and I was thrilled when he mentioned getting to know the people who were there who didn’t know anyone! Thanks, Dan!

Day two was spent attending specific panel discussions on many aspects of the music industry: creating a CD from start to finish, distribution, marketing, just to name a few. The panel members were top-notch in their experience in the business and it was great to hear advice from them.

From artists such as Justin Roberts, Ralph Covert, and Sara Hickman, to well-known radio hosts, producers, and agents—all had their unique take on their area of expertise. I was extremely impressed with all the levels that were represented at Kindiefest—from artists pretty new to this field such as myself, to those who do a great job selling out local theaters like Vanessa Trien and Debbie Cavalier, to those with TV spots like SteveSongs and Audra Rox, to superstars like Ralph Covert and Marty Beller from TMBG. Everyone seemed really excited to meet each other and the vibe was amazing!

The day ended with an amazing showcase of performers. I think everyone in the room was inspired by the artists’ performances. I know I was! It was a great end to a great day.

Mr. Leebot.

The final day, Sunday, was an event that was open to the public which also included many terrific performers. I was able to chat with more artists I hadn’t met yet: Tito from the Hipwaders, Jeremy from Renee and Jeremy, and the members of Recess Monkey.

It was time to say goodbye to new friends: Taes and Nick from Splash N’ Boots, Nina and Jason from King Pajama, Miss Nina from NYC, Nick from In the Nick of Time, and Vanessa Trien…oh wait! I’ll get to see Vanessa in Boston, cool!

Overall it was a great experience and the love was felt by all! The positive response from those who attended was overwhelming and it seems that everyone can’t wait till Kindiefest 2011!!!

More photos…

Stacey and Taes Adams from Splash N’ Boots.

Tito Uquillas from the Hipwaders.

Stacey and Debbie Cavalier.

Nina Zeitlin & Jason Blechman of King Pajama.