Archives for July 2016

“Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony” with Grammy-winning opera superstars Isabel Leonard & Nathan Gunn

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Looking for something refreshing and different especially for ages 8 -13? I highly recommend this one! It’s rather unique!

Phineas McBoof fans rejoice!  Four years after the last Doctor Noize album comes the third installment in the award-winning Phineas McBoof series..  Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony, a full-length, two-act musical about the symphony, friendship, and purpose, for adventurers of all ages, unleashed on July 15, 2016.

Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony is a screwball musical comedy, complete with fast, zany repartee, where the leading characters have over-the-top dramatic ranges combined with vocal chops that open one’s ears to what real singing with resonance and amazing projection is all about.

The plot, which could be an offspring of Monty Python, is backed by the full forces of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted byKyle Pickett, playing a brilliant score whose colorful orchestration is matched by the integrity and sophistication of the musical material.

Headliners on Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony includeGrammy® winning opera superstars Isabel Leonard and Nathan Gunn, Metropolitan Opera veteran John McVeigh, and Billboard charting jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz, plus Doctor Noize and Phineas McBoof (the alter egos of composer/performer Cory Cullinan).

Like Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony resonates with young ears because it features a compelling storyline that sports a character-driven attitude.

Kids and adults alike will find themselves engaged in a dramatic, mysterious, high-stakes tale of love, friendship, commitment, and self-improvement in which Phineas McBoof learns that the real purpose of striving for great art is to share moments, dreams, and emotions with friends.

Along the way, creator Cory Cullinan embeds into this musical adventure valuable information about orchestration, instrumentation, music history, Beethoven, sonata form, popular song structure, and more, illustrated through the rich detail of the musical composition itself.

Awards and accolades garnered by Doctor Noize projects includeParents’ Choice®, Doctor Toy, Children’s Music Web, and iTunes Essential Recording.  “Banana” was a #1 hit song and “Welcome to Grammaropolis” was a Top 10 hit song on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live.

Previous Doctor Noize albums include Grammaropolis (2012), The Return of Phineas McBoof (2011), and The Ballad of Phineas McBoof(2010).

Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony is now available at Amazon, CDbaby, iTunes and at Doctor Noize shows.
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CD Details:  Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony
Release date:  July 15, 2016
For all ages, and especially suitable for ages 8 -13
Label:  Doctor Noize Inc.
SRP:   $19.99
Running time:  Act 1 (CD #1): 74 minutes.  Act 2 (CD #2): 77 minutes


Visit
the Doctor Noize website HERE.

Doctor Noize on Facebook.

Doctor Noize on Twitter.

Doctor Noize on YouTube.

Self Disclosure: I received a copy of this CD to feature. No other compensation was received. Photos and info was provided.

Bubble Wrap By Eric Herman And The Thunder Puppies

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What I like best about this one is that it will make young children giggle and smile!

Beloved by families nationwide, Eric Herman’s warm and witty music videos have received over 50 millionviews on YouTube; his body of work also includes seven award-winning albums plus an award-winning DVD.  With the June 10 release of Bubble Wrap, a hard poppin’ new family music album by Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies — Eric’s first album backed by the full compliment of his band — Eric Herman is poised to take his place in the pantheon of today’s kindie music luminaries.

At once memorable, meaningful, and masterful, Bubble Wrap’s hook-filled songs hit on a variety of issues and experiences portrayed in the life of its kid protagonist — obsessions with bubble wrap and cell phones, hilarious tactical retreats to avoid bath time, the blues of a Monday morning at school, and the supreme joy of an exhilarating theme park excursion, paired with songs about more weighty matters like stage fright, a best friend moving away, and even the death of a parent.

Musically vibrant and diverse, with the inclusion of guest spots by Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet of Trout Fishing in America, Mister G,Children’s Poet Laureate Kenn Nesbitt, Roger Day, and more,Bubble Wrap will inspire repeated pops (into the CD player), much like its eponymous namesake.

Eric Herman’s wife, longtime co-producer, and co-writer, Roseann Endres, died during the creation of Bubble Wrap.  The song “Okay” was being written in the days before she died and finished the day after, and the recording includes the couple’s daughters, Becca and Evee, in the outro. “Okay,” sung from the perspective of a child whose parent is ill or dying, holds deep resonance with Eric’s family.  The indomitable nature of the human spirit also plays a role in the album’s closing song, “Hello.”

Bubble Wrap kicks off with the album’s title track, a driving rock song with an Elvis Costello-type groove that describes a kid’s addiction to bubble wrap popping.  Other highlights include “You Are What You Eat,” a very catchy Latin-influenced number celebrating a variety of foods, and “Take A Bath,” a reggae-flavored ditty about the comical avoidance of bath time that even extends to outer space, graced by contributions fromKeith & Ezra of Trout Fishing in America, Kenn Nesbitt, Mister G,Roger Day, and more.

Eric Herman’s songs and videos have been featured nationally on PBS KIDS, SiriusXM, The Today Show, Fox & Friends, and in the Warner Bros. film, Life As We Know It.  A version of “The Elephant Song” was even covered for a multi-platinum release by Brazilian superstar Xuxa.

Previous releases by Eric Herman include his comedy sketch album,The Incredibly Spaced Out Adventures of Jupiter Jackson (2014,Parents’ Choice Award), Party Animal (2014, NAPPA Award), What a Ride! (2009, Parents’ Choice Award, NAPPA Award), Snail’s Pace(2007, Pearl Award), Snow Day! (2006), Monkey Business (2005), andThe Kid in the Mirror (2003).  Eric’s 2011 DVD The Elephant was honored with a Dove Foundation Award.  He was a John Lennon Songwriting Competiton finalist in 2007 and won the Just Plain Folks Award for Best Children’s Song in 2006.

Bubble Wrap is available at iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, and on erichermanmusic.com.
CD Details:  Bubble Wrap
Release date:  June 10, 2016
For ages 7 – 11
Label:  Butter-Dog Records
SRP:   $12.99
Running time:  43 minutes
Visit the Eric Herman’s website HERE.

Eric Herman on YouTube.

Eric Herman on Twitter.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.

Our Book Favorites for July!

Summer is a great time for reading!  Here are our top choices for kids and adults!

This first one is a fun one for kids!

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This one is super fun and would be great for anytime of the year! My son and I loved that there is such a variety of different animals!

Make Your Own Zoo contains 35 projects for you and your child to do together and are suitable for children aged six years and older. Divided into six sections – Safari, Jungle, Arctic, Aviary, Aquarium and Enclosures & Scenery – each chapter has ideas inspired from all areas of the animal kingdom.
A love of craft has always weaved in and out of Tracey Radford’s life: throughout her childhood in Northern Ireland, her career as a BBC journalist and now, as a busy mom of three. A keen recycler and upcycler, the crafting house rule is: ‘only what’s on hand is allowed’, which usually means whatever’s in the recycling pile! Tracey started making cardboard animals with her daughter, and that’s how their zoo adventure began. Make Your Own Zoo brings together all of Tracey’s original creations with many new ones, and there are more waiting in the wings. Visit Tracey’s blog at patchworkparent.blogspot.co.uk
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THE MERMAID’S SECRET is a wonderful, seafaring tale of magic, family and identity.

Set on an island off the Maine coast, this sophomore novel is the ultimate in beach reading.

It’s “Splash” meets “Jaws” with a touch of magic and adventure, appealing to both women’s fiction and fantasy fans alike.

In a recent 4-star review, RT Book Reviews said that the new novel delivers a “fast pace and believable emotion from the characters.” Schickel’s debut novel, HOUSEWITCH, was one of Booklist’s Top 10 Women’s Fiction for 2015.

In CLEAR TO LIFT,

Wilson continues to pen strong, groundbreaking women’s fiction that has little patience for gender expectations.
It’s a thrilling story of a woman’s journey to find confidence, truth, love, and herself against the majestic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. The sophomore novel is full of action and adventure, dangerous and heart-stopping rescues, blizzards and floods, family secrets and second chances.

The trade paperback edition of Anne Wilson‘s debut novel, HOVER, was recently featured in Working Mother magazine as one of their Top 12 Mom-approved Books to Give on Mother’s Day.Looking for Fun Craft type Books for the older Kids this Summer?

I highly recommend these two!

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The Creative Kids Complete Photo Guide series leads the way with step-by-step instructions in all kinds of crafts: Bead Crafts, Sewing, Crochet, Knitting and (new!) Braiding and Knotting.

This one is so much fun! It can be purchased on Amazon.com.

For a little more variety, dip into the sparkly side of life with Charm Love Friendship Bracelets and Rubber Band Glam. They are both sure to be a hit with kids from about first grade through middle school.

Rubber Band Glam can also be purchased on Amazon.com.

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I love this next one from Arbordale Publishing.

Sharks and Dolphins

By Kevin Kurtz

Sharks and dolphins both have torpedo-shaped bodies with fins on their backs. They slice through the water to grab their prey with sharp teeth. But despite their similarities, sharks and dolphins belong to different animal classes: one is a fish and gets oxygen from the water and the other is a mammal and gets oxygen from the air. Marine educator Kevin Kurtz guides early readers to compare and contrast these ocean predators through stunning photographs and simple, nonfiction text.

I love how this is fun to read and also educational! Great for ages 4-8.

The next one is not a fun fiction read. But, it is a more serious read that I highly recommend for all parents!

 

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Mindfulness expert, Kathy Walsh, teaches parents how to raise peaceful kids in her new book,

Thirty Days to a Mindful Home.

Have you ever asked yourself the question, “How do I bring mindfulness and peace into my home?” Look no further, as Kathy Walsh has the perfect guide to help you do just that!

Why did Kathy write this book?

I wrote 30 Days to a Mindful Home to give parents the tools to help make their homes and families more peaceful. Just like any diet or exercise plan, it takes thirty days to make something a habit. Each day gives parents one mindfulness tool that they can use that day. As a parent of two beautiful daughters, I understand how busy parents can be. So, I made these tools simple, easy and quick.

My intention for each parent is at the end of the thirty days’ they can take three mindfulness tips that resonate with them and use those for several years to come. Consistency is key and three simple mindful techniques used consistently works really well. With my two daughters I enjoyed creating the gratitude journals, the meditation at night, and the positive music playing around the house! For years we practiced these tools together, and I can see now that they are adults, that these mindfulness tools made a positive impact on their lives

What is a Mindful Home?

Let me first say that a mindful home is not perfect by any means. Having a mindful home is having a positive look on life. It is realizing that peace is an inside job; nothing external can bring that to you. It often includes being conscious of how we set an intention for the home. For example, “In this home, we are compassionate towards animals, respect the earth, and take time to breathe and listen to our hearts.” In a mindful home we look at life through the eyes of love. Seeing your child in a positive light, making gratitude a habit and taking time to be in the moment, all help to make a home more peaceful.

All of Kathy’s nine books, including Thirty Days to a Mindful Home, are available for purchase on Amazon.com and the Baby’s Brilliant App.

To learn more about Kathy, visit: www.peaceplaceforkids.com

This next one is a delightful story for younger children!

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Irish Beth Maddock’s The Great Carp Escape.

This one is truly a delightful story and it truly is touching!

Based on a true story, Maddock shares an inspirational fish “tail” of love and discovery for all of God’s creation. Abandoned by her mother at age four and raised by a working father, Maddock was left to care for her one year old brother. Her book, a quiet allegory of the Gospel of Jesus, is a celebration of God’s redeeming love in her life.

 

First released in Canada, The Great Carp Escape has garnered 10 literary award placements. Maddock hopes to spread her message of positive values to children through knowledge and discovery.

Maddock has been a newspaper columnist, been featured in Reader’s Digest, and on broadcasts including: 100 Huntley Street, CHBC Television, and CBC Radio.

Her children’s title, The Great Carp Escape, is available as a fundraiser for schools, churches, charities and ministries in need and has already raised thousands of dollars for such causes. As a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Independent Book Publishers Association, Inscribe, and The World Guild, Maddock would like to continue to do something about those ideas that get downloaded into her brain at 2AM. To learn more about Irish, visit her website here.

Looking for more fun things to do outside this Summer?

101 Things to Do Outside is a must-read!

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101 Things to Do Outside

Loads of fantastically fun reasons to get up, get out, and get active!

From animal tracking and survival skills to using a compass and growing vegetables, 101 Things to Do Outside is the perfect guide for young explorers and aspiring adventurers longing for a taste of the great outdoors. Right outside your front door, there’s a world bursting with adventures just waiting to be explored. This pocket-sized book is overflowing with things to try, do, learn, and remember (plus it has a handy checklist!).

Author: Creative Team of Weldon Owen.

I love the variety of fun things to do in this book!

 

Series: 101 Things

– See more here.

 

Stay tuned for the Top Book Choices in August!

Self Disclosure: I did receive free copies of most of the books above to feature. No other compensation was received. If you have a book and would like to be featured, please contact us. We are currently booked through August 2016. Photos and info were provided.
 

 

Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey presents OUT OF THIS WORLD!

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We had a giveaway for a family 4-pack and this is what our winner had to say about the performance:

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Karla Earley said “We had a great time. It was fun that they added a story line. I think it made their time go but a little quicker. It was also neat that it was performed on Ice”.

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Don’t miss this fun show! There are still upcoming performances!

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Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office. *tickets may be subject to service charges & facility fees

O N T A R I O

WHEN: Friday, July 22 – Tuesday, July 26
Friday, July 22 7:30 PM
Saturday, July 23 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 24 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Monday, July 25 7:30 PM
Tuesday, July 26 12:00 PM & 7:30 PM

WHERE: Citizens Business Bank Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

TICKETS: Tickets start at $20 for Adults
Kids (age 2-12) tickets available for only $10 each (with discount coupon from participating Chick-fil-A locations)
Opening Night Special Discount tickets are only $15 each (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)

Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com or CBBankArena.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office. *tickets may be subject to service charges & facility fees

A N A H E I M

WHEN: Friday, July 29 – Sunday, August 7
Friday, July 29 7:30 PM
Saturday, July 30 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 31 1:30 PM & 5:30 PM
Wednesday, August 3 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Thursday, August 4 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM
Friday, August 5 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 6 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 7 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM

WHERE: Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

TICKETS: Tickets start at $20 for Adults
Kids (age 2-12) tickets available for only $10 each (with discount coupon from participating Chick-fil-A locations)
Opening Night Special Discount tickets are only $15 each (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or HondaCenter.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in-person at the venue Box Office. *tickets may be subject to service charges & facility fees.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. We did have a giveaway and a winner was selected. Photo Credit: Karla Earley. 

Turn up the volume on summer adventures with the DreamWave Bubble Pod speaker

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Looking for the perfect portable bluetooth speaker to serve as the soundtrack to your summer?
The DreamWave Bubble Pod is the ultra-light, compact, portable Bluetooth speaker children dream about. 
 
This 5W, best-in-class performance speaker features the following:
 
Can play up to 12 hours on a single charge
Has child and outdoor IPX5 protection against water, dust, and sand
Its 360-degree omnidirectional shape distributes sound completely and clearly.
Comes in four bright and playful colors. 
Is easily hooked to clothes, backpacks, and strollers with its durable D-ring hook loop.
 
Children love it, parents trust it, and competitors can’t match it. 
I received a sample and I put this one to the test! I have to say that I was quite impressed! I love that I can take this one to the beach and other outside activities! It easily hooked on to my backpack and it works great! So, this one is a real must-buy for the summer! It is also lightweight and I love the bright blue color one we received to try out!
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To purchase and/or find out ore go here!
Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Photos/Info provided for posting.

Nintendo-Inspired Flavors and Beloved Characters Spread Delicious Fun Across U.S. at Local Yogurtland Locations!

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After delighting fans for years with colorful visuals, memorable music themes and the familiar feel of iconic controllers, Nintendo is tackling a new sense: taste! Nintendo is partnering with popular frozen yogurt chain Yogurtland this summer to take families on a flavor-filled adventure that is sure to surprise and delight more than just their taste buds. When stepping into select Yogurtland locations between July 1 and Sept. 8, visitors craving the sweet and refreshing taste of frozen yogurt will be met with the sweet and refreshing faces of some of Nintendo’s most recognizable superstars. Classic characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi and Bowser that star in popular Nintendo 3DS games like Mario Kart 7 and New Super Mario Bros. 2 will adorn the walls, cups and collectible biodegradable spoons that can only be found at the self-serve store. Visitors can even power-up their palates with Nintendo-inspired flavors like Mario’s Chocolate Gelato, Luigi’s White Chocolate Pistachio and Toad’s Rocky Road that are as delicious as they sound.

“Like Nintendo, Yogurtland offers a one-of-a-kind experience, high-quality products and a universal appeal for people of all ages,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “By bringing Nintendo characters to Yogurtland shops, we’re making the summer more fun for everyone.”

This Yogurtland partnership continues Nintendo’s plan to expand its brand beyond its classic video games and systems to reach audiences in new ways. This new relationship with Yogurtland offers families the chance to partake in a refreshing summer activity while surrounding themselves with characters featured in some of the most popular games on Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo 3DS and the kid-friendly Nintendo 2DS are the ideal hand-held systems to take on every family adventure this summer. They are great for long trips, relaxing by the pool or even the occasional jaunt to the local Yogurtland store. In fact, Nintendo encourages people to take their portable systems with them when visiting Yogurtland so they can play the hottest games while they enjoy their cool treats.

“This summer’s flavor-filled adventure at Yogurtland is all about family moments – creating and remembering them,” said Yogurtland CEO and founder Phillip Chang. “This exciting promotion brings together multiple generations of frozen yogurt and video game fans to inspire summer fun.”

My son and I happily visited our local Yogurtland yesterday to try the new flavors! Mario’s Chocolate Gelato was a hit but my son likes Bowser’s Dragon Berry Tart the best! Also available is Toad’s Rocky Road and my new favorite: Yoshi’s Honey Dew! Yum! This one actually may be my all time favorite Yogurtland flavor!

I can’t wait to try the next round up of flavors!

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Coming Soon:

Goomba’s Iced Coffee July 22nd

Princess Peach Tart July 29th

Donkey Kong Banana Cream August 5th

Shy Guy’s Pineapple Lime Coconut Sorbet August 12th

Koopa Troopa’s Lemon Cupcake August 19th

Luigi’s White Chocolate Pistachio August 26th

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To expand the fun experience outside of the store, Yogurtland is also hosting a sweepstakes that offers the best treats summer has to offer. By visiting https://www.yogurt-land.com/, fans of Nintendo, Yogurtland and winning cool prizes can enter for a chance to win a Wii U system and one year of free frozen yogurt. All participants have to do is visit the website starting on July 1 and follow the simple steps to enter. One grand prize package will be rewarded every week during the 10-week promotion. By entering the sweepstakes, you are also eligible for instant giveaways, including unlimited frozen yogurt cups, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, as well as shiny new Nintendo 3DS systems that come with one game.

Founded in 2006 in Fullerton, California, Yogurtland has more than 300 locations in 19 states, with additional stores opening in the next six months. Continually evolving the popular frozen yogurt trend, Yogurtland has built a growing business by redefining dessert and delivering the ultimate self-serve culinary experience using the highest quality ingredients and flavors. Each location offers 16 constantly rotating and unique flavors of frozen yogurt to choose from, as well as more than 35 different types of toppings like sauces, fresh fruits and a variety of snacks for visitors to add to their frozen yogurt creations.

To visit Nintendo’s site for kids and families and to learn more about Nintendo’s games, characters and systems, visit https://play.nintendo.com/. For more information about Yogurtland, visit https://www.yogurt-land.com/.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

YOGURTLAND PRESENTS: SUPER MARIO™ SUPER STAR SWEEPSTAKES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE THE ODDS OF WINNING. This is a series of 10 individual sweepstakes which start on July 1, 2016.  Open only to legal residents of the United States, excluding residents of states where restricted or prohibited by law 13+.  Eligible minors must obtain their parents or legal guardian’s permission prior to participating.  Redeemable only in the US.  Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EDT on July 10, 2016, July 17, 2016, July 24, 2016, July 31, 2016, August 7, 2016, August 14, 2016, August 21, 2016,August 28, 2016, September 4, 2016 and September 8, 2016.  Reveal Prizes must be redeemed at participating Yogurtland locations by11:59 PM EDT on October 11, 2016. For Official Rules, free method of entry, prize descriptions, odds disclosure, and complete details, visit www.yogurt-land.com.  Your participation is subject to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, http://www.yogurt-land.com/privacy/. Sponsor: Yogurtland, 17801 Cartwright Road, Irvine, CA 92614.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U and Wiihome consoles, and Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS families of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo has sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 693 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube and Wii systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

 

The Yogurtland Difference: Separating Yogurtland from competitors is the company’s team of flavorologists who develop the proprietary recipes for the brand’s more than 250 different and customized flavors that are produced in the company’s own dairy plant in Paramount, Calif. Whether traditional or exotic, each flavor uses real ingredients sourced from their original locations. By controlling the entire frozen yogurt-making process, Yogurtland has raised the standards for flavors and quality to new heights much to the delight of millions of fans.

All of Yogurtland’s flavors meet the National Yogurt Association Criteria for “live and active culture frozen yogurt” and are produced in a kosher-certified facility. Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors as well as non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that does not contain antibiotics or added hormones. As for the sorbet, fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Connect with Yogurtland on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, add us on Snapchat at @yogurtlandinc or visit us online at Yogurt-land.com.

Self Disclosure: Press info and photos were provides as well as a gift card to try a few flavors! 

HELLO FRIEND! by THE HOLLOW TREES

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FOLK, BLUEGRASS, JUG BAND, COUNTRY, JAZZ & MORE

Acclaimed for their high-energy, acoustic Americana music played with passion, skill, and humor, the Los Angeles-based band The Hollow Trees is set to launch their fourth album of upbeat, top-tapping folk music for families, Hello Friend! This was released  on July 1st.

Blending an Americana cornucopia of musical styles that includes folk, bluegrass, jug band, Western swing, country, blues, and jazz, The Hollow Trees offer a great mix of old-time chestnuts, obscure gems, and fun, new original songs. The band, noted for tossing off clever wordplay combined with excellent musicianship, has been compared to Asleep at the Wheel, the Jim Kweskin jug band, and even The Hoosier Hotshots.

“What Do You Want on Your Taco?” is not only a spirited opening number with clever rhyming lyrics and a delightful sing-along chorus, but the band also manages to imbue a list of taco ingredients with the empowering idea that in creating a life for oneself, “the choice is up to you.”

An album high spot is the jazz novelty song “I Can’t Dance (I’ve Got Ants in My Pants),” which can be previewed HERE. Also noteworthy is “My Dog Has Fleas,” whose lyrics and music fit The Hollow Trees like a glove and will bring a smile to those caught up in the current ukulele craze.

The Hollow Trees are: Gregory Hollow Tree (a.k.a. Greg McIlvaine, guitar, vocals, kazoo), Traci Hollow Tree (a.k.a.Traci Green, vocals, jug), David Green (drums), Adam Levy (bass, vocals), Mike Flanagan (mandolin, bouzouki, vocals),Katie Cavera (plectrum banjo, ukulele, vocals), Phil Parlapiano (accordion, vocals), Leah Ashton, Tia Simone, Nina Kasuya (vocals), and Matt Witler (mandolin, guitar).

Previous albums by The Hollow Trees include Wacky’s Tackle (2010), Welcome to Nelsonville (2008), and The Hollow Trees (2005).

Hello Friend! will be available at iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, The Green Bean in L.A.’s Eagle Rock neighborhood, Grow Kid Grow in L.A.’s Silver Lake neighborhood, and at all Hollow Trees shows.

Check out The Hollow Trees’ website HERE.

The Hollow Trees on YouTube

The Hollow Trees on Facebook

The Hollow Trees on Twitter

Credit: The Hollow Trees.

Beginning July 26 – ‘Sessions at the Circle’ Live Jazz at The Shops at Columbus Circle This Summer

Jazz at Lincoln Center is curating free “Sessions at the Circle” this summer at The Shops at Columbus Circle on Tuesday evenings from6 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Tuesday, July 26 through August 30. In addition, various retailers from The Shops will style the musicians and also provide special offers for shoppers.

WHO:

WHEN:
Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:
10 Columbus Circle – Second Floor Mezzanine Level

COST:
Free!

MORE INFO:
Visit www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com

Credit: The Shops at Columbus Circle.