Ben Rudnick & Friends |  |
Send to Friend
Write Review
Report Error
Music & Dance| Official Website: Ben Rudnick & Friends Location: Various Locations, Greater Boston, MA map Ages: Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults In/Outdoor: Indoor, Outdoor |
Others to Consider: Allegro Music School, Loulou's Music Together, Yamaha Music School, Old Colony Music Together, Powers Music School
Since the release of Emily Songs in 2000, Ben Rudnick and Friends have been playing family friendly music featuring instantly hum-able original songs and fun spins on well-known traditional material. Boasting a high level of adventurous musicianship, their award winning recordings contain a unique acoustic sound ranging from light folk to bluegrass, calypso, and rock. Drawing on the original songs and traditional material from their recordings, Ben Rudnick and Friends seamlessly integrate classic songs such as “Route 66,” “Oh Boy!,” “Jambalaya/Hey Good Looking, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and Beatles’ tunes into their sets.
As Booklist Magazine said in their January 2003 issue, “What comes though is a distinct personality, far from the slick, polished anonymity found on some popular recordings for this age group.” Their exciting live shows only reinforce that observation.
Drawing on the original songs and traditional material from their recordings, Ben Rudnick and Friends seamlessly integrate classic songs such as “Route 66,” “Oh Boy!,” “Jambalaya/Hey Good Looking, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and Beatles’ tunes into their sets.
As Buzz McClain of the Washington Post commented “Ben Rudnick refuses to pander by making ‘children’s music,’ with the result being a disc of sophisticated melodies, precise instrumentation and witty lyrics that delight the entire family.”
Since Ben Rudnick and Friends original songs aren’t overtly children’s music, and enthusiastic renditions of well known songs appeal to all, everyone in the audience from the oldest to the youngest become involved in the excitement of the moment. Joy spreads across young faces and years fade from old faces.
Performances tend to be “events” and a slice of time where families can relax and enjoy each other’s company. As Betsy Siggins Schmidt of Club Passim said, “Not only did the kids love the show, but the parents (and the grandparents) were singing and dancing as well.”
Ben Rudnick began writing family music for his daughter’s fourth birthday party. Ben Rudnick and Friends began playing these songs in libraries and on town greens and before long found themselves in much larger and more diverse venues: New York’s Lincoln Center, Boston’s Hynes Auditorium, repeat engagements at notable folk venues such as Club Passim and Café Lena, baseball stadiums, Lowell’s Boarding House Park, and theaters, museums and celebrations from Maine to Maryland.
Recordings:
Emily Songs (2000), Fun and Games (2002), Blast Off! (2004) and Live at the Playground WERS 88.9FM (2005).
Awards
Parents’ Choice Approved, John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product Award for Emily Songs and Parents’ Choice Silver Honor, discovery.com’s Award of Excellence, Children’s Music Web’s Best Recordings for both Preschoolers and Younger Children for Fun and Games and Parents’ Choice Recommended, a NAPPA Honors Award and Children’s Music Web’s Best Recordings for both Preschoolers and Younger Children for Blast Off.
Live Band Personnel
Arnie Ashford (bass guitar and vocals), Ben Rudnick (guitar and vocals), Jared Steer (percussion), Mark Yacovone (accordion), and John Zevos (mandolin and vocals).
 Related Links |  Top |
- Profiles
- Localities
 Reviews | Top |
Tie-dyed Shirts And Dancing Tunes, Tue 25 Apr 2006
A Ben Rudnick & Friends concert is a little like a miniature Grateful Dead event, complete with tie-dyed shirts and easy-going dance music. Parents will enjoy getting to hear real music, played well by a real band (I like the mandolin). Children will love new and familiar songs -- like 'Over the Rainbow' played with a reggae tempo.
| We make best efforts to update information, but it changes frequently, so we cannot warrant it. Please call to check Ben Rudnick & Friends schedules, fees, and directions before making the trek. We help you, please help us. Report an Error if you find one. |
