Being Model Mom Mary has its perks, like today when I had the opportunity to interview one of my favorite family musicians, Justin Roberts, who will be headlining the Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration at LEGOLAND California. I have been a huge fan of his since a friend gave me one of his CDs when my older daughter turned one. He is a maverick in the Indie Kiddie Rock movement with timeless lyrics that capture the essence of childhood, in all its mischievous innocence and angst-ridden merriment. You won’t believe the kid-filled mosh pits this guy sparks, with his Not Ready for Naptime Players at his side.
Ironically, Mr. Roberts does not have any children of his own. He simply has an uncanny way of putting himself in other people’s shoes, be it a kid in a cast, or a mom in the middle of a meltdown, and writing poignant yet witty, creative yet catchy songs about everyday life experiences.
His interest in music began as a kid when he learned to play the piano and clarinet and sang in various choirs and a high school band. Then in college, he started his own band called Pimentos for Gus. After college he took a job as a preschool teacher, which partially inspired him to begin writing kid’s music. Around the same time that his first album was released, his band broke up and he decided to go to graduate school in Chicago, leaving the music business behind. Though shortly thereafter, as fate would have it, his album took off like proverbial gangbusters, giving rise to one of the top family musicians of our generation. Thankfully for us, his graduate degree is collecting dust on the shelf, while he cranks out tunes about Jungle Gyms and Pop Flies.
My 4 year old was ecstatic when she found out I was interviewing Justin Roberts. Her question for Justin was, “What do you do during the day, when you’re not on stage.” His answer: “I am usually writing songs, while my wife is at work, and I hang out with my pony-sized dog, Udo.”
After 21 years in the music industry, Justin has just been nominated for a Grammy award for Best Children’s Music. He is up against an industry goliath, The Might Be Giants, but I honestly think he has a great shot of winning. I think a Grammy would look mighty fine sitting next to his dusty graduate degree.
Roberts was gracious and humble when I asked him a few questions about the nomination:
Model Mom Mary: Where were you when you found out about the Grammy nomination?
Justin Roberts: I had just gotten home from a French lesson of all things (strange hobby of mine). I knew they were being announced so I went to my computer and started searching and they didn’t have it listed yet. Then I got a call from our bass player Jackie, who is the master of finding things out on the Internet faster than anyone else.
MMM: Will you be going to the Grammys?
JR: Yes, the whole band is going out, with all of our wives. We’re really excited.
MMM: Who will you be wearing?
JR: *Chuckles* I’m waiting for those designers to call me for the free tuxedo but I haven’t gotten that call yet.
This year will mark the fourth year that Roberts and his NR4NP have rung in the New Year with LEGOLAND guests. Justin says he loved playing with LEGO bricks as a kid, though is jealous of the fancy play sets they have now, and is impressed with how LEGOLAND mirrors the creativity of the product.
I asked him what his New Year’s Resolution is for 2011, and he said I would have to wait until the concert at Kids’ New Year’s Eve to find out. That devil.
I hope you’ll join me on December 31stas we rock out and ring in with Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. It’s a night not to be missed!
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
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Once again, I am one proud Model Mom. I just learned that the LEGOLAND California summer hit, Grand Tournament of Champions, has just been awarded a Brass Ring Award from the International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAPPA). The Grand Tournament of Champions was a light-hearted, medieval comedy of errors performed up in Castle Hill this past summer. The concept and script were conceptualized by one of the Park’s long-time entertainers, Marty Martin, who I had the pleasure of working with when I worked as the Entertainment Supervisor years ago.
If you have been to the Park even one time in the past eleven years, then chances are you have seen Marty Martin. In his eleven years at the Park, Marty has played over twenty roles including Fire Chief Stern and Jester Funny Bones, has hosted a variety of live events like Kids New Years Eve and the annual Tree Lighting and has been responsible for just under one billion laughs (according to his latest estimation). In addition to performing on stage, Marty began lending his creativity to the Entertainment Department in a new way; he began writing scripts and conceptualizing show ideas. Four of his shows have been entered to the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards and each has made it as a finalist, including one runner up and two victories.
In addition to being a performer at LEGOLAND, Marty has been a part-time teacher for years and has now married his two professions by becoming a studio teacher at the Park. I can say from personal experience of working with him that, whether it’s behind the scenes or out on the stage, Marty puts his heart and soul into whatever he does, and it shows. Be sure to look for him next time you are at the Park and be sure to check out The Grand Tournament of Champions next summer.
Congrats to LEGOLAND California and to Marty Martin for bringing home some IAPPA Gold.
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
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Growing up, one of my favorite annual traditions with my family was watching the Time Square ball drop on New Year's Eve. Now that I have my own kids, I have carried on that same tradition, only now instead of watching a ball drop on TV at midnight, it’s a brick drop at 6:00pm in Miniland USA at LEGOLAND® California. Every year on December 31st, LEGOLAND California creates a “time zone just for kids” where they ring in the New Year early, complete with party favors, fireworks and a live concert with kid friendly bands so kids can celebrate before their bedtime, and then parents still have time to whoop it up on their own.
My family and I have attended KNYE for the past few years and we look forward to it every year. This year the special guests include: Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Aaron Nigel Smith and the Fundamentals, and my personal fave, Justin Roberts & Not Ready For Nap Time Players, who were just nominated for a Grammy. It’s a high energy, rockin’ party where the adults boogie as much as the kids.
The highlight of the night, the Brick Drop, occurs immediately after the concert, promptly at 6:00pm. A ginormous lighted LEGO brick lowers slowly as the kids countdown from 10 to 1, prompting a kid friendly version of Auld Lang Syne and a spectacular fireworks display. At some point during the concert, be sure to grab the Kids New Year’s Eve party favors, which include a brick hat and matching 3D glasses that make the fireworks turn into LEGO bricks as they light up the sky.
It is truly a magical night and a perfect way to introduce your kids to the fun traditions of New Years Eve at a time of night when they’re not spinning out, melting down, or fast asleep. It will start your 2011 off with a family friendly BANG and will certainly be a night to remember.
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
As hectic and overwhelming as the holidays can become, the one thing that can take me to a “good place” is just sitting back and watching the wonder of it all through the eyes of my kids. And when the wonder is a thirty-foot tall holiday tree made out of LEGO® bricks, juggling elves on unicycles, and a magical fireworks display*, there will be no escaping the Holiday Spirit. So I can barely contain myself in anticipation for this week, when LEGOLAND® California will be transformed into a LEGO Winter Wonderland during Holly Jolly Holidays.
Whether it is your first trip to LEGOLAND or your umpteenth, like it will be for my family, there is no denying the excitement and joy that a LEGO Santa and a Holiday Brass Band can bring.
One of my favorite additions to the Park this time of year is a show called “Let It Snow.” The lead character, ten-year-old Emily, makes a Yuletide wish for snow in Southern California, one wish I can relate to being a native San Diegan. With songs like, I’m Gonna Email Santa and Seasons of Imagination, Emily’s toys, including a ballerina, a toy soldier and a cuddly stuffed dog, come to life. It’s an enchanting storyline with a talented cast. My little girls were out of their seats and dancing throughout the entire show.
During this magical time of year, LEGOLAND is a perfect place to take your kids to enjoy the bright lights and good cheer of the season. Hope to see you there!
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
*Please note that fireworks begin at Park closing from December 26 - 30, with a special show on Kids' New Year's Eve.
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