Pass a Good Time with Johnette Downing's 'Music Time' Award-Winning New Orleans-based Children's Musician Brings Louisiana Spice to Kids Across the Country

New Orleans children's musician Johnette Downing will release her next CD, "Music Time," on November 15. Now, more than ever, Johnette is committed to keeping her regions culture alive from the roots up" through her award-winning music for kids, serving up a gumbo" of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and jazz influences.

New Orleans native Johnette Downing whips up a savory jambalaya of blues- and Dixie-flavored tunes." --Moira McCormick, Family Fun Magazine

The yummy ingredients in this rich musical gumbo include the spicy Louisiana lilt in Johnette Downings voice, and irresistible Cajun and Creole rhythms in playfully evocative songs." -- Lynne Heffley, Parents Choice Awards

The children had a foot-stompin, hip-shakin good time."

-- Buster Kantrow,The Times-Picayune

New Orleans (PRWEB) September 27, 2005 -- Multi-award-winning New Orleans singer/songwriter and childrens musician Johnette Downing plans a November 15 release for her new studio CD, 'Music Time (Wiggle Worm Records, $15.00). Much of this material appeared on Johnettes very first analog cassette in 1992. The 2005 'Music Time has been completely re-recorded and contains three bonus tracks of new material. Says Johnette, I sang, played the guitar, performed, recorded, and mastered the CD all over again, just as if it were a new project never before recorded."

Conceived as a celebration of childhood, 'Music Time takes young children through the rhythm of a day, with activity songs about getting dressed, riding bikes, learning to tell time, playing in a rhythm band, wishing for rain, and eating peanut butter sandwiches, all performed with infectious joy by Johnette Downing, about whom the Los Angeles Times declared, With her signature mix of Dixieland jazz, Cajun, Creole, and zydeco rhythms, Downing creates an irresistible musical jubilee." Johnettes stylistic mix for 'Music Time ranges from Southern blues to Caribbean to boogie woogie (with close harmony back-ups), as she calls on her young audience to join in with clapping, singing, call-and-response, and movement.

Johnette Downing has won eight national awards for five recordings, including three Parents Choice Foundation Awards, two Parents Guide to Childrens Media Awards, two National Parenting Publications Awards, and an iParenting Media Award. Her music has received rave reviews on ABC World News Now and in such publications as Booklist, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Nick, Jr., Parenting, The Los Angeles Times, and New Orleans Magazine. Johnette was singled out as one of Thirty People to Watch in 2000" by New Orleans Magazine and Forty Under Forty" by Gambit Weekly Magazine.

Dubbed a truly Louisiana experience" and the Pied Piper for Louisiana music traditions" by the media, and the Bonnie Raitt of childrens music" by her fans, Johnette Downing brings the spicy flavors of her home state to live performances across the country. Now, more than ever, she is committed to keeping her regions culture alive from the roots up" through entertaining and working with kids, serving up a gumbo" of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and jazz influences. Urging audiences on with her radiant personality and spoken asides, Johnette has all the engaging charm of a modern day Bob Wills. Her shows are hometown celebrations that the whole country can share.

Johnettes family-friendly music respects the sophistication and intelligence of todays children while still allowing them to be kids. Says Johnette, I feel it is an honor and privilege to perform music for children, and I never take it for granted. I always tell people 'I am seven," because I feel I see life with seven-year-old eyes. I enjoy finding the simple complexities in life and acknowledging how children experience life spontaneously. I like giving children a reason to celebrate being children."

Johnette Downings recordings are available at independent and national childrens retailers and online at wigglewormrecords.com, johnettedowning.com and outlets such as cdbaby.com, borders.com, and amazon.com.

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