Putumayo World Playground presents
A Hawaiian Playground CD Release party with
Joe McDermott /
The Moonlighters

Show Description

Joe McDermott, a native of rural Indiana moved to Austin, Texas in 1981 to attend the University of Texas as a fine arts major. Shortly after, he integrated into the "live music capitol of the world" performing in college alternative bands. With a degree in hand, Joe worked at a local Montessori preschool as an art instructor. The combination of art, music and kids organically blossomed into a career in children's musical entertainment.
A generation of central Texans recall Joe's hits such as, "Don't Drop a Brick on Your Foot" and "Let the Dog Go Out." His recognition as a exceptional songwriter for children has reached beyond Texas to the international level. In September of 2006, Joe McDermott was awarded the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the Children's Music Division. Since 1997, McDermott has been awarded numerous Parent's Choice Awards, and two NAPPA Gold Awards.

The Moonlighters have been a part of the New York City jazz and pop music scenes since they formed in 1998. Based around pop and jazz songwriting styles from the 1920's and 30's, their original songs are often mistaken for classic music from that era. Their instrumentation includes a core of harmonized female vocal duets backed by warm acoustic instruments including Hawaiian lap steel guitar, ukulele, guitar and bass, they explore traditional and classic tunes with a unique, romantic approach. They have released albums on their Onliest Records label, the most recent, 2006's "Surrender." They will tour Germany in November 2007. The band members include Bliss Blood, vocalist and ukulele player, who also writes the lyrics to their original tunes (formerly of Houston industrial rock band PAIN TEENS); Cindy Ball, vocalist and acoustic guitar; Peter Maness on bass; and Mark Deffenbaugh on National steel guitar.

Putumayo Kids is the children's and educational division of Putumayo World Music and is committed to introducing children to other cultures through fun, upbeat international music. Putumayo World Music creates CD compilations that take people on musical journeys around the world. Putumayo Kids CDs entertain, educate and inspire cultural curiosity. Since the release of the best-selling World Playground CD in 1999, Putumayo Kids has produced 12 children's CDs that provide children with upbeat, melodic and culturally authentic music. Putumayo Kids also presents family music concerts with artists featured on our collections and is pleased to present the World Playground at Joe's Pub.