what is the harmonica pocket children's show? equipped with a hula hoop, a ukulele, some face paint, and a suitcase full of simple props and instruments, the harmonica pocket children’s show gently expands the boundaries of family entertainment with swinging, acoustic story-songs and clever twists on classic american folk songs, all set to the choreography of a tap dancing ladybug. with their highly-interactive and playfully educational shows, the harmonica pocket manages to capture the attention of children AND their parents, keeping the whole family smiling. the shows promote young children’s literacy development by making reading and learning fun, and bring books to life by setting the texts to original music. dr. seuss is a consistent inspiration for these “singing books,” which tap into the natural ability of melody, rhyme, and repeating patterns to assist memory, improve vocabulary, and build confidence. as their favorite animals and insects dance with them, children are exposed to lessons in science, history, arts, and diversity. non-western instruments such as the australian didgeridoo and the mbira (a thumb piano from zimbabwe) are introduced alongside giggle-inducing movement games with names like face conductor and body orchestra. at a harmonica pocket children’s show you’re likely to hear songs such as spiders in my breakfast (a song written from the perspective of a spider), the bilingual lullaby la luna, or a gypsy-flavored old macdonald had a farm. the harmonica pocket children’s show has performed for busloads of children and big people in classrooms, libraries, and festivals from seattle to new york city, and from ecuador to the creative chaos of burningman. shows can be tailored to suit specific age groups, from preschool through middle school age children. harmonica pocket's second children’s album titled ladybug one is the winner of a parents’ choice recommended award. ladybug one is a truly all-ages album made for kids and adults to listen to together, and was recorded using solar electricity. the harmonica pocket’s music has been featured on Sirius and XM satellite radio, charted on CMJ radio stations, is being played on MTV, and is currently being downloaded all over the planet. put on a funny hat, load up the kids, and mosey on down to the harmonica pocket children’s show. your eyes, your ears, and your feet will smile.
the harmonica pocket children's show is: keeth monta apgar -- acoustic guitar, ukulele, harmonica, mbira,
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want to hear a song?
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these are links to full length mp3s. download and enjoy!
contact us if you'd prefer to receive an
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testimonials
"the children loved this performance! i especially enjoyed singing the dr. seuss book. the harmonica pocket was wonderful to work with, we can't wait to have then back!"
-jennifer sullivan, children's librarian (snohomish, wa)
"just when i was beginning to think that the world of potential library
programmers had been reduced to storytellers, magicians, puppeteers and
the occasional theatrical troupe, the harmonica pocket breezed onto the
stage and hula hooped their way into our hearts. with a uniquely
refreshing combinations of whimsy, playful interaction and genuine enthusiasm,
the harmonica pocket easily captivated and held spellbound the two large
audiences. we in the audience were lucky indeed to be invited into that
wondrous circle.
nala walla may be well on her way to creating a whole new generation of hula hoopers!"
-pat timko, children's librarian (marysville, wa)
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"magical! a perfect literacy program for libraries!
keeth apgar and nala walla create original, engaging songs and dance. the harmonica pocket delighted our library kids and their parents with their whimsical sense of humor and clever twist on favorite songs. highly recommended for those looking for fresh new talent!"
-jean tarascio, youth services librarian (port townsend, wa)
"we had heard great things about harmonica pocket, but since we
have a strong reputation for our weekly storytimes we were anxious to
see how they'd work in our space. as they prepared for the event,
they were seriously perusing dr. seuss' ABCs - a very good sign.
then, what a thrill when almost 40 toddlers and their grownups were mesmerized
by the songs, stories, and mostly the soothing, engaging manner of the
harmonica pocket. it's not an exaggeration to say that the crowd
was HOOKED! we are eager to welcome this wonderful duo back to third place"
-cheryl mckeon, children's events coordinator, third place
books
(lake forest park, wa)
"imagine a beatnik mr. rogers playing beguiling, dr. seuss-ish songs that gently bridge the generations. one moment kids are spinning like dervishes, another mesmerized by a song about fireflies. keeth apgar's astute songwriting reminds adults that the reverie of their childhood is still close at hand. his wide-eyed, wise and witty observations from his perch on the back steps of a new century makes us realize that a fresh young family performer has finally arrived."
-lisa lepine, booking agent, bite of oregon (portland, or)
"we are writing this letter on behalf of the harmonica pocket, a member of the independent artist registry (IAR). the IAR is an independent talent scouting service that works with top record labels to find performers ready for the next level. artists do not pay for membership in the IAR. after our review of thousands of independent artists, only 34 were selected for membership, including the harmonica pocket.
the harmonica pocket has our full endorsement and is being promoted to thousands of music pros as one of the best up and coming artists in the country. we highly recommend you consider the harmonica pocket for any opportunities you have. they have proven themselves as accomplished and developed performers.
if you have any questions, or if i can be of further assistance to you regarding this artist, please feel free to contact me directly."
-josh wendell, IAR director
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"the harmonica pocket bewitched me the moment i first stumbled upon them, playing at a children's art festival: keeth's warm, playful smile, his unstrained, pitch-perfect voice and impish delivery, his goofy clothes and fanciful facial hair. he played each instrument with panache and aplomb: the guitar, the ukulele, the didgeridoo. he was part elf, part kid-show host, part balladeer. he was confident and generous and inventive. the guy was good. meanwhile, nala walla mesmerized the young audience, and their adults, with acrobatics, contortionism, pantomime, and vibrant costumes. she even sang the ABC's on a vietnamese jaw harp. i was an instant fan.
this is music for kids that strikes just the right note: cherubic without being cloying, silly without being insipid, accomplished and playful, direct and fresh, earnest and hopeful, concerned and cheerful. it's pluperfect music for the preschool set, and older."
--patrick jennings, author of faith and the electric
dogs
and other young adult titles
"it is our pleasure to recommend the harmonica pocket to anyone interested in excellent children's music programming. they are a fantastic group that mesmerizes their audience. we have observed with astonishment the ways they hold their audience without creating a hyper atmosphere. the combination of music and dance delights all the children and adults. they have honored our school for three years with a spring program and we are always eager to have them back!"
-diann wiklund, director of cross and crown preschool (renton, wa)
selected performance history
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high resolution images for print publications
click on a thumbnail below to open a high resolution image in a browser window. from there you can "right-click" (windows) or "control-click" (mac) to download the image files to your computer. or you can contact us if you'd like to request a hard copy of our press package.
© 2008 tim rounds
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© 2008 tim rounds
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© 2008 tim rounds
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© 2008 tim rounds
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© 2008 tim rounds
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let us know if you need anything else from us...
...we promise to contact you as soon as we get home from our picnic.
contact: keeth apgar
email: greenbanana (at) harmonicapocket.com
phone: (206) 355-8239
harmonicapocket.com
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