Saturday, January 24, 2009, 1:00 pm
Club B-10
$6 per person

With a hula hoop, a ukulele, some face paint, and a suitcase full of props and instruments, this duo offers swinging, brilliantly arranged acoustic story-songs and clever twists on folk classics, all set to the choreography of a tap-dancing ladybug. Their album Ladybug One, recorded entirely with solar power,“has a relaxing, mellow vibe appropriate for any age.” (New York Post)

*******Press Release********************************

The Harmonica Pocket Presents Indie Pop Tunes for the Entire Family

(North Adams, Mass.) As both a recording and live performance project, The Harmonica Pocket is known for its out-of-the-box musical repertoire and insatiable enthusiasm which enthralls both children and parents. Equipped with a hula hoop, a ukulele, face paint and a suitcase full of simple props and instruments, the members of The Harmonica Pocket gently expand 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. The Harmonica Pocket will perform at MASS MoCA on Saturday, January 24, at 1 PM in Club B-10. Kids events at MASS MoCA are sponsored by TD Banknorth.

The Harmonica Pocket began simply as the songs of composer Keeth Monta Apgar, who developed a nontraditional style of weaving acoustic wah-wah guitar, lush jazz chords, and image-evoking lyrics into intelligent, refreshing pop. Brought to life by a rotating lineup of musical talents including alto saxophone player Jon Ryser, conga and drum player Lorne Watson, and singer Nala Walla, Harmonica Pocket songs are as diverse as the players who perform them. Effortlessly spanning a variety of genres including folk, blues, and reggae, the group consistently takes musical risks and colors outside the lines. The School Library Journal comments, “Harmonica Pocket defies classification and should be commended for experimenting with non-western musical traditions and mixing it up with western practice." Rhapsody.com notes, "These kid-friendly indie-pop folks are on the way to becoming big favorites."

In 2008, the group released its second children’s album, Ladybug One, a collection of original and classic tunes that celebrates the delight of nature. The CD has won national acclaim, including favorable reviews in the Seattle Times, San Jose Mercury News, New York Post, Time Out New York and Cookie magazines. This truly “green” recording was produced off the grid at the group’s solar-powered studios on Marrowstone Island, Washington, and was named a 2008 Parent’s Choice recommended award winner. Commonsense Media raves, "This album is a nearly perfect example of tasteful, adult standards of excellence applied to music meant for kids."

The Harmonica Pocket’s live children’s show aims to get families singing and moving in their seats. The shows promote literacy by making reading fun and bringing books to life by setting the texts to original music. As their favorite animals and insects dance with them, children are exposed to lessons in science, history, and arts. The group also introduces non-western instruments such as the Australian didgeridoo and the mbira, a thumb piano from Zimbabwe.

Tickets for The Harmonica Pocket are $6 per person. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 A.M. until 5 P.M. (closed Tuesdays). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.