Before my kids were introduced to Bari Koral’s CD “Rock and Roll Garden” last year, all we listened to: my favorite radio stations. Adult music was the norm. Many of the songs they sang by heart. They had no interest in kid music. I tried many different types of kid music, but nothing stuck. Bari’s Rock and Roll Garden changed all of that. It took a couple of tries, but by the third time, they were digging it BIG TIME and wanted it on ALL THE TIME.

I had to bring it into the house and back to the car, so we could listen to it. Thankfully, it was pretty good for me to listen to non stop. Although, on the RARE occasions I was out without my kids, I’m sure I got a lot of stares when I would sing it to myself standing in line, or shopping. It’s all good. I’m one of those people that doesn’t really care what others think about me.

As far as family rock bands go, Bari Koral is the real deal

As luck would have it, Bari came out with a new CD this year. “Anna And The Cupcakes” is due out on Valentine’s Day this year (which is super cute, because it’s all about love and cupcakes and hugs and kisses). My kids LOVE IT!

Personally, I love the song “Butterfly,” as it has such a fantastic message stuck in the song about a cocoon turning into a butterfly. My kids LOVE all the songs, but they truly enjoy the songs:

• “Gingerbread Man,” because they recognize the story from the holidays we just celebrated
• “Anna and the Cupcakes” about disappearing cupcakes

The songs are upbeat, with some jazzy elements, too.

Impressive for adults

What impresses me about her CDs: I don’t mind listening to them. Bari has a great voice. It’s serene, and oozes soul. There’s a reason for that, she used to sing alongside singers like Norah Jones and Joan Osborne. She chose to go in a different direction after working with the Long Island Children’s Museum’s theatre manager. She’s got the CHOPS and she dedicates those chops to these kids’ songs, winning her the Nappa Gold Award, and Parents’ Choice Silver Award.

Plus, she’s a fellow New Yorker and we all know how much I love supporting my fellow New Yorkers!

Bari’s also a Yoga Instructor and did a video for her song “The Sun Dance”, which leads kids through the yoga sun salutations. As expected it’s the number one yoga video on YouTube. I know my kids may not be into the Yoga one, but they definitely dig the videos for “Backpack” and “Hey Ducky” from her freshman album, “Rock and Roll Garden.”

Bari’s the complete package, seriously. If you want to get a fantastic playlist of music for your kids that won’t cause you to want to slam your head against the wall because you have to listen to it every day, all day, she’s the go-to for us in our home! I highly recommend BOTH of her CD’s.