Building on the momentum of her 2008 Parents’ Choice® winning album, City Kid, independent children’s musician Joanie Leeds looks forward with excitement to the March 23 release of her second kids’ CD, I’m a Rock Star (Limbostar, $15.00, for ages 2 – 9, run time 29 minutes). I’m a Rock Star dances across a constellation of musical genres, with thirteen Joanie Leeds originals in styles ranging from indie & classic rock to hip-hop, from folk to jazz, from R & B to cartoon. Known for her soulful, “rock solid” voice — both heartfelt and immaculately polished — Joanie Leeds creates music that resonates with families coast to coast. Her presentation is notable for its child-appropriate clarity, yet vocally Joanie soars easily through a remarkable array of styles with such an enviable power and dexterity that adult listeners forget that her intended audience is under age 10. Joanie truly rocks! The New York Sun enthused, “Children's tunes often have a way of getting lodged in a parent's mind long after the music has stopped playing — whether one likes it or not. But singer Joanie Leeds makes catchy music that little ones — and their parents — won't mind hearing again and again.” Says Joanie Leeds, “I love the way my first children’s album, City Kid, turned out, but, intent on not trapping myself in a stylistic box, I wanted to bring a more sophisticated sound to I’m a Rock Star. The blueprint for I'm A Rock Star includes exploration, self-expression, and variety, all in a musically authentic context. The tunes not only showcase a goodly number of styles, they also contain timely messages about things like environmental consciousness, cleaning up after yourself, learning another language, and exploring your own feelings. I wanted this to be fun and positive, but it was important for me not to make musical compromises. The magic really began when, on tour in Nashville last year, I met some incredible musicians, and we ended up recording together at the amazing Zodlounge music production studio. (Zodlounge has produced albums for artists like Kenny Loggins and Leann Rimes.) At that point, my songs were complete compositions, and I knew the direction in which I wanted to go, but these guys – the musicians and my production team -- really took this project to the next level. I'm so excited about the way the album turned out that I can't wait for the release!” Throughout I’m a Rock Star, Joanie Leeds wisely keeps her songs short enough to retain the attention of young children. Each is a perfect gem with the sense that something interesting is both happening and about to happen. The album locks into a danceable groove right away with a classic rock title track that inspires young listeners to think of themselves as performers, get creative, and actually “do” music. “More Cowbell” is a funny, hip-hop song that shows kids how to listen to different layers of musical sound. If Woody Guthrie were still with us, he would surely have written a song like “I Wanna Be Green,” an up-tempo, humorous, two-beat dance tune about protecting the environment. In “I like Jazz,” Joanie acquaints young listeners with the sounds of jazz via an alphabet-inspired medley. Other highlights include “Popcorn,” a swing tempo rock tune in a Bill Haley mode; “En Español,” a funny song - entirely in Spanish - about how Joanie doesn't know how to speak the language, even though she grew up in Miami; “Joanie Says,” a “Simon Says” ditty with an Amy Winehouse feel that will certainly inspire circle time activities; and “It Was the Elf,” a Disney-sounding, cartoon-style song about blaming your messiness on an imaginary friend, then realizing the importance of facing responsibility. The album closes appropriately with a bit of Beatlesesque charm in “Goodbye, Goodbye.” Previous to I’m a Rock Star, Joanie Leeds released two albums for adult listeners: My Job Application Knows More About Me Than You Do (2000) and Soul From My Footsteps (2004). The Parents’ Choice® Recommended Award winning children’s album, City Kid (2008), and the children’s holiday album, Challah, Challah (2009), followed. Joanie Leeds’ love for music began when she was just a little “city kid” in Miami, Florida. At her second birthday party, Joanie dazzled the crowd by grabbing the party performer’s microphone and singing "Tomorrow" from Annie at the top of her lungs. The party guests were astonished, but two-year-old Joanie had no idea that entertaining kids was anything unusual. As she grew older, it was clear that Joanie possessed a major talent, and she gravitated toward musical and theatrical activities throughout her school years. Joanie also had an interest in working with kids, and during high school she taught music to children at Temple Beth Am and at song sessions and conventions of the National Federation of Temple Youth. Equipped with a Syracuse University B.F.A. in drama and musical theatre, Joanie Leeds began her career as a singer/songwriter by performing in such NYC clubs as The Living Room, The Bitter End, Arlene’s Grocery, and CBGB’s. Performing at night while working at a succession of “dead end” jobs by day proved less than fulfilling, however. At the suggestion of a friend, Joanie began working with children at a Manhattan Gymboree location, singing with and for the kids all day long. This led to positions as music specialist with a number of different children's programs and nursery schools. Joanie soon became so popular with NYC families that Time Out NY Kids dubbed her “one of the best at-home sing-along entertainers for kids.” Having discovered the joy of sharing music with children, Joanie has never looked back. 2009 was a banner year for Joanie Leeds, with gigs in NYC, Los Angeles, Miami, Baltimore, The Hamptons, Memphis, Nashville, Asheville (NC), Cleveland (GA), and Washington, DC. Joanie was a guest on radio shows in Miami and Nashville and appeared on Good Morning Maryland (WMAR/ABC-TV, Baltimore). Her songs have been spinning regularly on The Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl and other “kindie rock” radio programs and podcasts, and she released two music videos to YouTube. Joanie Leeds is currently working on a soon-to-be released full length DVD, an animal concept children’s album due out 2011, and a children’s book-with-CD. Planning is in process for a number of special concerts in support of the release of I’m a Rock Star, including a NYC CD release show at JCC Manhattan on Sunday, March 14. I’m a Rock Star will be available online at www.citykidmusic.com, amazon.com, cdbaby.com, and at specialty toy and bookstores across the country. # # # ‘I’M A ROCK STAR’ TRACK LIST: I’m a Rock Star Sunglasses More Cowbell I Wanna Be Green Give Me a Hug Jump, Jump I Like Jazz Popcorn En Español It Was the Elf Joanie Says Put a Little Smile on Your Face Goodbye, Goodbye