Looking for a great way to entertain your kids when you’re fresh out of ideas? Wishing you had something kid-friendly to put on for your kids to dance or something mellow you could all listen to during craft time? Wishing that all the children’s music you’ve found didn’t make you want to bury your head in a pillow? Problem Solved! All of them … with one simple website, Jitterbug.tv
Jitterbug.tv is the brainchild of two amazing dads, Dan Gellert & Randall Green. An online video/radio interface dedicated to finding great Kindie (independent music for kids) both children and parents can enjoy. How great is that? This pair of dad’s of music loving three year olds, have done an amazing job hand selecting artists & songs and creating a super friendly website for parents and children alike. I was lucky enough to grab a few minutes of their time for a quick interview. Here’s what Dan & Randall had to say about Jitterbug:
KSW: What influence have your children had on the site’s layout and music choices?
Dan: Our 3 year old girls are the testers for sure. Having lots of thumbnail pictures was something I noticed Emily (my daughter) pointing to constantly. Also, the jitterbug logo was blessed by Emily as she gave the thumbs down to some other versions. Concerning music choices, It seems variety is embraced as well as consistency – Emily likes to know the same video will be there for her to come back to until she looses interest eventually.
Randall: Truth be told the catalyst for Jitterbug was probably Jacks Big Music Show and the fantastic musical guest appearances, including Laurie Berkner. The show and the musical guests made me realize that kids music could cross over as I really enjoyed the music almost as much as my daughter.
KSW: What has been your favorite music find so far? What about your children’s?
Dan: I like the Dog On Fleas band, and Emily is constantly changing her favorites, but some of her favorites have been Gustafer YellowGold and The Jimmies.
Randall: Hard question to ask us as we like so many, but Piper (my daughter) was initially a Laurie Berkner groupie but has recently turned her attention to Randy Kaplan.
KSW: Since starting Jitterbug, would you say you & your family have been brought closer together through the process?
Dan: Yes, I often hear “Let’s watch jitterbug” from Emily. I’ve noticed you cannot really be cranky or moody when watching stuff on Jitterbug, it always lightens the mood.
Randall: Yes, Jitterbug has been a “family project” with everyone involved. The first thing my daughter asks for in the morning is to see Jitterbug. The interesting thing is we all usually agree on the music.
KSW: Recommend three of your favorite (or your children’s favorite) videos?
Dan: I never tire of Ugly Fruit by Dog On Fleas and Emily often requests Malti by Dan Zanes and this Greek Lullaby
Randall: Guastafer Yellowgood, The Jimmies and Eric Herman
KSW: Have you added any music lately that relates to Earth Day, recycling, or any other nature/outdoor activity?
Dan: Well, the one that comes to mind for outdoor activity is Tricycle and Diggin in the Dirt by Frances England
Why We Love Them: Let me count the ways- No really, For starters, it’s FREE! Sure I tried finding kids music on You Tube once or twice but the quality was poor and the good stuff tended to get lost in the mix. Jitterbug.tv puts the best Kindie music at your fingertips and even offers a FREE streaming radio service. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to Jitterbug to calm my children since our move in Feb. My little ones know many of the songs by heart and ask to see the site AT LEAST once a day.
KSW’s Top Picks:
Rainy, Rainy Day by Milkshake
Everything is Alright by Big Bang Boom
The Elephant Song by Eric Herman
3 Year Old Faves:
Willy was a Whale by Justin Roberts
Polar Bear over There by Uncle Rock
I Found It by Brady Rymer
2 Year Old Faves:
Spider Monkey & The Rhino Song from Big Green Rabbit
Animal Alphabet Song by The Hollow Trees
