Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past ten years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies to create what the Boston Globe called "not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one." A rising star on the national kids' music scene, Steve has delighted audiences throughout the country, including at prestigious venues like Symphony Space in New York City, Wolftrap in Vienna VA, the Kennedy Center and the White House in Washington, D.C., and Fenway Park in Boston. Anyone who’s attended a SteveSongs concert appreciates Steve’s ability to connect with his audience – from the exuberant children flocking towards the stage, to the moms bouncing babies with the beat, to the parents and grandparents singing and grooving along. It’s no wonder he's been called a modern day Pied Piper!
In May 2008, Steve took on the exciting new role of "Mr. Steve," cohost of the PBS KIDS morning block that features the popular shows Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dragon Tales, and Super Why. Steve performs original interactive songs that reinforce the day’s curriculum theme. Steve’s much awaited "MusicTime with SteveSongs – Volume One" CD will be released by PBS in November 2009.
Steve wrote his first children’s song back in 1997 for his brother, then a first grade teacher. Positive feedback and inspiration quickly followed, leading Steve to record his first album, Morning ’Til Night, in 1999. That same year Steve left his job as a business consultant with Accenture to pursue this adventure full time. Ten years and 6 albums later, Steve has performed at over 2500 shows across the country. He’s won numerous prestigious awards, including 2 Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, a Nappa Honor, an iParenting Media Award, and a Children’s Music Web Award. His current and critically acclaimed CD is Marvelous Day (2006). Combining his two passions, music and kids, has yielded what Steve calls “the coolest job ever.”
Steve’s signature songs are educational and entertaining, silly, but always seriously good music. According to Steve, “The experiment from the beginning was making music that both kids and parents would enjoy, so that it could really be a full family experience.” Steve’s band rocks, with accomplished musicians including Anand Nayak on guitars and mandolin; Matt Steckler on clarinet, flute, and sax; David “Stack” Stackhouse on vocal percussion and bass; and the ever popular Sensational Sillies, Steve’s talented young backup singers.
Steve finds inspiration from a lot of places, including classic TV programs he enjoyed as a kid. One of his favorites was Schoolhouse Rock, which tricked children into learning about conjunctions, adverbs, or interjections with its funky songs and animations. Steve observes, “I believe it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to educate without entertaining. If they’re not engaged, they’re not going to learn it.” Steve incorporates learning with clever lyrics and catchy melodies in sciencey songs about Gravity and the Water Cycle; in silly songs about Opposites; or thoughtful songs about Heroes and Kindness. “With every song,” Steve says, “I try to add value to a child’s life.”
Steve and his family currently reside in Connecticut. His 6 CDs are available from Rounder Records and PBS.
For more information, please call or email Lauri Chmielewski (866-543-7664 / lauri1@comcast.net). |
