Location: Seattle WA metro area (Zoom meeting)
Moderated by: Greg Dixon
Speaker(s): Caspar Babypants (aka Chris Bellew) - Babypantsmusic.com
Seattle-based artist Caspar Babypants has released 18 albums of clever, catchy, and irresistible music for children since 2009. The mastermind behind Caspar Babypants is Chris Ballew, who first gained national notoriety in the '90s with the group The Presidents of the United States of America. Ballew records and produces the Caspar Babypants albums at his studio where he works and occasionally collaborates with other musicians. Across his catalog of recordings he has created a unique high-fidelity sound with both acoustic and electronic instruments that remains remarkably consistent across all of his albums. At this meeting, participants will get a chance to learn from Ballew about his approach to recording albums and get an inside look at the artist at work in his studio. We encourage families, children, and people of all ages to attend this online meeting. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and talk with Ballew about his musical legacy.
WHO? Caspar Babypants is also known as Chris Ballew. Chris is the three time Grammy nominated songwriter and lead singer for the four times platinum Seattle based rock and roll band The Presidents of the United States of America.
WHAT? Caspar Babypants makes high quality, thoughtful, simple, acoustic sing along songs for parents and kids 0 to 6 years old to enjoy together. In addition he writes children's books with his wife Kate Endle. Kate illustrates the books and creates the cover art for the Caspar Babypants albums.
WHEN? Caspar began writing songs for kids in the summer of 2008 and put out his debut record in 2009. The 18th album "HAPPY HEART!" came out on 11/13/20. There are also a bunch of books written by Caspar and illustrated by his wife Kate Endle. "My Woodland Wish" and "Bunny Rabbit In The Sunlight" were published in 2011 and a third book called "Augie to Zebra" came out in 2012. There are two new books titles "Penguin On A Scooter" and "Ocean Motions" both of which came out in 2018.
WHY? Caspar says: "Having young children is a joyous and unforgettable experience. However, the home of new parents can also be a stressful, sleepless and nervous environment. That is why I make music that is a positive, helping component in the home and car where young families spend a lot of time together. I want to help parents sing to and with their children and provide a shared happy musical experience for the whole family. I specifically want to make music for newborn to 5 year old kids because I admire their associative, inventive imaginations and as an adult I nurture that same creativity and state on mind in myself." Caspar is also involved with several non-profits that focus on parent education and outreach to neglected and abused kids and homeless families.
WHERE? Caspar Babypants lives in West Seattle and Vashon Island by the beach and in the woods where the songs are.
Other Business: June Election Notice. If you're interested/willing to participate in the operation and activities of your Section, you can do so by serving on the Section Committee. If this interests you, please contact any Section officer or committee member for further details.
Posted: Monday, March 15, 2021
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