Justin Roberts New CD "Meltdown" Entertains Kids!

by Mac Duffy

Justin Roberts loves performing for kids and their families. "They get so into it," he says. As much fun as he's having, his entrance into the world of children's entertainment wasn't intentional.

"I started in an alternative folk group," he shares. "My day job was at a preschool, so I started writing music for the kids. A college friend recommended recording a CD (and) it sort of took off on its own."

It's more like it "blasted off" if you ask me. That first CD was called "Great Big Sun", and it gave a great big boost to Justin's career. After Sesame Street Parents Magazine named the CD its "Best Music Gift of the Year", Justin left the preschool and hit the road for what would soon be sellout shows in renowned venues ranging from NYC's Symphony Space to LA's Getty Museum.

Along the way, Justin released several more critically acclaimed CDs, receiving recognition such as a Parents' Choice Gold Award for each of his next three albums ["Yellow Bus" (2001), "Not Naptime" (2003), and "Way Out" (2004)], as well as accolades from The New York Times, Child Magazine and Amazon.com.

Anyone who's ever been to one of Justin's shows knows that his music connects with kids in a unique way. "The performing aspect is so much more exciting because there's a lot more give and take with the audience, " he reveals. "I enjoy both the songwriting aspect for kids and telling a story from a kid's perspective. I found that I have a knack for imagining what it would be like. If you'd like to give your own children a big treat, tune into Noggin to catch one of Justin's videos, or, better yet, check out his website and purchase a CD. Your kids will be thanking you as they boogie the day away.

Recently, Justin has been touring to promote his new CD, "Meltdown" (released March 2006), and he just completed four new innovative music videos that are currently appearing on the Noggin family network. Next, Justin will be working on creating a full DVD and songs for a new CD that will debut in 2007.