Justin Roberts & The Not Ready For Naptime Players

Justin Roberts & The Not Ready For Naptime Players

1 p.m., Sunday, October 28, 2012
Quick Center for the Arts
Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
Tickets: $18 adults, $15 children

Image: Justin Roberts One of the superstars of today's children's music, the award-winning singer-songwriter Justin Roberts performs with his band, The Not Ready for Naptime Players at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2012 . The show is recommended for all ages. The event includes a special pre-Halloween treat in which audience members wearing costumes can participate in the Quick Center's annual Halloween costume contest. Tickets: $18 adults, $15 children .

With numerous awards, national recognition, and a devoted fan base, Justin Roberts is considered one of the true "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. He and his band, The Not Ready for Naptime Players, present intelligent and whimsically rocking music for children and their parents, with USA Today describing him as "hands down the best songwriter in the genre." Entertainment Weekly adds that he's "a master of conjuring up images that resonate with the young ones." And the New York Times says: "He has a remarkable ability to see through a child's eyes... the Judy Blume of kiddie rock."

Justin Roberts' latest GRAMMY Nominated CD "Jungle Gym," his seventh family music CD, continues a hot streak that started well over a decade ago. He's won six National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Gold Awards and six Parent's Choice Gold Awards throughout his career. He logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children's show business. He has played at such renowned venues and festivals as Symphony Space in New York City, National Geographic Live in Washington D.C., the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, and in Lollapalooza. He's performed in front of millions of people on The Today Show, he's featured on Nick Jr. TV, and his song "Get Me Some Glasses" was featured on a World Series broadcast. Some of his other classics include: " Willy Was a Whale ," " You Got One ," " Airplane of Food ," and " Pop Fly ."

Justin Roberts began his music career in the Minneapolis-based indie-rock band Pimentos for Gus. He decided to moonlight - during the day - as a Montessori preschool teacher. It wasn't long before Justin began writing and singing songs for a new generation of fans, his students. The youngsters immediately responded and inspired Justin to record some of his new songs and send them out to a few friends for Christmas. One of the gift recipients was Liam Davis, a college pal and music producer, who suggested that they record the songs professionally. In 1998, Justin released his first CD, "Great Big Sun," and the critics took note. His music was soon being compared to everyone from Elvis Costello and Fountains of Wayne to Paul Simon, ELO and Nick Lowe. By 2001, he had hit the road full time, doing what he loved most, playing music for appreciative crowds. Kiddie mosh pits broke out, word spread, shows started selling out, and the rest is history - a story that continues at the Quick Center on October 28.

Tickets and subscriptions are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com .

Posted On: 10-17-2012 11:10 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 87