MIKE MENNARD'S FAMILY FRIDGE

BWAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAA

The Nebraska State Fair is over. I did a whopping 15 shows, and I still want more. I had so much fun, I now understand why the washed up bands do the fair circuit. However, I haven't earned the right yet to be a washed-up band.

To everyone we met at the fair, thanks for coming. And "arrrh!"

To those who didn't, just go here, buy, and listen--it'll be as if you WERE there.

ARRRH! WE ARE ONLY A FEW DAYS AWAY FROM...

PIRATES!!!!!!

Yes, my newest family CD is set to release this July. It's called "Pirates Do the Darnedest Things," and it's a voyage with the wildest, scurviest, most swashbuckling crew of scallywags that ever sacked the Spanish Main. 

Simply go to my web site and say, "Arrrh! Hand over me copy of Mike Mennard's Pirates Do the Darnedest Things." As you do, make sure you scowl a lot and finish each sentence with "Me Hearty!"

By the way, it's great for pirate parties, great for listening in the car, and great for learning about the real pirates. With each song, you will be able to go online and learn the REAL story behind the legends. Sometimes the real story is more fun than the Hollywood version. 

I've never been so proud of a recording project. So help a starving pirate out! Aye, thank ye!

WOWZERS! HAVE YOU SEEN MY NEW SCHED FOR THIS SPRING AND SUMMER?

I am so excited to be so busy. Check out my schedule HERE!

Nothing gets me more excited than to play for families and kids--and even teachers. If you are thinking, "Hmm, what can we do that's more 'together' than watching TV or seeing a movie, why not come see ME!"

Because I would love to see ya!

And hey! If you're school or church or function or organization who is looking for some wholesome wackiness, please contact us!

WHAT I'M UP TO...

I've begun working on my new pirates CD--lots of wacky songs and poems about the joys of being a pirate. Since I am a pirate, I know best. Look for a release this spring or early summer.

Furthermore, I'm well into my third novel--writing one, not reading one. This one's a little different, however. It's a teen romance/horror story, but with a happy ending and even a positive spiritual message. If that sounds like too much for one book to swallow, then wait until the sequel.

Other than that, I'm just teaching class, eating less, shoveling snow, and rooting for whoever plays the New England Patriots.

OH DARN! I WAS HOPING IT WOULD BE ME--THE AIR-GUITAR CHAMPION

First, the fact that the air guitar champion of the world isn't me should make this competition suspect. The fact that there is such a contest at all should make humanity suspect.

However, I do wish I was there.

ALAS! THE "MOZART EFFECT" IS A MYTH. SAY IT AIN'T SO!

Apparently, there is no support for the belief that listening to Mozart makes kids smarter. And listening to Akon or Emenem or 50 Cent does?

Listen to the Mozart anyway. It may not bring brains, but it will teach something better--joy! Human joy!

And if you don't like Mozart, why not settle for When Mother Goose Laid an Egg by, well, ME!

IT'S HERE! MY NEW FAMILY CD. AND HEY--YOU COULD BUY IT!

At last, my new CD, WHEN MOTHER GOOSE LAID AN EGG, is available online. I'm prouder of this project than any other recording I have ever done. It has bits of hip-hop, country, bluegrass, gospel, r&b, and even opera. And yet the text is true to Mother Goose.

Most importantly, it has all of me. I put my very heart and soul into this CD. I believe your family will love it.

If you want to do something nice for you and your family (and something even nicer for me!!!), make this CD a part of your collection. Then play it in the car as you ride together. I made it to be enjoyed AS A FAMILY.

Thanks for finding out what happened "when Mother Goose laid an egg."

IS EMINEM THE NEW KIDS MUSIC? IS HIP-HOP THE NEW RAFFI?

Something I've been wondering about lately has got me to worrying. Has "children's music" gone the way of the 8-track? And in its place is the sexually explicit and foul-mouthed drivel of "teen music."

I teach media at the college level, and even there I am surprised at the lack of concern about the blatant nastiness, bigotry, and sexuality in pop music today. If you don't believe me, go here. It will amaze and frighten you.

And it's not just the content. It's also the volume:

--Rock concerts average between 110-120dB and can peak at 150dB --Decibels as high as 140 are measured in front of speakers at rock concerts. --Minimum exposure time, according to OSHA for 120 dB is 7.5 minutes. --The average walkman setting is 94dB

I guess that's why I do family music. I just believe families who eat, play, sing, and dance together--no matter how badly they dance--will be happier and healthier. And I'm idealistic enough to believe I can make a difference.

Am I overreacting about the pop scene? After all, our parents had similar laments, as did theirs.

I'm not saying kids and families should listen to Lawrence Welk...just Mike Mennard. (Just kidding, sort of!!!)

BE THERE, AUGUST 11! IT'LL BE A BLAST!

Hey, don't miss our CD release party and benefit concert this August 11, 6 p.m., at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln. Nearly 20 restaurants have donated desserts and drinks and, of course, there will be a show with, well, me--me and the Nardheads!!!

Best of all, all the proceeds go to Friendship Home, Lincoln's only safe shelter for battered women and their children.

So don't wait! Buy tickets now!!! Better yet, buy tickets for your entire neighborhood!

If you can't make it, simply buy tickets anyway and give them away!!!