Funikijam World Music Announces Its 2018-2019 Off-Broadway Season, Celebrating 20 Years Of Early Childhood Entertainment And Education

Artistic Director and FunikiJam Founder Brian Barrentine is pleased to announce FUNIKIJAM WORLD MUSIC'S 2018-2019 Off-Broadway Season. "We're celebrating 20 years of creative, fun, educational entertainment for young children," says Barrentine. "Our Off-Broadway series of Family Musicals is our gift to the youngest citizens of New York City. It's theater designed just for them, perfect for first time theater-goers and still tons of fun for their older siblings. We even see parents and grandparents dancing along as all audience members are invited to get up out of their seats and join in the singing and dancing."

The season kicks off with FunikiJam's BABY LIKES TO ROCK!, followed by the special Halloween costume party show FunikiJam's ROCK-OR TREAT! For the holiday season, FunikiJam's HOLIDAY BEAT is a celebration of winter festivals around the world. The new year begins with the peace-promoting show, FunikiJam's CITY OF HOPE, followed by FunikJam's SHENANIGANS featuring all things Irish for St. Patrick's Day. FunikiJam's MUSIC GARDEN rings in the Spring, and finally FunikiJam's TOTALLY AWESOME SUMMER! transports audiences on globe-spanning summer vacation. All performances will take place at the historic Actors Temple Theatre, located in the heart of the theatre district.

But the learning and fun doesn't stop at the theatre! FunikiJam offers 60 weekly classes year- round at 23 NYC venues. They bring staffed arts programs to schools and learning centers, provide live entertainment for parties and special events, host Music in the Park, and have a YouTube channel so you can jam wherever you are.

FunikiJam was founded by Brian Barrentine in 1999 to meet a growing demand for quality education and entertainment programs for young children and families. Starting with a weekly audience of just six families, the program quickly became so popular that Barrentine began training teachers, opening new locations, recording the music, and touring live shows to schools, music festivals and lofty venues like the Historic Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Now based in NYC, FunikiJam has evolved into a landmark early childhood education and entertainment organization with an annual reach of over 70,000 patrons. Uniquely blending Barrentine's original rhymes, chants, songs and stories with indigenous music from around the world, FunikiJam's mission is to empower global citizens to reach their highest potential through its trademark "music exploration for the next generation" classes, live shows, musical recordings, film production, and teacher training.

Lifelong artist and educator, Brian Barrentine is the creator, voice and face of FunikiJam
World Music - Parent's Choice Award winner for Best Music. Barrentine has
been cast in numerous musicals on Broadway and Off; played Elvis in "Elvis the Musical"
European Tour; written the Gymboree Music Program; served as Early Childhood Director
at Brooklyn Conservatory; and acted in national commercials and TV shows like The Good
Wife, Madam Secretary, and Law & Order SVU.

FunikiJam's BABY LIKES TO ROCK!
September 16-November 12, 2018

FunikiJam's ROCK OR TREAT: Halloween show & costume party
October 27 and 28, 2018

FunikiJam's HOLIDAY BEAT
November 23-December 30, 2018

FunikiJam's CITY OF HOPE
Winter, 2019

FunikiJam's SHENANIGANS
March, 2019

FunikiJam's MUSIC GARDEN
Spring, 2019

FunikiJam's TOTALLY AWESOME SUMMER!
Summer, 2019

Show Description for FunikiJam's BABY LIKES TO ROCK!
September 16-November 12

Throw your mittens around your kittens and get ready to rock around the world with the new Off-Broadway musical, FunikiJam's Baby Likes to Rock! This globe-spanning musical adventure is the latest addition to the ongoing series of Jam-Magical Family Musicals playing at the historic Actors Temple Theatre. Presented by FunikiJam, the award-winning education and entertainment company, FunikiJam's Baby Likes to Rock! will open on September 16th for a limited engagement through November 12th, with special Halloween Costume Parties and Shows on October 27 & 28.

When the United Nations asks Captain Jam to create a brand new Kids TV Show to promote global community, he invites the coolest, hippest, grooviest Agents of Jam from around the world to join him at the World Music Fair where they explore Mexico, Africa, Germany, Ireland, Arabia and more. It's a unique experience that will captivate little ones with original tunes and high energy dancing that feels like a favorite Saturday morning cartoon come to life.

FunikiJam's Baby Likes to Rock! is designed to keep kids - and kids at heart - engaged in an atmosphere of learning and fun. FunikiJam's Baby Likes to Rock! has it all: the magic of Aladdin, the rhythms of The Lion King, and the excitement of Hairspray! There is even a special area for kids to dance and play along with instruments and special props!

Written by and starring Brian Barrentine as Captain Jam with his Jam-mazing team of talented International Artists, FunikiJam's Baby Likes to Rock! is the crown jewel of FunikiJam's Fall Season of music & movement programs which include weekly classes, music in the park, school programs, and birthday parties.

WARNING: May cause dancing, laughing and singing in a variety of different languages. SIDE EFFECTS may include relaxed parents, happy kids, and the chance to go on stage and jam along with your favorite Agents of Jam!

"FunikiJam's BABY LIKES TO ROCK!" written and directed by Brian Barrentine, performances on the following dates at 11:00 am: September 16, September 30, October 8, October 14, October 27*, October 28*, November 11, and November 12 at Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St. (west of 8th Avenue), NYC. All seats $30 through www.funikijam.com. Appropriate for age 2+. Running time: 60 minutes. For more info visit www.funikijam.com.

*Performances on October 27 and October 28 are the "FunikiJam's ROCK OR TREAT!" Halloween show and Costume Party.

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