What?! An awesome Central Ohio kids rock band?!! I took my kids to see The Shazzbots play at the Northwest Library this summer and we became instant fans. Seriously, we get in the car and both kids shout at me to play our Shazzbots CD, and I have to turn up the volume. The Shazzbots are a local rock-n-roll kids band that lean more towards hip kids music similar to They Might Be Giants or Barenaked Ladies. The songs are whimsical, silly, and quirky, and the lyrics may teach a lesson or just entertain. I think my favorite song is about a cat named Peanut Butter who has a big belly that swings side to side when it runs. These guys need to be on Jack’s Big Music Show or Yo Gabba Gabba – they are *that* good.
Their show was high energy and kids were completely fixated on the band for the entire set, which lasted about 45 minutes. After the show was over, the children stood in line for souvenirs: space bugs, kazoos, and small backpack buttons that had pictures of the band members on them. They also had coloring pages and stickers for the kids to take home. The CD was for sale for $10, and worth every penny. Be sure to pick one up at one of their concerts or get in touch with them from their website or facebook page (by the way – Clint Reno did the artwork for the CD and it is fantastic).
The band not only plays great music, but they truly get kids. Each band member has their own persona that adds to the entertainment, and they dress up in blue “spacesuits” each touting their own flare. Captain Captain wears a white sailors cap and leads the band through their silly adventures and entertaining songs; Professor Swiss Vanderburton is decked out in a lab coat, Billy Holly glasses (which *could* be his own), and carries around Space Chicken. One of their songs has a lyric “walking down the street with my chicken” complete with lovely chicken talk, and a visit from Space Chicken for the audience to ogle over…or dream about scrambled space eggs. Watts Watson is the crew’s mechanic, acts kind of dopey and likes to poke fun at Debora Nebula. Debora is the ship’s vet and band’s keyboardist, and is clearly silly and clearly loves to get kids up on their feet dancing. Last but not least is Scopes who is the ship’s cook, and is far to too cool for his own shades. More information and pictures of the space crew can be found on The Shazzbots website, their facebook page, or their MySpace page.
The Shazzbots have a few gigs coming up. Here’s the skinny:
- Saturday, October 2nd 9am – Make-A-Wish “Walk For Wishes” event at The Columbus Zoo
- Wednesday, October 27th 6pm – Tuttle Mall Trick-Or-Treat event
- Saturday, October 30th 3pm – Hi-Ball Halloween at Little Dreamers/Big Believers Daycare
- Monday, November 8th 10am – Dayton Mall
Please note:
- Pick up a CD and support the band, especially if the show is free.
- You can book them!! You can book them!! Check out The Shazzbots website for more details.
- Let your kids dance and play – music is good for their souls.
- Watch your children make sure they aren’t being too aggressive with other kids.
The Shazzbots are my daughter’s favorite band and I’ll admit to singing along too. I only have one complaint – I wish they would record another album soon so we have more songs to enjoy!
Rachel and for all those who can’t wait for more of The Shazzbots, they will be releasing a new album early next year!!