Get ready to groove! A 1-hour special and 20 shorts are on the way, based on the children’s book by Kwame Alexander; the musical property will introduce young viewers to the joys of Jazz and self-expression.
Get ready to groove! PBS Kids has announced the upcoming Acoustic Rooster universe, produced by GBH and based on the children’s book “Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band,” by Kwame Alexander. Acoustic Rooster And His Barnyard Band, a one-hour special, and Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams, an animated series of 20 shorts, will introduce viewers to the world of the arts, specifically jazz music, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration, creativity, and self-expression.
Centered on the titular character, a guitar-strumming rooster who joins the Barnyard Band of Jazz Greats, the series and special feature 24 original tracks composed by Mark McLean, as well as special guests, including jazz icon Herbie Hancock and renowned jazz bassist Amy Shook. The music-filled special, Acoustic Rooster And His Barnyard Band, premieres on May 1. Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams will debut a second short on April 11, with the remaining to roll out weekly beginning May 9.
The multiplatform world will also include the interactive game Groovin’ with Acoustic Rooster, which aims to allow kids to create their own music and play along with their favorite songs from the show.
“When my daughter was a baby, I was having a really hard time soothing her, so I put on Ella Fitzgerald’s record ‘A Tisket-A Tasket,’ then I played Wynton's ‘Stardust,’ and she was captivated,” said Alexander. “Immediately stopped crying. Playing jazz for her inspired me to write Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band to share the history and the power of the music and the musicians with the world through a fictional barnyard band.”
Acoustic Rooster And His Barnyard Band will teach kids about foundational music concepts and the importance of teamwork. The special follows the musical adventures of the precocious Acoustic Rooster, who dreams of joining a world-class jazz band alongside his talented friends, including Mules Davis, Lil’ Herdin, Ella Finchgerald, Duck Ellington, and the Chick-A-Dees.
“Music has the unique ability to inspire creativity, foster connection, and help children express themselves in meaningful ways," said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. "Acoustic Rooster uses the magic of jazz to spark a love for music as it supports personal growth, making it a truly inspiring and fun experience for young viewers.”
Each 3-minute episode of Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams highlights styles of jazz, musical concepts, as well as kid-relatable everyday experiences, with an original song.
“At its core, jazz music is about collaboration and working together to create something magical and beautiful,” said executive producer Julius Harper. “Through the story of Rooster, kids will learn how self-expression and individuality can help everyone in a community work towards a shared goal and that music can influence everyday life.”
Catch a sneak peek of the first short Rooster’s Old MacDonald Song now:
Art from Acoustic Rooster And His Barnyard Band will be featured in two new board books from Alexander. “Acoustic Rooster and Friends” tells Acoustic Rooster’s story through lyrical, jazzy text, and “Acoustic Rooster Sings the Alphabet” contains jazz facts from A to Z. The books are published by Sleeping Bear Press and will be available on April 1.
The shorts and special were created by Alexander and Kay Donmyer and directed by Rachel Stolberg and Ranjit Gill. Global Mechanic Media animates. Alexander, Angel Tyree, Harper, Tina Ouellette, and Chris Brodie serve as executive producers. Advisors for the series include JB Dyas, PhD; Mark G. Meadows; RJ Root; and Joanne Seelig Lamparter.
Support for Acoustic Rooster is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American People; the GBH Kids Catalyst Fund; and by public television viewers.
Source: PBS KIDS
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
