Local Songwriter Releases Educational CD for Toddlers at Barnes & Noble
White Plains resident Jessica Antonette, singer/songwriter/touring backup vocalist and owner of JTonezMusic has teamed up with professional touring guitarist/producer and songwriter and her creative partner Jeremy Goldsmith, and co-writer Blair Sinta to launch a children’s CD, JBunny & Grizzly Gold’s “Day Dreaming.”
Jessica and Jeremy will be at the White Plains City Center Barnes & Noble on Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. for a free hour-long performance of the music on their new CD plus other familiar children’s songs.
With a business that features a focus on jazz and performing at special events and entertainment venues in the tri-state area, including several performances at White Plains restaurants, these songwriters also are often in the studio, composing fun and educational children’s music, which encourages parents to teach their toddlers the importance of a “can do” attitude through the joyous repetition of catchy lyrics.
As a source of income while in college, Jessica worked as a nanny, babysitting for many young children. “I began singing to the children about the different things they were doing and I found my songs actually helped them,” Jessica said in a recent interview.
The characters JBunny and Grizzly quickly emerged and Jessica wrote the lyrics and melody for numerous songs. The messages are subliminal in nature and encourage a positive attitude to life’s challenges – even those faced by toddlers – with affirmations.
Working with Jeremy to add instrumentals and produce the songs, the music was tested on multiple families with toddlers and the compositions have been shown to be an effective teaching aid.
The characters JBunny & Grizzly Gold were developed artistically through the illustrations of Kelly McGrogan, a long-time friend of Jessica’s. They convey lessons in the album that are crucial to help with development and positive reinforcement in the earliest years of life. The album focuses on affirmative thinking, self-belief, potty training, listening and respect. “By utilizing uplifting and motivational concepts, these songs allow children to gain the fundamental building blocks of listening, healthy communication, and confidence. I truly believe it is never too soon to start teaching these lessons, and embedding positive thinking into their open minds,” says Jessica.
Beyond children’s music, Jessica and Jeremy’s jazz renditions are soothing to the adult soul. Having moved to White Plains in 2006, Jessica took an active interest in trying to bring more music to Westchester County. The duo has been featured at Lilly’s on Mamaroneck Avenue and hopes to return in the near future. Jessica has also gone on the road with Melissa Etheridge as a backup vocalist.
In 2015 JTonezMusic was a winner of the Westchester Business Council’s Rising Star 40 Under 40 Award.
Jessica and Jeremy will perform live at an exclusive, public CD release Feb. 25, 11 a.m. at the White Plains Barnes & Noble (city center location). This event is open to the public for parents and toddlers 0-3 years old, but has limited seating. You don’t want to miss this. Additionally, the CD will be available for sale at this particular location. You can also order your copy directly through www.JTonezMusic.com or via iTunes.
