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My family and I saw you at the Chicago Children's Expo a few weeks ago and we love your music! We were delighted to find your songs on Apple iTunes and downloaded them for our iPod. My wife and I really like "Mommy Knows Best" (for obvious reasons). One question — what model Martin guitar do you play?

— Ken P.

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Evanston Review:
Jeanie B brings the fun — and the bubble wrap

June 17, 2010
By MYRNA PETLICKI Contributor

Everyone gets into the act when Jeanie B! performs. The award-winning songwriter, singer and musician keeps audiences involved in every number. Your family can enjoy her clever songs and winning ways 10:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, June 25, during a free concert at Northfield Park District's Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road.

"I always encourage (kids) to do sing-alongs with me," Jeanie B said. They also get to serve as a rhythm section.

"I try to bring enough hand instruments, even if there's a couple hundred kids," she reported. "I make instruments out of recycled products. For instance, I'll take an old milk carton and clean it, and then I'll put a little bit of rice in it. I'll superglue the top and it makes a wonderful shaker."

Audiences always look forward to what Jeannie B calls her signature song, "Bubble Wrap." "I bring a large ream of bubble wrap," she said. "I roll it out for them to pop while I sing my song."

Jeanie B will also perform her crowd favorite, "Mommy Knows Best." "The mothers especially love that," she said.

For details, call (847) 446-4428 or visit www.northfieldparkdistrict.org.

Eight Forty-Eight:
Kids' Music That Parents Can Enjoy, Too

There are a growing number of musicians making waves in the children’s rock scene, and several hail from the Windy City. For WBEZ, music critic Althea Legaspi joins a stable of Chicago children’s rock residents who are aspiring to reach the same lofty position as the queen of kids music. Listen on Chicago Public Radio.

Time Out Chicago Names 'Best Things 2009':

NUMBER 5: Ralph Covert, Justin Roberts, Wee Hairy Beasties, Jeanie B, Joel Frankel, Laura Doherty, Little Miss Ann and all the other local musicians who make wonderful music for kids and their parents to listen to together. Check it out!

"Mommy Knows Best" wins a Parents' Choice Recommended Award

Considering the stiff competition we were up against, we are proud to toot our own horns with our new Parents' Choice Foundation Recommended Award. One of only 38 winners total, 12 at the "Recommended" level, here's what PCF reviewer Lahri Bond had to say about Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans' "Mommy Knows Best":

"Jeanne Bonansinga, or Jeanie B! as she is known to children, has a strong, melodic voice and writes intelligent and witty songs. Mommy Knows Best, a selection of seventeen original compositions, is in the simplest terms, about moms, and all the things Mommies do — and teach. Backed by The Jelly Beans and working in a modern acoustic folk, occasionally bluegrass-influenced style, Jeanie B! doesn't underestimate the musical and lyrical sophistication of her audience. From the wiggle-inducing strains of "Bootay Dance" to the mandolin driven "Nobody Loves You Like Your Mom," each song is a celebration of motherhood. "Colorblind" successfully portrays a variety of ethnic characters in a realistic and respectful fashion, while singing the praises of diversity. "The Tooth Fairy Rap" and the pointed punk of "Mommy's in Menopause," are well-placed humorous additions."

To find out more about the Parents' Choice Foundation, click here.

For the actual online review (seen above), click here.

2008 — Jeanie B! gets Thumbs Up in Chicago Parent!

Interviewed online in the "Out and About" column at ChicagoParent.com.

The 2007 Children’s Music Web Awards

The 2007 Children’s Music Web Awards handed Jeanie B! honors for the “I’m a Kid” CD for best children’s CD for ages 3-5 and ages 5-8. Also “The World is a Wonderful Place” from the “Mommy Knows Best” CD won for best children’s song of 2007. All honors are from kids from around the world choosing the music they love most.

Jeanie B! gets blogged overseas on Walking Oliver.

Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans latest CD, “Mommy Knows Best,” is a wonderful blend of countrified songs featuring the truly beautiful and expressive voice of Jeanie B., as well as the very capable band that backs her. Read more about it.

2006 Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award Winner

"Our Family Testers found the Mommy Knows Best CD to be a wonderful collection of songs that are fun, educational and inspired by children and their families. The kids are always asking for it to be played. All of the adults are pretty happy with that request. It's especially delightful for preschool children. Great job...we can't wait for her next one!" — Jodie Lynn, syndicated parenting/health expert, CEO/founder of www.AddingWisdomAward.com,

2005 BillBoard Award for Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans!

We won not one but TWO Honorable Mention awards from Billboard Magazine for their 2005 International Songwriting Contest. We were picked among the top 1500 songs from up to 500,000 entries in the Rock music category for "Mommy's In Menopause" and "Colorblind"! (They didn’t have a category for children’s music, so rock it is, man!) They sent me certificates (suitable for framing) and two sets of new strings! Better than a poke in the eye, eh? Keep rockin', moms!