« Yards Ball Now In Judge's Court | Main | Drink ’til you drop at Yards-area bar »
February 16, 2007
Congratulations to Grammy Winner Dan Zanes, Musician and Local Activist
While we were sorting through the latest AY controversies, we missed a great story, which was reported in this week's The Brooklyn Paper.
Dan Zanes, the pop icon of the stroller set and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn Advisory Board Member, just won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children.
Zanes's award winning album, Catch That Train, though targeting young listeners, is essentially a Brooklyn album. A couple songs have lyrics depicting scenes from the neighborhood, but, just as important, Zanes overlays different folk traditions on a blues foundation to create an album that reflects the diversity of Brooklyn and its streets.
The Brooklyn Paper describes the album as "loved by parents sick of Raffi." This alone can't account for ZANEMANIA. "Catch That Train" not only speaks to children, but also parents who were brought up on the multi-ethnic Sesame Street (another really good neighborhood) sensibility.
Zanes's role as an activist is simply an organic outgrowth of his music. Thanks Dan, for bringing Atlantic Yards to the notice of neighborhood-friendly families in Brooklyn!
Congratulations Dan and Friends for a great ride!
[Photo, Dan Zanes and the Goose, REUTERS/Mike Blake]
Links:
Catch that Train
Zanes's statement on Grammy win
The Brooklyn Paper, Dixie Chicks who? Dan Zanes wins the big Grammy
Posted by lumi at February 16, 2007 8:16 AM