AKIM FUNK BUDDHA creates borderless performance art, fusing sounds, from meditative throat singing to high-energy Hip Hop rhymes. An avid world traveler and self-described old-school B-boy MC, he is known for his holistic approach to Hip Hop, drawing from a full spectrum of cultural traditions and artistic disciplines. Akim is an advocate for alternative methods in learning. Over the years of teaching in school programs, residencies, festivals, he has developed innovative teaching methods that utilize both movement and sound for kids of different learning modalities. Akim believes that through the power of music and performance, we break barriers and build bridges. More about Akim.
MARY SPENCER KNAPP, founder of The Nightingale Fam, is an accordionist, pianist, singer, composer and actor with over twelve years experience in early childhood music education. Mary is currently developing her first full length musical drama, "Play, Yvette." Mary is also founder of experimental cabaret and punk bands Toot Sweet and Death Sneeze and has self-produced six albums of original music. Mary was an original Broadway cast member of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and has toured South and Central America with Dominican artist and healer Irka Mateo. More about Mary.
TEAGAN TAYLOR is a singer, trumpeter, songwriter, and teaching-artist from San Diego, CA. They have played and recorded with various artists in NYC and are the front-person for their original project Adequate Fur. Teagan has years of teaching experience in special and general education classes and has worked as an Associate Kindergarten Teacher at The Dalton School, a paraprofessional in San Diego and NYC public schools, and a teaching-artist at various schools and daycares. Teagan is also the administrative assistant and content creator for The Nightingale Fam. Check out Teagan's original music with her band, Adequate Fur.
ISAAC GILLESPIE. Having spent a decade both as a teaching artist at the Children's Museum of the Arts and in preschools across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens teaching music, yoga and mindfulness with Yo Re Mi, Isaac brings a unique and multi-faceted approach to story and music time. We will explore the world of sound using lots of different musical instruments. Join the community of families who make music class with Isaac a part of their weekly routine! Listen to Isaac's children's album, Our Pal Isaac!