BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Hey! Ho! Let's E-I-E-I-O!
A pair of children's rockers that models its songs off of bands like the Ramones, the Beastie Boys and the Psychedelic Furs is starting a new weekly concert series for kids out of Bed-Stuy's 375 Stuyvesant Ave. mansion.
The Rozz & Val Show, a two-piece children's music group from Brooklyn, incorporate punk, folk, ska and other genres for a music experience that's fun for kids and adults alike, said performer Andrew Vladek.
"With each song we kind of borrowed from another influence," said Vladek, 43. "I think people might be able to recognize those influences, and I think it makes for a nice variety."
Vladek and Rozz Nash-Coulon, 40, who met while attending Columbia University in the 1990s, were long-time collaborators, and in the summer of 2011 decided to write one children's song a week during the summer as a side project after working in childhood education and music.
The result was their self-titled debut album, packed with kid-friendly songs like "the Hello Song" and "Round & Round." Their live set also includes classic songs like the Jackson 5's "ABC." One of their more popular songs is a cover of the Beastie Boys' "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn" called "I Want a Cookie."
The duo's influences have even made them some older fans, Vladek said.
"Parents have to listen to it too," the singer-guitarist said. "[We've] been really pleased. Great reports from parents who have said 'I've listened to your record 500 times!'"
The Rozz & Val Show has performed at the 92nd Street Y and outdoors for the city's annual SummerStage events, and have traveled to Philadelphia to perform for kids at World Cafe Live.
When not performing together the two bandmates have their own projects. Vladek, who lives in Clinton Hill, also performs folk and Americana music as "Hopalong Andrew." He plays at two weekly childrens singlongs every Wednesday at the Five Spot soulfood restaurant at 459 Myrtle Ave., and another on Thursdays at Speedy Romeo, a pizzeria at 376 Classon Ave.
Nash-Coulon, from Bed-Stuy, performs with her husband in the adult-friendly Coulon. She's also been the director of choreography for the teen program the Possibility Project since 2004.
But the two are always grateful for their opportunities to perform with one another, Vladek said.
"We're both kid friendly and goofy," Vladek said. "It's been a wonderful, unexpected way to play music and have fun, and do something meaningful."
The Rozz & Val Show performs every Thursday at 1 p.m. at 375 Stuyvesant Ave.. Admission is $10 for one child and family, and $5 for eaxch additional child.
