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‘Songs For Unique Kids’ Local mom teams up with Raffi for new children’s album BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
C
hildren’s entertainment icon Raffi has teamed up with a local musician-mom for a new kids’ album that celebrates kindness, inclusion and acceptance. “I Am Kind,” by Auburn’s Lindsay Munroe, was released on digital platforms in April, with a CD version coming June 12. It’s the first album produced by Raffi’s label, Troubadour Music, that features an artist other than him in decades. Its 16 songs offer both inspiration and practical tools for all children, including those who are neurodiverse. Munroe, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, grew up listening to Raffi -- his joyful melodies and sing-alongs were part of the soundtrack to her childhood. When she was young, her room was full of instruments; guitars hung on the wall and a keyboard took up most of the floor space. Later on she’d perform at open mics and folk venues. But it wasn’t until she became a mother that she found her true calling – children’s music. “It’s what I’m meant to do,” she said. “What I love to do.” Munroe is mom to three children with autism – Jack, 11, Emma, 9, and Marjorie, 8. Playing music with them, she said, has always been a helpful teaching tool. For years, Munroe has performed for children at preschools and libraries. This eventually led to her “Sing Along with Lindsay” YouTube channel and Instagram page, where Raffi discovered her. Last year, Munroe took her youngest daughter to Raffi’s concert at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester, and the two musicians connected backstage during a “Meet and Greet.” “We were talking about songwriting and children’s music and autism,” she said. “He came up with the idea that I should write a song for kids with autism.”
14 JUNE2020
