Looking to inspire kids to explore their musical talent? Lena & Brian have the answers as we do a deep dive into family music! Over the past decade, Lena has taken a deep dive into the world of family music.  Her album “Happy as Clams” (2013) earned a Parents Choice “fun stuff” award as well as won first place in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for the song “I Love U.”  For her clever lyrics and zaniness, one critic dubbed her “the Carol Burnett” of children’s music.  The album featured the talents of their family (her husband, grandma, mom, dad, brothers, nephews, and nieces) and friends.   It was recorded at Paradiddle Records in Huntington. #ChildrensMusic, #MusicianInterviews She was inspired to begin writing music after listening to Laurie Berkner's songs.   A band was formed dubbed  “The Happy Clam Band” which has performed around the Long Island area including the Great South Bay Music Festival, The Oyster Festival as well as at libraries, pre-schools, nature centers, petting zoos, homes, and more.  The band includes her husband Brian Smith (pianist and arranger), Michael Leuci (guitarist/drummer/arranger), and Michael Palumbo (bassist) as well as other guest artists.  Lena met James Packard, Theatre manager of The Long Island Children’s Museum. An avid theater lover and performer, she began to write interactive musical theater for families for The Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM), including three educational musicals: Happy as Clams; The Princess Frog, and My Butterfly. Email snappie@numc.edu Connect with The Long Island Sound Podcast:Website: Https://GigDestiny.com/podcast Follow Steve Yusko, GigDestiny.com, and his adventures:  Website: https://www.GigDestiny.com  Twitter, Instagram,  YouTube, FacebookSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/21aCeQWDmD4fkucpfVf9Email: Steve@GigDestiny.com Intro/Outro song in this episode:“Fading out Fast” from Mike Nugent’s album, Mike Nugent and the Blue Moon BandSpotify link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fyt3RRvArsU7NUGOeEGBA?si=GI6HrmA2QLKGOt2clRIVsQCall the Listener Line (631) 800-3579 and leave your comments for our host and guests.Please Subscribe Here: Https://linktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast Call the Listener Line and leave us your impressions (631) 800-3579Support the showConnect with us here: Https://linktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast If you like what you hear,click the link below to support us with a secure donation. https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=lg4LOxiWjgFS8z75NJpziIIRYXvpvtm6oZ2VlYE5eedpGDcJ-YD1ybtpJZiAWaSa1HKHDPX7IFp9uisz