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. 

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Website: Https://GigDestiny.com/podcast Follow Steve Yusko, GigDestiny.com, and his adventures:  Website: https://www.GigDestiny.com  Twitter, Instagram,  YouTube, Facebook
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/21aCeQWDmD4fkucpfVf9
Email: Steve@GigDestiny.com Intro/Outro song in this episode:
“Fading out Fast” from Mike Nugent’s album, Mike Nugent and the Blue Moon Band
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fyt3RRvArsU7NUGOeEGBA?si=GI6HrmA2QLKGOt2clRIVsQ

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