Home Page I Concerts I CD Store I Types of Concerts I Radio Requests I Booking I Downloads & Samples I Press Kit I TV Show
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Home Page I Concerts I CD Store I Types of Concerts I Radio Requests I Booking I Downloads & Samples I Press Kit I TV Show |
Here's some CD Endorsements & Concert Reviews for Cool Beans Music®.
The buzz about Steve Pullara keeps coming in.
Steve Pullara And Cool Beans Music® presents award winning music!
We've also included some interesting clients at the bottom of these quotes. Have fun reading!
Photo on the left taken by an adoring fans' Mom at the Bethlehem Musikfest. Center left photo was taken by Bill Edwards Studio, Photo on the center right taken by Jim Worth at the Willow Grove Mall Concert, and the far right photo taken at The Kimmel Center For The Performing Arts.
Contact & Booking Info: spullara@coolbeansmusic.com
Steve Pullara is a very experianced and well known performer who presents all kinds of concerts on many subjects which recieve the highest marks from parks and recreation coordinators. He's also been included numerous times on CDs with some of the most popular names in the music business. Currently, his new CD entitled "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni" is getting prestigious national awards and rave reviews.
Ripe from the success of a road tour and a previous musically eclectic CD entitled "Spinning Tails," "A Big Bowl of Musicroni" by Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band received "NAPPA Honors" in the "Children's Audio" category. Then, after that, it received "A Parents' Choice Approved Award" in the same category.
"The National Parenting Publications Awards" (NAPPA) states that it is one of the country's most authoritative consumer-awards programs recognizing the best in children's and parenting resources (Audio, Books, AV, Software & Toys.) NAPPA coverage is targeted directly to parents and grandparents.
NAPPA's quote is; "Pullara invites us all to a party to learn about the Italian American culture. Laugh-out-loud songs and danceable arrangements will have you switching cultures pronto!" ---John Wood
"The Parents' Choice Awards" have a wonderful descriptive website and are also a benchmark of audio excellence. You can read their review of "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni" at: parentschoice.com.
Below are an onging and growing list of clients, stages, invitational CD compilations and endorsement quotes from recognized family music reviewers, event planners and media program hosts.
Steve Pullara has been featured on these wonderful programs:
- XM Kids: Satellite Radio
- WXPN-FM: Kids Corner
- FOX 29 WTXF: Good Day Philadelphia
- Comcast MUSIC CHOICE: Kids Only Club
- SIRIUS RADIO Kids
- NBC 3 KYW: Children's Miracle Network
Plus:
- WYEP-FM: Saturday Light Brigade
- WHYY-FM: Crazy College
- WPHL Channel 17: Kid Time News
- WPKN-FM: The Carousel
- WCTN Cable 47: The Uncle Floyd Show
- WPWA 1590 AM: Radio AAHS National
- WVUD-FM: Sunday Morning Sleepy Heads
- WPHT 1210: The Don Giovanni ShowAnd more...
Some stages that Steve Pullara has entertained on are:
- The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, PA
- The Annenberg International Children's Festival, PA
- YOUNG PEOPLE & THE ARTS Series, NY
- The Bethlehem Musikfest, PA
- Give Kids The World, Kissimmee, FL
- Longwood Gardens, PA
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art, PA
- Pottery Barn Kids: Orlando, FL and King of Prussia, PA
- Wilmington Opera House WJBR-FM, DE
- WXPN Radio Events, PA
- The Wachovia Center's WPHT Gravyfest, PA
- The Crayola Factory, Easton, PA
- Rittenhouse Row Festival, PA
- NARAS Seminar Panelist on Children's Music, PA Chapter
- Numerous First Nights and Holiday Fare
- Corporate Events
- NARAS Seminar Panelist on Children's Music, PA Chapter
Plus:
Statue of Liberty, Liberty Park, NJ
Zany Brainy Toy Stores, PA, NJ, VA, MD
Welcome America, Philadelphia, PA
The New Jersey State Aquarium, Camden, NJ
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Wilmington Opera House
WJBR-FM, DE
Pennsylvania Fair, Bensalem, PA
New Jersey Fair, Cherry Hill, NJ
Shady Brook Farm Pumpkinfest, Newtown, PA
Octoberfest, Doylestown, PA
First Nite, Newtown & Doylestown, PA
Noodle Kidoodle Toy Stores, NJ, PA
Borders Books, NJ, PA, DE
The Magic Jungle, Collegeville, PA
Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Yo Philadelphia!, Philadelphia, PA
Jambalaya Jam, Philadelphia, PA
Children's Special Sundays, Penn's Landing, PA
Merrymead Farm-Festival, Lansdale, PA
Independence Blue Cross River Rink, PA
Redbank NJ Harbor Jazz & Music Fest, NJ
Children's Hospital, Philadelphia,
PAPrudential Partners Program, Philadelphia, PA
Kid's Express, Philadelphia,, PA
Oxford Valley Mall Atrium, PA
Philadelphia Folk Festival, Schwenksville, PA
Elmwood Park Zoo: PA
Delaware River Days (Penn's Landing), PA
Deptford & King of Prussia Malls, NJ, PA
VISTAs' 30th Anniversary Celebration, PA
The Wachovia Center's WPHT Gravyfest, PA
Numerous townships and organizations from NY-FL and... many more points in between, just ask. We've probably played it.
Schools, School Systems, Townships,
and Library Affiliations:DVAEYC, PA; DAEYC, DE;
Bucks County, PA; Burlington County, NJ;
Philadelphia, PA; Goddard Schools, PA;
Chester County, PA; Montgomery County, PA;
Delaware Hospice, DE; Reading, PA;
Allentown Diocese, PA; Phoenixville, PA;
Sertoma Club, PA; Special Arts Festival, PA;
Bordentown, NJ; Kindercare, NJ;
Latchkey Kids, PA; West Chester, PA;
Kindercare, NJ; Philadelphia Diocese, PA;
School House Learning Centers, PA;
Winslow Township, NJ; Camden County, NJ;
Penn State Teacher's Conference Seminar Presenter
Catawissa, PAand many more...
Awards and Honors:
- Served a term on the Local Grammies Board of Governors (National Academy Recording of Arts and Sciences)
- A Parents' Choice Approved Award Winner for 2005
- NAPPA Honors for 2005 in "Children's Audio"
- CMW Nominee as "Best Music for Young Children"
- "Caring Community Award," Bucks County Special Education Unit
Solo Albums:
- Alien Babies and Beyond
- A Big Bowl O Musicroni, Spinning Tails, Hop Like A Frog!
- One Potato Two Potato & Alien Babies and Beyond
- Spinning Tails
- A Big Bowl Of Musicroni
Multi-Artist Compilation CD Inclusions:
- "Kids' Corner 20th Anniversary Celebration" wherebye 100% goes to raise money for this public broadcasting program. Along with Steve Pullara, this CD features selections from Soupy Sales, Trout Fishing in America, Sara Hickman, Miss Amy and many more...
- "Serenity House" wherebye 100% goes to raise money to build a hospice in Doylestown, PA. Along with Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band, this CD features selections from ASIA, Jethro Tull, Annie Haslam, Robert Hazard and many more!
- "All The Wild Wonders," Children With Diabetes Foundation. Along with Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band, this CD features selections from Trout Fishing in America, Sara Hickman, They Might Be Giants, Joani Bartels and more...
- "Eat Your Vegetables, Please!" Wide Eyed Kids Productions. Along with Steve Pullara, this CD features selections from Trout Fishing in America, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Barry Louis Polisar, Miss Amy, Chip and Annie and many more...)
- "Brush Your Teeth" Wide Eyed Kids Productions. Along with Steve Pullara, this CD features selections from Lou Del Bianco, The Zucchini Brothers, Chip Mergott and more..
- I Am A Jelly Donut, WXPN Kids Corner Star Studded Fund Raiser
- Live and in Curlers, WXPN Kids Corner Star Studded Fund Raiser
- Family Faves, WXPN Kids Corner Star Studded Fund Raiser
- Family Faves Vol. 2, WXPN Kids Corner Star Studded Fund Raiser
- Enviro - Aide, Mad Ferret Records Star Studded Fund Raiser
Grammy First Round CatalogueWithin The Children's Music Category:
'96 "One Potato Two Potato"
'97 "Hop Like a Frog!"
2002 "Spinning Tails"
2006 "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni"
"Steve Pullara has become a staple throughout the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond! His ability to entertain, both in song and art, as well as his love for history and family, have made him a wise choice for live entertainment at any family-focused event! "
-Robert Drake
Producer Kids Corner, WXPN-FM,
Philadelphia
"Steve's songs make me want to smile, clap my hands and and stomp my feet! These tunes appeal to kids and parents alike. He's talented, a little zany and whimsically dressed! It's always a good time at a Cool Beans show!"
-Kim Alexander
All The Wild Wonders CD Producer
Children With Diabetes Benefit Concert Director
"Having had the pleasure of working alongside Steve Pullara, it is safe to say that after witnessing his 'uplifting' show I felt rejuvenated.... Steve has a personality and conviction to making people feel good that I am not sure I have seen before. I recommend him HIGHLY!"
-Annie HaslamEvent Coordinator of the Serenity House CD Benefit Concert
Award Winning Singer from the group Renaissance"Steve's involvement and innovative ideas are an added bonus to his musical energy. He was instrumental in many more aspects of this day than just as an entertainer. He gets everyone up on their feet, smiling, dancing and feeling good. He helps to complete a program from "A-Z"
Betty Satterley,
Northampton Parks & Recreation Special Events Coordinator
"Steve Pullara and his Cool Beans Band are hand-clapping, toe-tapping, interactive fun for the whole family."
-Mary Worth
Home School Mother of Two
Warrington, PA,
"Steve is a bundle of singing and cheerful energy. He connects with children of all ages, parents included! You always have a great time at Steve's programs as you sing, learn about his instruments or travels and volunteer for his original, interactive songs."
-Caroline Rhoads
Special Education Teacher
Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22
A Big Bowl of Musicroni:
"Pullara has a discernable good time serving up a collection of silly, jaunty tunes focusing on his Italian-American heritage. A consistently fun, often rocking beat keeps things rolling along with solid playing of the harmonica, guitar and banjo (much of it by Pullara himself.) From "Lot'sa Cousins" about piling all the relatives into a bus (there are too many for a car) and Arrivederci Nonna," a swaying song about saying farewell to Grandma to "Bada Bing, Buon Natale" and "Don'ta Rocka Da Boat," kids will get a real taste---replete with lot of mentions of parmesan and mozzarella--of life in a boisterous Italian clan.
One warning: after hearing Pullara give a nod to traditional Italian music, Italian phrases (many Americanized) and copious references to all tasty dishes Italian, listeners will be ready for pizza, spaghetti or lasagna---ASAP! The CD sleeve features helpful and hilarious glossaries of words, phrases and types of macaroni---and cheese."
-Shannon Maughan
"Publisher's Weekly," Excerpts
Sept. 12, 2005
A Big Bowl of Musicroni:
Pullara celebrates his Italian heritage and the memory of his Sicilian grandfather in this delicious concoction of 13 songs on this award-winning album (NAPPA Honors for 2005).
He gives a flawless performance on many of the background instruments, including guitar, mandolin, flute, jaw harp, banjo, harmonica, and tambourine. Jazz, swing, rock, zydeco, and ballads are blended with Italian-style musical motifs. Pullara uses a lot of Italian words and expressions in his songs, which are defined in the liner notes. In fact, in "Say It Right," his father admonishes him to pronounce the Italian words correctly. Other songs include "Lot'sa Cousins," "Five More Minootsa," "Arrivederci Nonna," "Pasta, Pasta, Pasta" "Hop Along Che Si Dice" (a Spaghetti Western), "Que Sera Sera," "Bada Bing, Buon Natale," and others. This is an album that the whole family can enjoy listening to together.
-Beverly Bixler
"The School Library Journal"
December 2005A Big Bowl of Musicroni:
"If "musicroni" be the food of love, play on. Singer and songwriter, Steve Pullara, takes a linguine and language approach in this lighthearted, heartfelt tribute to his Italian heritage. There's plenty of pasta, and much toothsome Italian vocabulary-including common culinary words-often relayed in the Sicilian dialect of Pullara's immigrant grandfather. Pullara judiciously sprinkles in some of his grandfather's Italian variations on English, too. His imagination ranges widely, with topics encompassing pizza, family, and dogs, among others. Besides the originals such as "Paesans in History," which reveals just where Yankee Doodle got his macaroni, the CD includes peppy Italian folk songs and the 1950s hit, "Que Sera Sera." Pullara captures the feeling of old Italian pop and folk music through his warm and inviting performance. Highly recommended."
-Paul Shackman
"Booklist" of The American Library Association
Sept. 15, 2005"Steve Pullara is a family music treasure that never stops creating music for us. His music is fun listening for adults and children alike. Steve's own sense of wonder at the world permeates his tunes. When he celebrates his Italian heritage, it's truly a celebration"
-Kathy O'Connell about a "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni"
Host and Co-Producer "Kids Corner"
WXPN-FM , Philadelphia"I really enjoyed "Lot'sa Cousins" which had that great Italian flavor and was quite original! I also loved hearing the counter-melody behind your clever lyrics.
Congratulations on your NAPPA honors, and good luck with the new CD! Bravo!"
Janet-Marie, Executive Producer, danstarproductions.net
"Steve was tremendously talented and engaging with our students. The smiles in the room were absolutley contagious and all who attended the assembly had a ball! The students were tickled with Steve's songs and thrilled with his easy to follow drawing technique. I would highly recommend Steve Pullara for a terrific school assembly. Thanks Steve!"
-Angie Baturka, School Event Planner, The Hillcrest Elementary School, Drexel Hill, PA
"Silly, friendly and relentlessly playful - Steve Pullara serves up Kids music with an unbridled enthusiasm that is impossible to contain! Even low-carb listeners will enjoy a big helping of "Pasta, Pasta, Pasta"!
-Kenny Curtis about a "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni"
Program Director, XMKiDS
XM Satellite Radio"When I first met Steve, he immediately reminded me of the Zani's in Italy that would roll their wagons into the town square and put on a vaudeville-like show. They would then lead you in singing and laughing while everyone had great old time!"
-Don Giovanni about a "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni"
Host & Producer
Nationally Syndicated "The Don Giovanni Show""Steve clearly "gets it" when it comes to creating music that simultaneously entertains kids and adults without alienating either audience. Moreover, the songs are well-recorded without excess production and hold up well after repeated listening!"
-Larry Berger about "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni"
Host & Producer "The Saturday Light Brigade"
WRCT-FM, Pittsburgh, PA"If you have children, or ever were one yourself, you must get Steve's music. "A Big Bowl of Musicroni" tastes really good for every age!"
-George Stewart about "A Big Bowl Of Musicroni"
Host & Producer
Crazy College"Making Public Radio Giggle for Over a Fifth of a Century"
WDIY, WVUD, WHYY, Wilmington DE & Philadelphia PA"STEVE PULLARA makes music and music making accessible for all ages by combining his own unique brand of zaniness with sheer musicality. His use of drawing and cartooning to involve the children in his performance are an unusual touch that adds new dimensions to the music for kids. Adults find Steve as entertaining as kids do. And anyone sitting in the audience can tell at the drop of a note that Steve is having at least as much fun as everybody else in the room..."
-Darcy Fair, Youth Services Manager,
Yardley-Makefield, Bucks County Free Library
"If Steve and His Cool Beans Band can't get you hopping on one foot or pretending to eat monkeys., you'll get caught up in the antics of those who will. He and his music are a lot of fun for an audience of any age."
-Nancy Stock, Director,
Parks and Recreation, Hatfield Township
"STEVE PULLARA. ----There is something about a Steve Pullara show that connects with kids in a special way. Maybe it's the infectious joy in his performance. Maybe it's the way he brings together music and art and kids. Maybe it's the good feeling he gives their parents. Parents know that a Steve Pullara show is a friendly, safe, fun experience that their kids will be talking about for days. I often joke that Steve Pullara will show up at the opening of an envelope. The truth is that Steve Pullara's commitment to bringing good music and fun to his audience makes him a welcome addition to any community or event."
-Kathy O'Connell about "Spinning Tails"
Host and Co-Producer of Kids Corner WXPN, Philadelphia, Pa
Peabody Award Winning Program"The Radnor Run was a lot more fun with Steve Pullara and his band! The Run consists of a 5 mile USA Track and Field Certified Race and a Family Fun Run, so thousands of families are in attendance at this annual event, celebrating 25 years in the Radnor community. As the runners were on the course, a circle of onlookers, spouses and children gathered around Steve and his band as they performed upbeat, funny and charming songs to the delight of all. If you want happy people at your event, add a dose of Steve Pullara; he and his music are infectious!"
-Erin Riley
Radnor Run Producer
American Lung Association"Everything is so PC today it's unlistenable. Steve is PC, but he also looks outside the box for humor and sees the styrofoam peanut!"
-George Stewart, Host and Producer about "Spinning Tails"
Crazy College, WHYY-FM, Philadelphia
Educational Novelty Music Radio Program"Steve not only entertains with his music and art, but he educates the children at the same time. Steve has a gift for relating to children of all ages and totally mezmorizes them! The Cool Beans Music and Art program is a favorite at our school with the children, parents, and teachers."
-Marie A. Pletcher, Director; Goddard Schools, Collegeville and Norriton, PA
"Steve made a close connection between his music and the library by referring to books on display which were related to the topics he was singing about, and encouraged the audience to borrow them.
-Mary Ann Crozier, Coordinator of Children's Services; Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA
"This is one of the most unique programs I've ever seen! The kids retain the info in both the music and drawing lessons. We really look forward to seeing Steve again."
-Barbara D'Amato, Teacher, Willowdale Elementary School, Warminster, PA
"We all had fun drawing. Telling about the history of the instruments and the origins of the songs made the program educational and fun."
-Terri Heebner, Children's Librarian: Township Library of Lower Southampton, Southampton, PA
"The students have been so excited since Steve performed at Oak Park. The picture of Bugs Bunny he drew with the kids is in my classroom. Thinking back on his art and music presentation reminds me of how much the students learned, and how much fun they had in the process. We are definitely having Steve Pullara back at Oak Park again next year!"
-Laura Barlotta, Music Instructor; Oak Park Elementary School, Lansdale, PA
"Thanks for inspiring and encouraging my kids to be creative. We really enjoy ourselves and learn so much every time we see you. You energize my kids and get their creative juices flowing!"
-Dina Carmelengo, Mother of Three, Stanhope, NJ
Excerpts from "The School Library Journal" review:
Pres-Gr.3-- Spinning Tails: "A variety of musical styles are employed including pop rock, folk, bluegrass, r&b, and Latino. "Grandmas' Video Camera" tells of a favorite (and sometime annoying) pastime of many grandmothers with their grandchildren. "Howdja Do That" marvels at the abilities of different animals such as a color changing chameleon. "Make Believe Town" celebrates the joys of model train building. "Cockroach Conga" bemoans the omnipresence of these pests, but in cheerful way.
Not bad for a guy who admits he can't read music..."
-Beverly Bixler, about "Spinning Tails!," San Antonio Public Library, TX
Excerpts from "Publishers Weekly" review:
Spinning Tails by Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band
"Pullara, an energetic childrens' performer with a loyal following in the Philadelphia area, returns with his third recording of jaunty original tunes. With his friendly inviting voice and versatile musicianship (he plays guitar, banjo, harmonica, and kazoo, among other things), Pullara creates story-songs that convey the sense of wonder with which kids see the world..."
-Publishers' Weekly
Childrens' Audio/VideoA life-affirming song about a stroll through the neighborhood, a bouncy tune about line-dancing insects, and an infectiously fun (and accurate) anthem for all grandmas infatuated with their grandchildren are just a few of the themes of Steve Pullara's songs on his wonderful new CD "Spinning Tales". Once again, Steve has combined imaginative lyrics with great music to create songs that will have everyone humming along during home stereo dance sessions and car rides. In addition to cool melody lines and clever rhymes, Steve spins great tales that are fun as well as informative. No one can resist stopping to smell the roses after listening to Steve's observations in "A Walk Down My Street", a song that turns an ordinary walk around the block into an extraordinary journey of discovery. You'll dance too, just like the "coc-ka-roaches doin' the conga" when you hear the bouncy rhythms and bass lines of the Cool Beans Band on that tune. And, there is absolutely nothing funnier than watching a three-year old head-bobbing to a rockin' beat and chanting, "Vide-o, vide-o, vide-o camera!", while listening to and empathizing with the story line to "Grandma's Video Camera". In addition to those three songs, there are nine more songs on the "Spinning Tales" CD that will delight little ones -- and big ones -- alike. So, if you want to actually enjoy the songs that your children will ask to hear over, and over, and over again, Steve Pullara and the Cool Beans Band's latest CD "Spinning Tales" is highly recommended.
-Keeya Branson Davis
Program Director
Penn's Landing Corporation
Album Reviews:
Steve Pullara sees the world through a kids' eyes.... or at least it seems that way in this collection of 12 songs, each one punctuated with Pullara's unique, appealing sense of humor. The performers' particular talent is the ability to see and vocalize the marvelous in the mundane, whether it's a fish tank, toy train set, or snowflakes (always magical in small doses!) Farther afield, there are neighborhood streets, ubiquitous "alien babies," conga dancing cockroaches, camcorder-touting grandmas, and most wondrous of all, the "little blue dot" where we all live. Pullara and the Cool Beans Band provide smooth, friendly, diverse musical settings in this gentle crowd pleaser.
-The American Library Association, Booklist Magazine
May 2002 Issue
This high-energy artist mixes music and art in his live performances to the delight of all ages. On his latest CD, Spinning Tails, Pullara displays growth as a songwriter and performer while maintaining the positive messages and simple sense of fun that appeals to his young audience. Steve's own sense of wonder at the world permeates Spinning Tails. Every family will recognize "Grandma's Video Camera," although I admit this city gal has a soft spot for "Cockroach Conga." I'd recommend Spinning Tails for the younger members of the family, although it's certainly fun listening for everyone.
-Kathy O'Connell, MetroKids Magazine: Sound Off! about "Spinning Tails!"
Music For All Ages
Kathy O'Connell is a contributing writer to MetroKids and host of the
Peabody-award-winning "Kid's Corner" on WXPNMusic and Lyrics with Kids in Mind: Spinning Tails
Steve has chosen themes that children relate to, ingenious lyrics they'll sing along to, and catchy music compositions they will love. Many tracks have already been featured on our preschool children's radio program - such as Grandmas' Video Camera, The Little Blue Dot, and Alien Babies and we'll be including many more in upcoming shows. Children need to listen to music and this album is educational, entertaining and well produced. (Earwax - Community Radio 2RSR, Sydney Australia)
-Sandi Pomirski about "Spinning Tails!"
Producer and Host, Big Pond Radio in Sydney, NSW,
Australia"Steve Pullara and his Cool Bean's Music is a charmingly wonderful production for children of all ages. I was very impressed with how well he kept the attention of the younger children as well as the older ones by encouraging them
to move around and participate in the show. Steve is a must see when he is around!"-Christine Mason-Chad
Spring City, PA
Mother of Four
Cool Beans Music is a Registered Trademark
Contact & Booking Info: spullara@coolbeansmusic.com
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Upcoming Tour & Concerts Info, Radio Links & Song Requests,
Types of Concerts Offered & Described, Booking Information,
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"Cool Beans Music and Art Programs" pricing of programs is competitive with the PennPAT Roster artists and the Young Audiences Roster.
