Singer/songwriter Keller Williams isn’t kidding around; he’s finally bringing his musical talent to a younger audience and their families with the release of his CD aptly named Kids. Scheduled to drop on October 26, this CD blends Williams’ love of bluegrass and rock to create a unique sound that will resonate with listeners of all ages. What we like is that his music really gets it; from earlier songs like the rhythmic “Teen Angst” to the unforgettably named “Butt Sweat,” he knows how to capture his listeners’ attention—and how to hold on to it. And because it’s the moms and dads who are buying music for the 10 and under crowd, he is savvy with his destined-to-be parental favorites like “Take a Bath” and “Because I Said So.” If you’re lucky enough to live on the west coast, be sure to check out Williams in person when he’ll be touring with the Yo Gabba Gabba! live show.

Scheduled dates:

• Friday, November 12 – INB PAC – Spokane, WA
• Saturday, November 13 – Tacoma Dome - Tacoma WA
• Sunday, November 14 – Memorial Coliseum – Portland, OR
• Monday, November 15 – Hult Center – Eugene, OR
• Thursday, November 18 Memorial Auditorium  – Sacramento, CA
• Sunday, November 21 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA

It won’t be long before the unofficial start to summer begins. If you’re tired of turning over your MP3 player to Lady Gaga, let your kids get a taste of what a 1980’s summer sounded like. Yes, there was a time when iPods didn’t exist, and you actually had to—gasp!—fast-forward the tape player on your boom box to find your favorite song. Here’s that walk down memory lane:

“Cruel Summer” by Bananarama

If you felt abandoned by those so-called friends who left you on your own (mine were at sleepaway camp—the bums!), then go wallow in your misery with this tune.

“Boys of Summer” by Don Henley

Didn’t you aspire to be the girl in the song in her convertible with the radio blaring, making all the boys crazy-jealous? Or maybe you were that devoted guy who proclaimed his love “would still be strong” even after the other boys had packed up and headed home.

“Circle in the Sand” by Belinda Carlisle

I don’t know about you, but hearing this song always made me feel like the hot summer sun was beating down on my Coppertone-slathered skin. No matter if I was nursing a broken heart or it was the summer of love, it fit my mood just right.

“Vacation” by The Go-Go’s

Speaking of Belinda and heartbreak, this song couldn’t help but cheer you up. And who can forget that kitschy waterskiing video?

“Rain in the Summertime” by The Alarm

Maybe your kids won’t pay such close attention to the lyrics other than the refrain. My 6-year-old loves this song, and has no idea what the band is singing about. Do you? Watch the video here.

When YouTube officially launched in November 2005 I don’t think the founders of the site intended it to be used as a future source of embarrassment. The purpose of the site was to share videos across the globe and it has done that, but it has also become a digital dumping ground for every parent who feels their kid is the cutest and most talented child ever. How many YouTube videos feature moppets singing and dancing their heads off to the latest pop hits?

Most of these children are adorable, but we all know what happens with kids: they turn into teenagers. Do you know any teenagers who would be happy that their parents posted a video of them singing Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” in their diapers? The smallest thing can mortify a teenager and once something is posted on YouTube it can live online forever. I’m not saying your little punkin’ isn’t cute dancing around to the Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Pow,” I’m just wondering if your child would want that video living in the digital world for the rest of their lives. Something to ponder before you post!

What do you think? If a video is funny enough, does it justify the possible humiliation of your teen-to-be? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!