Johnny and the Raindrops play jump-up-and-down-rocking-and-rolling-can’t-sit-down-best-time-ever music for children and families. They write lively, innovative songs that get children and grown-ups dancing and moving, singing and grooving.
The Nottingham-based four-piece has been steadily creating a reputation as a sensational family-friendly live band. Their ‘gigs for cool kids’ feature scores of interactive, life-affirming songs that encourage children’s participation in music.
Johnny, Ben, Darren and Matt have performed at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, the Wheee! International Children’s Festival, Southwell Folk Festival, Glastonbudget, Farnstock, Nottingham Ice Arena, and hundreds of gigs at local festivals, carnivals, play days, schools, libraries, bandstands, village halls, etc. They will be playing two weeks of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer.
The band has released seven albums, plus a collection of greatest hits, and a live DVD. They have written songs about endangered animals, the value of reading, sustainable transport, telling the time, and regularly work with schools and community groups. Their family-friendly lyrics about pirates, planets, parts of the body, aliens, mermaids, robots, teddies, rhyming, colours of the rainbow, counting and vegetables are coupled to fun, fresh and funky music crafted with love and care.
‘Amazing … the laughter, singing & dancing never stopped’
Rachel Feneley, Drama Education Officer, Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham
‘Great musicians, … fantastic with the little people’
Sarah Lee, Head of Ethnicity, Culture and Achievement, Notts County Council
‘Infectious, joyous fun … packed with feel-good songs … perfect for a family audience’
Carolyn Gallagher, Principal Librarian: Children and Families, NCC
‘Musically inspiring … encapsulate the spirit of fun … sheer brilliance!’
BBC Radio Nottingham
‘Every now and again, a band comes along that’s a bit special’
Nottingham Evening Post