Milkshake: Kids Music Band Shakes It Up

Nominated for a 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children, Milkshake is an ultra- talented Baltimore-based rock band for kids. They've had music videos that aired on PBS Kids and Noggin' and have won Parents' choice awards.

I've been approached to collaborate by several children music soloist and bands over that last several years but for one reason or another I declined. However when I was approached by Milkshake vocalist, band co-leader and manager Lisa Mathews (after checking out their reputation and music) I said yes absolutely.

Founded in 2002 by vocalist Lisa Mathews and guitarist Mikel Gehel, Milkshake is not your average watered down feel good strumming music act for pre-schoolers. They play to a wide range of ages and have many fans who have grown up to show for it. From Baltimore, a city with the best harbor renewal in the East (a metropolis under the radar), Milkshake is composed of six quite different band members. Each with their own personality and persona. For example, band co-leader Lisa with her fire red hair, combat boots, is one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet wears a tutu on stage while she belts out her heartfelt vocals. Then there's Cord the rockin' tattoo armed bassist that could be in a death metal band but is as sensitive as a kitten. I can go on and on. Check out the video clip above and you’ll get a quick visual sense of them.

I worked closely with Milkshake in 2009 to develop a concept for a TV series which I like to say is like The Monkeys meet Pee Wee Herman. We filmed the project that March. Lisa, Nancy Borrows and myself co-developed the creative and Milton Kam (my “A-team” director of photography) shot the sequences. After editing the project, which are a few different sequences to give broadcasters a taste of how Milkshake would look on television, we met with a high level exec at Nickelodeon and she offered us additional feedback that is being folded into the pitch package. This project continues to be a work in progress.

However, Milkshake is not waiting around for a broadcaster as they play shows regularly in the northeast and elsewhere. If you’re on the west coast, they will be appearing for two shows at the beautiful Getty Museum in LA on August 7 and 8. Check them out if you have a chance as you, your inner child (and your kids - if you haven them) will not be disappointed.

To learn more about Milkshake and hear their music visit: