Matt Commerce
- Los Angeles, CA
- Singing Guitarist
- 141 Verified Bookings
Thomas L. said “We had Matt solo for a rehearsal dinner, him and his trio for a welcome party, and him as a dj at a pool party. Him and his team killed it at every event…”
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Imagine your gathering of families boosted by an energetic rock-n-roll show just right for kids and their grown-ups. Think of the memories you'll make when your attendees are rocking out to spirited music inspired by Bruce Springsteen while spectacular puppets make a cameo and "Jersey Jason" and "Awesome Amy" invite all kinds of audience participation.
"Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam is a wonderful live music experience for families with young children," wrote Mommy Poppins Philadelphia. "The energetic, interactive show came with puppet characters to help introduce the songs. Kids learned to "freeze dance" while dancing to the very catchy song about guitar pick safety."
Having Jersey Jason and the Jungle Gym Jam definitely made our daughter's party a hit! They got everyone involved and their energy even got the parents to dance. We definitely would recommend them to anyone having a birthday party for their toddler who want them to dance, sing along, and have some fun.
Response from Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam:
Awesome, thanks Matt! We can't wait to rock out with your family again when we're back in PA in April and June!
It was a pleasure working with Jason for my daughter's first birthday. He was quick to respond, tailored the show to the kids, and was engaging. I would recommend his service to anyone looking to hire music entertainment.
Response from Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam:
Thank you Analeah for your warmth and kindness through this whole process! Your family was sweet and very enjoyable to entertain. They made Amy, Holly and me feel right at home! And a very happy birthday again to Abagail! Musically yours, Jason
Price Range: $300 for solo to $1,000 full band, plus travel
Gig Length: 20 - 150 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Performer's liability insurance through Specialty Insurance Agency
Our performance is upbeat and energetic, based on the positive lyrics designed to be part of a happy childhood filled with curiosity to try new things and meet new people! You will see jumping, spinning, smiling, interaction between band members, and interaction with the kids in the audience. We will teach the kids new dance moves that go with our lyrics. We also bring percussion instruments for the kids to play along with the band.
We are a fully self-contained band with PA system suitable for parties and small spaces indoor or outdoors. You can expect friendly, courteous business dealings, punctual setup, friendly interactions with the kids, a fun and energetic performance and a prompt breakdown of equipment after the show, with as much "meet-and-greet" activity with the kids as you would like after the show as well.
We can perform cover songs upon request. Our existing covers include "All Star" by Smashmouth, "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" by Paul Simon, "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles and many other songs that work for both kids and adults.
for Kids and Families who Love to Rock
When New Jersey music fans attend a live rock show, there’s always that little bit of hope in the back of their minds that Bruce will show up. Well, in the case of a Jungle Gym Jam concert, Bruce is almost always there to sit in with the band! Oh, wait… which Bruce were you thinking of? We’re talking about “Bruce, the Jersey Dinosaur,” one of the more spectacular puppets to grace the stage at these rock concerts for kids and families. In the banter back-and-forth between singer/guitarist “Jersey Jason” and “Bruce,” ably animated and voiced by “Awesome Amy,” this hadrosaurus offers up humor and knowledge of a local legend at the same time – the knowledge that the first near-complete (and most complete ever) dinosaur found in North America was right here in New Jersey.
It is in moments like this that the Jungle Gym Jam really shines, seeking first to delight, entertain and make emotional connections, and then occasionally slip in a little scientific learning or a vital message about living in the moment and treating others kindly.
Jason and Amy are the couple that created the Jungle Gym Jam out of the inspiration they got from parenting their now-4-year-old daughter. They co-write all their lyrics, often as a way of recapturing special family memories and making them universal. They perform with a full rock band in situations of larger audience and wider age ranges like at the Bronx Zoo or Jones Beach Band Shell. They play as an acoustic duo in more intimate settings and a younger audience, at libraries, museums, pre-schools and birthday parties.
The band is made up of longtime friends and newly found kindred spirits. Drummer Rockin' Ross Kantor and Jason have enjoyed a friendship of over 30 years, dating back to elementary school. They both performed at each other's Bar Mitzvahs! An online search led to the addition of Cowgirl Casey McCleary to the lineup where she adds her golden doo-wop/folk inspired vocal harmonies and multi-instrumental skills. The band's newest addition, Chip Moore on bass, hails from a band that Jason and his daughter enjoyed so much they were dancing in the street where this group was performing at a town event. That band is Rainbow Fresh; Chip continues to gig actively with Rainbow Fresh at night while putting in most of his Jungle Gym Jam appearances in the daylight hours. Chip's presence in the group is helping the band move on from a terrible tragedy. Mr. Lou DeMartino was a previous bassist until an asthma attack suddenly cut short his life. Lou was primarily a member of Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan and he was hugely popular on the Asbury Park music scene.
The Jungle Gym Jam had begun early in 2013 as a songwriting project that suddenly landed a large outdoor gig that would require a band. Not long after forming, the band entered the studio and by early 2014 released their first album "Everyone's Invited," which won the Parents' Choice Approved Seal and became a CD Baby Editor's Pick as it peaked at #2 on the online record store's Children's Music chart. They're currently recording a follow-up album that celebrates the wonderful moments of a family trip to the beach, presently titled "Lollipop Motel," with a plan to release this new album in May 2016 and some singles from the record along the way.
Amy and Jason have really dedicated themselves to the larger children's entertainment community over the past two years, having created and hosted an award-winning local access TV show called "The Cool Rockin' Daddy Video Show," which featured music videos by fellow kindie artists. Last spring, they ran a 15-concert series for kids (each with a different artist performing) at the legendary Maxwell's Tavern in Hoboken. Jason also hosts a podcast called "Make Kindie Happen," which offers interviews with children's entertainers and industry professionals with the goal of helping children's musicians raise their game creatively and professionally.
We come as an acoustic duo or as a full five-piece band. The duo is recommended for lower-budget affairs (or in tighter spaces) like birthday parties.
To make a big impact at a public performance and to engage the interest of older kids, we recommend the full rock-n-roll band experience with the five-piece band - electric guitars, drums, keyboards and lots of dancing!
All group members sing and participate in our onstage banter. Our PA is sufficient for parties up to about 75 guests. For larger festivals and events, we would use the main PA designated for the event. If an event in a smaller venue require we bring our own lighting, we can make arrangements.
March 26, 2016 | Birthday (Child) |
March 06, 2016 | Birthday (Child) |
February 21, 2016 | Birthday (Child) |
January 09, 2016 | Birthday (Child) |
September 06, 2015 | Birthday (Child) |
April 26, 2015 | Birthday Party |
Originals:
Your Happy Place
Day at the Beach
Restless Heart
Jam Packed
Lollipop Motel
Little Yellow Plane
My Superpower
The Ultimate Frisbee
Summertime Santa
Too Big to Jump on the Bed
Jungle Gym Jamming
Five Sea Lions
The Pick Song
Peek-a-boo Moon
Glass Bottom Boat
Mimi the Ladybug
Window of the Train
A Bowling Party
My Glasses
The People Exhibit at the Zoo
Stay in the Pool
Traditional Kids' Songs:
Down By the Bay
I Had a Rooster
The Green Grass Grew All Around
Wheels of the Bus
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Cover songs:
Free to Be...You and Me
Yellow Submarine - The Beatles
All Star - Smash Mouth
Octopus's Garden - The Beatles
Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard - Paul Simon
Three Little Birds/One Love - Bob Marley
Hot Dog - They Might Be Giants (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
Pig on her Head - Laurie Berkner Band
Dirt Made My Lunch - Banana Slug String Band
Red Light Green Light - Rolie Polie Guacamole
Taxi - David Weinstone (Music for Aardvarks)
I'm a Believer - Neil Diamond/The Monkees/Smashmouth (from Shrek soundtrack)
Blue Suede Shoes/Hound Dog - Elvis
Jump - Van Halen
Chicken Soul with Rice - Carole King
You've Got a Friend in Me - Randy Newman
Jason Didner | Lead vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar |
Casey McCleary | Harmony vocals, rhythm guitar |
Ross Kantor | Drums, harmony vocals |
Amy Didner | Puppets, percussion, backing vocals |
Holly Didner (age 5) | Cameo appearances on vocals, dancing, leading interactivity |
Chip Moore | Bass guitar, backing vocals |
Other kids music artists who influence our songwriting include Laurie Berkner, Justin Roberts, Princess Katie & Racer Steve, Milkshake and Recess Monkey. Artists who have influenced our sound and feel outside of the kids music genre include Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Van Halen, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton and Billy Joel.
Electrical power
Tent or canopy if rain is possible
Sufficient lighting indoors or at night so the band can see and be seen
Thomas L. said “We had Matt solo for a rehearsal dinner, him and his trio for a welcome party, and him as a dj at a pool party. Him and his team killed it at every event…”
Arianna S. said “The Sunny Songsters were fantastic, so adorable. My little one was enamored with their performance. She didn't take her eyes off of Trista the entire…”
Jaclyn D. said “We had the BEST time at my son's 2nd birthday party. Allie made everything run so smooth. The kids were able to play in the play room and then had…”
Monica C. said “The kids had a wonderful time with Sarah! They were dancing and laughing but had more fun with the scarves and toy instruments came out! My daughter was…”