Gabba, yo

Do you know the show Yo Gabba Gabba? I guess the answer to that depends on if you have a toddler or not. It's a show on Nick Jr. I don't have toddlers, my kids are older, but I've heard mothers discuss it and it seems they weren't very into it. "It's soooo weird," "My kids can't stand it," et cetera. Well, I happen to know a dude who is a producer on the show. We went to high school together and used to do loads of push ups together (don't ask). For this reason I was interested to see what the show was about. I watched a few minutes of an episode on youtube and my thought was "Dude, this is Teletubbies on acid!" And that was about it. I didn't form an opinion, except to perhaps concur somewhat with what I'd heard other mothers say.

A couple months ago when I was in San Diego I found myself at a party with another one of the producers. We dined on the most divine crab legs and listened to him discuss the creative process behind the show and I came to appreciate the artistic license they are exercising. In case you aren't aware, they have a celebrity and/or band on each episode. It was fun to listen to this guy and his wife talk about what it's been like to be on the set with them.

They couldn't say enough great things about Jack Black. They said he was the coolest, most down to earth dude they'd ever met. He cleaned up after himself, only asked for a couple Double Doubles (In-N-Out Burger) for lunch and was just a total treat. You MUST watch him do the crazy dance part way though this segment. Hilarious.



Most of the celebrities are thrilled to come on because they have kids that love the show. Here's another segment with Elija Wood (Frodo Baggins from Lord Of The Rings). He doesn't have kids, but he was the first celebrity they were able to secure for the show and he came on board because he loved the concept. I am adding this clip because I met Elija at a concert last year with my afore-mentioned push up buddy. The dude is a serious hobbit. He was smaller than me (I'm 5'6). But SUPER nice.



Anyway, I guess my point is that I could have gone my whole life rolling my eyes at what seemed like an absurd attempt at childhood entertainment, but I was able to gain a great appreciation for the work these guys do. Yeah for enlightenment! I doubt I will ever sit down and watch an episode (unless motherhood befalls me again.....), but in an ironic turn of normalcy, I AM going to pay attention to this kids series to keep me up on what talent the music industry is turning out. The producers really have their eye on that ball.

Here's a video for you of a band that was featured on the show. They are cool. It's a husband/wife-guitar/drum duo called Mates of State (did you know you could even have a band without a guitar??!!) . Parenthood hasn't slowed them down. They just bring the kids on the tour bus. How rad is that?! But more on Mates of State another day.



I'm really curious to know what other parents think of the show. (Or teenage girls - he said the show is for toddlers and teenage girls. HA!).

-Dove