PBS Kids is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at introducing young audiences to the vibrant world of jazz. A one-hour special titled “Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band” along with a series of animated shorts based on Kwame Alexander’s beloved book “Acoustic Rooster” will launch in May. The special is set to air on May 1, featuring 24 original jazz compositions by accomplished Juno Award-winning musician Mark McLean.
The special follows a charming character, Acoustic Rooster, as he embarks on a quest to form a world-class jazz band with his friends, including Mules Davis, Lil’ Herdin, Ella Finchgerald, Duck Ellington, and the Chick-A-Dees. Alongside the special, PBS Kids will release “Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams,” a collection of 20 animated shorts, each about three minutes long, which will explore themes of teamwork and music through the adventures of Rooster and his group. A sneak peek of the first short is already available, with weekly releases starting May 9.
PBS Kids is also enhancing the experience with an interactive game named “Groovin’ with Acoustic Rooster,” allowing children to create their own music while engaging with the show’s content. Furthermore, Alexander is set to publish two board books—“Acoustic Rooster and Friends” and “Acoustic Rooster Sings the Alphabet”—which will feature artwork from the special and are scheduled for release on April 1.
In a heartfelt statement, author Kwame Alexander shared how jazz helped soothe his daughter when she was a baby, inspiring him to write “Acoustic Rooster.” He hopes to convey the significance of jazz music and its influential musicians through this engaging barnyard ensemble.
Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS Kids, commented on the initiative, expressing that music uniquely fosters creativity and personal expression among children. The “Acoustic Rooster” projects are designed to ignite a passion for music while supporting children’s growth and development.
These projects, created by Alexander along with Kay Christianson-Donmyer and directed by Rachel Stolberg and Ranjit Gill, underline PBS Kids’ commitment to providing enriching educational content to young viewers. Support for the series comes from various entities, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the GBH Kids Catalyst Fund, reflecting a robust alliance in promoting quality programming for children.
This exciting new venture not only celebrates jazz but also aims to make music accessible and enjoyable for children, encouraging a lifelong appreciation for the art form.