The Cat's Pajamas

Artist Information

Biography

Reviewed as “…the most polished act in the Philly kids music scene," the Cat's Pajamas have been wowing audiences all up and down the east coast since 1995. Lead vocalist Janet Schreiner brings her background in professional children's and musical theatre to create The Cat's Pajamas' high octane blend of music and theatrical highjinks. The band runs the gamut from swing to motown to rock 'n roll, in signature 3-part harmony. It's music that's "not for kids only" (Review, To the Bone) in a truly unique and interactive show that families can't get enough of.

With 3 award-winning CDs and a live concert DVD, the Cat's Pajamas have been featured on the syndicated program WXPN Kid's Corner in Philadelphia and children's radio shows throughout the U.S. and Australia. Regional venues include Sesame Place, the Kimmel Center, World Café Live, Sunoco’s Welcome America, Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Ocean City Music Pier. National venues include The Regent Theatre, Boston; Eric Carle Museum, MA; Williams College Museum of Art; Jammin’ Java, VI; Edgecombe College, NC.

With their “Reading Rocks!” show, The Cat’s Pajamas has headlined events for national literacy organizations Head Start, Reading is Fundamental, Reach Out and Read, and Words Are Wonderful. 2007-08 tours include performances in Boston, western Mass., New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia.

The Cat’s Pajamas is based in Philadelphia and is available for bookings throughout the U.S.

“The Cat’s Pajamas makes great music for everyone in the family – even dads.”
– Bill Harley, children’s musician, storyteller and NPR commentator.

“Bring your family to see this all-ages show. They are a nationally lauded kick-in-the-pants!” -Williams College Museum of Art

“The Cat’s Pajamas are perhaps the foremost family musical artist out there working today....miss them at your own risk! -Michael Jaworek,
promoter for America's legendary music hall The Birchmere

Instrumentation

Janet Schreiner - lead vocals
Emily Bate - lead guitar/vocals
Michael Beeson, Duane Large or Jim Hamilton - drums

Also featuring:
Debbie Stahl - bass guitar/vocals
Bob Beach - harmonica

Discography

Reading Rocks! (2005)
Live! It's the Cat's Pajamas! DVD (2005)
Goin' Bananas (2002)
Cool Music For Kids (1999)

Links

• Facebook

Audio

• Driving In My Car
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• Senor Don Gato
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• Humpty Dumpty
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• I'm A Bookworm
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• Splish Splash
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• "Great music for everyone in the family" [+ Show ]
  

  “The Cat’s Pajamas makes great music for everyone in the family – even dads. Listen to them and you’...“The Cat’s Pajamas makes great music for everyone in the family – even dads. Listen to them and you’ll find that common ground where all humans live and play – regardless of their age. It’s a great place to be.”
  
  

• “The most polished act in the Philly kids music scene.”
  

  “The most polished act in the Philly kids music scene.”

• "Perhaps the foremost family musical artist out there working today....miss them at your own risk!"
  

  "Perhaps the foremost family musical artist out there working today....miss them at your own risk!"

• "Professional music for kids and adults like this is rare to find." [+ Show ]
  

  On Goin’ Bananas: “This music is not for ‘kids only’ which is a pleasant surprise to moms and dads. ...On Goin’ Bananas: “This music is not for ‘kids only’ which is a pleasant surprise to moms and dads. The styles presented are vast and appealing. Professional music for kids and adults like this is rare to find. What impresses me most about the Cat’s Pajamas is their musicianship and their vocals. Perfect harmonies, danceable rhythms, and very creative lyrics and music make them crowd pleasers with any age.”
  
  

• "Dynamos!"
  

  “The Cat’s Pajamas are dynamos! Their enthusiasm is infectious.”

• "Purrfect: The Cat's Pajamas!" [+ Show ]
  

  "The band's raucous interaction and dancing in the aisles transforms first-time audiences into loyal..."The band's raucous interaction and dancing in the aisles transforms first-time audiences into loyal fans who may turn up at the next concert with kitty slippers, cat T-shirts, and even their own puppets!" --Collette Caprara

• "These performers aren't dumbing down the songs for kids" [+ Show ]
  

  "It's similar to a rock concert. These performers aren't dumbing down the songs for kids; they are m..."It's similar to a rock concert. These performers aren't dumbing down the songs for kids; they are making really good music." --Patrick Brogan, Director of Performing Arts for ArtsQuest, quoted by Michelle Rieder

Setlist

Repertoire includes music from the Cat's Pajamas' three award-winning albums. "Reading Rocks!" is a literacy-centric program for elementary school-aged children; "Sing Me A Story" features music for preschoolers.

The Cat's Pajamas target audience ranges in age from preschool through elementary school and their families at venues of any size. A concert is typically 45-60 minutes in length but arrangements can be made for 1.5 hour shows with an intermission, or multiple sets throughout a longer event.

Depending on the size of your venue and your budget, we are available as small as a duo and as large as a six-piece band. A Cat’s Pajamas’ performance always includes Janet on vocals, kazoo, puppets and plunger, backed by a variety of musicians depending on availability. For the duo, Janet is backed by guitar or keyboards. The trio includes guitar or guitar and bass and three –part vocals. The four-piece band is typically guitar, bass or keyboards, and drums. The five-piece band is usually guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. The six-piece band includes blues harmonica and flute. The band almost always includes at least two singers and often four. Our vocal harmonies are an integral part of our sound and one of the things that gives The Cat’s Pajamas a signature sound.

Basic Requirements

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