The Funky Mamas

Step into the world of one of Canada’s best loved children’s band, The Funky Mamas and feel how they build community and foster joyfulness. Children and families all over Canada and abroad have been moving and grooving on The Funky Mama train since 1998 and won’t be getting off anytime soon.

Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, The Funky Mamas are a delightful quartet who engage children of all ages with their captivating stage presence, harmonizing vocals, charming banter and, of course, funkiness.

The Funky Mamas’ songs are both familiar and original. From blues and bluegrass to a sprinkling of rock, folk and funk, their music inspires spontaneous dance parties in kitchens, giggles on car rides and “it’s-great-t-be-alive adrenalin rush” for children and adults alike. “Their delightful combination of laughter and silliness on the one hand and well-produced musicianship on the other”, makes their spirited music making memorable.

The Funky Mamas are Georgia Urban on guitar, mandolin and musical saw, Chantal von Maydell on fiddle and bass, Tannis Maynard-Langedijk on guitar and ukulele and Kate Vsetula on banjo and percussion. With hundreds of live shows in all corners of Canada and three critically acclaimed CD’s, these women are “Real Mamas, Real Music”!

The Funky Mamas play a wide range of performances including libraries, schools, festivals, corporate parties and anywhere that live family music would enhance the event. The Mamas have kicked up their heels and strummed, picked and fiddled their way across Canada. Recent highlights include Vancouver's Canada Day Celebration, London's Home County Folk Festival, Santa Claus Parade Summer BBQ in Toronto, The McMichael Gallery, Alianait Arts Festival in Nunavut, Cambridge and Peterborough Folk Festivals, Guelph’s Hillside Music Festival, The Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, Nathan Philips Square, Royal Botanical Gardens, Guelph’s River Run Performing Arts Centre, Mariposa Folk Festival, Northern Lights Boreal, Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Lethbridge Children’s Festival.

The Funky Mamas are proud to release their third full length CD "Pickin' in the Garden" during the summer of 2012, which has won a Parent's Choice recommended award and has been short listed for a Grammy.
The Funky Mamas' sophomore CD "Rollin' Along" has won a prestigious Parents' Choice Recommended Award. This CD was a nominee at the Canadian Folk Music Awards 2009 (Children's Album of the Year), The Indie Awards 2009 and 2010(Favourite Children's Artist), and The Independent Music Awards in the USA 2009 (Best children's CD).



"Hailing from the great northern land of children's music (Ontario, Canada) The Funky Mamas is a delightful group that mixes the string bending fun of bluegrass bands like Uncle Earl, with the witty lyricism of Loudon Wainwright III."
Lahri Bond ©2008 Parents' Choice

“Fortunately things are looking up on the kids music front. There are great Canadian acts that understand that parents are listening too. Eric Nagler, Fred Penner, Jack Grunsky, Connie Kaldor, Raffi, and The Funky Mamas are among the best!”
Eric Thom, Published Music Reviewer

“Fabulous fun funky music…what a spectacular show! You girls are great to work with, the crowd loved you and we would have you back anytime!”
Samantha Jones, Collingwood Great Northern Fair

“Thanks so much for your performance at our school. The children have been talking and singing about it for days. We appreciate how you have fostered a love of music in our students.”
The staff of Rockwood Public School

If you haven’t witnessed the frenzy of the live show firsthand, you can take the true litmus test in the comfort of your own home: throw “Rollin’ Along” on the CD player and just watch the exhilarating, its-great-to-be-alive adrenalin rush sweep over your children. No sugar required. Especially for all you moms and dads who are musically challenged, let the band do your job for you. You can trust them, they’re mothers.


music@thefunkymamas.com
phone: 519-823-9734
fax: 519-823-9730
The Funky Mamas
26 Clarence Street
Guelph, ON
N1H 1P6
www.thefunkymamas.com