One of my most formative memories is attending storytimes with Miss Music at my local library. I loved her rendition of “Sing” from “Sesame Street,” especially when paired with “The Monster at the End of this Book.” She sported a floral-embroidered strap for her acoustic guitar and a glowing nimbus of frizzy blonde hair. In my mind, she was always backlit by a golden sunset like my favorite ’70s soft rock album covers. Miss Music was a superstar on the level of Marie Osmond and Olivia Newton-John. Her early and profound impact on me as an impressionable, creative 4-year-old might be one reason why music and storytelling are constants in my life to this very day.
I’m reminded of Miss Music whenever I watch Storytime With Jeff in action. For seven years, Jeff Trainor has delighted local children, parents and caregivers with his dynamic ukulele playing and dramatic read-alouds, first at jaZams books and toy store in Palmer Square and more recently at LiLLiPiES Bakery in the Princeton Shopping Center. “I think the music played and stories read help people to open up,” says Trainor. “There’s movement, dancing, silly faces, silly sounds, hugs, games, songs, laughter and a vibe of people just getting along and playing.”
Trained as a professional actor and musician, Trainor worked for Playmakers Laboratory, an educational theater group, and WeeGroove, a company specializing in early music education for childcare centers in Chicago. “I would go into daycares and do music classes for children from infant age to three years old,” says Trainor. “It was one of my favorite jobs.”
Though an ever-growing body of research makes a strong connection between youthful music-making and academic success, Trainor’s goals are far less achievement-oriented. “If the kiddos and adults can leave feeling better for having come to a storytime,” he says, “that’s what I’m hoping to do for everyone.”
That genuine enthusiasm shines through in every playful performance. While targeted at preschoolers, there’s certainly no age limit on enjoying the Storytime With Jeff experience. In addition to tunes from classic animated films like “The Jungle Book,” “Moana” and “Frozen,” Trainor performs songs by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Prince and Green Day. It’s truly a cross-generational event. “At the end of every storytime, before the goodbye song, I’ll sing the first verse of ‘You Are My Sunshine,'” says Trainor. “I’ve noticed the adults are singing along with me while swaying with their children. It’s a lovely moment to be a part of.”
From now until Nov. 10, come celebrate the joyous intersection of books and music with Storytime With Jeff on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the Story Room on the third floor.