Keri Johnsrud

Description

Chicago-based vocalist Keri Johnsrud and GRAMMY nominated pianist Kevin Bales present selections from their latest release, "Beyond the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers", innovative and fresh versions of songs heard by numerous generations on the beloved children’s television program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Listeners can expect to hear Johnsrud and Bales reimagine and rearrange Mr. Rogers’ music as beautiful, sophisticated vehicles for improvisation. His music, which up until now was specifically tailored for a child’s ear, is now presented as reinvented gems that are wise and wistful, simple but not simplistic, and even, in some cases, a bit sultry. 

Work Sample

"This Is Just the Day" presented in 2019 at Cafe Paradiso in Fairfield, IA, for the general public. Total running time 7min 3sec. This song was written by Fred Rogers and arranged by pianist Kevin Bales. Performers are Keri Johnsrud (vocals), Kevin Smith (bass), Greg Artry (drums), and Kevin Bales (piano).

"When the Day Turns Into Night" presented in 2019 at Piano Forte in Chicago, IL, for the general public. Total running time 7min 3sec. This song was part of an operetta that Fred Rogers wrote called 'Grandad for Daniel' (aka Daniel Tiger). Performers are Keri Johnsrud (vocals) and Kevin Bales (pianist and arranger).

"South Carolina Jazz Festival" presented in 2020 at the Rialto Theater in Atlanta, GA. Program begins at 3:24 with a total running time of 1hour 5min. This video features works by Fred Rogers ranging from songs found on his weekly children's television program to his operettas. This example is indicative of what an entire "Beyond the Neighborhood" program would look like. Performers are Keri Johnsrud (vocals), Kevin Bales (piano & arranger), Billy Thornton (bass), Marlon Patton (drums), Fareed Mahluli (sax & vocals), and Melvin Jones (trumpet).

The samples submitted are examples of how we present the works of Fred Rogers to audiences. All the music featured has been recorded by our group or will be recorded in the next release. We incorporate the history of his music and life, along with how his work has influenced our lives as musicians and individuals.

History

For over 20 years, I have been performing in the Midwest and East Coast at venues such as Andy’s Jazz Club, the Green Mill, Kitano Jazz Club, and the Jazz Corner as a band leader and a member of a variety of musical groups, including Shawn Maxwell’s Alliance. I’ve released three records as a leader that are a mix of my compositions and standards. Most recently, I recorded an album with Grammy nominated pianist  Kevin Bales, featuring the works of children’s show pioneer, Fred Rogers, creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. We have been touring the country  in support of this record; visiting churches, libraries, and festivals, sharing Fred Rogers’ message of empathy and kindness for all.

Artistic Vision

Fred Rogers was an accomplished composer and wrote the music that was performed on his show. Through recurrent themes of cooperation, mutual self-respect and creativity, his music communicates a powerful message that’s needed  in our current time of uncertainty and confusion. This message is joyfully received by our concert audiences: I’ve received many reports of his music helping to ease anxiety and beginning to build a sense of community.  Kevin Bales and I are going to continue spreading the  inspirational and rewarding  messages found in Fred Rogers’ music. Our ensemble will record a second album of his work, featuring new music we discovered going through the archives at the Fred Rogers Center in Latrobe, PA. Our goal is to continue to present this music in schools, churches, and similar venues, via concerts and workshops throughout the USA.