Franklin Square, NY – May 11, 2016 – Children from H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square were treated to a special concert last Friday. Brady Rymer, an accomplished and Grammy-nominated children’s musician, along with his backing band “The Little Band that Could,” performed a variety of songs for the school’s PALS program students. The PALS program aims to educate students with autism. Rymer’s music had kids dancing and singing the whole time, resulting in a few coming up to the microphone to sing with him.

The concert was promoted by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, whose goal has been to showcase musical talent and diversity throughout Long Island. Rymer is a member of the organization’s Education Advisory Board. The Education Board has hosted programs to help introduce students to Long Island’s musical talents.

Brady Rymer answered some questions about his career and his relationship with the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

When did you decide that you wanted to make and perform music?
I started playing music in Junior High School with my buddies. We started a rock n roll band! We continued on in High School and it was a great way to have fun, make some money and pursue what I had a passion for. It was then that I knew that I wanted to keep playing music -it was just so rewarding.  So, after college some of the same HS friends and I moved to New York City, started a new band and, believe it or not, we’re still making music together today!

How did you arrive at making music specifically for children?
When my wife and I started a family, I just started singing to my kids. The new songs just came out. So much was changing and there were so many new and emotional things to express. I didn’t know that it would start a new career as a children’s singer/songwriter.

Your music appeals to a wide audience, and includes children with autism. Did you always wish to reach out with your music to children with autism, or did you grow into that later on?
Once again – it happened naturally. A friend had just started a school for kids with special needs and she asked me to come by with my guitar. I did and we played some tunes  and we all had a blast. So I kept coming back! I loved the kids and their energy and they loved me and my tunes – – it was a good fit and still is – it’s some of the most rewarding work I do today.

How did “The Little Band That Could” come to be?
I met a few of the members when our kids were in preschool together – we’d drop our kids off at class and then go home and play some tunes together. I also met members down at the playground where our kids would play. I’ve always been in a band. So, it seemed like a fun idea to create a rockin’ band for kids and families – music that everyone can enjoy together.

How did you get to perform alongside legends like Bob Dylan and Dave Matthews? Did your perspective on music and music-making change at all through that experience?
I was in the RCA band From Good Homes – we’d open for Dave Matthews down south & he would open for us up north here in NYC. We were a hard working touring band. So, we got a lot of cool opportunities to play with musicians that we admired and who were an inspiration to us. Opening for Dylan was a high point.

You learn a lot when you get to play along side professionals. You see how they do things and that makes you a bit better. It also gave us some great confidence knowing that we were chosen to play with artists of this stature – it’s very affirming.

What is the extent of your involvement with the LI Music Hall of Fame?
I’m on the Education Board with a bunch of talented folks! We’re committed to developing programs and fostering awareness so that LI kids can get involved, inspired and excited by all things musical – We’re also committed to sharing the amazing musical history of Long Island.

Any upcoming releases in the near future?
Yes, PRESS PLAY, our 8th album will be released on June 24th.

Any ‘sage advice’ for aspiring musicians and/or performers?
Be true to yourself – find your voice and sing it out strong! Don’t be afraid to share what you have to offer. And, have FUN! It’s contagious – if people see you having a good time, they will too.

Written by Ian Goodman