‘The Queen of Kids’ Music’ comes to the Roxian in McKees Rocks

If you have children, chances are they are familiar with Laurie Berkner. Recognized as “the Queen of Kids’ Music” by People magazine, Berkner is a songwriter, performer, author and singer, whose total streams have exceeded 1 billion.
Just watch one of her videos on YouTube to witness the exuberance of the children who attend her shows. Kids, giddy with excitement, sing, jump and dance in the aisles.
Berkner will be bringing that energy to McKees Rocks on Jan. 19 for a “Greatest Hits Solo Tour” to be held at 11 a.m. at the Roxian Theatre.
From Teacher to Kids’ Rockstar
Necessity is the mother of invention and Berkner proved that when, as a day care music teacher, she asked kids what they wanted to sing about to keep them engaged. That simple question started the ball rolling with a ditty called “We Are the Dinosaurs.” Children began singing the songs at home and curious parents wanted more. This led Berkner to record her first album.
“Soon they began asking me to perform at birthday parties, and from there it snowballed,” said Berkner.
Berkner then began making albums and going door to door to stores in New York introducing her music to business owners. A turning point was when a producer of the “Today Show” — whose child loved music — invited her on the program. Just like that she began selling CDs across the country.
“Distributors were suddenly calling me,” she said.
Soon the Noggin Channel, owned by Nickelodeon, came knockin’.
“The vice president of Nickelodeon had a niece who heard my music, and soon we were making a bunch of videos that aired on the channel,” said Berkner.
Today Berkner writes and performs songs that range from educational to simply fun.
“I think about songs that I would have wanted to hear as a child,” she said.
Her goal is to create music that brings joy, inspires movement and does good in the world.
“If a child is moving along with music, it becomes a physical memory, helping the song come alive. Even the youngest children are moving their bodies before they’re speaking words,” she explained.
Working with Berkner
Michelle Esch has been working with Berkner for a dozen years now.
“I started out as a part-time assistant while dancing professionally and didn’t realize Berkner’s impact until mentioning it to my sister-in-law, who was a children’s librarian. She freaked out,” said Esch, with a chuckle.
In the summer of 2023 when Berkner broke her foot, Esch ended up onstage. “Laurie didn’t want to cancel and told me that I could bring movement to the stage. The feedback was positive and now I travel with her,” she said.
Berkner’s music resonates with children aged 0-7, with 4-year-olds being the “sweet spot,” according to Esch.
“She also has a huge following in the special needs community,” added Esch.
Among the most popular songs are “We are the Dinosaurs,” a playful tune that encourages kids to march and stomp, “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” a song that incorporates silliness to appeal to a child’s sense of humor, and “Moon, Moon, Moon,” a comforting song that elicits a child’s sense of wonder.
Esch said that children’s joy is contagious.
“Watching the kids emulate me and sing the songs is a really special experience both as a parent and performer,” she said.
A Parent’s Perspective
Rich Kingly, a father of five, shares how Berkner’s music has become popular in his household.
“It’s not just about the catchy tunes, but the way her music creates moments of joy and togetherness for the entire family,” he said.
Kingly said his kids love her vibrant energy and that every song feels like a mini-adventure, mentioning the easy-to-follow lyrics that often turn his living room into a dance party. Kingly also appreciates the positive messages about friendship, kindness and self-expression.
“It’s the kind of content that makes them feel good, while also teaching valuable life lessons,” he said.
Kingly also praises Berkner’s concerts.
“There’s something magical about seeing my little ones light up when they get to hear their favorite songs live, sing along and even meet her in person,” Kingly said.
Berkner said that the meet-and-greets are her favorite part of performing.
Her upcoming show will be a Tonie Palooza show. The Toniebox is a screen-free audio listening device for children ages 3 and up that combines audio and entertainment and is easy for children to use.
“Kids can put a figurine on top that plays songs related to the character,” said Berkner, adding that the Tonie people will be in attendance and will bring activities, toys and games for children to enjoy in the lobby.
Berkner promises attendees a night of family friendly entertainment at the Roxian.
“I was singing one time and saw a little 4-year-old girl shut her eyes and start swaying to the music and thought to myself, that’s the reason I got into music. It keeps me wanting to do more,” she said.