Connections by Two of a Kind

Jenny has a background in training, education, creative writing, movement and dance. Jenny was a member of the Anna Crusis Women's Choir for four years and sang on the group's recording "Fresh Cut". David and Jenny are active in the Children's Music Network, and Jenny is currently on the board of CMN. Two of a Kind is on the artist roster of the PA Council on the Arts, the NJ State Council for the Arts and the Odyssey Program of the Philadelphia Folksong Society. David and Jenny are members of AFM Local 77 (Philadelphia) and Local 1000 (the North American Traveling Musicians' Union).

Two of a Kind has released six recordings, including five recordings for children: "Patchwork Planet", "Going on an Adventure", "Connections", "Friends" and "Love Makes a Family". "Going on an Adventure" and "Connections" both won 1999 Parents' Choice Silver Honors. "Going on an Adventure" also won "Classic Recording for Preschoolers" and "Classic Recording for Younger Children, 5-8", and "Connections" also won "Best Music for Older Children" in the Children's Music Web Awards. David and Jenny have also produced their own "two of a kind": twin sons named Ari and Jason born in January 1995!

Two of a Kind has appeared at festivals, concert venues, schools, libraries, aquariums, zoos, museums, daycare centers, camps, and on radio and television. They have shared the stage with artists such as Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul and Mary, Trout Fishing in America, John McCutcheon, Kim & Reggie Harris, Sally Rogers, Magpie and Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer.

Two of a Kind: Connections

Two of a Kind's Connections is an album of fun, educational and meaningful songs particularly for kids ages 7-12. Connections features songs about historical and fictional heroes, endangered species, conflict resolution, and more! There are original songs, songs by songwriters such as Bob Reid, Sarah Pirtle and Magpie, and a song written by 7th Graders, with musical styles including rock, folk, reggae, blues, 60's spy music and disco-ska fusion ("dis-ska"). Two of a Kind is joined on this recordings by top-notch musicians, including instrumentalists who have worked with the likes of Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt and Susan Werner, as well as a gospel choir and musicians from Philadelphia-area blues band the Dukes of Destiny. There is also a great kids' chorus, with featured solos from young singers. The result is good music, not just "kids' music".

Two of a Kind is a nationally touring husband-wife duo specializing in interactive music for children. David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans have been singing together since 1987. Two of a Kind presents thematic musical programs for children of all ages, including songs, movement, sign language, puppets, and stories - all with an emphasis on interaction and participation. Two of a Kind helps audiences of all ages feel that they can create music and that they can make a difference in the world.

Two of a Kind has released three other recordings for children, Going On An Adventure, Friends and Love Makes a Family. David and Jenny have also produced their own "two of a kind": twin sons named Ari and Jason born January 1995! Two of a Kind has shared stages with artists such as Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Trout Fishing in America, Kim & Reggie Harris, Sally Rogers, Magpie, and Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer.

"Two of a Kind themes are of learning and loving, caring for all creatures and the world we live in, and striving for peace and friendship among people."

- Kristina Cliff-Evans, Ticket (Montgomery County, PA)

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT "CONNECTIONS":

On Amazon.com - review of Connections

6 year old music critic, April 27, 2002

Reviewer: A music fan from Wayne, PA USA

I am a six year old boy (and this is his MOM). I loooooooove Two of a Kind. Your kid will, too. Your mom will, too. Your dad will, too. Your big sister will, too. Our family knows all the words to all these songs. I like Hey, Little Ant the best. I can be the ant or I can be the kid who would like to step on the ant. You can't go wrong here. Mom says: He's right on!!!

This music is GREAT for children! April 23, 2000

Reviewer: A music fan from Oberlin, Ohio

I never tire of listening to these songs (and my children insist on listening to them continuously) - on CONNECTIONS as well as on David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans' other albums (LOVE MAKES A FAMILY, FRIENDS) with my two-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter. The messages in each and every song are wonderful: protecting and preserving the natural world, lauding historical heroes and their visions, like Paul Robeson, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman; celebrating reading, and literary favorites, like Nate the Great, The Magic Schoolbus' Ms. Frizzle, and Harriet the Spy (the latter of which is a hilariously stylized tour-de-force!); songs about other cultures, languages, and how we are "all different, and still alike.."; songs that promote peace and justice, as well as those that touch on issues like poverty and the true meaning of democracy. It's almost too good to be true: songs that convey positive social messages that are neither heavy-handed nor inaccessible. The music itself is of a high caliber, and sparkles with variety and style. If you are looking for music that is socially relevant, environmentally friendly, tolerant, fun to sing along with, musically interesting and full of positive messages for our children, buy this album or any other one by these artists. They are my FIRST choice for presents for our children's friends!

"I think CONNECTIONS is a great album."

- David Zinovenko, host/producer of "The Carousel" radio show (Fairfield, CT)

"Jenny and David's performances are really magical. It's such a gift to be able to share and use your talents to truly benefit another human being, especially little ones. What kind of message are you sending your child when you expose them to music like this? The answer is sitting right in front of you smiling and dancing and learning about life."

- Review on MuzikMan web site (March 2000) [Note: this web site is currently inactive]

"David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans cover several popular topics here, such as ecology, self-esteem, friendship and literacy. The opening title song is a pleasant tune about harmony and ecology that makes great use of kid vocals. Monty Harper's "Hanging Out with Heroes at the Library" will be a hit with librarians. "Swimmy" contains a fun sing-along chorus for story hour. The highlight of the recording is Sarah Pirtle's "Talk it Out," a lively anger/conflict resolution song with a catchy chorus. The production quality is very good and professional."

-Rob Reid, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire/Indianhead Federated Library System - Review in School Library Journal (January 2000)

"The music, vocals, harmonies, and children's chorus are wonderful. Jenny and David Heitler-Klevans believe that kids are musically sophisticated and their music has a wide range of styles, including blues, folk, funk, and reggae. Above all, they love kids and music and bringing the two together."

- Review on To The Bone web site (1999)

"I WAS BLOWN AWAY by the Connections tape!!! The use of other instrumentation and the childrens' chorus that accompanied were spectacular."

-Ed Davidson, grandparent (Berwyn, PA)

"We listened to the CD and I have to tell you we loved it. We were particularly taken with a couple of cuts which we are going to want to learn! We really loved "Swimmy". It's an excellent musical setting for that story. The other song (among others) that really got us was "Who Decides?". When we're singing for kids and they get that glazed over "what can we do?" look in their eye, that song is the perfect response."

-Greg Artzner of Magpie, Wolf Trap Institute Master Artists (Takoma Park, MD)

"WOWWWWWWW!!!! The whole production was fantastic. Needless to say, I like it, I love it...you guys have recorded THE version of the [Paul Robeson] song as it was conceived. The album as a whole is quite great too - I like the variety, the production - song arrangements etc. plus the choice of material. I think this is a wonderfully singable album for kids (something that many "children's recordings" of today don't quite achieve in my opinion)."

-Kevin Zeigenhagen Slick, teacher, singer/songwriter (Media, PA)

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