Culture
An Afternoon of Family Fun with Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter Jan. 27
By: Natalie Colarossi
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The Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta will be hosting a deliciously fun afternoon of music Saturday, January 27 with children’s band Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter. Tickets range between $19-$66 and the show will begin at 3 p.m.
Comprised of two New Yorkers and lifelong friends, Danny Lapidus and Francisco Cotto, Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter have quickly become a renowned name in children’s music. With music featured on Nickelodeon and Noggin, as well as frequent air time on Sirius Radio’s “Kids Stuff” and XMKids, the band has become a distinguished family favorite.
Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter prides itself on multiculturalism and boasts the use of five different languages within their performances. Incorporating English, French, Spanish, Korean, and Hebrew, Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter reminds kids to think of the world in peaceful, connective ways.
“Music is the universal language. It allows people from all different places to play, sing, dance, and basically communicate with one another,” said Lapidus. “It also shows us that we are all similar even while we celebrate our differences.”
Lapidus and Cotto have been best friends since childhood and have played music together ever since. Like all great duos, they’ve learned from each other throughout the years.
“Francisco and I have taught each other so much… even languages! I learned Spanish from Francisco and other friends and family, and introduced him to French, which was my first language,” said Lapidus.
In addition to the two growing up multilingual, they’ve picked up much of their diversity from travels. Lapidus explained that through travelling to different countries he learned to sing folk tunes in Greek, Korean, Hebrew, and Ladino.
Additionally, their commitment to diversity can be heard within their eclectic sound as the band often incorporates elements of Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, folk, and rock.
“I hope that children who listen to Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter will feel like they’ve gone on a fun journey and that they have learned something new. We try to sing songs of peace and togetherness in different languages and I hope it makes the kids feel like we are all neighbors,” said Lapidus. “And, of course, I hope it makes them dance and sing their hearts out.”
Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter is currently gaining traction with a national tour, and have been the recipients of four Parents Choice Awards over the years. They have also built a relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by creating theme songs and videos with the St. Jude Trike-a-thon.
The band will be releasing a new album this year entitled Back to the Land following the theme of roots and traditional music.
When asked what the future holds in store for Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter, Lapidus said: “Nothing makes us happier than making music and singing to families… I hope, in the future, we can help to promote peace and keeping our planet healthy with our music.”