“Yo Gabba Gabba!,” the hit Nick Jr. children’s TV series that features the coolest rock and hip-hop musical guests a preschool – or grownup – could hope for, is launching its first ever U.S. tour this fall.
The zany live action show, which premiered in August 2007, was co-created by Christian Jacobs AKA The MC Bat Commander, lead singer of The Aquabats. The show centers on DJ Lance Rock and his five costumed sidekicks: Brobee (the little green one), Foofa (the pink flower bubble), Muno (the red Cyclops), Plex (the magic robot), and Toodee (the blue cat-dragon).
USAToday.com explains that Plex and the monsters come to life when DJ Lance Rock says the magic words “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” which hails from The Ramones’ chant, “Gabba Gabba Hey,” which was a tribute to the 1932 film “Freaks.” Each 30-minute show features a kid-friendly theme and related songs.
“Yo Gabba Gabba!” has featured guest stars and bands such as The Ting Tings, The Shins, MGMT, Sugarland, The Roots, Jack Black, Rachel Dratch, Jimmy Eat World, Melora Hardin, Jack McBrayer, Andy Samberg, Amy Sedaris, Amare Stoudemire, Tony Hawk and Elijah Wood.
Regular features include Mark's Magic Pictures whereDevo’s Mark Mothersbaugh teaches preschoolers how to draw and Biz’s Beat of the Day, where Biz Markie shares beat-boxing instructions.
The “Yo Gabba Gabba! Live: There’s A Party In My City” tour will feature DJ Lance Rock, Plex and the four monsters in addition to lots of special guests. Expect to hear your favorite “Yo Gabba Gabba!” tunes such as “Party in My Tummy,” “Hold Still” and “Get The Sillies Out,” in addition to animation, games and dancing.
The tour kicks off Nov. 14 at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles. The monsters and co. then play New York Nov. 21 at the Beacon Theatre, followed by a Dec. 5 gig at Chicago’s Rosemont Theatre. Each city will feature two performances – L.A. and Chicago will hold shows at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and New York will feature shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A pre-sale for American Express Cardmembers takes place Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. through Oct. 8 at 9 p.m. Gabba Mail members will get the chance to purchase tickets Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. EDT.
The public on-sale begins Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster.com and YoGabbaGabba.com.
Oct. 20 marks the release of the first “Yo Gabba Gabba!” album – Yo Gabba Gabba! Music Is Awesome. The release features tunes by The Shins, Biz Markie, The Roots, Chromeo, Money Mark, I’m From Barcelona, Of Montreal, The Little Ones, and Mark Kozelek.
Click here for the USAToday.com story.
Click here for Yo Gabba Gabba!'s Web site.