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Two Sides of a Musician...  
Educator and Folk Singer vs. Crazy Rocker
Brad Roth is a folk singer, songwriter, rocker, entertainer and arts educator. Brad refers to himself as a Jekle and Hyde, from folk singer to rock musician. He has great versatility between performing for children and seniors, and also for parties, conventions and pubs. Sing-along performances for children and senior audiences are Brad's specialty. "I'm just obsessed with music and sound," Brad says. "I couldn't choose a favorite era. It's all intriguing."
Bringing Joy To Seniors
Brad works extensively with seniors in the community. For the past 10 years, once a week he visits the Iowa Jewish Senior Center to treat the residents with entertainment and fun. Brad's goal is simple- to share his music with the residents. He introduces each sond and shares a bit of history before the residents join in. "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "You Are My Sunshine" are a few of the most popular requests. “It gives me such joy to bring fun and excitement to the residents and see the smiles on their faces and hear them laugh and sing along to the tunes,” said Brad. He also works with about 20 other senior centers around the area, including Arbor Springs, the Ramsey Home, CLC, Parkview Manor and Adel Acres.
Brad works to cater his music to each different audience. When working with the seniors, he focuses more on providing entertainment and playing pieces that date back to their younger years.
Educating and Entertaining Children
His time spent with children, both in the school and summer programs, revolves around not only entertaining but teaching as well. Brad's program through Metro Arts is curriculum-based and is suitable for English/language arts (lyrics as poetry) and music history (folk, blues, country/western and rock). He guides the children in being able to write their own songs based off a known tune. Some of his most commonly used songs include, “I've been working on the railroad” and the “Hokey Pokey.” During workshops, Brad encourages children to write their own simple rhyme verse against a two- or three-chord melody.
One of his most valued memories came from Metro Arts' summer program this year. Brad was playing for a rather large group of children near an Altoona pool. The group consisted of a few older children than normal and soon enough other kids who were not a part of the program began walking up and joined in on the sing along. Brad eased into more rock and roll music and kids started dancing
and having a really good time. “It is such a feeling of satisfaction seeing the look on kids' faces during a performance or workshop,” said Brad. “It reminds me of why I am doing this as a profession and teaches me to adjust my program depending on how they are reacting.”
Bringing Joy To Seniors
Brad works extensively with seniors in the community. For the past 10 years, once a week he visits the Iowa Jewish Senior Center to treat the residents with entertainment and fun. Brad's goal is simple- to share his music with the residents. He introduces each sond and shares a bit of history before the residents join in. "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "You Are My Sunshine" are a few of the most popular requests. “It gives me such joy to bring fun and excitement to the residents and see the smiles on their faces and hear them laugh and sing along to the tunes,” said Brad. He also works with about 20 other senior centers around the area, including Arbor Springs, the Ramsey Home, CLC, Parkview Manor and Adel Acres.
Brad works to cater his music to each different audience. When working with the seniors, he focuses more on providing entertainment and playing pieces that date back to their younger years.
The Other Side of His Music
ATOY
Roth's current band, ATOY, has risen from the ground and recently wowed audiences in Des Moines and Minneapolis. The group, which was originally formed in the 80's, had parted ways for many years and has now resurfaced with and even edgier and original sound. Their eclectic tastes in punk rock and riveting stage performances have slid this rock group onto many stages in the last couple years.
Photo of the original ATOY performing at
an outdoor concert in the 80's
Performing with the Red Sneaker Jazz Band
Giving Back to His Community
Brad attributes much of his experience and versatility to the assistance Metro Arts has given him. Brad began doing his sing alongs when he started working with Metro Arts. It was an idea that was presented to him that he hadn't previously thought much about. Metro Arts has also been a resource to Brad with marketing, not only with referrals but also helping him to explore new ideas in marketing his talents.
A West Des Moines native, after graduating from Valley High School, he moved to San Francisco to begin college. However, after doing more singing and performing, he realized that he wanted to perform for a living. So he moved back to his hometown and began setting up gigs in the community and became involved with the Metro Arts educational outreach program. Brad feels it is important to give back to the community in which you live and because of that, many people, young and old, have been able to experience the arts through his music.
For more information or to book Brad for an event please call Metro Arts at 515-280-3222 or:
Contact Brad Roth at:
brdroth23@yahoo.com
515-274-0297
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