Cody and BJ Productions: Interview
- By supernovamommy
- 8 July, 2012
- Comments Off
Cody and BJ Productions: Interview with Northern Virginia Children’s Performers
This area is lucky to be filled with so many great local children’s performers. On most days, it’s easy to find a free or cheap show to take the kiddos too. My kids loved rocking out to Cody and BJ and their Jammin’ Beach Party last summer twice at our local libraries. Cody and BJ not only keep the kids entertained, but they engage them by allowing them to play instruments, ”surf” on a surfboard to the music, and limbo. Here’s a little background behind the local husband and wife duo.
How did you decide to start your own music group?
The timing was right for us. Cody & Bj, both single parents in 1991 decided to take a chance and start a company that combined our loves and talents (music, performing, animals, kids and a love for the environment). We wanted to create interactive music shows that would be fun for kids while conveying positive messages through the lyrics. We also wanted to make music and songs that adults would enjoy, being the parents of 5 kids we know parents will be listening to the songs over and over and over!
Where do you get inspiration to write your music?
Everywhere! Nature, animals, watching our kids grow up and traveling. Having a strong desire to share positive messages with kids about loving the earth, caring about animals, being nice to each other, making friends, accepting differences in people.
Is it difficult to be in business with your marriage partner?
When we first decided to take this leap into self-employment together while raising 5 kids we were told over and over not to do it. We were warned that it would end in disaster. It wasn’t an easy decision, we knew there could be problems, but we were confident we could work them out. We’ve been working together for 20 years and we’ve loved every minute of it. It’s not for everyone we know. We respect each other, we keep it professional while at work and we truly enjoy what we do. So, for us, being in business together has been a dream come true.
Do you have any all time favorite recordings that you have done?
Yes, our absolute favorite CD is our “Down To The Islands” CD. These songs were written after our first visit to Grand Bahama Island. We fell in love with the island and the people and these visits inspired us to create our “Down To The Islands” show. The CD was recorded at our favorite studio in Burke, Walton Recording (now closed).
What are your plans for Cody & Bj Productions in the future?
We’ll keep performing our live shows as long as people want us to, but we are also working on creating Cody & Bj Productions franchises in other cities. We know there are many talented people out there that would love to do what we do!
What is the number one question your fans ask you?
Is your parrot real?
As a Northern VA resident, what is your favorite family friendly place to visit?
Living in Northern VA we are very fortunate to have many, many places that are family friendly. Probably our absolute favorite that is close by would be Burke Lake Park. We’ve spent many hours there riding our bikes, playing with our dogs, having picnics, riding the train, eating ice cream, going out on a boat, bird watching, there’s something for everyone.
Learn more at: http://www.codybj.com/
