Finland native Ruut DeMeo has been a staple in Baltimore’s local indie music scene for over a decade. But since the birth of her two children, now 6 and 4, she’s found herself veering toward storytelling for a much younger audience—through live music, a brand-new children’s book, and an accompanying CD audio book and soundtrack.
Two upcoming local events will celebrate the official release of DeMeo’s book, “Frankie Finn and the Magic Eye,” illustrated by MICA grad Eve Mobley and inspired by songs Ruut wrote with her collaborator, Paul Buono. The first in a series, “Frankie Finn and the Magic Eye” features adventurous 11-year-old girl hero Frankie Finn whose sense of wonder leads her on a life-changing adventure.
Saturday February 4, 2017 is the official release date of “Frankie Finn and the Magic Eye.” That morning, Ruut will perform songs from the companion audio book at Saturday Morning Tunes, local radio station WTMD’s new family-friendly concert series. (Sorry, the show is sold out. But tickets are still available for the March family concert; more information here.) The celebration continues later that day at local bookstore The Red Canoe, 4337 Harford Road, with an official signing and release party from 1 to 3pm.
Wondering what to expect of the music you’ll find on the audio book?
“I would definitely consider our music ‘indie for kids.’ It’s not typical kids’ music, which I hope will delight parents. We used a high-quality recording studio with real instruments and skilled players to make this soundtrack. The lyrics are a little quirky and artsy,” DeMeo says.
Visit Frankie Finn’s Official Website here.
