“    Campbell: Children's singer, musician making stops all over the county By Jasmine Leyva, jleyva@community-newspapers.com POSTED:   07/19/2016 06:01:25 PM PDT | UPDATED:   3 DAYS AGO Campbell resident Sean Mendelson has a new album called 'Love and Music.' Mendelson will be performing at various locations around Santa Clara Valley, including the Sunnyvale Public Library on July 26, at Children's Discovery Museum on July 28 and the Cupertino Library on Aug. 30. Sean Mendelson's experience from playing in various rock bands is evident in his music--never mind that his songs are geared toward a younger audience. Since 2013, the Campbell resident has been writing and performing alternative-rock children's songs. In support of his third album, "Love and Music," Mendelson is preparing to perform at multiple locations in Santa Clara County this month and next. Most of his shows will be free. I wanted to make something that parents would want to listen to, too," Mendelson said, adding he aspires to be a 21st-century Raffi, a well-known children's musician. Mendelson's debut album, "Crank Out the Music," was released in 2013, and the next one, "High Five," in 2014. Mendelson said songs in "Love and Music" were inspired by the November terrorist attacks in Paris. I thought, 'What could I do to bring love and happiness in the world?' " he said, noting the main theme of his new album is the importance of love and sharing love during tough times. Though Mendelson has not reached rock-star heights, he says his kids view him as a local celebrity. Mendelson has two children, ages 6 and 8, who not only sing in his albums but also perform with him at shows. It's a fun experience," Mendelson said, adding that his family is like a smaller version of the Partridge Family. "I thought they'd be sick of me by now. When he's not performing with his two children, Mendelson teaches for Music Together, which holds classes in community and recreation centers throughout the county. Mendelson's career in children's music developed at Music Together, where he's worked since graduating in 2002 from Santa Clara University. Music Together is a research-based program that stresses the importance of introducing music to children at an early age. I always had an affinity for children," Mendelson said. "Children are the most rewarding audience. When Mendelson isn't performing for a live audience, he makes YouTube videos focusing on music education. Upcoming performances Sunnyvale Public Library: July 26, 11 a.m. 665 W. Olive Ave. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose: July 28, noon. 180 Woz Way. Admission is $13. Hicklebee's Children's Books: Aug. 18, 3 p.m. 1378 Lincoln Ave., Willow Glen. Cupertino Library: Aug. 30, 10:15 a.m. 10800 Torre Ave. For more information about Sean Mendelson's music, visit seansmusicfactory.com andyoutube.com/c/seansmusicfactory.   ” - Jasmine Leyva

““Up down side to side/Flap your wings/Do the dragonfly.” These are the lines of a new track found in the third album of Sean’s Music Factory’s “Love and Music,” produced by Terry Carleton at the Bones and Knives studio. The album was released on Thursday, May 12 on the Internet and is available for purchase at San Jose’s Hicklebee’s bookstore and at live performances. The music video for “Dragonfly,” found on “Sean’s Music Factory” YouTube Channel has been receiving plenty of positive responses. The chorus is easy for a child to sing along to, the educational lyrics tell about the complexities of dragonflies and the playful chords inspire movement. “I was having a tough time naming the album. I threw out the track list with my sister-in-law and she suggested naming the album ‘Love and Music,’” says Sean Mendelson, the lead vocalist and musician behind Sean’s Music Factory. “The song ‘Love and Music’ is my way of inspiring future generations to combat any darkness that is in the world. When I was finishing the album, the attack on Paris occurred. So I decided to seize the souls of my listeners and introduce the idea of love, an idea that’s in a lot of music.” Some of the album tracks have contrasts; some tunes speed up and slow down and some tunes move from loud to soft. For example, “Two Little Blackbirds” is a traditional song that Mendelson wrote a new melody for and rearranged so he could show a contrast between high and low notes. While teaching, Mendelson demonstrates these high and low notes by raising his hand high or dipping it low. “I’ve discovered over the years teaching children that the biggest effect of drawing children in with music is with contrast,” Mendelson says. “Stretching the boundaries even further by stopping the music entirely or speeding up completely out of rhythm is also a fun way to keep children’s attention.” Both of Mendelson’s children performed backup vocals on four of the eleven tracks on “Love and Music.” For example, Mendelson’s son, Logan, did a comedy bit on “Open and Shut Them.” Mendelson explains how the song “Kindergarten Shoes” came about. “Literally, the day before kindergarten, my daughter Jillian started singing ‘I got my kindergarten shoes and I’m ready to move,’” Mendelson says. “I turned to my wife and I said ‘stop everything.’ I pulled out my guitar at the breakfast table. Then Jillian wrote the three verses that are in the song.” Mendelson will be performing at San Jose State University’s King Library on May 21 at 3 p.m. in the children’s section. Follow Sean’s Music Factory on Facebook for details about other upcoming shows.” - Cynthia Cheng