The Banana Slug String Band has been playing music for kids and families for 40 years. They have played in 40 states, and five countries for over two million people. With 12 award-winning CDs, their music has been used in school curriculums, classrooms around the world, school gardening programs, zoos, aquariums, park interpretive programs, outdoor education programs, educational conferences and earth day celebrations. The Slugs have brought their musical messages to noted festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, and their home festival, The Strawberry Music Festival, which they have played over 40 times!
Their legendary live show includes characters in full body costumes such as: the wacky Professor Banana Slug, Doug the Drop, Peter the Penguin, Mr. Dirt the Puppet, Louie the Crab, Big Red, the walking, talking redwood tree, and others. The songs are all original and played in a variety of musical styles...from Folk to Blues to reggae, Rock and Roll and Rap. These catchy songs are written so that the audience can sing as well as move along with the music. The songs can be funny, heartfelt, and always educational. The audience walks away with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature and inspired to take care and to learn more about our amazing planet.
The Slugs are Environmental Educators who met teaching in Outdoor Education in San Mateo County, deep in the redwood forests. Solar Steve and Marine Mark are the former Administrator and Director of the San Mateo County Outdoor Education Program. Doug Dirt, Airy Larry, Marine Mark, and Solar Steve (their names representing sun, soil, water and air) are the “real deal.” With the deep sense of purpose to promote positive environmental messages these impassioned musicians, songwriters, performers, educators, and eco-warriors, have an extraordinary ability to connect with children as they change the world, one child at a time!
