Choose an answer you like (they are all correct!)

A#1: Well, we are both uncles (but not each other's, we are uncles to different people), and we are brothers (not each other's, but we both brothers to other...brothers)

A#2: We wanted a name so unusual that it would remind children that people all over the world are different and difference should be celebrated and embraced, not feared.

A#3: We are marketing geniuses and chose a name that would draw some serious attention to ourselves!

A#4: When we started writing songs I asked Danny what we should call ourselves. He said, "How about the Uncle Brothers?" I laughed, thought he was kidding, then said, "sure, why not?" (I know, we are truly brilliant!)

Q- How would you describe your act and what you do?

A: Well, it changes depending on what venue we are playing for, but the best way to describe what we do is energetic, interactive family music. Now in schools we concentrate on character education themes, but still keep it upbeat. At family shows the emphasis is on FUN and we get to do stuff we don't do in schools. We'll even throw in a couple of Irish childrens songs and/or some oldies.

Q- Are you listed with BOCES?

A- Yes, in many New York Counties. But if you're outside New York and have budget issues, please contact us and ask about fundraising opportunities that could bring us in at little or no cost to you and even help you raise money for your school!

Q- What ages do you play for?

A- Short answer, any age, but let's clear it up because there's some question about our different shows:

Family shows: any age, but we tend to lose them to pop music after about the age of 11 or 12, but we get them back as adults.

Schools: Elementary ages, kindergarten through 6th grade with one exception- some Catholic schools have children through 8th grade. Obviously this is a challenge for all assembly program performers, but we'll play to them and let the younger ones come along for the ride. Some kids at that age come into assemblies with an attitude, but we've turned thousands of kids like that around. We just try and have fun and let the messages sneak in through the back door, especially the substance abuse awareness and conflict resolution themes, which are even more important for the older kids.

Q- Why aren't your rates on your website?

A- They're not? Humm, let me check...... oh, you're right, we left them off. There's really no way of giving actual rates because there are so many variables; day of the week, how many shows?, how long a performance?, do you want both of us or just a solo show? How much equipment do we need? Also, we give incredible rate breaks when we can do two schools in a day or several schools in a district in a week.

When you request information from us we'll send a rate sheet with basic current rates and we can discuss the discounts personally.

Q- How far will you travel?

A- No further than Australia, please. It's a long flight!. Seriously, we'll perform nationwide if requested. For shows outside of the NY Metro area there may be a nominal travel fee (noticed the gas prices lately?), but we'd love to perform anywhere nationally, even up in Canada. It's a simple thing to put the numbers together and usually it only works with block booking (state/county fairs, schools, etc.) but we'll talk about all that when we speak.

Q- What's the largest audience for which you can perform?

A- Oh please, we are PROFESSIONALS! Go ahead, fill up Yankee Stadium and challenge us!. OK, joking aside, we've done summer concerts for thousands, and libraries for dozens and everything in between. It's really just a matter of having the right amount of equipment (for Yankee Stadium we'd need some extra speakers!).

Now, the answer for schools. It's best to keep audiences to 200-300 if possible, but if your budget only allows for one show we can do the whole school at once, no problem.

Q- Why Does our school need two shows?

A- It's not a matter of needing two shows, it's a matter of maximizing the impact of our performance for all aged children. The best scenario is to have K through 2nd grade together, then 3rd through 5th (or 6th). We'll play some different age appropriate songs in each show and our presentation and our humor will be suited for each group.

Now what if you can only afford one show? It's fine, we'll do a show for the older kids and the younger ones will be fine with it. We do that all the time and it's great, but if you have the budget we highly recommend splitting the groups.

Q- How can I get lyrics that aren't on this site?

A- Easy, you buy our CDs and start copying.... oh, sorry. I know, I'm not funny (my kids tell me that every day!). Just email me and I'll get them to you for just $1000 each! OK, still not funny. No charge, free, on the house just email me at info@unclebrothers.com and I'll get them to you or check our site, there are many lyrics there.

Q- Can we use your songs/lyrics in our school without your permission?

A- Oh baby! Now we're talking big bucks for this one. OK, OK (my kid's looking over my shoulder and is telling me to stop being weird). Alright, you have our permission to use any of our songs for any reason that will help your school. But remember, this is for schools only and this doesn't mean bootlegging our CDs and selling them on the street corner.

We are honored if you want our material for plays, classroom projects, etc. We have just one request, though. We'd love feedback on how they were used so we can share your experience with other schools. Thanks.

Q- I noticed a lot of these questions are for schools. How are your non-school family shows different?

A- GREAT QUESTION! (I wish I thought of it). Our regular family shows are so much different because we're not limited to character education and school themes. Now we can let loose and play our fun stuff like "Man In The Moose", "Do You Like To Dance", "Family Trip", and others. That's why I think we're perfect for state and county fairs, town summer concerts and other venues; because we are parent friendly, very energetic, we get the audience involved, and just plain FUN!.

Q- Can you tailor your show to a specific theme?

A: Yes! In fact we're asked to do it all the time. We play many of the same songs that we are known for, but how they are presented can change depending on your needs. For example, for Red Ribbon week (it's actually the whole month of October), we're asked to present our substance abuse songs. Now we only have two songs applicable ("Just Say No To Drugs", and "I Will Never Smoke"), but we wrap the whole show up into a 'healthy choices' theme which now can include conflict resolution, respect, and others. Treating people with kindness; that's a healthy choice; dealing with bullies and conflict; another healthy choice; trying to be funny on a website when your kid is watching you; priceless! (at least his reaction to my dumb jokes is)

Q: What style of music do you play?

A: We get that one all the time. I guess the best way to describe us is upbeat folk singers, a cross between Jimmy Buffett and The Smothers Brothers (although we're not nearly as funny as they are!).

Q: Why are there so many songs about rainbows?

A: Ask the frog!