The Bright Siders present music that helps kids and families have meaningful conversations about emotions. Created by award-winning songwriter Kristin Andreassen and Brooklyn child psychiatrist Dr. Kari Groff, the Bright Siders feature excellent musicianship and skillful audience engagement from Andreassen, Groff and a rotating cast including the best in the acoustic music scene. Once-and-future collaborators have included members of Punch Brothers, Aoife O’Donovan, Jefferson Hamer, and Cassandra Jenkins. 

Andreassen, who toured world stages as a singer and percussive dancer with the renowned stringband Uncle Earl, had a #1 kids’ radio hit with the infectiously rhythmic “Crayola Doesn’t Make a Color for Your Eyes”. Dr. Groff is well-known in NYC and beyond for her warm and genuine approach to young patients, drawing on years of experience as both a respected physician and a raging old time fiddler in the joyful music she creates. 

Andreassen and Groff are working with Smithsonian Folkways to release a debut Bright Siders album this year. They look forward to the opportunity to bring a live version of the album to performing arts centers, schools, libraries, festivals, and any venue where an interactive & educational family-friendly music show is appreciated.