Brady Rymer, a Grammy award nominated family music artist, just released a new CD that honors the thoughts and feelings of kids of all abilities – particularly those on the autism spectrum.
The ten original songs on Love Me for Who I Am are written from the child’s perspective and offer a bright, positive and highly musical way of celebrating life amid challenges.

The new CD, featuring guest vocals by Nick Jr. TV star Laurie Berkner and a groovy keyboard performance by Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads) was released on April 12th, in time for Autism Awareness Month. Five percent of proceeds from CD sales will benefit Autism Speaks, a non-profit research and advocacy group.

Rymer will perform songs from Love Me for Who I Am and other works at a May 22 Family Matinee Concert at 3 p.m. at Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis. For more information and tickets visit www.offbroadwaystl.com

For more about Rymer, visit www.bradyrymer.com

The anthemic songs on Love Me for Who I Am were inspired by Rymer’s
work with students at the Celebrate the Children School in Northwest,
NJ. Rymer worked closely with school founder-director Monica Osgood,
who suggested ideas for the songs all taken directly from things the
kids said or from challenges some have faced. “Brady is a rock star
here. Kids know that Brady accepts and appreciates them. They have a
sixth sense about that.” Osgood’s husband, Dan Myers, the school’s
music teacher and long time collaborator with Brady, produced the CD.

“I’m hoping the songs will invite a deeper understanding and
appreciation of children with autism and other related conditions,”
says Brady. “When I look out from the stage during my shows at
Celebrate the Children I see the same thing I always hope to see – a
bunch of happy folks of all ages, having fun together and expressing
themselves freely encouraged by the music.”

In fact, anyone who lives or works with kids will recognize these song
themes: “Picky Eater,” “Who Wants To Wear Shoes?,” “I Don’t Like
Change” and “Tune Out.” All refer to the experience of a child with
Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, but the lyrics ring true for anyone.
“The appeal is universal,” Rymer notes. “I want the music and stories
to be a bridge, connecting us in a positive way, celebrating our
individual spirit as well as our differences.”

Zoe Kakolyris, an artist with Asperger’s Syndrome who is also deaf,
created the colorful CD art showing children interacting with joy and
humor. “Her art perfectly reflects the spirit of these songs; I’m so
honored to have her involved in this project,” says Brady.

Brady Rymer is one of the top talents in the independent family music
scene today. Originally with the RCA Records band From Good Homes, he ventured into
family music with the CD Good  Morning, Gus in 2000. Since then, he
has released five other CDs, including the 2008 Grammy Award nominated
Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could. Rymer’s rootsy,
accordion laced pop and rock music regularly wins critical acclaim,
including Parents’ Choice Gold awards. He is also a featured performer
with the Listen to Your Buds campaign to promote hearing protection
with kids. Rymer lives on Long Island with his wife and two children.

The special pre-release title track from “Love Me for Who  I Am” has
enjoyed heavy rotation on Sirius-XM’s Kids Place Live radio reaching
number one for 12 successive weeks, and the channel will air a “Rumpus
Room” live concert with Brady and his band in the spring.

Reviews:

"Grammy nominee Rymer has pulled off quite a coup with his latest
disc. He's created an album inspired by and written for kids with
autism, but also one that has a reach far beyond that target
audience." - AOL Parentdish

"I really liked it. I hope it gets widely heard." -Temple Grandin

"Full of hooks and effervescently charming musical turns, it has
something for family members of all ages." - Dadnabbit

"Awesome...straight-to-the-heart... with lyrics that will touch your
family and point out so many ways kids with autism aren't all that
very different from any other kids you know. Any child will see
themselves in these lyrics." - CoolMomPicks

"Love Me For Who I Am really transcends from a song about kids with
disAbilities to one that should be an anthem in every child's mind!"
- Actingbalanced

"These witty, dynamic and thoughtful tunes could come from any kid's
everyday universe."  - Parents' Choice

A Spring 2011 Parents' Choice Gold Award winner