ABOUT ANTS ON A LOG
Ants on a Log is a Philadelphia-based trio: elementary science teacher Anya Rose and music therapists Julie Be and Miles Crabtree. Blending their skills has enabled the trio to reach beyond the usual scope of simple songs for children, tackling complex themes and embracing the full potential of a child’s ability to think and feel.
Known for skillfully weaving together social justice and silliness, the Ants have produced four albums, two musicals, and numerous singles, music videos, and educational resources. The “Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix” won national acclaim as a landmark album in the world of intersectional kids media, featuring “They’re My Best Friend,” which became the first song on national radio to feature all nonbinary pronouns. Their musical “Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline!” won a Parent’s Choice Award for the 2019 soundtrack, and is viewable as a musical movie, as well as a script for schools to perform. The Ants have created companion content for several songs, including an anti-racism discussion guide and a skills worksheet for coping with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Ants on a Log’s music has been featured widely in national media, including the NY Times and NPR, and their self-produced music videos have been selected for juried film festivals around the world. The band has accrued songwriting awards from the International Songwriting Competition and the Songwriters' Association of Washington’s Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. In 2021, Julie Be received a Leeway Foundation Transformation Award, recognizing artists who demonstrate a long-term commitment to social change work.
Performance credits include Wolf Trap, Cabot Theater, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Philadelphia Zoo, Strand Theater, World Cafe Live, and Provincetown Family Week. The Ants often partner with environmental, LGBTQ, and other justice-based organizations.
SELECTED MEDIA FEATURES
“This digital compilation joyfully opens doors for all.”
-New York Times article about the Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix
"Ants on a Log visited as part of our end of summer reading show. Their performance was energetic and dynamic—not only did they respond to the crowd, they also structured their set to bring everyone to a calm place before their performance ended! Clever original songs were appreciated by all ages, including the adults in the room. Their socially conscious message was relayed with humor. The performance was visually engaging, too! We loved hosting them and hope to have them back again."
-Mia Cabana, Head of Youth Services Department, Jones Library, Amherst, MA
"Their spirited harmonies and clever, concise songwriting will tickle the fancies of both children and adults alike." -Philadelphia Folksong Society
"Ants on a Log are pushing family music in all the right directions. With wit and humor, they help kids (and parents) think through big, important ideas, and have fun doing it. I’m a fan!" -Alastair Moock
“I! LOVE! ANTS! ON! A! LOG! [Curious is] one of the most important political kids’ albums. It’s filling that vacuum in kids’ media where it’s saying, ‘This is the right thing to do.’ I’m really glad that it’s out in the world.” -Sagan Thacker, Host of Radio Active Kids
"Ants on a Log will raise your spirits, and consciousness! Their music is smart, outrageously creative, illuminating, and FUN. Prepare yourself for a joyful and unpredictable journey — you are in good hands with Ants on a Log!” -Billy Jonas
“The Ants pull off the impossible: kids’ music that is smart, challenging and fun, political but not preachy, catchy and appealing to adults. In the era of ‘Baby Shark,’ that is needed and refreshing.”
-Rodney Whittenberg (Emmy-award winning producer and creative consultant at Melodyvision)
Grammy Award Winner Lucy Kalantari writes about how CURIOUS sparks conversations between her and her son Darius: "I had the honor of being one of the voices in this musical about activism and community...This curiously captivating musical has incited many wonderful conversations between Darius and I. Thank you Ants on a Log for your great work and contributions to shape the minds of our future leaders. Stay curious!"
“CURIOUS encourages listeners to learn more about problem solving, and the power of uniting one's community to fight for social justice. Curious is highly recommended, especially for school and public library children's music collections.” -Midwest Book Review
“Rabble rousing through silliness." -Kathy O'Connell, Host of WXPN's Kids Corner
"Animated and engaging... Although the performance space was small, the two performers created a very distinct setting throughout the space that helped the the flow of the show. It is succinct, just about an hour, but the characters were able to take the audience on a full journey."
-Bonaly Reviews "Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline!" Sept, 2018
"Curious is a musical about organizing for social change, Philadelphia, mansplaining, feelings, gas pipelines, environmental sustainability, and so much more, all through a queer and feminist lens. A must have for you or the child/childlike person in your life." -Emma Eisenberg, writer and co-founder of Blue Stoop, Philadelphia’s Literary Hub
"[The Ants'] sense of humor, cheeky acting, catchy songs, serious social concerns and deep sense of environmental urgency all work together beautifully. I was already an "Ants on a Log" fan, and now I'm a devout follower." -Fred Curchack, Theater Professor, Playwright, Musician and Actor
"The musical was such an accessible and fun way for children of all ages and adults to engage in important environmental issues, such as poor air quality, asthma, fighting a gas plant proposal in your neighborhood, and dealing with elected officials. All of these issues are extremely relevant to Philadelphia and what campaigns like Ready for 100 are involved in. And for the central character to be a young female is additionally inspiring for children!" -Pratima Agrawal, Organizer, Philadelphia Ready for 100 Campaign of the Sierra Club