LAURIE BERKNER TO HAVE ENCORE PERFORMANCE

AT NEW JERSEY LOTTERY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING

Kids’ Concert Opens Festival on Opening Day July 23

READINGTON, NJ --- Best-selling children’s recording artist and pre-school television favorite Laurie Berkner —recognized as the “queen of children’s music” by People magazine — is back for an encore performance as she headlines this year’s children’s concert at the 38^th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning.

The Princeton, NJ native was the Festival’s first-ever kids’ concert headliner in 2017 and has provided a fun way for families to begin enjoying their Festival experience. She’ll perform on Opening Day, Friday, July 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. at www.balloonfestival.com.

Berkner is a leader and innovator in children’s music and entertainment. She has released 14 best-selling albums and has authored a number of picture books based on her songs. She has been tabbed “the Adele of the pre-school set,” a “sippy-cup Sheryl Crow” and “the undisputed queen of kindie rock.”

The Los Angeles Times says “Laurie Berkner does what Fred Rogers did: respect, validate and reassure young children.”

“Laurie creates an unforgettable experience for children to enjoy the music they love, performed live,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman. “Having a dedicated concert for children ages 2 to 8 and then filling the skies with giant, colorful hot air balloons, creates a day of lasting memories for everyone in the family. We’re thrilled to have her back with us.”

The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America and has been named the premiere family attraction in New Jersey by the USA TODAY Network.

The three-day festival, July 23-24-25, 2021, will fill the sky with gigantic, colorful hot air balloons and features affordable family entertainment including children’s amusement rides, attractions and activities in a safe, outdoor environment spread across Solberg Airport’s 744 acres.

Berkner was the first recording artist to ever appear in a music video on Nick Jr. and was a beloved presence on Jack’s Big Music Show. What sets the Rutgers graduate apart? Her music speaks to kids without talking down to them, charming youngsters without boring grownups.

“I want to create songs that matter to children,” said Berkner. “I was singing once and saw a four-year-old girl shut her eyes and start swaying to the music. I thought, ‘That’s the reason I got into music.’ It keeps me wanting to do more.”

Tickets, which include a limited number of VIP meet-and-greet opportunities, and additional Festival information, are available at www.balloonfestival.com.