“[The Okee Dokee Brothers] remind us of the American belief that we’re bound for better weather. Their album [Can You Canoe?] celebrates everyday explorers, young and old, who rediscover that notion daily”– NPR’s All Things Considered

 

“The lyrics are playful, engaging and subtly filled with life lessons. These are songs that encourage kids to find happiness with fewer material possessions and embrace adventure even in trying situations. Without getting preachy or heavy-handed, Mailander and Lansing come off like happy, kind and fun big brothers eager to show their younger siblings how to have an ethically sound and green-conscious good time.”– Chicago Tribune

 

Justin Lansing (above, left) and Joe Mailander (above, right) are The Okee Dokee Brothers, an independent American bluegrass and American roots children's music duo from Minneapolis. Their 2012 CD/DVD release Can You Canoe?, with music and videos created during a 2011 paddle down the Mississippi River, won a GRAMMY for Best Children's Album in the 55th GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Joe and Justin have received more GRAMMY Award nominations for their albums (Through the Woods and Saddle Up) and videos, and have published books including Can You Canoe? & Other Adventure Songs and most recently The Thousand Star Hotel, which is an adaptation of the folktale the Fisherman and His Wife. 

 

In this episode, Joe Mailander, one half of the dynamic duo, joins Sam Payne in conversation to discuss songwriting, storytelling, folklore and traveling through America. 

 

To learn more about the Okee Dokee Brothers visit this website: www.okeedokee.org

 

To learn more about David Holt visit: www.davidholt.com