Uncle Devin Show Press Kit
Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
The Uncle Devin Show® is an interactive, musical experience for children by renowned drummer and percussionist, Devin Walker. The show cultivates the minds of children through percussion instruments and is a dynamic cross between DC’s Trouble Funk and Schoolhouse Rock!
Highlights
Videos
A Go-Go Fun Day feat. Alexa Givens
No Such Thing As Good or Bad Hair!
When I Play the Drums!
I'm Doing the Hambone!
Discography
Be Yourself!
Through a blend of DC's Go-Go Music, Gospel, Hip-Hop and the African tradition, this family CD provides self-affirming music, through hardcore beats and rhythms, that children of all ages will love.
Drum Tales!
Inspired by the sounds of Washington, DC and Africa, this CD will have children moving their feet to funky drum and percussion rhythms as they learn about love, good health and truth. It will also introduce them to different percussion instruments.
The Church Usher's Dance
This is a line-dance song for children that centers on an eight year old named Tré who unintentionally started a new dance craze by simply being himself. Four different versions.
Socials
Bio
Uncle Devin is a national leader in the children’s music industry and an award-winning drummer and percussionist. He is a former radio talk show host for Radio One, a current radio programmer for WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington, DC, and owns his own 24/7 online radio program called, “WEE Nation Radio.”
His “Uncle Devin’s Drum Tales” CD won a 2013 Parents’ Choice Presentation Award and his children’s book, “The ABC’s of Percussion with Music CD,” was named a 2015 National Parenting Publication Awards Bronze winner. He is also a Teaching Artist with Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts in Vienna, VA, and a former Artist Roster member (2014-2021) with Young Audiences/Arts for Learning – Maryland.
Uncle Devin has been selected to lead a workshop at the National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) People of Color Conference in Seattle, WA in December 2019 and was a panelist and a featured artist at the annual KindieFest Conference in Brooklyn, NY (2012 & 2013). He has performed at the Kennedy Center, the National Theater, the Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater, Governor’s Island (NY), the World Cafe Live (Wilmington, DE), Kids Place Live – Sirius/XM Radio, Kids Really Rock (Boston, MA), Jammin’ Java (VA), Overtown Youth Center (Miami, FL), numerous libraries, daycare centers, summer camps and more. He was also the recipient of the 2013 Creative Curriculum Award for his volunteer work with the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project’s in Washington, DC, performing monthly music events for the children of the homeless.
Uncle Devin has been performing as a drummer and percussionist for over 30 years, playing with local and international groups such as Fertile Ground, Soul-In-Motion Players, Bottomland, the UMBC Jazz Ensemble, the Lafayette Gilchrist Project, the Contee AME Zion Church Connection, Sense of Urgency Band and Godisheus International Funk Band. One of Devin’s greatest musical moments was when he accompanied on drums the Great Dizzy Gillespie during a 1985 Jazz Workshop in Baltimore, MD. Devin’s vast experience as a social justice activist is expressed in his music.
Press Reviews
Contact
Booking, Management & Press:
Lolita Walker
e-mail: lwalker@theuncledevinshow.com
For Kids and Parents
For Kids and Parents
Music that Educates
The Uncle Devin experience is about enacting change. Music can make the most mundane moment interesting, and our educational programs combine history, personal growth, and self-awareness as a part of the experience.
We invite you to learn more about our professional programs below.
Family Involvement Workshop
This FIW session teaches parents how to use everyday household items as percussion instruments that we shake, scrape, and strike to make music. It will show them different rhythm instrument games they can play with their child to reinforce and build body awareness and teach life lessons. It will also teach parents to create their percussion instruments with their children to create memorable family experiences.
The “Strumming is Drumming” Workshop: How Rhythm Unites the Ukulele and Percussion Worlds!
All Levels – Despite popular belief, everybody has rhythm. It starts with our heartbeat and is something we use every day in the way we walk, talk, and breath. Rhythm and Ukulele playing go together, but most players are more focused on the chords and melody that they fail to hear or recognize the rhythm contained within it.
This interactive rhythm workshop will allow participants to use an assortment of percussion instruments, including their bodies, along with the ukulele, to develop an awareness of rhythm and tempo. It will teach them the concept of rhythm in a song. They will understand how rhythm and tone are interdependent and not mutually exclusive.
Percussion Playground (Temporarily Unavailable)
Uncle Devin’s Percussion Playground consists of three different percussion play stations (Shaker Station, Drum Set Station, and Hand Drum Station) Children take turns playing and exploring different percussion instruments in a supervised, playground format.
ABC’s Of Percussion Book Reading
Based on his children’s book, “The ABC’s of Percussion with Music CD,” Uncle Devin introduces an instrument for every letter of the alphabet and has an accompanying CD or download that recites the book, which allows the child to hear what each instrument sounds like.
For Schools and Organizations
For Schools and Organizations
Professional Development
Music/Art that Educates
The Uncle Devin experience is about enacting change. The arts can make the most mundane moment enjoyable, and our educational programs combine history, personal growth, and self-awareness as a part of the experience.
We offer activities in multiple art genres, including music, dance, theater, drama, and visual arts. We invite you to learn more about our professional programs below.
Music Assembly
Musical Assembly
This music assembly takes students on a magical journey through the Land of Percussion that allows them to hear and see different percussion instruments while gaining an understanding of the history of percussion and why it is the oldest and most diverse forms of musical creativity. Uncle Devin will also introduce students to different genres of music while showing them how percussion instruments are the heartbeat of many of them.
(Sample Common Core connectionCCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.3 Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.)
Racism in Children's Music: Liberating Music for the Black Child!
Viewed within the historical context of chattel-slavery and settler-colonialism, this workshop explores the history of racism in children’s music in the United States and abroad; how popular nursery rhymes continue to be used to reinforce inferiority complexes in children; and the cultural appropriation of African music in popular children’s movies.
This workshop includes videos of cartoons, songs, images, and provides extensive references for follow-up study. It will discuss the role of negro spirituals as a tool for resistance by enslaved Africans and will provide practical solutions and resources to help parents, teachers, and guardians take back control of their children’s music listening experience.
The 3-S Percussion Method
Learning through Scraping, Shaking, and Striking
In cultures worldwide, exploration through percussion is a natural way of connecting children to the group and developing their motor responses. Furthermore, movement through music helps stimulate the brain and integrate the right and left hemispheres.
This workshop is designed to teach participants how to incorporate percussion instruments into the early childhood classroom and relate it to other areas of the curriculum. Uncle Devin shows how the musical process of shaking, scraping, or striking instruments can engage students in a creative process that connects the sounds and rhythm of percussion instruments with their desired learning objectives and classroom management.
Uncle Devin leverages his 25+ years of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) expertise as an investigator, mediator, and trainer of complaints under Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act with his passion for the arts to address a significant void within the arts sector.
EEO Through The Arts is a project designed to educate the arts community about their rights and responsibilities related to discrimination within our industry through scenario-based professional development training for Teaching Artists, art organizations, and funders. Click Here to learn more.
Djembe Professional Development Workshop
Percussion instruments are often called the heartbeat of life. Using percussion instruments throughout the day can be a powerful tool in helping to reach learning objectives, as well as classroom management. In this professional development workshop, Uncle Devin will show teachers easy and fun ways to use a percussion instrument to engage students in a creative process that connects the sounds and rhythm of percussion instruments with your desired curriculum focus.
It is best if all participants have a Djembe drum; even a mini-Djembe would work. We can assist in recommending, ordering or renting Djembes.
Uncle Devin’s Guide to Go-Go Workshop: Think Local, Crank Global
Go-Go Music is the official music of Washington, DC. However, many educators know very little about this indigenous genre, nor do they know how to use it in their classrooms.
Through this two-hour workshop, educators will learn:
1. The history of Go-Go music.
2. How to use instruments we shake, scrape, and strike to enhance curriculum and teach the art of Go-Go music.
3. How to make music from items within their environment. We will use the example of DC’s pioneering group, The Junkyard Band, as an example.
4. Go-Go music through body percussion, tables, and more – Making something out of nothing.
About Uncle Devin
Uncle Devin's Bio
Devin Walker, a.k.a., “Uncle Devin, the Children’s Drum cussionist,” is a national leader in the children’s music industry and an award-winning drummer and percussionist specializing in Family Funk. He owns The Uncle Devin Show®, an interactive musical experience for children that uses percussion instruments to cultivate their minds- a dynamic cross between DC’s Trouble Funk and Schoolhouse Rock.
Uncle Devin and 25 other artists are members of the 1 Tribe Collective, whose album “All One Tribe” was GRAMMY-nominated for Best Children’s Music Album in 2022.
In 2022, he released “In the Pocket”, a children’s album inspired by the official indigenous music of Washington, DC, Go-Go! His children’s book, “The ABCs of Percussion with Music CD,” was named a 2015 National Parenting Publication Awards Bronze winner. His “Uncle Devin’s Drum Tales” CD won a 2013 Parents’ Choice Presentation Award. Uncle Devin’s 2018 release, “Be Yourself!” CD empowers, uplifts, and inspires children to embrace and celebrate what makes them unique.
As a Teaching Artist, Uncle Devin’s performances, workshops, and school residencies have taken thousands of children on a magical journey through the Land of Percussion that allows them to hear, see, and play different percussion instruments. His partnerships with Carpe Diem Arts, the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Teaching for Change, and his many affiliations within the field of family music help children understand the history of percussion and why it is one of the oldest forms of creativity.
Uncle Devin has performed at many venues around the country, including the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the Freeman Arts Pavilion, the Cabot Theater, the GRAMMY Museum, Shreveport Art break Festival and the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling in Harlem, NY, to name a few.
He is also the creator of a 24/7 online music radio program for children called Watoto Entertainment & Education or WEE Nation Radio, providing Global Beats for Little Feet! Streaming R&B, Funk, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Go-Go, Reggae, Calypso, and world music, all created for children and families. Uncle Devin is a former Radio Producer of a weekly children’s music show on WPFW 89.3in Washington, DC, which was syndicated on KBOO FM in Portland, OR .Uncle Devin is also a former Radio One Talk Show Host in Washington, DC.
Devin has been performing as a drummer and percussionist for over 30 years, playing with local and international groups such as Fertile Ground, Soul-In-Motion Players, Bottomland, the UMBC Jazz Ensemble, the Lafayette Gilchrist Project, the Contee AME Zion Church Connection, Sense of Urgency Band and God is heus International Funk Band. One of Devin’s greatest musical moments was when he accompanied on drums the Great Dizzy Gillespie during a 1985 Jazz Workshop in Baltimore, MD. Devin’s vast experience as a social justice activist is expressed in his music.
Uncle Devin also leverages his 25+ years of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) expertise as an investigator, mediator, and trainer of complaints under Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act with his passion for the arts to address a significant void within the arts sector.
As a former partner in the National Equal Opportunity Institute, Inc., Devin was instrumental in establishing the first national clearinghouse for Federal Titles, subtitles, and statutes of various Civil Rights Acts and a technical resource center that provided technical and program assistance to public and private sector organizations. Through this effort, Devin became a certified trainer in Program Investigations under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which received recognition from the Ohio State Supreme Court in 2011.
Devin is also a grant reviewer for multiple jurisdictions and a contractor with the Grant Application Assistance Program (GAAP) sponsored by the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities.
Shop Music
SHOP
Move the Money
Single Released February 2024!
Award-winning artist Uncle Devin ignites a fiery debate with his single, “Move the Money.” Inspired by the iconic 1986 anthem “The Word” by DC’s Junkyard Band and released by Def Jam Records, Uncle Devin challenges the current allocation of resources in the U.S. government, urging a shift from military spending towards bolstering vital social programs.
More About Our New Single!
“Junkyard’s ‘The Word’ was one of the most important socially conscious songs in Go-Go history. Created by a group of teenagers and pre-teens from the Barry Farms Community in Southeast DC, their message still resonates today,” says Uncle Devin. “ ‘Move the Money’ is my way of saying thanks by continuing their work,” the DC resident says.
With echoes of the teenage band’s bold lyrics that questioned President Reagan’s priorities, Uncle Devin’s “Move the Money” continues in Junkyard’s tradition by taking aim at contemporary issues through the indigenous DC sound of Go-Go music, sparking vital conversations about national budgets and where our collective needs genuinely lie.
In the Pocket!
Released February 2024!
Go-Go music is the official music of Washington, DC. “In the Pocket,” uses original funky grooves and the African call-and-response to have children experience the infectious energy of a live Go-Go that is 37 minutes of nonstop, cranking, and fun music.
All One Tribe
Uncle Devin is one of 26 Black children’s music artists who came together after the murder of George Floyd to create a compilation album called “All One Tribe” This album was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Children’s Music Album of the Year in 2022 and
Be Yourself!
Through a blend of DC’s Go-Go Music, Gospel, Hip-Hop and the African tradition, this family CD provides self-affirming music, through hardcore beats and rhythms, that children of all ages will love.
Uncle Devin's Drum Tales
Inspired by the sounds of Washington, DC and Africa, this CD will have children moving their feet to funky drum and percussion rhythms as they learn about love, good health and truth. It will also introduce them to different percussion instruments.
Church Usher's Dance
Usher’s Dance: This is a line-dance song for children that centers on an eight year old named Tré who unintentionally started a new dance craze by simply being himself. Four different versions.
Our Childrens Book
Our Children's Book
Now Available:
The ABC’s of Percussion Children’s Book w/ Music CD
Our Price: $19.95 plus Shipping
Currently Out of Stock!Books are back-ordered. Click Here to be notified when the new inventory arrives and to initiate your order.
ISBN-13: 978-097164739
The ABC’s of Percussion is an educational and fun way for children to learn about some of the oldest musical instruments in the world – percussion instruments. This picture book identifies and discusses one percussion instrument per letter of the alphabet – that’s 26 different percussion instruments from around the world. The accompanying audio CD brings the book to life through world beats and rhythms, highlighting each instrument, as Uncle Devin reads his book.
Take a Look Inside!
Videos - Uncle Devin Show
Our Videos
A Go-Go Fun Day feat. Alexa Givens
No Such Thing As Good or Bad Hair!
When I Play the Drums!
I'm Doing the Hambone!
Uncle Devin on Great Day Washington WUSA 9 in DC Nov. 1, 2018
The Letter C with Uncle Devin - ABC's of Percussion with Music CD, Kids Book
The Letter A with Uncle Devin - ABC's of Percussion with Music CD, Kids Book
The Letter B with Uncle Devin - ABC's of Percussion with Music CD, Kids Book
Uncle Devin on WTMD Radio, Saturday Morning Tunes
(Towson University Radio)
Hambone feat. Uncle Devin
Jazzy Ash 2017
The Church Usher's Dance
I Like Onions
Just One of Those Days!
Uncle Devin's Theme Song
The ABC's of Percussion
Theme Song
Uncle Devin Live at the Kennedy Center (DC)
Electronic Press Kit
Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
The Uncle Devin Show
The Uncle Devin Show® is an interactive, musical experience for children by renowned drummer and percussionist, Devin Walker. The show cultivates the minds of children through percussion instruments and is a dynamic cross between DC’s Trouble Funk and Schoolhouse Rock!
Origin: Washington, DC
Genres: Children’s Music, Funk, Go-Go & Jazz
Years Active: 2010-Present
Label: Uncle Devin Studios
Website: www.theuncledevinshow.com
Downloads
RIDERS
REPRESENTATIONS
Booking, Management & Press:
Lolita Walker
e-mail: lwalker@theuncledevinshow.com
Education
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY, BALTIMORE, MD Political Science, B.A.
Additional Skills
- Former Talk Show Host of “The Uncle Devin Show” on Radio One’s WOL 1450 AM/ 95.9 FM (DC) 2018-2020 https://theuncledevinshow.com/radio
- Owner of WEE Nation Radio.com - 24/7 online children's music
- Former WEE Nation Radio Programmer for WPFW 89.3 FM (DC) and KBOO 90.7 (OR) 2020-2022
- Professional Development for Educators and Caregivers
- Kennedy Center’s Artists as Educators Seminar, “Laying a Foundation: Defining Arts Integration”
Awards and Honors
- 2022 GRAMMY Nominee as part of the 1 Tribe Collective’s album “All One Tribe” including his song, “A Go-Go Fun Day”
- 2018 Featured Artist in “Pass It On”, The Journal of the Children’s Music Network
- 2015 National Parenting Publication Awards Bronze winner for my children’s book, “The ABC’s of Percussion with Music CD”
- 2013 Parents’ Choice Presentation Award winner for “Uncle Devin’s Drum Tales” CD
- 2013 Creative Curriculum Award – The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, Washington, DC
Affiliations
- Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts
- Teaching for Change: Teach the Beat
- DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
- Teaching Artists of the Mid-Atlantic (TAMA)
- Children’s Music Network
- Recording Academy Voting Member (GRAMMYs)
- Watoto Entertainment & Education
- Family Music Forward
testimonials
Read Our Testimonials
Amazing!
I brought my kids to see the show at our local library last week. While apprehensive at first, my three year old son quickly warmed up and started dancing with his 1 year old sister. When we got home, he pulled out some pots, pans, and utensils to make a drum that they could play together. The show, was fun, education, and interesting for all ages.
Ryan Jordan | Aug 2019 | Maryland
Completely engaging!
The Uncle Devin Show visited our public library during our summer program. They packed the room and the kids and grown-ups were enthralled. We'll definitely be inviting them back!
Best Educational Show
We really love the Uncle Devin Show. Not only was it high energy, but it was also very educational. Loved it!
Best Live Show
My daughters and I attended an Uncle Devin show. Not only, were we thoroughly entertained, but we also, learned a lot. The show was energetic from beginning to end. It is the best live show we have seen in a long time. Worth every minute!
B. Watkins | Sep 2018 |
Great Partners
The Uncle Devin Show was a huge hit in our Libraries this summer! Uncle Devin, Mr. Grasshopper, and Lolita have been exceptional partners to work with. Thank you all.
| Sep 2018 |
Multicultural Potluck
Uncle Devin availed himself to us at the last minute when we had a scheduling issue with another vendor. His performance was PHENOMENAL! The parents and children had a blast. They danced their way out of the event. We will definitely be requesting his services again.
Lisa Wedding | Sep 2018 | Silver Spring MD
Excellent!!!
My daughters and I attended an Uncle Devin show. Not only, were we thoroughly entertained, but we also, learned a lot. The show was energetic from beginning to end. It is the best live show we have seen in a long time. Worth every minute!
SQUARE CUSTOMER FROM 2/16 SHOW | Feb 2016 |
I Love Uncle Devin's Children's Book
My grandson was so excited about the book. He loves to read and this book will occupy a special place on his bookshelf I'm sure.
JESSIE B. | Dec 2015 |
The ABC's of Percussion - I Love it!
Awesome resource for parents, teachers and music loving kiddos! I love the variety of instruments. The poems are really nice.
ANDRES S. | Dec 2015 |
Excellent Assembly
The kids absolutely loved Uncle Devin! Very entertaining, a perfect way to end the week.
CHURCH HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Dec 2015 | Church Hill MD
Awesome Performance!
Thank you so much for sharing your love of music. The kids and adults had so much fun. It was truly a memorable and enjoyable event for all of us. Couldn't have asked for a better performer. Just awesome!
CHACARRA C. | Jun 2015 | Accokeek MD
Thanks Uncle Devin & Mr. Grasshopper
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for putting on an awesome show for the children at our party last week. The kids loved it - they had so much fun dancing and you really kept them engaged.
MEGHAN DUNN | Dec 2014 | U.S. Senate Child Care Center DC
Great children's CD
If you have kids, this album is wonderful, and is a great way to instill valuable lessons for them. Uncle Devin takes the issue of healthy living, one that I especially value, and conveys a strong message about eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The other songs also teach good morals in a very fun manner!
ANDREW | Aug 2014 | Amazon Customer Review
Five Tiny Fingers for Uncle Devin
Overall, the music is rather productive with varied vocals, spoken segments, varied percussion, multi-ethnic musical styles, and great lyrics. This one will be a favorite for parents, but the children will get a bigger kick out of the music. I give it five tiny fingers up!
MATTHEW FORSS | Jun 2014 | Inside World Music
Fun Drumming
Uncle Devin is everything a children’s entertainer should be. Always engaging, never lacking in energy and full to the brim with fun.
LISA MATLIN | Jun 2014 | Indiemunity
Great party with Uncle Devin
Uncle Devin and Mr. Grasshopper entertained our room full of 4 and 5 year olds effortlessly. Everyone was singing and dancing and having lots of fun. The two encouraged the children to participate and really catered to the children's interests. I would recommend them without question.
KATIE P. | Jan 2014 |
Just One of Those Days
My son and I just finished watching Uncle Devin's new video, "Just One of Those Days". He had just come in from school and was telling me about how bad his day had been when we found the link to the video. It made him feel so much better to know that "those days" happen to everyone! The music was groovin' and he thanked me for sharing it with him. It is a winner! Thanks, Uncle Devin!!!
RACHEL B. | Oct 2013 | Silver Spring MD
Good music! Good Fun
I took my 5yr old to Kinderfest & Uncle Devin performed. He really enjoyed watching them perform. He enjoyed it so much, that when we came home, he started playing his keyboard & drums so he can ask Uncle Devin for a job. It was a lot of fun.
KAYE W. | Oct 2013 | Upper Marlboro MD
Good Vibes!
If you have ever doubted the role percussion and drums play within modern music, look no further than Drum Tales! to reassure you of its importance
ALEC CUNNINGHAM | Sep 2013 | Good Vibes Music Review
Great For Children!
The Uncle Devin Show is pure edutainment at its finest. Bringing a message of love while sharing helpful life knowledge.
JOSHUA SMOTHERMAN | Aug 2013 | Middle Tennessee Music
A Wonderful Children's Show!
Teaching through entertainment is a concept that the "Uncle Devin Show" has mastered. The interactive performance captures the audience from beginning to end. It is an educational/entertainment tool for people of all ages. It's a must see!!!
GERALDINE FURBUSH | Jun 2013 | Contee Church Family Movie Night Ministry
Winner of a Parents' Choice Award Recommended Award
Uncle Devin's Drum Tales takes an innovative and progressive approach to music, self-awareness, confidence and fun, and is a wonderful album that children, parents and educators will all find beneficial.
LAHRI BOND | May 2013 | Parents’ Choice Awards
Very Interactive and Fun
Uncle Devin's show was upbeat, interactive and fun. The kids seem to have a blast and it was suitable for all age groups. Will definitely hire him again.
DREMA W. | Oct 2012 | Baltimore MD
Fun learning experience for all ages!
I had the opportunity to listen to the Uncle Devin Show CD prior to attending a live performance. Don't just settle for the CD, treat yourself to a show. The Uncle Devin Show was a hit for my Godson's 4th Birthday Party...one that he/we won't forget! Thanks Uncle Devin!
SHEREE J. | Sep 2012 |
An awesome and wonderful show for children
I had the opportunity to experience and watch "The Uncle Devin Show" at a birthday party in the nations capitol, Washington, D.C, at The Joseph H. Coles Recreational Center at a birthday party. He played the keyboard and several musical instruments. His instruments were dressed and they even talked through his keyboard! The children danced and also interactive with Uncle Devin during the entertainment. The show was superb and exceptional! Don't hesitate to book "The Uncle Devin Show" you will truly enjoy it! Nica the clown entertainer :)
NICA D. | Aug 2012 |
Dynamic Musician!
The Uncle Devin Show is outstanding for all ages. I experience Uncle Devin Show at a private party in August. The children and adults were all dancing. He played Latin music, Childrens Interactive Music and Jazz Music. The Uncle Devin Show is outstanding for all ages! You will enjoy this entertainment! J.Alonzo Love
J.ALONZO L. | Aug 2012 | Washington DC