The Greater-Than-Ever American Songbag

There was once a time when American kids sang the fantastic songs of The American Songbag together, songs like “Home on the Range,” “She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain” and “Down by the Riverside.” This play with music and customizable sing-along concert aims to reintroduce these public domain songs to a new generation. On her way to practice with her garage band, Mel discovers an antique guitar placed there by the spirit of the legendary song collector, Carl Sandburg. To the shock of Mel and her bandmates, the guitar seems to compel them to sing Americana they do not know, like “Oh My Darling, Clementine” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again.” Then, it magically transports them to the late 1920s, where they sing with a chorus of other kids and Mel officially meets Sandburg. Back in the present, Mel and the band doubt their experience, but admit that singing these songs together makes them feel fantastic! They convince their teacher that the next talent show should instead be a Greater-Than-Ever American Songbag concert. The audience is encouraged to join in and revel in the effervescence.