We are living the sweetest little throwback right now. Wallace is super into the Fresh Beat Band. He’s singing “na na na na na na let’s go bananas” in his best 2 year old diction. He’s stomping the house (RV) and doing the freeze dance.
It’s all taking me right back to when Kendall, now 11 and our first baby, loved the Fresh Beat Band so much we had a Groovy Smoothie playdate at our house. The Fresh Beat Band was probably the first show that marked a season of parenthood for Scott and me. We were new parents and the thing to do was to learn songs from kids shows and sing them to our kid, right? That’s how parenting works? (4 kids into this, we honestly still don’t know.)
We bought “Here We Go” on iTunes, and not only did it make it onto the “kid” playlist, but it also snuck onto my “running” playlist. It’s a catchy tune! I’m still so sad we couldn’t make it to a Fresh Beat Band concert. Money was soooooo tight back then.
By the way, now that the future is here, you can listen to Fresh Beat Band songs on Spotify.
I know a lot of you have kids old enough to have been part of that first wave of Fresh Beat Band fans, and I thought I’d confess that I did a deep dive into IG last week when I got curious about what the cast members were up to now. Here’s what I found:
On Guitar, Kiki!
Photo: NickJr.com
Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (@YvetteNacer on IG ) was obviously always a seriously talented singer. Her high note was her actual super power in one of the FBB episodes. So it’s not surprising at all that she’s found success on Broadway. She’s currently putting her talent and high-note to work in Hadestown, a Tony Award nominated musical.
One thing I immediately noticed after I achieved stalker status for each of the FBB main cast IG accounts was that they all seem to be friends still and cherish the time they worked together, frequently posting #TBT of each other. Yvette is no exception.
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On Keyboard, Shout!
Photo: NickJr.com
Tommy Hobson (@TommyHobson on IG) is maybe my new fav person to follow on IG. His vivacious and outgoing personality as Shout seems to be pretty authentic to who he is IRL. His latest IG post, in honor of Pride Month, made me actually cry.
I’m low key obsessed with his love for his FBB friends, especially Tara/Marina #2 and their adventures together long after the show wrapped.
Earlier this year, Tommy won an Ovation Award for Best Lead Actor In A Musical for his work in Ain’t Misbehavin’. And now it looks like you can find him on Passionflix. It’s not porn… I don’t think. He’s also collaborating with Marina #2 on definitely not porn. (I’m staring to worry about the weird SEO I’m going to get from this post.)
On Drums, Marina!
Photo: NickJr.com
All true FBB fans know there were two Marinas, and it was kinda a big fucking deal when they snuck in Marina #2 without even warning us, like we (and our TODDLERS) would not notice. Truth time: I came to love and embrace Marina #2 as the “real” Marina- Tara Perry (@taratarafofara on IG)- probably because Season 3 is our very favorite.
My sleuthing leads me to believe she and Tommy are actually working on a project together for HCT Media. They seem to have collaborated quite a bit since wrapping FBB. I think they really are super-duper BFFs.
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My face when @grok_ said I could hold Mr. Spaghetti. #purejoy #pleo #hctmedia #mitmedialab
My stalker status, deep dive into IG also lead me to believe she married and then divorced shortly after. But she seems to be in another happy relationship (in addition to her forever bestie love with Tommy- it’s so sweet that they have each other). In fact, it looks like #12HourShiftFilm is a HCT Media project her new man is working with her on, and Tommy is a part of it, and wow… I feel weird relaying that I know/assume all of this.
And The Real MC, DJ Twist, In The House
Photo: NickJr.com
Jon Beavers (@jonnybeavs on IG) character Twist has brought our family countless laughs. He’s a serious actor now, though! (Not that he hasn’t always been. I don’t know your life, Jon! And LOL at me typing this like they are going to actually read it.)
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He was in National Geographic’s series The Long Road Home, available streaming. He also recently appeared in Criminal Minds and S.W.A.T. And now he’s in Animal Kingdom on TNT, a drama about a crime family, and a huge leap from DJing the pool party for the Fresh Beats.
He seems to be very happily married, gushing about his lovely bride in many an IG post.
And his comment sections- along with Yvette’s, Tommy’s, and Tara’s- are all full of fellow FBB cast members cheering him on and celebrating his success.
That’s what has been the sweetest discovery about this borderline-crazy stalk sesh- they are all still friends! It’s clear that the show (and the tour) wasn’t only formative for those of us who parented through the seasons, but also for these people who played the characters our kids loved to emulate.
Also? They all seem legit like really kind, rad, wonderful people and I’m certain we’ll see much more of them.
What About OG Marina?
Photo: NickJr.com
Shayna Rose was Marina #1 for seasons 1 and 2 of the show, so where is SHE now? (And WHY did she leave??) Guys, I honestly don’t really know. (Shocker. I’m not actually an investigative paparazzi.) She doesn’t seem to have a public IG anymore, and her public FB page and Twitter have been quiet for a while (except for a semi recent Soundcloud tweet of her work, inspired by Tesla). There was this trailer for a YouTube video inspired by #MeToo, but that link to the actual video seems to lead to content that’s been removed.
Shayna said in 2015 “I am shedding my former skin. No longer to be associated with my previous acting career. Now I am doing my music and sharing real messages.” I think it’s great she’s following her heart.
Groovy Smoothie Slinger: Melody
I just want you to know I typed out and then deleted that super catchy smoothy tune Melody sang because maybe you don’t want it stuck in your head like it’s in mine. You’re welcome. Perhaps you’ve seen Dioni Michelle Collins (@dionimichellecollins on IG) on General Hospital since FBB concluded?
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If you’re more of a Lifetime person, you can now catch her in one of the networks new shows- American Princess.
Bonus: DJ LANCE
As you may recall, there was a Yo Gabba Gabba crossover episode. Thanks to the lovely Tommy Hobson and this throw back pic…
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I easily found DJ Lance (@djlancerockog on IG)
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Thanks for being my friend Andrew and coming by to visit#mardigrasforautism2019 is AWESOME!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Please share with anyone else you think wonders from time to time where the Fresh Beat Band is now. Like, seriously. Please. Make it worth me dedicating redacted hours of my life to this blog post.
And Yvette, Tommy, Tara, Jon, and Shayna, I would totally buy you a drink someday and tell you all about the kids you helped me raise if you don’t take a restraining order out on me first.
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31 comments
How about Reid?!? (The OG and his replacement š)
I feel like I could have written this postāwe started watching FBB with my oldest who turns 10 this week (how?!?!). She knew the opening dance as soon as she could walk! I also bought their āalbumā on itunes for her birthday and have often said itās good workout music. And, although I havenāt stalked them in awhile (thanks for doing it for me!), my husband and I definitely did some internet detective work when they sprung the new Marins and Reid on us!
Admittedly, I need to do more investigating and didn’t have time to get to Reed. š
Great updates thanks! Just watched an old episode with our boys who are now almost 12/12 and 14. The FBB and YGG were on constantly in our house. We saw both in concert and got to meet the FBB after the show in NYC (best money spent!). They were SO incredibly nice. We were the last family in line but they didnāt rush to get finished and relax. Marina remembered my sonās name from a pic I tagged her in (he drew it and she was his fav because he has red hair). She called out his name as he ran to her! Shout let my son rest his head on his shoulder for a really long hug. One of our fav days as parents!
This is really inappropriate because it uses curse words in an article about a children’s show. What if my child was reading this and not me and they learned to use the f-word??????
Kyra, my bad girly pop! Did not mean to respond to you š¹
This is pure gold. I loved The Fresh Beat Band. We used to watch it with my 12 1/2 year old. We even bought a couple seasons on DVD for our daughter years later so she could experience it too! My husband and I will sometimes bust out singing “Bananas” if a situation warrants. it.
I love that! It’s such a fun show for the whole family.
Thank you so much for this!!! My now 13 and 11 year old turned me on to FBB way back when. We saw them live in Los Angeles and I think I sang along louder than them! So many cute memories of my babies rocking out to FBB!! We were so happy to surprisingly catch Yvette in a Christmas play last year and Iāve been stalking her IG ever since!! ā¤ļø
Hi Jill!!!! I’m so glad they were a part of your families life!!! Great story, you are pretty much spot on with your sleuthing!!! The cast have all stayed really close, I know because I’m Tara’s mom š The fans meant the world to all of them and they miss the show and concert life a lot !!!! Thank you for thinking about them!!!!
Well this just made me so over the moon happy! Hi, Tara’s mom!! I super love the internet today. It’s amazing to connect with people like this. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.
Holy hot street hot street!! OMG, thank you for this. My son is autistic but music is the best way to reach him. He LOVED the Fresh Beats! (I’m also a singer, and wanted to join the band…no joke, like so bad!) We went to see them in concert 4 times, 2 times we never even made it to the first song because my son doesn’t handle loud crowds well at all. (I was so sad, I really wanted to see them!) But for some reason, Westbury Music Fair in Long Island was the magic place. We saw not one but 2 shows there! First one we were in the pit right in front of the stage. We even got a high 5 from Twist! (I’ll admit, that made my night! ! š) 2 days later I took a chance and bought tickets for the second show. Not in the pit but an aisle seat a few rows up. Again, he did well and we got to see the whole show, with my son in his brand new Rock Star Jacket!! They were amazing and yes, I still listen to the songs now and then! Great story, thank you for stalking so I didn’t have to!!
Awww! I love this story!! I have a hunch at least a couple FBB members circle back and read these comments, so I’m sure they will LOVE reading this.
My daughter, she 7,and I, LOVE the FBB. We also love season 3 the most. We have watched every episode MANY times! I miss the show so much! By the way, ALL of the songs are infectious!
This is amazing!!! Thank you for posting bc I absolutely wanted to know what happened to them and where there were. The irony I found a video of my now 7yr old singing the songs and playing his guitar to the show I also have the songs downloaded from iTunes lol!!!! Absolutely the best show hands down!!! Thanks for this gem!! So happy to see them all doing well!! The kicker my oldest asks to watch it sometimes šš
This is hilarious. Thanks for posting. My now 12 and 10-year-old daughters are currently trying to find old episodes to watch on YouTube. They were obsessed as Littles and of course knew all the dance moves. And yes I would sing along with all the catchy lyrics!
I read this as my 3rd child is listening to the fresh beat CD…yes I said CD, that we bought circa 2011. Like you, we discovered Fresh Beats with my 1st daughter in 2010, and we all quickly became obsessed. We took her to a concert in 2011, even though we was barely one š. They were great! We still watch the episodes on prime. They were our families first kid show, fond memories!
Hoorah!! I am campaigning for a reunion. I’m certain there are so many of us who are still obsessed!
Thank you for this information!! I went looking to find out where they are as my 11 year old daughter loved them and we attended 2 concerts. I MIGHT have loved them more tho…SUCH a crush on Twist! Heart eyes tongue roll out LOL. Thank you! And…omg Taraās Mom!! So cool.
LOL!
Thank you !! My 2 older daughters ( 12 & 8 ) have introduced my 4 year old daughter to FBB ( & FBB of spies ) Itās been awesome. My husband found this article and it has made me sooo , sooo happy to see where they all are now . The 2 FBB concerts we saw were Literally my favorite concerts Iāve been to . Thanks again for the walk down memory lane.
FBBās #1 fan š¤š»š
You are so welcome!
My 12 and 14 year old Loved The FBB!! Twist was their favorite. I just found out the OG Reed went on to play Raul in the Phantom of the Opera in England! I could never really get into the new Marina but by the third season my boys had moved on to other shows. Good times x
Loved this post-thanks for stalking them! My 12 year old barely remembers the show-but I do! And I feel blessed that it was (and still is) the only concert my husband (of 15 years!) and I have been to together!
The fresh beat band shout good friend hamdiya come hung with you everyday morning great day together with him nice guy come see me on TV show called the fresh beat band
Gosh I love this! They took FBB off nick jr and My 5 year old had a meltdown. We went to apple to buy all three entire seasons.
Then I went down your rabbit hole and started stalking them on IG.
I wonder if there was a big falling out with the OG marina???
I which they can do having The Fresh Beat Band Reunion and I want to meet Tara Perry because I like when she play beautiful character and her friends Twist Kiki and Shout
Saw them in the 2nd row with my now 16 year old, who was obsessed. She dressed up like Marina and Tara/Marina noticed and was adorable. Twist threw her a banana too, which went down in family history (āremember when Twist threw you a banana?ā). I canāt remember which song, but one of them kept me motivated through my first 5k in many years! Loved this and so glad they are all having much-deserved success!
Oh, I know that song because I have it on my old ipod running playlist still! It’s Here We Go š
Sooooo funny that I found this today. I was just dropping my 12 year old off at school this morning and I was streaming an old mix from my phone when suddenly Get Up and Go Go comes on. The Fresh Beat Band! We both started to laugh. Bananas was next. We were talking about when we watched that show ALL the time when she was little(er). I remember us all being so sad when the show ended. We were THIS close to seeing one of the touring shows but some scheduling conflict prevented it. We thought weād get another chanceā¦but didnāt. It was over. I told my daughter that I was going to do a deep dive into the whereabouts of Twist and Co. to see if I can get some updates on their whereabouts. Although your report is slightly outdated (pre-COVID, for goodness sakes) Iāll be forwarding this to her this morning. Thank you for your trolling, I mean stalking, I mean investigating. I donāt know why it makes me happy to know their all doing well and are still friends. Funny enough, this particular mix that we had on was once one I had put together for running and the kids asked me to put some FBB on there, which always made me laugh when Loco Legs or Here We Go or whatever came on.
Thanks for putting this out there. We canāt be the only ones who revere the FBB!
Chris Justice
Boulder, CO
I am sooo late to the game, I just found this article. I loved reading all about the cast. My kids are 12, 12, 10, and 9. We saw them in concert the 1st time when I was pregnant with #4 but only took the toddler twins. The second time, we took our preschool twins and a toddler. Third time, we took all 4. . The youngest was a toddler. That was when they introduced Beau, the monkey that was in the animated Fresh Beat Band of Spies. One of those pictures popped up on my memories and so that lead to my curiosity. Even I got giddy reading Tara’s mom’s comment. We still have the DVDs and they still choose to watch them on long drives in the minivan. Thanks for all your sleuthing. I hope they see all these comments.
Eva Imperial
Sugar Land, TX
This is really inappropriate because it uses curse words in an article about a childrenās show. What if my child was reading this and not me and they learned to use the f-word??????