Riffin' Griffin BIO
Arena Rock for Kids!
Riffin' Griffin is a live rock band for kids and families from Minneapolis, MN! They are passionate about cultivating kids' love for music by playing fun, energetic, live shows that bring all of the excitement of a big, arena rock concert, but with kid-friendly lyrics and tons of audience participation.
Riffin' Griffin songs are inspired by catchy, power-pop bands like Weezer and riff-heavy bands like Muse, with the fun, silly, educational lyrical content of Sesame Street. Like a good animated film, Riffin' Griffin strives to create something that kids and adults can enjoy together. By the end of each show, kids can't help but sing, yell, clap and dance along!
Riffin' Griffin was founded by Jesse Norell, a musician, songwriter, guitar teacher, father, and advocate from Minneapolis, MN. Jesse plays solo shows and with a four-piece live band. Jesse hopes to inspire kids to love music as much as he does and fuel their imaginations and creativity.
In 2022 Jesse released a story-driven solo album called "Aorta Borealis," about his daughter (born with Down syndrome and a serious heart defect) who overcame heart surgeries with the help of Children's Hospital, MN. Aorta Borealis was featured on WCCO4 News, Fox9 News, and Good Morning America (see jessenorell.com/video). With each show, the goal is to encourage, increase awareness, and bring positivity to anyone who feels "atypical."
If you're interested in booking Riffin' Griffin, pricing options are available for solo, duo, or full-band shows.
Please contact us here. Thank you!
“Jesse brought so much fun and energy to my first grade class. He got the kids moving, grooving, and singing along while maintaining a very controlled environment. Jesse is a natural at engaging the kids through original songs, call and responses, movement activities, different voices, dance moves, and even singing the students' names. I appreciated how he calmed the kids at the end with a lullaby to get them ready to learn. Thank you for sharing your talents with us, Jesse! It was a wonderful opportunity for my students. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves!” - Abigail Blader - First Grade Teacher
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