Reid Moriarty, aka Man With a Mic, is the lead singer of Jungle Poppins, an animated musical outfit that performs songs from movie soundtracks and some whimsical originals as well. It just so happens that Moriarty is also on the autism spectrum.
On July 31, Moriarty and crew will celebrate the release of Jungle Poppins' debut album at the Belly Up (143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075) with the Corey Leal Duo and Ryan Hiller offering up some veteran support.
According to his website, "Reid is a seasoned vocalist as comfortable singing the Star Spangled Banner before throngs of runners and press as he is engaging a classroom of wiggling preschoolers with his catchy original color songs. He has sung in churches, lecture halls, pocket parks and coffeehouses since he was nine years old. Reid is sought after and admired for his perfect pitch, quirky songwriting and interpretation of thoughtful covers that reflect his life experience and bring new meaning to crowd-pleasing favorites."
Moriarty is also a podcast host and he's had everyone from Aloe Blacc to Andy Grammer on his show, "Talk Time w/ Reid Moriarty."
While Aloe Blacc might not need a dollar, local nonprofits definitely do. Fortunately, a dollar from every ticket sold for Jungle Poppins' Belly Up show will go to Banding Together, which provides free music therapy programs, scholarships, mentorships and instruments to youth with special needs.
Not only is this an opportunity to experience a theatrical display of pure musical expression, but it's also a chance to understand autism on an entirely new level.
Oh, and don't forget to buy the band's new CD!
Rutger Ansley Rosenborg has been an Associate Editor at NBC SoundDiego since 2016. Find out more here, or contact him here.
