TORONTO — 2008 Juno Award-winner Jen Gould is bringing her catchy, kid-friendly musical stylings to Beth Tikvah Synagogue on Nov. 9.

Gould started playing and writing music after the birth of her
daughter, Shoshana. She wrote stories for Shoshana in rhyme and taught
herself to play guitar.

Now, almost nine years later, her children’s album Music Soup, which includes the songs Gina Meana and Monster in My Closet, has sold more than 20,000 copies.

Not only have her songs attracted the attention of children and parents all over the world, Gould is also a familiar face – and voice – both onstage and on the small screen.

During five seasons at the Stratford Festival, she took on such roles as Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the title character in Gigi.

She is also a big fan of animated shows, lending her voice to Sailor Moon, Will and Dewitt, and Miss Spider, among others. Gould is currently working on a TV show of her own, for which she hopes to start production on by the end of the year.

Gould, who also has a son, credits having children of her own with inspiring her to write music.

“I was filled with joy and awe at having children,” she said, adding that she would often write songs in one or two sittings.

“I love storytelling, [and] kids’ music is engaging because it’s storytelling.”

This will be Gould’s first concert at Beth Tikvah, to add to her roster of shows performed at the Green Toronto Festival and the Ottawa Children’s Festival.

To purchase tickets for the 2 p.m. show, call 416-221-3433 ext. 354.

Gould’s website address is www.jengouldmusic.com.