What is JoJo’s Dream & Mission?

To inspire and motivate children to live out their dreams and to be a positive role model for both children and adults.

How did JoJo’s DreamCart Begin?

Born in the North End of Boston, JoJo has lived in Somerville, Massachusetts since she was 2 years old. Anyone who has ever met JoJo, a trained singer and student of Berklee College of Music, knows she can quickly turn everyday life into a musical, spontaneously breaking into song during the course of a conversation. She always says, "I like to spread happiness that’s contagious."

In the early 1980’s, JoJo’s first experience as a singer, songwriter, and performer was on her music video "Change Your Mind," which placed second on MTV’s Basement Tapes. She then proceeded to produce a series of music videos, performing and singing at Somerville Community Access Television.

In 1989, her thoughts turned toward creating a television show for children. JoJo remembers, "It was called Wacky Wanda and her Wonderful World of Whatchamacallit. Sesame Street liked the idea for my show, but said it was all over the place." She eventually quit the project, but the idea remained in the back of her mind. "In January 2002, JoJo was having a good time playing with her nephews JJ and Daniel, and her brother Sal said, "you should have your own TV show for children because you really know how to relate to kids." It was on that day that JoJo decided to make the children’s show a reality.

Urged on by the advice and support of Rex Trailer, the star of Boomtown, a popular live children’s television show with a 20 year run (1954-1974), JoJo co-produced the show with Trailer and Michael Bavaro. "Michael told me to come to SCAT," JoJo says, "He said the show has to start out locally."

The show’s philosophy, JoJo says, "is for children to believe in themselves and their dreams… to motivate them to develop their self esteem, and their dreams can come true!" JoJo’s DreamCart is full of dream things that inspire children to guess the dream of the day. These dream things promote positive advice, such as it takes 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration, and don’t let those negative nono’s in life tell you that you cannot attain your dreams. Of course there are plenty of catchy tunes written and sung by the star of the show. Bob Christopherson, JoJo’s Music Director, is also helping JoJo to bring her music to life. Of course, there’s Rachel Eisengart, who is the brilliant editor of shows two through six and will continue to edit future shows. Let’s not forget Michael Bavaro, who is instrumental in helping to develop and structure just about every single aspect of JoJo’s DreamCart. Michael Bavaro is currently working with JoJo as a consultant to keep the integrity of the show.

A little piece of history pertaining to JoJo’s family:

JoJo’s family has been peddling balloons and novelties on the streets of Boston since 1896. Her grandfather Francesco LaRiccia brought the balloon mold to this country. From the basement of his home in the North End of Boston, Francesco manufactured balloons, imprinting them with designs of flowers and birds. Francesco introduced his balloons to P.T. Barnum Circus and was a familiar figure peddling at fiestas and parades in Boston for over 60 years. The LaRiccia family is the oldest balloon family in America. JoJo still runs her business of 33 years on Boston’s Historic Waterfront in front of the New England Aquarium.

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Spooky World - Every Friday Saturday and Sunday nights in October.

Kids Have A Voice at SCAT on Tuesdays, Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 28, Nov 11 & 25, Dec 9 & 23, 2003

Here you will find pictures, links, music downloads, video clips, and all kinds of fun DreamTthings.

Watch the promo for "JoJo's DreamCart."

Click Here

We would love for you to be a guest on "JoJo's DreamCart."

Requirements:
Ages 8-16

If you have a dream...if you have an imagination...if you are enthusiastic and enjoy asking questions and exchanging ideas with other kids and JoJo.

E-mail your request to: jojo-v@comcast.net

If you are interested in gaining some on-air training from children's TV Legend, Rex Trailer, star of "BoomTown," contact: The Cameo Agency