PBS KIDS is set to premiere an hour-long special based on Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, the children’s book by Kwame Alexander, alongside Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams, a series of 20 shorts that will introduce kids to jazz music.
Centered on Acoustic Rooster, a guitar-strumming rooster who joins the Barnyard Band of Jazz Greats, the series and special feature 24 original tracks composed by Mark McLean, as well as special guests, including Herbie Hancock and Amy Shook.
The special premieres May 1, 2025. In addition to the sneak peek at the top of this page, a second short will debut April 11, with the remaining rolling out weekly beginning May 9, 2025.
The special follows the musical adventures of Acoustic Rooster and his friends, Mules Davis, Lil’ Herdin, Ella Finchgerald, Duck Ellington, and the Chick-A-Dees.
The Acoustic Rooster shorts and special were created by Kwame Alexander and Kay Donmyer and directed by Rachel Stolberg and Ranjit Gill.