Millions of people live with Parkinson’s disease and this throwback rock & roll song by Canadian singer/songwriter Taylor Abrahamse raises awareness and funds for the chronic illness. A 2021 Kerrville Newfolk winner & Mariposa finalist, Taylor performs across Ontario and writes with established acts such as Danny Fernandes & Peter Driemanis of July Talk. His songs for online animated content providers like Super Planet Dolan have garnered millions of views.
1. The Beaver Den
Beaver’s father Wally (Jerry Mathers) teaches him woodworking in the family’s pond. He has a crush on two of his Grant Avenue Grammar School teachers, Miss Canfield and Miss Landers. His other friends include the perpetually apple-munching Larry Mondello, Gilbert Bates, Whitey Whitney, Richard Rickover and the elderly fireman Gus. He also has several pets: a chihuahua that he names Nick for one episode, a pet rabbit named Henrietta for the next and a pigeon whose name changes to Stanley.
The show was popular and spawned a reunion telemovie, Still the Beaver, as well as sequel series, The New Leave It to Beaver. It was also adapted into a 1997 feature film. The gnula film starred Christopher McDonald as Ward and Janine Turner as June, with Erik von Detten and Barbara Billingsley in supporting roles. The original cast also reprised their roles in the spinoff series and the reunion telemovie.
2. The Stanley Dynamic
In this multi-cam sitcom, twin siblings Larry and Luke have one special twist – Luke is an animated cartoon. Created by Ken Cuperus (who also wrote ‘The Beaver Den’), the show tries to merge cartoon characters with real-life situations.
Elya Yelnats is Stanley’s no-good, dirty-rotten, pig-stealing great-grandfather who is blamed for all the bad things that happen to the family. His robbery of a stagecoach is what leads to Madame Zeroni putting the curse on the family.
When the Stanleys meet a homeless man named Doop, they invite him to stay at the house. He soon proves himself to be the perfect addition to the family and gives Larry, Lori & Summer an incentive to do better in school. The family is also eager to witness a ghost, but they’re surprised when the supposed ghost turns out to be just a dog.
3. Radical Sheep
‘If you have ever been to a Taylor Abrahamse concert, you will leave with your inner child restored. His playfulness, stunning songcraft & honesty float like maple leaves in the breeze, electrifying, yet soothing your soul.
Radical Sheep Productions made a name for itself creating children’s TV series including Stella and Sam, Ruffus the Dog and The Big Comfy Couch. The company also housed a ‘Sheep Shop’ which provided puppet construction until 2002, when Mills stepped aside and John Leitch took over the business as president.
The company has merchandising rights for the show, which includes home videos and story books along with items to extend your child’s experience of the program. These include a clock-rug that lets kids do stretches with Loonette the Clown, and a toy box whose interior features the couch from the show.
4. Teletoon
Described as a Paul Simon/Jim Carrey crossbreed, Taylor’s playfulness & stunning songcraft leave audiences teary-eyed & electrified. Whether on stage with just a mahogany Martin or behind the mic, Taylor’s hook-laden hammerclaw pop will take you for a ride.
After begging his parents for an agent at the age of 6, Taylor quickly began landing numerous commercials in TV & radio. This soon transitioned into supporting TV movie & series roles, including Jimmy Osmond in the ABC biopic ‘Inside The Osmonds’ & Elliott in PAX TV’s Doc.
A throwback rock & roll tune that raises awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. The video features real people living with the disorder, and showcases their tenacity & sense of joy. It also highlights the support & strength of their families.
5. Super Planet Dolan
The Super Planet Dolan series features a group of YouTubers including Hellbent, Boogie2988 and Nixxiom answering user submitted questions in a manner that is either completely inaccurate or intended to be. Dolan’s character is a white humanoid figure dressed in the outfit of the Pillsbury Doughboy and a Donald Duck hat.
Dolan’s brother Zaragamba and sister Ramona are portrayed as cartoon creatures. Most SPD episodes feature Melissa narrating the “truths” while Dolan or Ramona occasionally offer up more surreal or ridiculous answers.
The series also has a few music videos and animated takes on public domain children’s songs or original songs created by the crew. Many of these have been viewed over 20 million times on YouTube alone. Taylor wrote the music for most of these videos and has written other musicals & music for various artists & TV shows.
