9 acts from the new breed of kids musicmakers

A guide to the new generation of kids music by Mindy Thomas, program director of Sirius XM's Kids Place Live and host of its "Absolutely Mindy!"

Okee Dokee Brothers: The Grammy-winning duo's adventure albums are full-on, sensory experiences for all ages. At a time when authenticity is valued at a premium, these guys honor traditional bluegrass, folk and old-time music while adding a contemporary twist.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo: The album title "Gross" says it all. Without an ounce of subtlety, nuance or metaphor, this album blasts lyrical toilet talk.

Jazzy Ash: Frontwoman Ashli Cristoval introduces a new generation to New Orleans early jazz, swing, zydeco and bebop.

Lucky Diaz & Family Jam Band: With its infectious pop beats and lyrics in English and Spanish, this Latin Grammy-winning band proves that music truly is the universal language.

Lunch Money: Its latest soft-rock album, "Spicy Kid," celebrates the day-to-day nuances of parents and kids navigating this crazy world together.

Not-Its: Big power anthems for little people and a solid stadium-rock sound.

Pop Ups: All-ages, electro-indie-pop, with simple themes wrapped up in sophisticated sounds.

Recess Monkey: One of the most prolific family-music bands unabashedly caters directly to the sensibilities of its kid audience, with tons of humor, absurdity and high energy.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo: The king of kid-hop doesn't mince words when encouraging kids to be themselves in all their weird and wonderful ways. He leads by example by taking classic hip-hop and seasoning it with hints of bluegrass, klezmer and heaps of positivity.