A stellar array of Chicago musicians contributes to “Music For the Heart,” a compact disc ($15) available Tuesday to benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation. Among those donating their talents are Arlo & Anna, Jenny Armstrong, Robin Bell, Meredith Colby, Ralph Covert, Melanie Dix, Dave Fletcher, Becca Kaufman, Rob Kolson, Amy Lowe, Dave Nuccio, Chuck Webb and 11-year-old rapper Lil T-Bone. Kaufman and T-Bone will perform songs on Tuesday’s WGN “Morning News” during the 8 a.m. hour.
B-96 personalities Eddie and JoBo will emcee a “Music For the Heart” benefit concert 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. In addition to several artists featured on the CD, there will be entertainment by School House Rock Live, Tri-Star Gymnastics, 98.6 Fahrenheit Dance Company and the Eileen Boevers Traveling Troupe, a musical revue featuring 11- through 14-year-olds.
Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children. For more information, call 630-428-1298.
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‘Secret Garden’ sequel blooms on video
Blossoming this week on home video is “Back to the Secret Garden,” a made-for-cable sequel based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s book. Camilla Belle stars as Lizzie, an American orphan who, too, falls under the spell of a dilapidated garden. It retails for $14.98 on VHS, $19.98 on DVD.
“Jay Jay the Jet Plane,” the high-flying PBS preschool series, takes off on Tuesday in two new-to-VHS collections, “Friends Take Flight” and “Soaring High.” Each contains three stories and retails for $13. Also available are expanded DVD editions, “Learning Life’s Little Lessons” and “Supersonic Pals.” Each contains five stories and retails for $20.
‘One Little Sound’ worth hearing
Parents can count on award-winning children’s artist Hap Palmer. His newest is “One Little Sound: Fun with Phonics and Numbers.” Each of the 12 songs, including “How Many Are Here?” and “Follow Along,” is followed by an instrumental version, encouraging children to sing along.
“One Little Sound” retails for $14 on compact disc and $10 on audiocassette. To order, visit www.happalmer.com.