Music For New People is a performance for the eyes and ears of... New People. Performing a mix of originals and covers, 'Music For New People' is a unique experience that uses cutting edge electronics, ukulele, and percussion to create an engaging and dynamic environment for KIDS & ADULTS alike. Inspired by the work (& play) of Andy Kaufman, Shel Silverstein, Reggie Watts and They Might Be Giants! Good Times!

Lenny Zieben

Lenny Zieben is the founder of Music For New People in all of its glory! It bridges his love of entertaining and educating young and young-ish minds. 

A teacher and performer in many capacities, Lenny is a current Artist in Residence for Snow City Arts where he facilitates music projects to children of all ages in a hospital environment. He is also  a teacher for Chime's Clap, Sing & Read , a literacy-based music program for elementary grades at CPS. A former member of The Sharp Cookies and bassist for their most recent masterpiece "Bouncing Ball of Energy", Lenny has taught for several years at The Old Town School of Folk Music, a couple years at Smart Love Preschool and currently teaches at Midwest Montessori. 

Kids are mesmerized by his hilarity and good-hearted nature.

Lenny graduated from the DePaul School of Music. As a former audio technician at The Chicago Cultural Center he has helped amplify such illustrious speakers as Tom Skilling, Mayor Daley, (and Madeleine Albright). Hurray!

Lenny lives with his wife and 3 children in the Irving Park neighborhood in northwest Chicago.

Harley Gingras

Harley Gingras is a multi-instrumentalist musician, experimental-electronic composer, sound designer, and all-around great guy. His first instrument was a pair of drum sticks and his 5th grade elementary school text books, but he has since grown into more sophisticated instruments such as the drum set, accordion, and kazoo.

Harley has been studying music since 2002, composing since 2003, performing since 2007, and teaching since 2009. In 2014, he graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor's of Music in Contemporary, Urban, and Pop Music Studies. However, as mainstream as that might sound, during his time at Columbia Harley reconnected with his eccentric side in music, becoming interested in experimental music composition and sound design.

Since then he's been pursuing his residency as composer/producer with jazz trio The Giving Trio, as well as membership as bassist and heart-throb in the band The Dirty Dirty Dollars. Harley has recently joined forces with Lenny Zieben as sound designer and electro-acoustic accompanist to create Music For New People.