The Sippy Cups

Formed in California during 2004, the Sippy Cups deliver rock tunes aimed at both children and adults while forging intergenerational bonds through inventive, participatory performances reminiscent of the Flaming Lips. The lineup coalesced around vocalist Paul Godwin, an early-childhood music instructor who had already written music for theater and cinema; entertainer Doug Nolan; guitarist Mark Verlander; vocalist Alison Faith Levy, formerly of the Loud Family; bassist Rudy Trubitt; and drummer Jozef Becker, previously with Thin White Rope and the Loud Family. Eric Drew Feldman, known for his work with the Polyphonic Spree and PJ Harvey, produced a two-song EP whose release preceded the full-length Electric Storyland! in 2006. That same year the band broadened its reach by appearing on the children’s stage at Lollapalooza, and its concerts soon incorporated juggling, unicycling, and puppetry, sustaining audience growth over subsequent seasons. In 2009 the group issued its second album, The Time Machine.