Hyperactive Monkey

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 💚 She’s the only one we’ve got…so let’s treat her like it. 🌱 ✨

New art from honorary band member @jromonkey (Jerome Lu) of @hyperactivemonkey ! 🎨 Created in celebration of our upcoming appearance at #KQEDFest 2026, this piece reflects the vibrant, playful visual world Jerome has helped shape since 2024. Join us at KQED Fest 2026 for a joyful set filled with music and stories at one of SF’s best family-friendly street festivals. 🎟️ Free—RSVP via the link in our bio 🗓️ Saturday, May 9 ⏰ 11AM–6PM 📍 KQED Headquarters (2601 Mariposa St., San Francisco) Make a day of it—come for our set and stay to explore the full festival: music, food, art, and fun for all ages. Come sing, dance, and celebrate with us! History of the Band What began in 2013 as a small musical story time at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library has grown into one of the East Bay’s most beloved family traditions. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (“Mr. Michael”) and retired librarian and guitarist Tim DeWolf, The Story Time Band is now a dynamic ensemble featuring library specialists and musicians Juan Castille and Donovan Russell, and longtime Berkeley resident and keyboardist Tienne Lee. Blending live music, storytelling, movement, and audience participation, the group transforms books into vibrant, interactive experiences. Children and caregivers don’t just listen—they sing, dance, laugh, and become part of the story. Since its early days in the library, The Story Time Band has expanded to parks, theaters, festivals, and community spaces across the Bay Area. Regularly drawing packed crowds, the ensemble has appeared at The Freight, the Bay Area Book Festival, Oakland’s Fairyland, and San Quentin’s Family Day, bringing joy and connection to hundreds of families. With infectious energy, a deep sense of community, and a distinctive fusion of music and storytelling, The Story Time Band is redefining family entertainment—creating joyful shared experiences and inspiring a lifelong love of books.

- - Gerald Okamura Ruby Edition Gun Slinger Big Trouble in Little China 40th Anniversary (1986-2026) - @hyperactivemonkey Exclusive, Gerald "The Gunslinger” Okamura RUBY EDITION ! - Each 3.5" limited edition resin figure comes with a sticker and limited edition print. Kapow! - Available at hyperactivemonkey.com - - #hyperactivemonkey #bigtroubleinlittlechina #wingkong4life #redrubyresin #collectible #arttoy

“And you never saw me coming.” Here’s WONDER-ful project I got to be a part of (see what I did there). In the Marvel and @DisneyPlus new hit series, Wonder Man, some of my artwork and toys can be seen in the background. Swipe to see my art like my Kung Fu Monkey and Ninja Monkey prints hanging in the background. No spoilers, but in one scene a bunch of my sofubi and resin figures (all sculpted by the amazing macsorro) can be seen on the shelf. Even my Zom Monkey collab patch with @theartofskinner makes a guest appearance. I never would believed my toys and art would be the in same room as @yahya and Sir Ben Kingsley. SO WONDERFUL! Thank you @MarvelStudios for making a such a wonderful show (no pun intended). It truly is one of the best MCU shows ever made. And mega “WONDER” thanks to @mightyvant and @cindyandmichele for always connecting me to such amazing projects and creating such awesome production and set design. I showed the kids and told them this pretty much means I’m an Avenger now. Ok?!!!! Byeeeeeee!!!! 💪🏿🕶️❤️🖤 #wonderman #mcu

See ya later 2025! Not gonna lie you were a bit of a rough year but the positives outweighed the negatives. I’m ready for all the new adventures that await for 2026!

The Cosmic Story Time Band t-shirts have arrived! Now available in toddler sizes for $20 each. Supply is limited so pick yours up this Thursday, 12/18 at Musical Story Time @thefreightberkeley ! All proceeds are to be used for the purchase of musical equipment for the band. Thanks for your support! Design by The Story Time Band artist @jromonkey (Jerome Lu) of @hyperactivemonkey History of The Story Time Band What began in 2013 as a small Musical Story Time at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library has grown into a beloved citywide phenomenon. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (aka Mr. Michael) and retired librarian/guitarist Tim DeWolf, and joined by library specialists/musicians Juan Castille, Donovan Russell, and, most recently, long-time Berkeley resident and keyboardist, Tienne Lee. The Story Time Band brings stories to life through music, movement, and fun. From packed weekly shows at city of Berkeley parks to performances at The Freight, the Bay Area Book Festival, Oakland’s Fairyland, and even San Quentin State Prison’s Family Day, the band delights hundreds of children and caregivers across Berkeley and beyond. With a vibrant mix of storytelling, live music, and community connection, The Story Time Band is redefining family entertainment—one joyful jam at a time. Since 2024, the band’s colorful visual identity has been brought to life by artist Jerome Lu, whose artwork captures the spirit of their performances. As an honorary member of The Story Time Band, Jerome’s creative contributions have become an integral part of the band’s storytelling magic. #storytime #musicalstorytime #berkeley #musicislove #supporttheband

Vroom! Vroom! Beep! Beep! 🚗💨
As the wise philosopher Dominic Toretto once said, “I don’t have friends. I got family.” Huge thanks to my family @patrickballesteros and @titoricks for inviting me to be part of their art show REV-ember. Introducing my piece Drift Queens—inspired by the two little ladies in my life who drive me crazy (in the best way 😄💖). You can catch it in person starting today at @titoricks Garage! 🏁✨

The Story Time Band artist @jromonkey of @hyperactivemonkey has created another amazing piece—this time inspired by our puppet friends, Hip & Hop! If you’ve experienced The Story Time Band live, you already know these two are famous for their hit dance, the Bunny Hop! Jerome, we love you and appreciate everything you do for the band. And a huge thank-you again to @friendsbpl for their generous support! Do you and your child love doing the Bunny Hop with Hip & Hop? Please let us know in the comments! History of The Story Time Band What began in 2013 as a small Musical Story Time at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library has grown into a beloved citywide phenomenon. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (aka Mr. Michael) and retired librarian/guitarist Tim DeWolf, and joined by library specialists/musicians Juan Castille, Donovan Russell, and, most recently, long-time Berkeley resident and keyboardist, Tienne Lee. The Story Time Band brings stories to life through music, movement, and fun. From packed weekly shows at city of Berkeley parks to performances at The Freight, the Bay Area Book Festival, Oakland’s Fairyland, and even San Quentin State Prison’s Family Day, the band delights hundreds of children and caregivers across Berkeley and beyond. With a vibrant mix of storytelling, live music, and community connection, The Story Time Band is redefining family entertainment—one joyful jam at a time. Since 2024, the band’s colorful visual identity has been brought to life by artist Jerome Lu, whose artwork captures the spirit of their performances. As an honorary member of The Story Time Band, Jerome’s creative contributions have become an integral part of the band’s storytelling magic. #jromonkey #hyperactivemonkey #thestorytimeband #thestorytimebandexperience #berkeleypubliclibrary

TEASER! See the full art piece and many others being exhibited! I’ll be at @titoricks for @patrickballesteros ’ REV-ember Holiday Market and Art Show, Saturday, 12/13 from 11am-4pm.

Say hello to the happiest vinyl DJ on Earth! The new DJ Lance Rock Sofubi Figure is here — 6.75” of Japanese vinyl magic made by Props and Pops and designed by DJ Lance himself! Each figure is hand-signed and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, so you know your collectible is the real deal. If you love good vibes, bright colors, and fun memories… this little dude belongs in your collection! Limited drop — grab yours before they’re gone! DM me for the purchase link!! #DJLanceRock #Collectibles #Sofubi #YoGabbaGabba

Good news, everyone! Our Story Time Band patches have arrived! They’re $5 each and available in limited quantities. Want to make sure you get one? Message us on Instagram to reserve a patch! We’ll also have them available at this Thursday’s Musical Story Time @thefreightberkeley . Thanks for supporting the band! An extra special thanks to @jromonkey (Jerome Lu) of @hyperactivemonkey for the amazing patch design! History of the Story Time Band What began in 2013 as a small Musical Story Time at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library has grown into a beloved citywide phenomenon. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (aka Mr. Michael) and retired librarian/guitarist Tim DeWolf, and joined by library specialists/musicians Juan Castille, Donovan Russell, and, most recently, long-time Berkeley resident and keyboardist, Tienne Lee. The Story Time Band brings stories to life through music, movement, and fun. From packed weekly shows at Bateman Mall Park to performances at The Freight, the Bay Area Book Festival, Fairyland, and even San Quentin’s Family Day, the band delights hundreds of children and caregivers across Berkeley and beyond. With a vibrant mix of storytelling, live music, and community connection, The Story Time Band is redefining family entertainment—one joyful jam at a time. Since 2024, the band’s colorful visual identity has been brought to life by artist Jerome Lu (@jromonkey / @hyperactivemonkey ), whose artwork perfectly captures the band’s playful energy. #berkeley #berkeleypubliclibrary #storytime #musicalstorytime #musicforlife #musicforchildren #childrensmusic #beholdthepicturebook #librarylove #thefreight #libraryjoy

.ALL BAKED GOODS ARE LIVE. Visit thexbakery.com and come check out what baked goods we have for our GEEKED Group Show • For people stopping by our booth at Designercon we have some free snacks for your eyes while supplies last. Big thank you’s to our friends @mrkdstudios & @b2b.archives for providing us with an amazing poster giveaway along with some awesome stickers! • @designercon X @thexbakery DCON Day 2 opens from 10am - 5pm Booth 1118 • #DesignerCon #GeekedGroupShow #DConLasVegas #TheXBakery #BakeSomeNoise #ForTheCultureForTheGeeks