ML Interest Tag: family-concert

7 December Concerts You Should Not Miss

by jeff bogle

If you start to see an increase in Patriots jerseys on the street and Red Sox hats on the subway, don’t be alarmed. It’s only happening because Boston’s burgeoning kindie rock scene is taking over the city in December as three bands from up north (+ Brooklynite Dan Zanes, who hails from New England) make the drive down to entertain NYC this holiday season. Don’t get left out in the cold, here are seven December concerts not to be missed.

photo: Suzi Shelton

Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square with Suzi Shelton

Celebrate the start of the chilly season with kindie sweetheart Suzi Shelton at a jam-packed Winter’s Eve event featuring a diverse menu of musical choices including three sets by Shelton and her band. Stick around afterward for a tree lighting ceremony with Arlo Guthrie, Kinky Boots and Billy Porter!

Mon., Dec 1, 6:15 p.m.; 7 p.m., and 7:45 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Kids’ Central at the American Bible Society
865 Broadway at 61st St.
Columbus Circle
Online: winterseve.nyc

photo: Josh and the Jamtones

Josh and the Jamtones

Recall the best gift you ever got as a child, the one you couldn’t wait to tell all of your friends about, the one that had to be pried out of your clammy little hands at bedtime, and how it made you feel. That’s the kind of giddy joy Josh and the Jamtones will bring to city families this month when the Boston-based jam band rocks your kids’ stockings off at the Jewish Museum. You do not want to miss one of the best live kindie bands in the country making a rare NYC visit!

Sun., Dec. 7, 11 a.m.
$18/adults; $13/kids (cheaper for members)
The Jewish Museum
1109 5th Ave.
Upper East Side
212-423-3200
Online: thejewishmuseum.org

photo: Dan Zanes

Dan Zanes 4th Annual Holiday Sing-Along

A modern holiday tradition enters its fourth year as Dan Zanes gathers warm-hearted families at the City Winery once again to sing, dance and be joyous during the merriest time of the year. You’ll hear (and help perform) songs from all of the winter holidays, making this a truly inclusive seasonal event.

Sun., Dec 14, 11a.m.- 1p.m.
Tickets: $20
City Winery
Soho
212-608-0555
Online: citywinery.com

photo: Karen K and the Jitterbugs

Karen K and the Jitterbugs Holiday Jam-Brrr-ee

What’s this, another high energy New England kindie band rocking the city before the holiday season? Indeed! Karen K and her bugs will lift your holiday spirits with a Brooklyn pop rock jamboree featuring happy songs that will have you and your tots shaking like a bowl full of jelly.

Sun., Dec 14, 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.
$10/adults; $8/kids, $30/family of four
Jalopy
Columbia Street Waterfront District
Brooklyn
718-395-3214
Online: jalopy.biz

photo: Walter Martin

Walter Martin Holiday Show featuring Kat Edmonson

When Walter Martin (of The Walkmen) released his debut family album We’re All Young Together earlier this year, one track jumped out as the big winner from the batch: “Hey Sister” featuring the delightful vocals of Kat Edmonson. At this special mid-week, early-evening holiday show, Edmonson will join Martin on stage for that song plus others (including the adorable “I Walk So Slow Under The Mistletoe”, a brand new holiday single from the duo) making this the must-see family concert of December.

Thurs., Dec 18, 7 p.m.
$20
Joe’s Pub
425 Lafayette St.
Noho
212-539-8778
Online: joespub.publictheater.org

photo: Father Goose

Father Goose

He doesn’t perform live often, so when Father Goose brings his Jamaican rhythms to the stage, you best make sure you and your toddlers are there to witness one of the most gregarious performers in the city’s kiddie music scene.

Sat., Dec 20, 11 a.m.
$21/adults; $14/kids (cheaper for members)
Symphony Space
2537 Broadway
Upper West Side
212-932-3228
Online: symphonyspace.org

photo: Stacey Peasley

Stacey Peasley

Keep the holiday cheer flowing with one final rockin’ show before the year is over. Boston’s Stacey Peasley Band will play what we think is one of the best kindie Christmas songs ever (“Under the Tree”) as well as additional holiday originals during its two sets on the Island.

Sat., Dec 27, 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.
$5 with museum admission, cheaper for member ($10 for the theater only)
Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Ave.
Garden City
Long Island
516-224-5800
Online: licm.org

What’s your must-see music show of the season? Tell us in the comments below!

—Jeff Bogle

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Save the Date! Fall Happenings to Plan For Now

by Natasha Davis

Autumn will soon be here — so make like a tree and leaf the house. (Tell that joke to your kids.) There are so many places you can go, from a fairy tale play to a children’s film festival to a symphony for the whole family. Take a peek at our must-do’s and save the dates!

photo: Story Pirates

Theater 

Story Pirates
The Story Pirates are on stage, but the kids in the audience are the stars. Stories are collected from young viewers and become fodder for an original sketch comedy musical created on the spot. Kids can watch their imaginings (anything from tickle monsters and gravity-defying pets) come to life with sweet tunes and gut-busting jokes. These pirates “steal” material all the time, which means you’ll never hear the same story twice.

McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage
Fawell & Park Boulevards
Glen Ellyn
630-942-4000
Online: atthemac.org
Date: October 4, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Cost: $16/adults; $14/kids
Ages: 5-13

Goldilocks & the Three Bears
Your favorite childhood fairy tale pops up on stage to delight your own kiddos. You know the story: When Goldilocks goes frolicking in the woods, she encounters a bear home, makes herself at home and learns about respect. Expect big, Broadway-style songs and lots of giggle fits when Mama Bear asks, “Who’s been eating my porridge?”

Emerald City Theater at Apollo Theater
2540 N Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Park
773-529-2690
Online: emeraldcitytheatre.com
Date: October 4-January 3; times vary (check website for details)
Cost: starting at $15/person
Ages: 3 & up

photo: Leo Lionni’s “Frederick”  / Al Zayed

Leo Lionni’s “Frederick”
Leo Lionni’s much loved book, Frederick, is getting a musical makeover by Chicago Children’s Theater. Most mice are concerned about storing enough munchies for the winter, but Frederick is no ordinary rodent. He spends long summer days relaxing, but has something special up his sleeve for the next polar vortex. Let six talented actors, who also happen to be skilled musicians, take you on a journey with their special blend of folksy blues. Everyone can enjoy this show with American Sign Language performances and an autism friendly show in early November.

Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn St.
Gold Coast
872-222-9555
Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org
Date: October 15-November 16; times vary (check website for details)
Cost: $38/adults; $28/children
Ages: 3 & up

Princess and the Pea
It’s time to find out if Penelope has what it take to be a princess. Discover what happens when you combine a would-be princess, a pea and stack of mattresses. The little ones are going to love, and probably be pretty jealous of, the 12-foot-high bed and its 20 colorful mattresses. Laugh until it hurts on this journey to princess-hood with Penelope and her friends, staged by Chicago Kids Company.

Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th St.
Beverly
773-205-9600
Online: app.arts-people.com
Date: October 16-November 26; 10:30 a.m. weekdays & Nov. 8, 1 p.m.
Cost: $12/person
Ages: 2-12

photo: Emerald City Theater

Hansel & Gretel: A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat
You may think you know this story, but you’ve never heard it like this before. Rock out with Hansel & Gretel as they trounce through the Forbidden Forest to find their mother, discover a candy cottage and learn about the power of love. In a story full of dreaming, thieving and candy, what more could a fairy tale fan want? The wicked tunes of Grimm Brother’s Band, of course! Under the guidance of kindie rock hero, Justin Roberts, and his partner in crime, Eric Nolan, you can’t go wrong with this new spin on a kiddie classic from Emerald City Theater and Broadway in Chicago.

Broadway Playhouse
175 E. Chestnut St.
Downtown
773-529-2690
Online: broadwayinchicago.com
Date: November 22-January 4; times vary (see website for details)
Cost: Varies

Museums & Attractions

The Lionel Train Adventure
It’s time to see Lincoln Park Zoo at a totally different speed. Take a break from giraffes, lions and gorillas, and pop over to the old-fashioned brick train station. Zip over a country bridge, through the evergreen woods and down into a precarious canyon. This electric train is complete with a coal car, passenger cars with room for 28 adventurers, and even a caboose. Choo-choo, everyone!

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
312-742-2000
Online: lpzoo.org
Date: Opens October 2; daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $3/ride; free for zoo members from Oct. 2-5

Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze
Discover how naturally fun math can be in a maze filled with mirrors that will help kiddies unlock the beautiful symmetry of the natural world. Kick things off with a film that presents how fractals, spirals and “golden ratio” are woven into our lives. Then take a whirlwind trip through the mirrored maze of triangles, and race to find a secret room with even more math-tacular secrets inside.

Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Hyde Park
773-684-1414
Online: msichicago.org
Date: Opens October 8, daily from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free with general museum admission ($18/adults; $11/children 3-11; $17/seniors 65 & up)

Vodou: Sacred Powers of Haiti
You might think you know what Vodou is, but the truth will be revealed at this new exhibit. Practitioners will share personal stories about the spiritual pursuit, while kids experience what really happens during a ritual possession ceremony and even take a peek inside the workroom of a Vodou secret society. Let the “Lwa” (spirits) of love, warriors and everything in between guide you on a journey of faith and understanding.

The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Museum Campus
312-922-9410
Online: fieldmuseum.org
Date: October 24-April 26, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free with general museum admission ($31 adults; $21child; $25students & seniors)

photo: Chicago International Children’s Film Festival / Anatole’s Little Saucepan

Events

Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
It’s a week of amazing movies aimed at mini cinephiles! Whether you’re into animated adventures, documentaries with a message, cool bite-sized short films or even pieces produced by other kids, this is the place to be. Stick around after the shows for special Q&A sessions and stop by educational workshops throughout the week. You might even run into special celebrity guests!

Facets Multimedia
1517 W. Fullerton Ave.
Lincoln Park
773-281-9075
Online: facets.org
Date: October 24-November 2 (see website for complete schedule)
Cost: $6/children (2-18); $9/adults

Cantigny Park Civil War Re-enactment
Hang out with Honest Abe and Mary Todd when the whole fam takes a trip back in time. The Civil War is alive and kicking in Cantigny Park, and your little history buffs get to be part of the action. Experience a dramatic battle between the Union and Confederate soldiers, period music from the Battlefield Balladeers, and activities reflective of the times.

1S151 Winfield Rd.
Wheaton
630-668-5161
Online: cantigny.org
Date: October 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & October 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Free

photo: Chicago World Music Festival / Boban & Marko Markovic Orkestar

Concerts & Performances

Chicago World Music Festival
So many sounds from across the globe converge at this annual free jubilee. More than 80 countries represent a variety of styles, whisking you from Nigeria to Mali to Costa Rica to India to Hawaii. The lineup includes the best brass band out of the Balkans, Boban & Marko Markovic Orkestar, on Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Hall. Needless to say, your gang is going to be grooving non-stop.

Held at various locations throughout Chicago; check website for details
Online: cityofchicago.org
Date: September 11-21
Cost: Free

Downtown Sounds Family Concert
Let your kiddo’s imagination wander to far off places with the help of some pretty famous names. You’ll trot from one composer’s favorite city to the next via the musical stylings of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Travel to Paris with Gershwin and Ibert, listen to the gushing water of the Trevi Fountain with Respighi, and walk with Smetana along rivers in Bohemia.

Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Ave.
The Loop
312-294-3000
Online: cso.org
Date: November 22, 12:45 p.m.
Cost: Varies

photo: UniverSoul Circus

UniverSoul Circus
A global circus explosion is coming to town! Your host, Lucky, keeps the party rockin’ and gets everyone on their feet. Bend, flip and fly with the Zhen Jiang Acrobatic Troupe from China, giggle with the prancing fluffies of Chile’s own Olate Dogs, go on a crazy ride with the Globe of Death from Columbia, enjoy the magic of the Caribbean with Soul Illusions, and so much more.

Washington Park
5531 Martin Luther King Dr.
South Side
Online: universoulcircus.com
Date: September 24-October 19
Cost: $19-$31/person

Which of these events are you MOST looking forward to? Let us know in the Comments!

— Natasha Davis

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A Local Musician Shares Her Portland Secrets

by Erin Lem

Acclaimed indie artist Laura Veirs is back with a much-lauded album “Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children.” Recorded by Grammy-nominated producer (and husband) Tucker Martine in their home in Portland, Oregon, it covers a wide range of American folk songs and features amazing guest artists, many of who are parents and who live in Portland.

Inspired by the birth of her son (now one-and-a-half) and by countless fans who’ve told her over the years how much their kids love her records, Veirs has created an album that will capture the hearts of adults and children alike.

The album will be released on November 8, 2011. And Laura is organizing two CD release events. You can visit her site for more information—and a free download.

November 12: Music Millennium in-store mini concert

December 4: Mississippi Studios family concert

We talked with her about music, mom essentials, how children are like artists, Forest Park, and perfect Portland days.

Many parents aspire to create a home environment that fosters a love for music. What musical rituals does your family have—how do you encourage a musical lifestyle at home?
My husband is a producer and curious person. So we’re always listening to records when we’re home. Just having music around is so important for children. We listen to all kinds of music. African, Appalachian. And we sing around the house.

My son loves drumming. We have a basement room with instruments, and we’re not precious about them. Even at his age, my son knows not to hurt them. But we also play drums with whatever is at hand. Ordinary objects. While we’re just sitting at the table together.

Music is also a useful tool for us. Today I was making lunch and we put on the new Wilco album. He plays while I get to do other things.

Name three people, places, objects, or things that are inspiring you right now.
1. Peggy Seeger’s Animal Folksongs for Children. Her mother wrote those songs. She was an interesting woman. A music historian—an archivist.

2. Forest Park. We’re really just discovering it. How magical! My son loves it. The sounds of nature are very calming.

3. It may be cliché, but … my son. He’s one and a half and so full of joy and life. Children of that age are so curious and full of wonder. He makes even the mundane seem exciting. In many ways, that’s the artist’s role, too.

What’s your favorite rainy day kids activity in Portland?
Every parent will probably say the same thing: bless OMSI! They have a great toddler area and also a separate place where little blue balls are flying all around in and out of various contraptions—that’s a major hit with my 1.5-year-old son. Also, having friends over to play in our basement playroom is fun, and going to people’s houses, and also just getting out and braving the elements. My son doesn’t care if it’s raining or shining, so I’m getting more used to being out in the weather.

What parks and playgrounds do you enjoy the most?
We live in NE Portland, so we enjoy Alberta Park and Wilshire Park a lot.  My son was inspired to walk the first time trying to get in on a basketball game at Alberta Park.

Tell us what’s in your bag?
I don’t have a personal bag. I just keep my phone, wallet and keys in my jacket. In the diaper bag there are diapers and wipes (duh), ample snacks (to keep the wolf at bay), one or two toys and a jacket. I try to keep things minimal, but it often means I’m borrowing things from better-prepared parents.

Tell us about your must-have mommy essentials.
The dear people around me! My husband who gets up with our son every other morning so I can have that time to go for a run and to a coffee shop. My brother and sister-in-law who are great parenting mentors. My friends who I gather with as much as possible for moral support and play time for the kids, and my parents who come to help when my husband goes out of town for work (and who were the “granny nannies” on a three-week European tour we did when the baby was four months old). I feel so grateful for the people in my life who make parenting so much easier and more fun.

What’s your go-to dinner recipe when you don’t have lots of time?
We do this so much that now we’re all kind of sick of it, but it’s a recipe my mom made a lot growing up and it is spreading like wildfire around Portland because it’s sooooo easy.

Leslie Veirs’ Mexican Quiche Recipe
It’s rich, delicious, and easy to make. Just mix all this together:

Ingredients:
10 beaten eggs

1/2 c. melted butter

1/2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

Dash of salt

1 8-12 oz can of mild green chilies (use jalapenos if you really want to blow someone’s socks off)

2 c. cottage cheese

4 c. grated jack cheese (1 lb.) (1/2 pound also tastes good … I usually do that)

Method:
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, until the top is browned.  Test with a knife in the middle. Cut when hot and ENJOY!

Tumble Bee features many other Portland-based artists (and parents) like Colin Meloy from the Decemberists. Was this a project a long time in the making or how did it come about? Did it spring from collaboration with these artists? 
The album was about a year in the making. We listened to hundreds of songs.

A friend (a musician) had suggested that we make an album for kids because their kids like my music. And we wanted to make something we could listen to and share with our friends and their kids.

What songs do you sing to your child? Songs you wrote? Songs from your youth?
I made a song up just for him. A little melody. I also sing a bunch of songs from the record. “The Fox.” “Jamaica Farewell.” “Prairie Lullaby.”

Some songs on the album, like “The Fox” and “Jamaica Farewell,” were songs that my parents sang to me. 

How has motherhood changed how you work or perform? 
Being a new mom, it’s more challenging to dedicate time to music. It was kind of a relief to step out of the songwriter role for this album. My performances for Tumble Bee will be goofier. And very interactive.

How motherhood will affect my music is still becoming clear. I’m in the discovery phase.

Complete this thought: My best-day-ever day with my family in Portland would include…
Up early at 8:00 am

Go to the farmer’s market in our neighborhood (Alberta) with friends

Breakfast

Run around the park

Nap

Walk in Forest Park or the zoo

Big dinner.

Stroll down Alberta Street to one of the many ice cream shops

Maybe a show, like You Who

Oh, and full sun all day.

— Cheyenne Terbrueggen

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