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
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
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
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
