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Local Music Venues for Kids |
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[Editorial published 4/10/08]
Hi Everyone,
On the occasions when we synch up with my husband's brother or first cousin, the guys spend hours together listening to music that they've collected just to share. Introducing each other to new music is part of their family culture. My son has inherited the same tendency. He takes great pride in DJ-ing and controlling the music in our home. Last week he was picking and choosing from his Blue Man Group playlist. This week it's all Animusic (CD or DVD, depending on the environment.) He's become adept with the remote controls and computer interface primarily out of this desire to DJ. It may even become the catalyst for him to read more adeptly. This week I was inspired when I learned of a new Boulder/Denver venue offering music for kids, so inspired in fact, that Music Venues for Kids is this week's topic.
The mother/daughter pair who owns Chapultepec Too was inspired to launch a kids disco after watching little kids dance at a wedding. Last week they launched their Kid Jam & Lunch event. It runs every Tuesday 11am - 1pm. Admission is free. Kids can dance, and play with a real drum set, keyboard, guitar, and more. Healthy lunch combo plates for kids are $4, for adults are $6. Located in Northwest Denver, it's an easy drive with ample parking available. Show your support for opening their doors to little ones and go dance on Tuesdays!
>> More about "Kid Jam & Lunch" at Chapultepec Too, their menu, location, and birthday party options.
Since May 2006, the D Note in Arvada has hosted Baby Boogie. Free tunes spin to the delight of kids and adults on Sunday afternoons from 2 - 6pm. It's also becoming a hot venue for kids and adult birthday parties. A loyal customer (and mom of a 4.5 yr girl) inspired the parents who run this club/restaurant to create a no-cover-charge variation of Baby Loves Disco. At D Note, kids can play on the big stage with toys and various instruments (bongos, shakers, tambourines, etc.) The kids menu features pizza and pasta choices for kids ($5-7). There's a half-dozen other kid-friendly food options and a full menu for adults.
>> More about "Baby Boogie" at D Note, their menu, location, and offerings.
[CONTINUED FROM NEWSLETTER]
My kudos to these club owners (and parents). In a world where making-a-buck drives a lot of businesses, both these families have decided to bring musical fun to local kids with no cover charge. Thank you! So bring your kids to jam, boogie, and have some lunch too!
More Boulder/Denver ideas:
Looking for local concerts for kids? Free / drop-in concerts - Ticketed / advanced-notice shows
For drop-in play with musical instruments, visit the WoW Museum in Lafayette.
For lessons? Parlando School for the Arts (see coupon) and RMCMA have programs for all ages. They also have kiddie classes, so does The Kangaroo Kingdom and the Boulder JCC / Shalom Baby (non-religious).
Update 4/12/08: The Art Underground in Louisville has a new facility for music lessons and also offers kiddie classes.
For more music programs including summer camps? scroll thru this GreatIdeas Guide.
Here are some of my favorite music items for kids:
The Animusic DVDs are consistently popular in our home and car. On Volume 1, just start with "Pipe Dreams" ( video clip) and you'll understand immediately the concept. Also from Volume 1, "Aqua Harp" is just lovely and is the current "sleeptime song" for our home. "Future Retro" is my son's current favorite. On Volume 2 my kids love "Cathedral Pictures", "Fiber Bundles", and "Gyro Drums".
With "Classical Baby" you'll find some excellent vignettes matching classical music to animated stories/scenes. Not every piece is a winner across the 3 discs, but there are some outstanding vignettes in the set. Start with "Art".
I love the RhythMix drums, our favorite is the orange-rimmed X-drum which doesn't seem to be currently available on its own. It makes a great tone, is easy to store and will last a long time - if your kids don't step on the drum head. For Elmo-lovers, definitely check out "Let's Make Music" featuring Telly, Elmo, Zoe, and the cast of Stomp!. The focus is how you can make music with anything. Finally, for a jazzy mix of words and sounds, "The Jazz Fly" is very fun (w/ CD).
Did you know that shopping at amazon.com via GreatIdeasForKids.com helps support this newsletter and web site? thank you!
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I hope your week is filled with laughter,
Jill
p.s. If you're wondering if this is an "advertorial"? no. Although it's somewhat unusual for local businesses to be covered in the editorial section, this is an article about great ideas for kids, not sponsored promotions. Moving forward, sponsorship items that appear anywhere in the newsletter will be identified.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 12 April 2008 )
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