music – Page 16

Weekend Picks: Intersections Festival, Chinese New Year and Tunes

February 20, 2015

Atlas Intersections Festival kicks off the 6th annual Festival this weekend showcasing over 125 performances in music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and performance art that offer new ways to see ourselves and to celebrate our community and our world. The festival begins February 20-March 7. There are many family events (too many to choose for our picks), so please check out the schedule for family friendly shows.

Saturday-

10:00am: Avalon Theatre presents The RTT’s
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
The RTTs (also known as the Rhodes Tavern Troubadours) bring their toe-tapping, award-winning, original roots rock back to the Avalon! The whole family will want to dance along as they play hits like “Snack Time” and “Turn it Up, Mommy.”

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio at Little Loft
(511 11th St SE Washington, DC 20003)
Drop in anytime during our open hours to play at our sand and rice tables, play dough station, book corner, and art table. Great for ages 1.5 – 8. $15/child (siblings half price), no preregistration necessary.

10:30am: GIGS and Kindiemusicdc present Junior Jams: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man! at FNDTN Gallery and Liveroom
(3762A Howard Ave. Kensington, MD. 20895)
John Henry is renowned for his ability to connect with his audiences. He brings 20 years of early childhood education, and experience as a dad himself to his interactive program, engaging children of all ages as they dance, sing and imagine.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Featured story: Five Little Monkeys

11:00am-4:00pm: Mardi Gras Family Day at Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
(1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020)
Join in on the fun with this popular annual museum event featuring storytelling, face painting, balloon artist, mask-making, and other hands-on activities including a second line parade through the museum. Attendees can also participate in the popular Art of Adornment workshop with artist and entrepreneur, Januwa Moja-Nelson. Get a complimentary picture of you dressed in Januwa’s individual designs. Those interested in the Adornment workshop should sign up on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. This program is free and open to everyone! Register or call 202.633.4844.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Fun Day at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: The Little Engine That Could

2:00pm-5:00pm: Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
(H Street, NW, between 6th and 7th Streets)
Each year a parade is held in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event features the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment. The firecracker will be lit at 3:45 p.m. A good place to view the parade is along 7th St. The closest Metro station is Gallery Place/Chinatown.

2:00pm: McLean Community Center presents “Fly Guy and Other Stories”
(1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, Virginia 22101)
Fly Guy has met his match, and her name is Fly Girl. Fly Guy is totally impressed and totally smitten. Will Fly Guy and Fly Girl get married and leave Buzz without his dear pet? Other stories by authors such as McMullan, Howe, Henkes and Munsch will be featured. Tickets are $15 for non-members. For ages 5+.

Weekend Picks: Groundhog Day, Spy Fest and Avalon Theater

January 30, 2015

Friday:

10:30am: Groundhog Day at Meadowside Nature Center
(5100 Meadowside Ln, Rockville, MD 20853)
Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will spring be early or late? Find out how the groundhog became a weather forecaster, and make a craft to take home. Ages 3-5; $5

6:00pm: Spy Fest at The International Spy Museum
(between 9th and 8th Streets at 800 F Street, NW)
Could you be a spy? Now’s your chance to find out! The International Spy Museum’s Spy Fest 2015 provides kids and parents a rare opportunity to get an inside glimpse into the secret world of espionage. Through interactive, spy-related activities and booths, attendees will learn how to think like real secret agents as they assume new identities, decipher coded messages, analyze hand-written and satellite images, and detect liars by polygraph — all directly from experts in the field. And who knows, there just may be a spy or two in your midst…Ages: 5 and up* (one adult required for every five KidSpy agents). Ticket includes exclusive after-hours admission, SPY snacks, scavenger hunt, prize competitions, and more!

Saturday:

10:00am: Avalon Theater presents Marsha Goodman-Wood
(5612 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20015)
DC-based singer/songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood sets little toes to tapping with original melodies that mix generous doses of science and positive social messages into songs that are just plain fun. Her quirky, smart compositions take on topics from astronomy (answering the age-old question “Why Can’t You Dance on Jupiter?”) to nonconformity (“Sheep Don’t Wear Shoes”) to biology (“The Penguin Song”).

Monday:
7:30am: Groundhog Day in DuPont Circle Park
Potomac Phil, the National Groundhog, will make an appearance and offer weather and political predictions. Phil will let us know whether to expect six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Live accordion music, polka dancers, puppet show, VIP celebrities and more. Top Hats are strongly encouraged.

Want to get away for the weekend? Or just the day? Head to Baltimore! It’s a quick car trip and there’s endless fun to be had.

Weekend Picks: Cars, Trucks and Music, oh my!

January 23, 2015

We’ve got a great way to stay connected to your family this weekend while getting stretched out at the same time. Lil Omm has a weekend full of family yoga as well as a Family Circus Yoga class. Check out their schedule here.

Washington Auto Show is at the Convention Center from Jan. 23-Feb.1. Expect to see over 700 automobiles as well as some of your Bambinos favorite characters dressed up. Tickets cost $12 for adults; $5 for kids 6-12; free for kids under 5. Your quickest and most convenient way to get to the Convention Center is probably by Metro depending on where you live. 801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

Saturday and Sunday Monster Jam takes over Verizon Center. Make sure to bring headphones or plugs for the Bambinos and get ready for some car smashing, trucks jumping and crowd cheering.

Saturday-

9:30am and 10:30am:Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:30am: Jammin with The Smithsonian: Karen K and The Jitterbugs at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
BUG OUT! With Karen K & the Jitterbugs! Known for their upbeat, catchy, genre-swirling tunes that parents enjoy as much as their kids, Karen K & her Jitterbugs keep hands clapping and feet jumping at their rockin’, crowd-engaging shows performed across the country. The scene is set in Karen K’s Bug Out, the fort in her back yard where she seeks adventures and makes music with her imaginary friends, the Jitterbugs: Bumble (Seth Connelly, guitar); Stinky (Dan Wheddle, drums), Hop (Eric Salt, bass); side-kick and best friend, Lightning Bug (Aaron Jones, banjo and everything else); and Lady Bug (Tracey O’Farrell), vocalist. Tickets are $10.

Sunday-

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured story: Ferdinand the Bull Buy tickets here.

10:30am: A Playdate with Rocknoceros at Ohr Kodesh Congregation
(8300 Meadowbrook Lane (at East West Highway) Chevy Chase, MD)
Join Coach Cotton, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bennie for a morning of singing, dancing and fun! Prizes will be raffled off. Concert and raffle tickets are on sale here. You can purchase raffle tickets with concert tickets online as part of a Family Four or Six Pack or using this form to purchase – you can win prizes even if you can’t attend the concert! For more information: here’s the flyer.

11:00am-12:00pm: Family Yoga at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
This family class will explore the practice of yoga through music, dance, relaxation and play. Families will have the chance to connect in a meaningful and fun way, while also giving each family member the chance to breathe, stretch and relax. This community-based class will inspire connection and awareness in a nurturing and playful environment. Make the time to share mindful and heart-opening practices with your family, no matter the age or experience level. Come breathe, move and play with us every Sunday!

11:00am: Recess Monkey at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Recess Monkey is the nationally acclaimed trio of teachers who make music for kids and families that truly rocks. Seamlessly meshing their indie-rock roots with their keen awareness of childhood themes, the band continues to make waves coast to coast. “Deep Sea Diver” is the band’s ninth album, showcasing the high-energy, pitch-perfect understanding of what gets kids excited that has launched them into national awareness. Tickets are $12.

Weekday Adventures: Coyote Mischief, Geocaching and Postal Museum Storytime

November 2, 2014

Brrr– November is here and Fall weather has arrived. I’m ecstatic because that means I’m only 2 weeks away from meeting our second child but I am also fully aware that today was not *that* cold and I still had to run screaming to my car tonight on our way out of Comet Pizza because I was so cold. I’m admittedly a big baby when it comes to cold weather (in my defense I lived in Florida for 6 years). With that being said, I will keep a few events outdoors but it’s that time of the year where I will search for fun indoor events mostly. The heat is on at DC Libraries and you can find the Children’s Library Events for the week here. Also, our Indoor Fun Guide has plenty of places to check off your list this winter and escape the cold.

Monday-

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week The Singing Lizard is performing.

9:30am: Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:30am: Storytime at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at our monthly StoryTime. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program! Free- no reservation required. Featured story is Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats.

10:30am-11:00am: Songs and stories at Politics and Prose
(5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008)
Come sing-along to your favorite songs. Grab a treat in the cafe afterwards or hang out reading books.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Paper Lanterns, Innovation Festival and The Amazing Max

October 30, 2014

Take a break from the candy eating and check out most of these sugar-free activities! Remember to turn your clocks back for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday and read our post on how to spend the darker afternoons.

Saturday-

9:00am-2:00pm: The Mount Pleasant Children’s Puppet Hour hosts Paper Lantern Making at La Casa
(3166 Mount Pleasant Street Washington, DC)
We create lanterns by collaging tissue paper and other things onto pre-built paper lanterns. It makes a good activity for even the youngest kids (with grown-up help!) but it also allows a lot of creativity and craft and is great for older kids and adults. Lantern-making supplies, including battery-powered lights – will cost $5 per lantern. Lantern walk is at 5:30pm, see below.

10:00am: John Henry the Guitar Playing Man will perform at Avalon Theater
Costume party and live children’s music! Performing for the 10th year in a row, John Henry once again brings his playful musical style to the Avalon’s annual Halloween party. Children of all ages welcome! $6.50 / $5 for Avalon members.

10:00am-5:00pm: Innovation Festival at National Air and Space Museum
(Independence Ave at 6th St, SW Washington, DC 20560)
Join us for a festival for the whole family that celebrates the accomplishments of American inventors and the spirit of innovation that has led to so many of today’s technologies. Exhibits, crafts, talks, and performances will showcase ingenuity at the Smithsonian and across America. Meet inventors and the patent examiners who worked with them on their inventions, hear directly from experts about how an idea is molded into a working product, and try your hand at making your own invention.

10:30am: Rocknoceros at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
As every family with youngsters in the DC area knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie. They have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005.

10:30am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist (playing a ukulele!) explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Featured story today is Five Little Pumpkins. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Kids Euro Festival and Halloween Scream

October 24, 2014

This may be Beltway Bambinos longest (and most fun) Weekend Picks, but we didn’t want you to miss any Halloween fun! In addition to the celebrations there is a special Festival that began on Oct. 24 (today) and will last through Nov. 9– Kids Euro Festival 2014! Kids Euro Festival is a two-week long festival of European arts and culture presenting more than 80 free activities to D.C. metro area children and their families. There are performances, concerts, workshops, movies, storytelling, and more… and it’s all brought to you by the 28 European Union Member States! The Festival is designed for kids aged 2-12 and offers over 100 free events.

[Read more…]

Weekday Adventures: National Postal Museum Story time and Explore The Kreeger Museum

October 5, 2014

The weather made a drastic turn this weekend but this pregnant Mama continued to satisfy her YogiBerry craving. We did however unpack our fleeces and vests from the attic so we could enjoy the weekend a little warmer. Have you been to any of the Orchards or Fall Festivals on our list? The weather has us in the Fall mood and ready to choose the perfect pumpkins.

DC Library Kid Events schedule can be found here. There’s an exciting Morning Glory Series at Rosedale, Wordless Book Story Time at West End and Hispanic Heritage events at various libraries.

Monday-

10:30am: Story time at The National Postal Museum
(2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002- Byrne Education Loft, Mezzanine Level)
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites adults and young children (ages 2-3) to discover the world around them together at monthly Story Time. Children will build important developmental and social skills through books, activities, songs, and self-guided gallery exploration. Explore themes, such as shapes, colors, and sizes, in a relaxed setting at your neighborhood museum. Feel free to bring snacks and enjoy the space after the program!

11:00am and 12:00pm: Mr. Gabe at Cox Farms
(15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120)
A perfect way to explore a new farm and fall festival. The farm opens at 10:00am so get there early to play and then catch the concert(s).

[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Chessie Jam, Kinderfest and Uncle Devin’s Show

October 3, 2014

It’s time for scarecrows, mums, pumpkins, hay rides and apples. Check out some local orchards and festivals to take your family to this weekend.

Saturday-

9:30am and 11:00am: Saturday Morning at The National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
Free performances for children. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Experience the classic children’s fairy tale told with actors and imaginative puppets. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes prior to show.

10:00am-7:00pm: Fall for Fairfax
(Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035)
Enjoy exciting, interactive and education programs, entertainment and activities specially designed for families with elementary & Pre-K aged children. Plus, admission is totally free! 3 stages of FREE entertainment including the Fall for Fairfax Kids Stage, the Inova Health Stage and the Cox Community Stage.FREE to attend! Discount ride tickets for the KidWay MidWay are available by clicking here. Activities include scarecrow making*, pumpkin painting*, public safety and recycling-themed exhibits, pony rides*, petting zoo, model trains, instrument petting zoo, and the KidWay MidWay* (with more than a dozen rides and attractions).Plus more than 75 exhibits, activities and great festival food!*Indicates program fee applies.

10:00am-2:00pm: Let’s Move! DC at Deanwood Recreation Center
(1350 49th St NE, Washington, DC)
The expo will feature interactive sports zones including golf, tennis, baseball, and fishing. The fun continues with prizes, giveaways, dance lessons, cooking demonstrations, music, a farmers market, and free food. Special guests, streetball legends Hugh “Baby Shaq” Jones and Randy “White Chocolate” Gill, will host an interactive basketball clinic. Admission is free for all.

10:30: The Uncle Devin Show at FNDTN
(3762 Howard Ave. Kensington, MD)
The Uncle Devin Show® takes children on a magical journey through the Land of Percussion that allows them to hear, see and play different percussion instruments. $6 advanced/$8 cash at the door.

12:00pm-6:00pm: Chessie Jam Children’s Music Fest at Pier SIx Pavillion
(Baltimore, MD. 21202)
Join the fun while we sing and dance to performances by Milkshake, Recess Monkey, Father Goose, Justin Roberts and Biz Markie from Yo Gabba Gabba. The Festival will include free face-painting (12:00pm – 2:00pm), an instrument petting zoo, a storybook village, a moon-bounce, a photo-booth, tie-dying, and many more fun and interactive activities for children.

Sunday-

10:00am-5:00pm: Fall for Fairfax
(Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035)
Enjoy exciting, interactive and education programs, entertainment and activities specially designed for families with elementary & Pre-K aged children. Plus, admission is totally free! 3 stages of FREE entertainment including the Fall for Fairfax Kids Stage (and Mr. Gabe), the Inova Health Stage and the Cox Community Stage.FREE to attend! Discount ride tickets for the KidWay MidWay are available by clicking here. Activities include scarecrow making*, pumpkin painting*, public safety and recycling-themed exhibits, pony rides*, petting zoo, model trains, instrument petting zoo, and the KidWay MidWay* (with more than a dozen rides and attractions).Plus more than 75 exhibits, activities and great festival food!*Indicates program fee applies.

10:00am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814)
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, movement, music, and visual art. Each session you leave with a completed craft, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Best for ages 1-3. Featured book: Goodnight Moon. Register here.

12:00pm-5:00pm: 34th Annual Kinderfest at Watkins Regional Park
(301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774)
Live performances (including Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres) and live animal shows. There is a toddler area, hay rides, tennis, moon bounces, crafts and so much more. Free admission; fee for some activities and food concessions.