Weekend Picks: Cultural Connection

A lot of events happening this weekend that will broaden your children’s cultural horizons! Kids Euro Festival 2014 will wrap up this weekend; there will be performances and puppet shows this weekend. Put those rakes down for a bit this weekend and expose your Bambino(s) to some of the Weekend Picks! 

Friday-

6:30pm: Family Reggae Night at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Bring the kids and grandparents! We’re excited to bring Family Reggae night back into our regular rotation every first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 8pm under the leadership of renown music selector, the inspiration behind Reggae Revival, and co-founder of Manifesto Jamaica; Dutty Bookman.

Saturday-

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: Billy Jonas Band at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
The Billy Jonas Band, known for creating “neo-tribal hootennanies” in performances, and for songs that engage all ages with funky rhythms and thoughtful lyrics, releases Build It Back Again in November. Each “funky folk” song has a playful part and a teaching part, as Jonas explains. Tickets are $10.

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 Toot Toot Beep Beep. Best for ages 1 month-3 years. Tickets can be purchased here.

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: Uno, Dos, Tres Con Andres at FNDTN
(3762A Howard Avenue Kensington, MD 20895)
Andrés Salguero’s ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! is an interactive celebration of Latin culture for kids and families. Tickets $6 advance/ $8 at the door

11:00am-2:00pm: Children’s African Awards and Book Festival (CABA) at the National Museum of African Art
(950 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC )
This is the fourth year that NMAfA is hosting the CABA event.  Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association give annual awards for the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published in the U.S.  The awards celebrate outstanding K-12 books on Africa published in the U.S. The awards are designed to encourage the publication of accurate, balanced children’s materials on Africa, to recognize literary excellence and to acknowledge the research achievements of outstanding authors and illustrators.

 11:30am: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

 3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.

4:00pm: Sing and Shine Around the Globe with Sanna Valvanne at the Georgetown Library
(3260 R St. NW Washington DC, 20007)
If you just can’t sit still, Sing and Shine Around the Globe is the show for you! Through beautiful songs and dances, you’ll move and groove around the whole world in just 45 minutes, exploring lots of different languages, music, and dance styles.  Sanna Valvanne — an internationally renowned performer and children’s choir innovator originally from Finland — employs her charming energy to take children and families of all ages on a fun, global journey in this interactive and playful performance that invites the entire audience to experience the magic and power of music and movement.

5:30pm: LEA performs Soul Folk at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Washington DC based singer/songwriter LEA describes her music as SoulFolk, a seamless blend of gospel, jazz, country, R&B and contemporary folk. Stylistically between the earthy tones of Tracy Chapman and the urban/ethereal sound of India.

Sunday-

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. Featured story today is This is Not My Hat. Best for ages 1-3. Tickets can be purchased here.

 3:30pm: Theatre for the Very Young Workshop at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002)
“Are You my Mother?” This classic story and others invite 1 – 3 year olds and their adult friends into an interactive story time that encourages movement and participation, helps children practice new vocabulary, build listening skills, and acclimate to being part of a group. Enjoy this exciting time to discover “who am I” for our youngest audiences. A 30 minute, interactive story time for children 1 to 3 years old and 20 minutes of free play. Tickets are $5.