Family music and concerts in and around Los Angeles.
Music & Concerts
Big World Fun Time
Oh, the places you’ll go – at the Ford Amphitheatre this summer! The Ford Amphitheatre Big World Fun series returns with Saturday morning shows in July and August that cover a lot of global territory. On July 6, the Southern California-based ensemble El Santo Golpe presents a continent-spanning concert that combines influences from West-African percussion […]
July 4 Before the Sun Goes Down
July 4th events generally focus on fireworks, but there’s a whole holiday day – and plenty of fun to be had – before the nighttime pyrotechnics. The LAX Coastal 4th of July Parade starts at 11 a.m. and proceeds along Loyola Boulevard, between Westchester Park and Loyola Marymont University in Westchester. “America, Better Together” is […]
9 Family-Friendly Wineries
Separating “grown-up time” from parenting is crucial to creating a healthy life balance, but today’s busy parents often yearn to include their kids in their recreational activities. According to the Wine Institute, travel and wine-tasting with the little ones is on the rise. That’s good news for those of us who love wineries– and there are […]
KIDZ BOP Kids Take Over Hollywood Bowl
If you were anywhere near the Hollywood Bowl on June 1, you might’ve heard the shrills of thousands of little kids attending the KIDZ BOP concert. A security guard standing just on the outside of the Garden boxes, covered his ears at one point. “Ooo-wee, that’s loud,” he said. “Is this what I’m gonna hear […]
Our 7 Favorite July Family Events
There’s anime, animals, monster trucks, mud, sand castles, kid glam and a cool concert among our top picks for family events in July.
Just Say Yes to ‘No More Poems’
Life on the road led Americana singer-songwriter Rhett Miller to write his first book, a collection of children’s poems entitled “No More Poems” The poems, however, weren’t inspired by wild rock band escapades (except maybe for “Stinky Mouth You”). They were created as a way for Miller to extend his Facetime conversations with his two […]
Rapping With Raffi at Glendale’s Alex Theatre
Raffi’s songs – from “Baby Beluga” to “Bananaphone” – remain popular decades after their releases. The iconic children’s musician continues to make new music at the age of 70. He recently released his 25th album, “Dog On The Floor,” named for his puppy. It’s the third album in six years for Raffi, who returned re-energized […]
The Third Time Is Still Charming for Randy & Dave
SoCal-based songwriters Randy Sharp and Dave Kinnoin both have impressively lengthy resumes. The Grammy-winning Sharp has racked up seven number-one country singles while Kinnoin has written hundreds of songs for Disney, Sesame Street, and Henson TV. They’ve also reached great heights together as Randy & Dave. The duo’s first two albums earned 11 national family […]
5 Ways to Inspire a Love of Music in Kids this Summer
I took my first piano lesson from my mother when I was 5 years old, and have made music my life’s work. I have taught so many gifted children and seen them overcome shyness and embrace the joy of music. Here are five tips for inspiring a love of music in your children this summer. […]
Jess Penner and her “Imagination”
With three solo albums, plus songwriting for TV shows, films and commercials, Jess Penner has had a busy career. She recently released her first children’s album, the enchanting eight-song CD “Imagination,” and offered some thoughts recently about her music and being a mom of three – two of them under 2. Was it an easy […]
Los Angeles Children’s Music: Get With The Not-Its
This year represents a big year for the Not-Its. Not only is the band working on its next album, but 2018 also marks the group’s 10th anniversary. Part of the vibrant Pacific Northwest children’s music scene that includes acts such as Casper Babypants and Recess Monkey, the Not-Its are coming to Southern California to perform […]
Lucky Diaz Shares L.A. Love on New Family Music CD
“Made In L.A.” is the perfect title for the latest CD from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. Diaz, his wife Alisha “Lishy Lou” Gaddis and their group recorded the album here and invited local children’s musicians Mista Cookie Jar, Todd McHatton, Genevieve Goings and Andrew & Polly to join them on this 12-track […]
Choir Programs Let Kids Sing a Song
Given the chance, most kids love to sing and lots of L.A. programs will help them tune in As Artistic Director Misha Shtangrud plays the piano to start a rehearsal for MUSYCA Children’s Choir, he sings, “Hello everybody, yes indeed, let’s make music, yes indeed.” His young students joyfully sing along, clearly enjoying the upbeat […]