Melody Makers

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Randy Kaplan

As the weather warms up with summer just around the corner, family-friendly concerts are a fun way to celebrate the season.  Kids (and parents!) love silly lyrics and happy harmonies.  These performers keep everyone amused and entertained with the best beats, tunes that groove, and musical merriment.  If you’re looking for springtime fun, this is music to your ears.

 

New York Philharmonic presents “Pixar in Concert”

From Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, UP, and others—all ages will enjoy the New York Philharmonic as they present favorite musical selections from memorable movie moments.  $40-$125.  For adults and children ages 5 and up.  May 1 (7:30pm), May 2 (8:00pm), May 3 (8:00pm).  Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue at 65th Street.  nyphil.org

 

Randy Kaplan

Singer/songwriter Randy Kaplan entertains families with fun songs and lyrics like “Don’t Fill Up On Chips”.  Join Randy as he performs his new album Jam On Rye.  $11-$18.  May 4 (2pm).  The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street.  (212) 423-3200.  randykaplan.com

 

The Suzi Shelton Band

Join Suzi Shelton and her band to celebrate the release of their new album Smile in My Heart.  The Gumdrops backup singers and other special guests will perform too.  Before the show, get a sneak peak at their new music videos.  $5-$15.  Families with kids ages 1-10.  May 4 (11am).  The Bell House, 149 Seventh Street, Brooklyn.  (718) 643-6510.  suzishelton.com

 

Kid Rockers featuring “Tennis” and “Lolawolf”

Jammin’ fun show features two artists: Indie-pop husband and wife duo “Tennis”, and NYC trio “Lolawolf” (led by Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz!).  $28.  May 10 (11:30am).  NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place.  (212) 992-8484.  kidrockers.com

 

Frolic! Presents Rock, Rave ‘n Roll

Mother’s Day party for the whole family.  Dance the afternoon away on the light-up dance floor.  Show features “Little Rock-its” by Frolic and “DJ Unicornicopia” from the Baby DJ School!  And special guest Tim from “The Sunny Side Up Show” on Sprout TV.  $15-$20.  May 11 (4pm).  Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn.  (718) 963-3369.  brooklynbowl.com

 

Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner is best known for family favorites like “We Are The Dinosaurs” and many other catchy kids tunes.  Join Laurie and special guest Susie Lampert as they celebrate the release of Laurie Berkner Lullabies on the “rock ’til you drop” tour.  $39.  May 17 (1pm).  The Concert Hall, 2 West 64th Street.  laurieberkner.com

 

Shine & the Moonbeams

Lead singer Shawana Kemp delivers heartfelt, all-ages R&B songs.  The soulful songs have lyrics that kids can understand and relate to– like standing up to bullies, rushed school-day mornings, and being true to yourself.  Free.  May 17 (2pm).  Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn.  (718) 756-5250.  carnegiehall.org

 

Dirty Sock Funtime Band

Its their first show of the summer, so bring a blanket, a picnic, and rock out with the Dirty Socks under the evening sky.  Free.  All ages.  June 12 (6pm).  Washington Market Park at Greenwich and Duane Streets in Tribeca.  dirtysockfuntimeband.com

 

Rolie Polie Guacamole

Kids love to jam to the beat, get up on their feet, and sing along with this energetic rock ‘n roll duo.  Free.  June 20 (3:30pm).  Brooklyn Public Library (Ryder Branch), 5902 23rd Avenue, Brooklyn.  (718) 331-2962.  roliepolieguacamole.com

 

Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights

Come celebrate with Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights at their Good Egg CD release concert.  Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a summer morning of musical fun.  Free.  June 24 (10:30-11:30am).  Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue at 23rd Street.  joanieleeds.com

 

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Yuletide Factory

<p>Fill your hearts with circus cheer—the merry daredevils of Cirque Mechanics (Zephyr, 2023) are back with an industrial-strength spectacular for you and your kin. Sparkling with holiday spirit, the ever energetic ensemble of acrobats transforms a drab assembly plant into a holly jolly Yuletide Factory! From the wonder of the German wheel to festive flips from the trampoline wall, they dash and dance through a pageant of powerhouse stunts with grins and goodwill. It’s high-flying fun, comfort and joy for the whole family!</p>

Once Upon A Mattress

<p>Bring your kids.</p> <p>Bring your parents.</p> <p>Bring your favorite pajamas!</p> <p>Once Upon a Mattress is back on Broadway, and it’s “pure let’s-be-kids entertainment” (New Yorker) fit for ages 7 to 107!</p> <p>Two-time Tony® winner Sutton Foster stars as Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, alongside royalty of stage and screen Michael Urie and Queen of Comedy Ana Gasteyer. Adapted for a new generation by Amy Sherman-Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), this uproarious retelling of The Princess and the Pea introduces the unapologetically eccentric Winnifred to an uptight kingdom, where she charms, delights, and dances her way to the top… of a stack of mattresses.</p> <p>So give the babysitter the night off and your kids a night on the town – you'll all live happily ever laughter!</p> <p>Get tickets at <a href="https://onceuponamattressnyc.com/">https://onceuponamattressnyc.com/</a></p>

Asphalt Green

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Asphalt Green’s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level.<br />As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green’s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.</span></p>