Music lovers of all ages, take note! Families and kids everywhere are invited to two family-friendly shows that will be streamed live from the legendary Symphony Space Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre, Manhattan.
The virtual performances, scheduled for Feb. 19 and March 12, are part of Symphony Space's Just Kidding series, which features prominent NYC-based artists. Kids will be able to enjoy some fun music and immerse themselves in culture right from home.
While the shows are geared toward younger audiences, kids aren’t the only ones who will have a great time. Parents have been known to sing along and tap their toes to the catchy beats of the Just Kidding series, which has been entertaining families in person and now virtually for over 20 years.
“Symphony Space's Just Kidding series brings kids and their families together to foster a mutual love for the arts,” said Darren Critz, director of performing arts programs at Symphony Space. “There's no better way to bond with your kids than a shared experience of music, dance, puppetry, theater and more. And this season we let you take the kids around the globe without having to leave the couch, except to get up and dance together.”
Symphony Space Virtual Shows
The Just Kidding series brings kids and families from their homes to destinations around the world. Let the family fun begin with these two exciting shows:
Sonia De Los Santos: Saturday, Feb. 19, 11am.
Audiences will travel to Mexico and beyond when Grammy nominee Sonia De Los Santos and her band perform a concert of songs about hope, home and gratitude. The bilingual concert stars front woman De Los Santos, who was born in Mexico and has been touring the world since 2007, singing in English and Spanish and playing guitar and jarana (a guitar-like instrument from Mexico). The band will perform a variety of songs, including those from Sonia’s third album, Esperanza.
As an added bonus in time for Valentine's Day, the band released a new song, “All I Need is Your Smile,” which will be performed at the show. (SPOILER ALERT: This love song is sure to bring a smile to your face!)
Elena Moon Park and Friends: Saturday, March 12, 11am
Multiple award-winner, Elena Moon Park & Friends, will perform children's music, folk songs and original tunes in a variety of languages. Her newest album Unhurried Journey is inspired by the artwork of Kristiana Parn and features original songs based on this work, plus reimagined folk and children's songs from East and Southeast Asia.
The shows aren't just about listening to music, according to De Los Santos. It's about having a shared experience as a family.
“The music that we play is aimed to be enjoyed by children, but also by their parents,” the performer said. “For families to enjoy this music together, it's a bonding experience.”
De Los Santos' show will also touch on social issues such as migration, tolerance and acceptance.
“The songs are appropriate for children, but also have strong messages about things that we think are important in the world right now,” she said.
Both shows are free to attend, but RSVP is required. Families can reserve their spots online.
For more information, visit symphonyspace.org, or follow Symphony Space at Facebook or Instagram.
Main image: Hyphen Photography
