Live in Phoenix: Gustafer Yellowgold (March 7, 2009)

The weekend of March 7 and 8 is going to be, hands down, the biggest in Phoenix kids music history. I'll announce the March 8th thing shortly, but today I'm talking about the first Arizona appearance of Gustafer Yellowgold. Morgan Taylor will be bringing his Gustafer show to Phoenix on March 7, as part of the concert series I'm organizing at the Children's Museum of Phoenix. They'll be playing two 25-minute sets -- one at 10 AM, one at noon -- on the 7th. I don't think they're bringing the vine-covered set, but I'm guessing you won't care about that. The show is free with Museum admission. I am very excited. (Oh, and if you're in Arizona but for some reason can't make it the 7th or are the world's biggest Gustafer fan, there will be a Gustafer Yellowgold show Sunday the 8th at 3 PM at Tucson's Loft Cinema.)

As Saturday Morning Concerts Go, This Is A Good One

A couple months back, I let you know that the Grammy folks would be hosting a new kids music series at their new Grammy Museum, including a show tied to the kids music genre. Well, that show is coming up here -- this Saturday in fact -- and if you're in the LA area, heck even if you hate the Grammys, this should be one heckuva show. Brady Rymer and Buck Howdy, both nominees in this year's kids audio categories, will be performing. Add to them Tom Paxton, who's receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys next weekend, and Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, who will be presenting some awards at Sunday afternoon's Grammy ceremony, and it's a sweet little concert. Starts at 10 AM, tickets just $8/person, or free with Museum admission.

Some Music, Some Books -- But What About The Bouncy House?

Bill's been hinting at this for a while now, but he announced today the inaugural The River's Family Music Meltdown and Book Bash, which if you're anywhere in the Northampton area, sounds like a lot of fun. The Nields, Deedle Deedle Dees, Uncle Rock, plus more artists, not to mention a number of children's book authors and illustrators. I have no small affinity for the phrase "Family Music Meltdown," so I'm glad it's getting put to good use up there. (Maybe we'll have a good reason to use it down here soon as well.) Anyway, March 28th and it's free. Can't beat that.

Reminder: Doug Snyder (The Jellydots) -- Live In Phoenix This Sunday!

It's been a crazy-busy week for me, but I've got my calendar clear to see the Jellydots' Doug Snyder play a show at the wonderful Children's Museum of Phoenix this Sunday, January 11. Sets are at 2 and 3 PM, free with Museum admission. I'm so geeked I was able to help the Museum with their new series, especially with Doug. Make sure you get there early, for two reasons: 1) Space is limited. (Check out the CMOP calendar for how to make reservations, though they're leaving a few spots open for walk-ins.) 2) Your kids (and you) will be so distracted by "Whoosh!" on the ground floor that it'll take you a good 20 minutes to get up to the 2nd floor... See you tomorrow!

Concert Recap: Randy Kaplan (Phoenix, December 2008)

I look at the date of my last post, and clearly I've been taking an unofficial vacation from the site. Lots of stuff to do, both pleasant and less so, but before it gets too far in my rear-view mirror, I wanted to be sure to talk about and post some photos and videos from last weekend's concert by Randy Kaplan here at Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix. One of the first songs Randy led off with was a cover of Elizabeth Cotten's classic "Frieght Train"...

Don't Forget: Randy Kaplan in Concert

Uh, like the title says -- Randy Kaplan in concert. Don't forget about it -- Saturday, Dec. 27th at 2 PM at Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix. (7th Ave and Glendale -- soooo central.) Tickets are just $3 per person, $10 per family. It will be lots of fun -- hope to see you there.