Music
Giveaway: Tickets to Dan Zanes and Friends!
April 02, 2009
I am really, really excited about this giveaway. Not only are the prizes awesome, but you have great odds of winning. I am giving away a set of four tickets to see Dan Zanes and Friends perform on May 30, 2009 at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph, Chicago). Dan Zanes is an internationally-known musician making music for families. Kids love him. Parents love him.
But wait, there is more. I am also giving away five copies of Dan's CD Nueva York. That means there will be six winners in all (one set of concert tickets and five cds).
So you are probably thinking, "My kid would love this. How do I enter this amazing giveaway?" Simple. Just email me at beingsavvychicago@savvysource.com by midnight (CST) on Friday, April 10th. One entry per person. I will contact the winners directly. Good luck!
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Great Children's Theater in Chicago (The Spring Edition)
March 30, 2009
As you have probably noticed, Chicago has tons to offer preschoolers -- including many quality theater productions. Lots and lots of them. Here is a round up of some of the current productions around town that might be of interest to your family.
Mary Poppins. If you are looking to introduce your child to the phrase "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," then you will want to check out the new musical Mary Poppins. This critically acclaimed show is at the Cadillac Palace Theater through July 12th. One word of warning -- this production seems to have some "dark" moments so it might not be for the younger set.
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. This show based on the kids' book series runs from March 14th through May 3rd. Recommended for children ages five and up. Performances are at the Lifeline Theater (6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago)
Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Performances of this popular children's tale are at the Beverly Arts Center through May 29th. This is a production of the very popular Chicago Kids Company.
So Chicago theater-goers . . . any other productions out there that you and your kids have enjoyed together recently?
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Whatcha Doing This Weekend (March 26th - 28th)?
March 26, 2009
Once again, this weekend has lots of family-friendly offerings! Here are my top three picks.
Spring Into Action Day. Stop by the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on Saturday, March 28th and take advantage of some great programming -- from learning about seasonal foods in Club Sprout to the adopt and release a butterfly program. Visit the website for all of the details.
Malott Japanese Garden Spring Weekend at the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you haven't ever visited this serene and beautiful spot, I highly recommend that you do so. This weekend features musical performances and storytelling between 11:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m.
Ralph's World. Ralph Covert and his band are a big hit with kids and their parents. On Sunday, March 29th, head over to the Old Town School of Music at 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue for concerts at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tickets at $17.
Speaking of music, be sure to check back on Monday when I will have a chance for you to win a great (and I mean great) children's CD plus tickets to an upcoming concert!
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Grown-Up Music That Kids Adore
February 23, 2009
February 20, 2009
January 23, 2009
Do your kids like music and love to dance? Hey, so do mine! I want to tell you about an opportunity to attend a benefit concert this coming weekend where your kids can rock out and you can contribute to a good cause.
Alex & the Kaleidoscope Band will be performing at Bubbles Academy on Sunday, January 25th from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. Alex & the Kaleidoscope Band are one of the
Read more... January 15, 2009
I love that most of the major cultural centers in Chicago have family-friendly offerings. To me, these types of events are one of the biggest benefits of living in an urban area. Take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to introduce your preschooler to the arts.
If you have little music lovers in your house, you won't want to miss the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Tchaikovsky's
Read more... January 12, 2009
Have you ever taken advantage of the great children's programming or concerts at the Old Town School of Music ? From Wiggleworms classes for tiny babes to private instrument lessons and art classes for older kids, Old Town has lots and lots to offer families (plus cool class offerings for adults as well).
The Old Town School of Music is having a Teddy Bear Hootenanny on Sunday, January 18
Read more... December 18, 2008
When I was younger, my Mom always organized a special outing downtown to see a show around Christmastime each year. Between my fancy Christmas outfit, taking the train, and walking around big-eyed on the streets of Chicago, I found each year's event nothing short of thrilling. Here are a few recommendations for local holiday performances that your little ones will enjoy.
The Nutcracker
Read more... December 17, 2008
With Christmas fast approaching (only a little over a week now!), many kids are already out of school and those regular extracurricular activities have been cancelled. But there are still lots of great holiday activities to take advantage of before the actual holiday arrives.
The City Hall Holiday Concert Series presents a different choral group singing holiday tunes every day this week
Read more... December 11, 2008
I have not been blessed with a good voice -- but my kids don't seem to know this or care. And I certainly don't want my bad voice to deprive my little guys of some good ol' holiday caroling. We have been listening to Jingle Bells , We Wish You a Merry Christmas , and lots of other holiday favorites and now we are ready to show off our vocal skills in public!
Cloud Gate at Millennium
Read more... December 03, 2008
If you have any little sugar-plum fairies in your life, I have a do-not-miss event for you coming up this weekend. Plan to take your little ballerina down to the Chicago Cultural Center on Sunday, December 7th for the annual Dance-A-Long Nutcracker . This event gives beginner ballerinas the chance to watch professional dancers perform numbers from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite and then the
Read more... October 06, 2008
Are you making a list of some indoor activities to do with your gang on those chilly or rainy days that fall inevitably brings? Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 12th when Cookie Magazine will be sponsoring a free Kidsfest
at the River East Arts Center (435 East Illinois Street at North Pier)
from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. The event promises to include a
Read more... September 29, 2008
When you think of some of Chicago 's cultural centers, you are probably
thinking more ?date night? than family outing with preschoolers. But the truth is that many of Chicago 's high brow
cultural centers offer special programming designed for little ones. Here are a
few ways to introduce your little one to the arts.
Chicago Chamber Musicians Family Concert. Head down
Read more... September 18, 2008
From what I can tell, it seems like imaginary friends are
the very best kind of friends to have.
An imaginary friend is always there when you need him. He is flexible and lets you do what you want
to do (I've never heard of an imaginary friend not sharing). And when you are done with him -- Poof! -- he is gone as fast as he
arrived.
My daughter Ellie has an imaginary
Read more... September 05, 2008
Do your kids love to dance? Do you love to watch your kids dance? Have you heard about Baby Loves Disco ? Baby Loves Disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes from the 70s, & 80s. This event is guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving! These popular little parties have popped up in cities all over
Read more... July 28, 2008
If you have a little wanna-be rock star living under your
roof, this year's Kidzapalooza
festival is a must for your family.
Kidzapalooza is a part of the Lolapalooza festival in Chicago from
August 1 st -3 rd .
Now, this is not your average children's festival (don't expect petting
zoos or inflatable jumping houses). Here
are some of the (very cool and unconventional)
Read more... July 24, 2008
Today, Being
Savvy: Chicago welcomes guest
blogger Justin Roberts of Justin
Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players fame! Yippee!
Justin was kind enough to answer some questions from his littlest
fans. If you and your family don't love
this guy already, you will once you read his thoughtful answers to these
questions.
Here's Justin ! (1) "I have been to seven of
Read more... July 23, 2008
Remember how you felt about the New Kids on the Block,
George Michael or Jon Bon Jovi back when you were a much, much younger version
of yourself? That is how kids feel about
Justin Roberts.
I took my little guys to The Justin Roberts and the Not
Ready for Naptime Players concert at Millennium Park on Sunday - and it rocked. They loved it. I loved it.
We listened to his new
Read more... July 22, 2008
Not planning on bringing the whole family to China for the Olympics this year? Does the thought of dragging your brood to Mexico make you want to down three or four margaritas? Most kids won't step foot in a foreign country until they are much older - but that doesn't mean that our little ones don't want (and need) to know about the world outside of the good ol' USA. Take advantage of
Read more... July 01, 2008
We Chicagoans are lucky in a number of ways one of them being the multitude of awesome opportunities to enjoy live music (particularly in the summer). I want to tell you about three family-friendly musical events coming up in July that you don't want to miss. Get your calendars so you can mark these down they are that good.
Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players in
Read more... June 18, 2008
To date, my daughter's only theater experience is attending my cousin's high school performance of Beauty and the Beast (which was fantastic, if you are reading this Nora). But we are looking to take the theater experience to the next level. In researching local children's theater in Chicago , I was totally delighted (and a little bit surprised) to find so many wonderful options. Here is
Read more... May 28, 2008
Little ones love to rock out. Chicago
is loaded with great music opportunities for kids ranging from drop-in
classes to concerts to private lessons for your budding flutist. Here is a quick peek at some of the good
stuff out there.
Classes. Many local babes cut their musical teeth
at the Old Town School of Music . This institution is synonymous with
children's music
Read more... May 21, 2008
A visit to Millennium Park is on every family's summer to-do list. Admit it you are totally planning to bring your in-laws here when they visit, right? Here are my five tips on what to see and do when you head down to Chicago's most popular outdoor destination. Check out the Bean . Touch it. Stare at it. Kids love this thing. Adults love this thing. It is
Read more... Advertisement Advertisement Join the hundreds of chicago parents helping other parents find
the right preschool for their child. View preschools in other citiesWhatcha Doing This Weekend (February 20-22)?
Alex and the Kaleidoscope Kids in Concert (For a Good Cause)
Kids at the CSO: Tchaikovsky's Tales
A Teddy Bear Hootenanny
Family-Friendly Holiday Performances
Sing, Choirs of Angels!
Fa La La: Caroling at Cloud's Gate
The Dance-A-Long Nutcracker
Cookie Magazine Presents Kidsfest
Cultural Offerings for Little Ones
Imaginary Friends
Baby Loves Disco!
Kidzapalooza: Rocking Out With the Kids
Why Justin Roberts Rocks: Part Two
Why Justin Roberts Rocks: Part One
Dinner Table Destinations: Eat and Learn
The Essential Summer Playlist: Can't Miss Music in Chicago
Children's Theater in Chicago
Mozart, Moby or Miles: A Guide to the Preschool/Toddler Music Scene
5 Best Ways to Enjoy Millennium Park
More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in chicago
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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune
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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors
Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun
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Our City's Stories
Tot's Science Fair:
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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet
The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots
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