Summer’s here and the time is right for dancin’ in the streets, on the beach, and in the park
If you’re looking for a place where both you and your kids can enjoy the sounds of summer without compromising your good tune-taste, check out these opportunities sure to please every generation under the sun!
Laurie Berkner – The You and Me Tour
Ravinia Kraft Kids Concerts
www.Ravinia.org
July 28th
Today’s nationally touring children’s musicians know how to produce a kid-friendly sound that parents want to download to their very own iPods. Ravinia Kraft Kids Concert Series features these performers, including popular children’s musician, Laurie Berkner.
Originally a pop recording artist, Berkner discovered her passion for creating memorable children’s music that gets parents singing along. She returns to Ravinia for a rare solo performance. I spoke with her about the upcoming tour and about performing without a band, which she says is often “even more inviting because audience participation becomes so pivotal and the kids become the rhythm section!” Berkner loves playing Ravinia because the outdoor venue allows kids to really get up and dance. “When I sing about running down a hill, I can look out and see kids actually running down a hill.”
Summer Sounds At The Glen
The Glen Town Center Navy Blvd, Glenview
www.theglentowncenter.com
June 5th-August 28 Tuesday’s 5-9PM
A free event for all, the Glen Town Center ‘s summer-long kid-friendly live music series featuring a great mix of blues, rock, funk, folk, jazz and reggae with fun crafts and interactive activities for families to enjoy during each concert .
Mark your calendars: Dueling Pianos take the stage on August 21.
Dancin’ Sprouts
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
www.chicagobotanic.org
June 6-Augst 29 Wednesdays 5:30-7:30PM
Pack up the entire family and a picnic dinner and enjoy all the summer beauty of the botanic gardens while dancing outdoors to the music of Chicagoland’s top children’s entertainers.
The Wilmette Theatre Kids Rock Concert Series
The Wilmette Theatre 1122 Central Ave, Wilmette
www.thewilmettetheatre.com
Check Listings for Saturdays at 10AM
You may have kids, but your inner rocker is still ready to roll! Bring your own little groupie this summer to the Wilmette Theatre where they host a kid’s rock concert series including Miss Ann, June 30 and Laura Doherty, August 4.
Teen-Only Beach Events
Winnetka Park District Tower Road Beach
www.winpark.org
July-August
Middle school students going into 5-8th grade will dance the night away July 11 7-9PM when the beach is open only for them. A DJ at the beach house will be taking requests while volleyball, bags, Frisbee and dancing are supervised by Winnetka Park District’s Lakefront staff. Also in the works, for later this summer, is a night where teen bands take the stage.
