Rockin' Bands for the Whole Family

Today I would like to introduce a few musical acts that may inspire your kids to become avid music listeners and concert goers.

Last Saturday we took our three-year-old son Joe Frank to a children's concert at the lovely Subterranian Arthouse in downtown Berkeley.  Joe Frank loves a good concert and will sit through most anything but, oddly, he had never attended a show designated to children.  So, you can imagine his surprise when the audience broke all etiquette and danced in the aisles and sung along with the music.  Then, there were the puppets, bubbles and scarf-throwing fun.  Needless to say, we went home with our very own CD, which has currently become the ONLY album listened to in Joe Frank's presence.  Unlike a lot of children's music, however, this CD is not only tolerable to adults, it's very enjoyable and I suggest you get one for yourselves.  The band in question is...

Octopretzel

Their self-proclaimed intention is to create music that in enjoyable for families, not just kids.  And in this they succeed.   From the Octopretzel website:


Best described as folk music, it crosses generations and genres, weaving together styles such as bluegrass, rock and roll, lullabies and even nursery rhymes.  Our shows integrate elements of many cultures such as African drumming, klezmer fiddling, middle-eastern percussion and singing styles, and songs with words in Spanish, Hebrew and even Quechua.

The next group is not targeted for children at all, yet I mention them because they are an ensemble of the highest quality of musicianship and skill, which the entire family will enjoy.  The vast range of their repertoire offers something for everyone and their friendly approach to the audience encourages all levels of listeners.  I am speaking of...

Real Vocal String Quartet
 From the Real Vocal String Quartet website:
Real Vocal String Quartet's inventive take on chamber music combines the magical textures of a string quartet with a folk- and pop- influenced women's vocal quartet.  Original songs, improvisations, and unique arrangements pay tribute to a fantastic array of music from Appalachia to Kenya to Brazil.

Last but not least (and there are many more in my head that I don't have time to post today), check out the unusual sounds from the women's chorus 


Kitka
A good place to start if you have kids is their lullaby CD titled "Cradle Songs".  This is not your typical collection of lullabies, and I highly recommend it to any family that needs a break from the usual kid's stuff.

Kitka is an American women's vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe. Dedicated to developing new audiences for music rooted in Balkan, Slavic, and Caucasian women's vocal traditions, Kitka also strives to expand the boundaries of folk song as a living and evolving expressive art form.
Let me know what bands your whole family enjoys, especially if it's off the beaten path of normal kid music.