Note: This article is for the 2013 Summer Music Series. Please check our homepage for current information.
Discover one of the sweetest deals around for young families this summer – the Free Fun for Kids series presented at Boarding House Park, 40 French St, in Lowell on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Each of the ten events will include free crafts and free natural snacks from 10-11 AM, a free stage show at 11 AM, and free rides on the National Park trolley at noon! Be sure to stop by the Lowell Macaroni Kid craft booth to say hi! All the details are available at www.lowellsummermusic.org/kids.
Boarding House Park is a green oasis amidst the historic mill buildings in downtown Lowell. The Boston Globe has called it “New England’s best outdoor concert venue.” Parking is available for a minimal cost at the John Street Parking Garage. (See http://www.lowellsummermusic.org/page.php?wpage=root/directions.htm for driving and parking directions.) If rain or excessive heat is likely on any of the concert days, the crafts and performance will be relocated to the Cyrus Irish Auditorium at Lowell High School, located diagonally across French Street from Boarding House Park. A message will be posted by 9:30AM on the day of the show at www.lowellsummermusic.org/kids and on the info line 978-970-5200 with the details of any weather-related relocation.
This summer’s schedule includes the following dates and performers. Lowell Macaroni Kid will have a free craft booth from 10-11 AM on all of the starred dates – please stop by to say hello!
Wednesday, July 10th - CURIOUS CREATURES
A hands-on interactive live animal show for all ages! Get up close and personal with exotic reptiles from around the world, including a turtle, snakes lizards, and an alligator. The engaging show lets parents and children alike handle the animals, while educating in the process.
*Thursday, July 11th - BEN RUDNICK & FRIENDS
Sophisticated melodies, precise instrumentation and witty lyrics that will delight the whole family! The award winning five-piece Ben Rudnick and Friends acoustic band is known for its family-friendly music featuring instantly “hum-able” original songs and fun spins on well known traditional material. Described as a Jerry Garcia-like jam band for kids. Winner of a Parent’s Choice Award.
*Wednesday, July 17th – MARIANA IRANZI
Mariana is a native from Argentina, professional bassist, children's music composer and educator graduated from Berklee College of Music. Fun and educational, the assorted flavors of reggae, folk, rock, blues, bossa nova, tango and South American rhythms make the perfect blend for a multicultural recipe the entire family will enjoy.
Thursday, July 18th - BONAPARTE
Screams of Delight! Howls of Laughter! Unbelievable Energy & Excitement! These are common symptoms of witnessing first-hand Bonaparté’s Award-Winning Magic Concert! Plus…as an added bonus, the show includes the dramatic appearance of a fluttering white Dove and an adorable fuzzy Bunny!
Wednesday, July 31 – ROLIE POLIE GUACAMOLE
Frank and Andre met in high school in New Jersey where they recorded together for Frank’s band Anatomy. A year later, they decided to form a children’s band. Frank’s father Lou had been a children’s performer, so it seemed a natural fit. Their music draws inspiration from their childhood with field trips to the Museum of Natural History, songs about brushing your teeth and My Best Friend. They also feature family-friendly cover songs, such as the Led Zeppelin nod Houses of The Moly – which are “Playful and resonant” according to their 2012 Parents Choice award.
Thursday, August 1st – FUNIKI JAM
WARNING: May cause laughing, clapping, dancing and singing in multiple languages. Kids and tweens get their groove on with Musical Theater Summer Camps. Anyone from toddlers to grown-ups can try out their rhythm—or lack thereof— at programs with Funiki Jam’s stellar cast of Broadway performers and professional musicians. This “Best of Parenting” winner offers a dynamic blend of entertainment, education, and interaction for even the tiniest newborns.
*Wednesday, August 7th – YO-YO PEOPLE
This husband and wife duo bring back that nostalgic toy, reminding you of old favorite tricks like Walk the Dog and Rock the Baby, then amazing you with new and bizarre tricks like Boingy-Boingy and the Iron Whip. Yo-yos attached to bouncy balls, yo-yos with 10-foot strings, and multiple yo-yos looping while hula hooping and unicycling are just some of their finely tuned feats. They hold a Guinness World Record and a 2008 Yo-Yo World Champion title!
*Thursday, August 8th – MARCUS GALE
Marcus Gale brings the gift of music and laughter to children and their families. One smiling man arrives with a guitar and his fuzzy dog pals and ... BOOM! Everyone is singing, laughing and totally engaged. His warm humor, caring attention and personal charm make every performance a truly spontaneous and happy occasion.
*Wednesday, August 14 – PETER PANIC
Peter Panic started juggling in 1981 and became a full time professional in 1987. Since then he has delighted audiences in all 50 of the United States. His international appearances have been numerous; including, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, England, Germany, Spain, France, Holland and New Zealand.
*Thursday, August 15 – THE AIRBORNE COMEDIANS
Dan Foley and Joel Harris are The Airborne Comedians. An act that began 20 years ago as a snowball juggling contest in a laundromat, now escalated to riding six and seven foot high unicycles and flaming lawn chair juggling.
Thank you to Peter Aucella of Lowell National Historical Park for assisting with this article!
