Kids Music in Chicago

Written by Ann Torralba

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to give a kids concert to some of the families at the World Relief Organization. This organization provides free services for refugee families that have immigrated to the United States. Some of the families that attended the concert were from Burma/Myanmar, Russia, Burundi, Congo, Uganda, and Somalia.

The concert took place in the World Relief Organization’s early childhood room in Albany Park. The interesting thing about this concert was that the families and I started off with different knowledge bases. While many of the families were probably familiar with their countries own traditional children’s songs, they were not familiar with this country’s traditional children’s songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Initially, the language barrier also seemed like it might pose a challenge. Here’s where the amazing part comes in . . . we were all able to communicate with each other through music. For 45 minutes, we danced, clapped, did hand movements, smiled, laughed, swayed, stomped, and marched. In the end, it really didn’t matter what language anyone spoke.

I met some wonderful dedicated people working at the organization like Annie, the early childhood teacher and Keri, the Director of Education. If you are interested in making a donation to WR-Chicago’s education programs, you can make a tax deductible donation by writing a check to World Relief-Chicago, Attn: Keri Lucas, Director of Education Dept, 3507 W. Lawrence Avenue , Chicago , IL 60625 .

If local Chicagoans want to donate items (i.e. household goods for apartments for newly arrived refugees, toys or other classroom materials for the early childhood education classroom, etc….) or volunteer with any of our programs, they can contact Keri Lucas at klucas@wr.org or 773-583-9191 x248.

Written by Ann Torralba

The first time I heard Erin Flynn sing was when I went to see a production by Chicago’s own Red Moon Theater. Honestly, I really don’t remember much about the play. All I remember is Erin Flynn coming out on stage strumming her guitar and commanding the audience with her angelic voice. That unique voice coupled with the Co-op band is what makes “Dreamers of Dreams” (2004) worth listening and adding to your collection. The 13 traditional and original songs take you on a musical journey where you travel through ska, jazz, folk, rock and punk. At times, this album truly rocks out making you want to dance and other times it gets soft and sweet. The best thing about this cd is that while it definitely has a consistent sound throughout, all the songs are uniquely different from one another.

The song “Mary Mack” lured my daughter in with its cowbell. Slowly the song builds momentum and ends in a Blondie like frenzy. One favorite of mine was “Butterfly”. One could mistake the lyrics to be written by Simon and Garfunkel with its description of the darkness of winter. Filled with hope, Flynn begs throughout the song for a butterfly (Spring) to come back to her. My favorite song however is “Join in with a song”. With its full chorus of voices, this song belongs in some sort of rock musical like “Hair”.

The title “Dreamers of Dream” is taken originally from a poem from Arthur O’Shaughnessy. You might recognize it from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Even though this cd was created in Philadelphia not Wonkaland, I think even Willie Wonka would put his stamp of approval on this cd.

Written by Ann Torralba

Last night, I went to go see Remembering Fela, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 with my family and some friends. This is part of the incredible Music without Borders series at Milllenium Park. I would highly recommend going to see a show the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The space is beautiful and very open and it is a perfect meeting place for a summer outing with a group of friends and family. Kids of any age would enjoy this setting. Last night, I saw babies carried in their baby bjorns, toddlers dancing, and kids blowing bubbles. I didn’t see one tear the whole evening as I walked through the crowd. You can even bring your own food and and drinks or buy food there. The shows are free and Millenium Park is easily reached by train so you don’t have to pay for parking. As I listened to the music and watched people from many diverse cultures dancing, I couldn’t help but think that this is what would happen if the Hot House met Ravinia.

Written by Ann Torralba

While you’re thumbing through the kids CD’s at the Old Town School of Folk Music, it could be easy to pass over “Karen for Kids” with its charming homemade cover design. If you do though, you’d be making a big mistake! This 20-song CD full of traditional and original songs is a gem for both kids and adults. Karen Banks-Lubicz is a long-time Wiggleworms instructor at this legendary school and a popular performer throughout Chicago.

“Karen for Kids” is a family effort. Karen’s husband Carl plays various instruments on the CD and also recorded it. Karen and Carl’s daughter, Kayla helps out by singing a few tunes.

With a consistent loving vibe throughout and simple instrumentation, Karen has created an endearing CD. Karen’s voice is reminiscent of Carol King’s on “Tapestry”. Her take on some “untraditional” traditional songs such as “Bom Bom Biddy” and “Ally Bally” are done in a true folk fashion. The brightest spots are really Karen’s originals. They include “If I were a bird” (written with Amy Lowe), “Five Little Snowmen”, and “Back and Forth”. Armed with this CD, all can only be good in the world of parenthood.

Written by Ann Torralba

I took my daughter to go see the World Premiere of the Chic-a-go-go movie.  We got to Schuba’s a little late.   I missed the red-carpet reception and Miss Mia completely.  We got there just in time to see the end of the dance party.  There was a jolly crowd of about 30 people eagerly awaiting the movie. One of the producers of the show, Jake Austen, commented that “85 percent of the people in the crowd were in the movie” The movie opened with a hilarious kids music video about nutrition done by the Goblins.  After the Goblins video, we got to see about 5 minutes of the movie before the sound went out.  Jake Austen tried desperately to fix it.  After about 20 minutes, my daughter and I left. Too bad because what I saw looked really good.