Go Diego Go Live!

Over the weekend we took our son to one of the many Go Diego Go Live! shows playing at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. Ignoring the high ticket prices, hidden service charges and convenience fees, and merchandise - the show itself was very entertaining. Much more entertaining than other kid's shows we've attended (i.e. Sesame Street and the Wiggles). First the Warner Theatre is a great venue - there are no bad seats. Second, the cast performed without being childish - which made it interesting for the adults.

The storyline followed a typical Diego show - an animal was in trouble, this time his side kick, Baby Jaguar, lost his growl to the troublesome Bobo Brothers. With the help from the audience, Diego and his entourage - including an appearance by Dora - use his gadgets to track down the Bobo Brothers and return Baby Jaguar's growl. Our favorite performances were from the Rescue Pack and the Coconut Trees. During the entire adventure - our son - as well as the younger audience, was fixated on the stage - growling when asked, clapping, and dancing. At the end, the children were dancing in the aisles. If only there weren't any hidden service charges and convenience fees.

Robbie-Noceros @ Jammin' Java

Little did I know a couple of years ago that I would be spending New Years Eve watching a kid's act - and not only that - thoroughly enjoying it. This was the case Monday as my son and I watched the second of two shows of Robbie-Noceros - a collaboration between Robbie Schaefer and Rocknoceros (my sons' favorite musical group). I've seen Rocknoceros a couple times during their usual Wednesday stint at Jammin' Java - but for today they paired with Robbie Schaefer - another well-known Washington performer (think Eddie from Ohio) - to produce the best kid's show I saw last year. And I saw a lot of acts last year.

Robbie Schaefer broke away from his solo and Eddie from Ohio performances to record a kid's CD: Songs For Kids Like Us. The songs are similar in style to his folk-roots style and complement the rock-ish tone of Rocknoceros. What made this show unique was that each act learned each other's songs - so that Schaefer played guitar and sang harmonies for the Rocknoceros' songs and vice versa. At our house we listen to the same songs from Dark Side of the Moon Bounce and Rocknoceros over and over again - so it was nice to see a little variation with the addition of Robbie Schaefer and his son. As for Songs For Kids Like Us - I liked the story of Bob - the cowboy who talks backward - and the Carp song - kids will sing along about anything.

Like most of these shows, the best part was watching my son and the other children stand and clap after each song and participate in the New Year's "toast". I really hope they perform together again - its worth it for the adults and kids. Until then, Rocknoceros plays every Wednesday at Jammin' Java and Robbie Schaefer plays with Ellis Paul at the Barns at Wolftrap in April.

Children's Shows @ Jammin' Java

One of my favorite venues - least of all since its about a mile from my house - is Jammin' Java, a coffee house that hosts nightly music on their backstage. Over the past few years I've been able to see great acts such as Billy Joe Shaver, Marah, Todd Snider, Bob Schneider, and the Greencards; but the most enjoyable ones have been seeing my son dance to the various kid's shows. Every weekday morning the venue provides a different artist as well as occasional shows over the weekend. No need to pay the ridiculous prices of corporate shows (i.e. Sesame Street, DoodleBops) as most shows are under $10. My son's favorite is Rocknoceros and their clever CD: Dark Side of the Moon Bounce. Rocknoceros plays every Wednesday morning, but also check Jammin' Java's schedule to see Miss Belle, Mr. Don, Oh Susannah, Mr. Knick Knack, and The Banjo Man.

On weekends, national acts come to town. We recently went to see The Dirty Sock Funtime Band in which I think I enjoyed the music as much as the children. They are a real rock band - just a little more goofier - and they have great interaction with the kids. Just wait to see the kids dance to Dino-Soaring. In the next month you will have the chance to see The Dream Jam Band, the Rocknoceros Holiday Party and Sing-a-long, and the much anticipated "Robbie-noceros" New Years Eve Party for Kids - featuring local favorite Robbie Schaefer. I know where I will be New Years eve.