Melody Makers

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Randy Kaplan

As the weather warms up with summer just around the corner, family-friendly concerts are a fun way to celebrate the season.  Kids (and parents!) love silly lyrics and happy harmonies.  These performers keep everyone amused and entertained with the best beats, tunes that groove, and musical merriment.  If you’re looking for springtime fun, this is music to your ears.

 

New York Philharmonic presents “Pixar in Concert”

From Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, UP, and others—all ages will enjoy the New York Philharmonic as they present favorite musical selections from memorable movie moments.  $40-$125.  For adults and children ages 5 and up.  May 1 (7:30pm), May 2 (8:00pm), May 3 (8:00pm).  Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue at 65th Street.  nyphil.org

 

Randy Kaplan

Singer/songwriter Randy Kaplan entertains families with fun songs and lyrics like “Don’t Fill Up On Chips”.  Join Randy as he performs his new album Jam On Rye.  $11-$18.  May 4 (2pm).  The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street.  (212) 423-3200.  randykaplan.com

 

The Suzi Shelton Band

Join Suzi Shelton and her band to celebrate the release of their new album Smile in My Heart.  The Gumdrops backup singers and other special guests will perform too.  Before the show, get a sneak peak at their new music videos.  $5-$15.  Families with kids ages 1-10.  May 4 (11am).  The Bell House, 149 Seventh Street, Brooklyn.  (718) 643-6510.  suzishelton.com

 

Kid Rockers featuring “Tennis” and “Lolawolf”

Jammin’ fun show features two artists: Indie-pop husband and wife duo “Tennis”, and NYC trio “Lolawolf” (led by Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz!).  $28.  May 10 (11:30am).  NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place.  (212) 992-8484.  kidrockers.com

 

Frolic! Presents Rock, Rave ‘n Roll

Mother’s Day party for the whole family.  Dance the afternoon away on the light-up dance floor.  Show features “Little Rock-its” by Frolic and “DJ Unicornicopia” from the Baby DJ School!  And special guest Tim from “The Sunny Side Up Show” on Sprout TV.  $15-$20.  May 11 (4pm).  Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn.  (718) 963-3369.  brooklynbowl.com

 

Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner is best known for family favorites like “We Are The Dinosaurs” and many other catchy kids tunes.  Join Laurie and special guest Susie Lampert as they celebrate the release of Laurie Berkner Lullabies on the “rock ’til you drop” tour.  $39.  May 17 (1pm).  The Concert Hall, 2 West 64th Street.  laurieberkner.com

 

Shine & the Moonbeams

Lead singer Shawana Kemp delivers heartfelt, all-ages R&B songs.  The soulful songs have lyrics that kids can understand and relate to– like standing up to bullies, rushed school-day mornings, and being true to yourself.  Free.  May 17 (2pm).  Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn.  (718) 756-5250.  carnegiehall.org

 

Dirty Sock Funtime Band

Its their first show of the summer, so bring a blanket, a picnic, and rock out with the Dirty Socks under the evening sky.  Free.  All ages.  June 12 (6pm).  Washington Market Park at Greenwich and Duane Streets in Tribeca.  dirtysockfuntimeband.com

 

Rolie Polie Guacamole

Kids love to jam to the beat, get up on their feet, and sing along with this energetic rock ‘n roll duo.  Free.  June 20 (3:30pm).  Brooklyn Public Library (Ryder Branch), 5902 23rd Avenue, Brooklyn.  (718) 331-2962.  roliepolieguacamole.com

 

Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights

Come celebrate with Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights at their Good Egg CD release concert.  Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a summer morning of musical fun.  Free.  June 24 (10:30-11:30am).  Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue at 23rd Street.  joanieleeds.com

 

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Manhattan Mandarin

<p>Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools</p> <p>nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether</p> <p>in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our</p> <p>teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin</p> <p>language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to</p> <p>make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We</p> <p>look forward to working with you.</p> <p>- Jamie Keyte, Founder</p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The School’s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with all of our classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.</span></p>