Positioned on a platform between a sandbox and a jungle gym in Central Park, Melissa Levis watches as her fans trickle in. Her pink princess hat sparkles in the sunlight as her audience—standing about two feet tall and wielding pom-poms and maracas—gathers in front of her. Looking out over the rows of strollers parallel-parked along the playground’s perimeter, Levis smiles and begins to strum her glittered guitar. Moey’s Music Party has begun.

Mr. Ray, as he is known to his kindie rock fans, it's also the key to a good concert. Growing up in West Orange, NJ, in a house formerly owned by composing great Carole King