KindieFest Is Coming To Town!

The fifth annual KindieFest is making its way back to Brooklyn this weekend! Hosted by the Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 26-28, this year’s three-day conference and music festival promises a diverse array of panels, speakers, and family-friendly performers.

As the world’s first ever family music conference, KindieFest offers a fresh, comprehensive program focusing on learning, entertainment, and networking. KindieFest is the place to be for those interested in the kindie music genre with two full days of panels; a Friday night keynote address by children’s performer Ella Jenkins; self-management, kindie for beginners, and music in the classroom workshops; and an industry-only showcase. In addition, this year’s conference brings the launch of KINDIETalks–modeled after the popular TEDTalks–featuring some of the biggest names in family entertainment.

While it looks as though tickets to the Sunday portion of this year’s fest are sold out (we’re hoping you snagged some early!), it’s an annual event to keep in mind for the coming years. And here’s a handy list of the program’s featured musicians that you can sample at your leisure, or catch their other performances around the city this summer!

Cat Doorman– Featuring the gorgeous voice of Julianna Bright, the Cat Doorman Songbook was recorded in her home with members of The Decemberists and Built to Spill. Her soulful, winsome, sing-along tunes tell the stories of the joys and mysteries of childhood. catdoorman.com

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band– Hailed by USA Today as the best band on the children’s scene, this husband and wife duo cater to the uber-hip family crowd and feature Bob Dylan’s harp player, Michael Farkas. If you can’t make it to KindieFest, they’re also playing at Madison Square Park on June 25. luckydiazmusic.com

Alphabet Rockers- This Parent’s Choice award-winning family hip-hop group pairs old-school beats with kid-inspired educational lyrics. If you can’t see them on Sunday, catch them Saturday night at MOCA. alphabetrockers.com

Robbi K and Friends– This award-winning artist has worked with the likes of Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Jewel, and Rob Stewart. She combines the soul of jazz, pop, and world music for a cross-cultural, interactive experience. balidali.com

Dirty Sock Funtime Band– This high-energy ensemble has been featured on Nick Jr. and rocks out with some seriously exciting children’s music. If you miss them at KindieFest, you can send them family photos and appear in their Mother’s Day music video! dirtysockfuntimeband.com

David Wax Museum– This duo artfully combines Latin rhythms, Mexican folk, Americana, and indie rock to create a delightful, energetic, and interactive experience for their audience. davidwaxmuseum.com

The Terrible Twos– This alternative musical outfit was founded by The Get Up Kids front man, Matt Pryor, who was inspired by his children to write silly songs. Some of his tunes were even co-written by his daughter, Lily! vagrant.com

Atlantic Acting School

Looking for a fun and exciting theater program for kids and teens? Join us at the Atlantic. Our programs are intense, exciting and fun!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Music Together

Music Together&reg; is for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregiver. The classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability.