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