Family Programs : : Class Acts On Tour

Our artists offer wonderful programs for family audiences,
as well as workshops and residencies.
Please call or email for additional information.

She took the audience to South India with acombination of sound and vision not-withstanding her youth. Aishu opened her heart up and presented her humanity through this medium which just happens to be a violin. I have no more to say because this is the way we felt that evening: "An Die Musik Live' was alive."
George Manning, An Die Musik

Journey to South India with Aishu (violin) and Vinod Venkataraman (percussion). Exquisite musical selections are generously explained: the traditional patterns called Gurukulam, the heart of Indian music - the ragam, and the sophisticated mathematical rhythms. Aishu shares the meaning of the ragas, the various rhythmic structures, the purpose and style of improvisation and Nava Rasa, or the "nine sentiments." Concerts can be staged with photographs of India and/or with beautiful Indian tapestries as backdrops.

Beautiful music blended with meaningful lyrics....
Parents and kids alike found the music to be enchanting... Rich and engaging for both children and adults.
Jodie Lynn, syndicated parenting expert

Since the release of their debut, award-winning CD, Kaleidoscope Songs #1, this group of fun-loving musicians has been captivating kids & adults alike with their fresh approach to music for young audiences. Their recordings have received many accolades, including the Parents' Choice Foundation Recommended Award and the Children's Music Web Award. Their lively, engaging concerts always include music from Africa and South America, fun sing-a-longs and original songs. Alex’s sensitivity, humor, and ability to connect with adults and children alike make these shows unforgettable.

A compelling and magical performance with music and masks—a celebration for the whole family.
Barbara Leonard, Los Angeles Music Center

Using masked characters, stories, comedy and exquisite musicianship, Eugene Friesen draws upon a lifetime of experience in music and theater to inspire and educate. From serious classics to serious fun, CelloMan engages young audiences in the concepts of creativity and passionate commi DinoRock

tment to life’s work.

One of the best children’s theatre
companies on the market today.
Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater

A national leader in children's entertainment for more than 20 years, DinoRock has performed outstanding theater for millions of children nationwide. Numerous programs available, including The Great Dinosaur Mystery, Dinosaur Rock, A Dinosaur Book of Wooorld Records, and Mi Casa Es Su Casa - Introduces students to their South American neighbors through original bilingual songs, Latin rhythms, true stories and colorful characters. Extensive teachers guides available.

I have never seen their eyes glued to the stage
as they were for The Elephant's Child. Well done!
Shalini Nandwani, Takoma Park ES

This setting of Rudyard Kipling's classic story is a superbly rendered and wondrously imaginative interpretation of the Elephant Child's quest for knowledge and truth. At the heart of the performance are award-winning singers/musicians David and Monique Griffiths. This husband-wife team has performed throughout North America and recently returned from an African tour where they shared their gifts in four different countries in East Africa.

His physical skills and comic invention are a joy to watch and a complete pleasure to work with.
Bert Goldstein, Cincinnati Playhouse

In shows worthy of his master teachers Marceau and Decroux, Mark Jaster uses skillful movement, live music, humor and abundant audience participation to delight young and old. Programs include The Carnival of the Animals and Beyond, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Maestro, A Fool Named O, Piccolo's Trunk, and more.

Thank you for the exciting Student Matinee at the Kimmel Center. The students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the musical diversity - from the Renaissance to New Orleans jazz. Again, thank you and we look forward to a return visit in Verizon Hall!
Velma R. Simmons, Director of Education
Kimmel Center

From the sounds of his Big Brass Ensemble to the legacy of Francis Johnson, virtuoso trumpeter Rodney Mack brings his audiences the excitement of live brass performance and a journey through African-American musical heritage. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Rodney Mack has worked under the guidance of world-renowned conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gerard Schwarz, James DePreist, and John Williams.The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass is offering a special residency and concert program in which the music and historical importance of Francis Johnson is highlighted - he was a Philadelphia-born African-American composer and bandleader who led groundbreaking performances in the early 1800's with an integrated group of musicians.

Chris Norman reaches across five centuries of traditional, renaissance and baroque music.
Oliver's Travels celebrates the life of Oliver Goldsmith, flute player, writer, and legendary traveler of the 1700s, with music of 18th century Europe as well as readings from some of his most outstanding works.

A galaxy of timbres and inflections ... remarkable rhythmic fireworks.
The New York Times

Using frame drums from around the world and vocal stylings that span the globe, Grammy Award-winning percussionist Glen Velez and acclaimed vocal virtuoso Lori Cotler have created rhythm songs and sound poems that reflect their innovative approach to drum-voice music. Their concert performances demonstrate the principles of using the voice as a rhythm instrument and the drum as a melody instrument.

Howard Levy, harmonica virtuoso, will take you on a journey through history! Travel from the harmonica's beginnings in the Far East through its invention in 19th century Bavaria, to its eventual role as the world's premier blues instrument, and beyond. Accompanying himself on piano, Howard weaves a fascinating tale of
an instrumental and historical journey.