Wallaby
1835 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, 90027; (323) 662-0128
Thursdays, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9
Noon-1 p.m.
Ages: moms with babies 6 months and up
Cost: $160 for 8 classes
Website

You already know that your baby can communicate with you long before he can talk by using gestures like pointing, waving or blowing kisses. This class will enable you to teach your child to use natural and fun-to-learn American Sign Language (ASL) signs to tell you if he is hungry, thirsty, needs a diaper change, and other important stuff (“I see a cat/airplane/banana!”) until his verbal abilities catch up to his intellectual ones. Research suggests that compared to other children, infants who use sign language speak sooner and score higher on tests of language ability when tested after second grade, plus better communication makes for less frustrated babies and happier parents! This class uses the Baby Signing Time curriculum that encourages signing and speaking together – children hear the word, see the word, say the word, and model the word with their hands – and that uses ASL because, hey, why not learn a real language spoken by millions of people all over the world? Signing Time books, DVDs and other supporting materials will be available for sale, but are not required for participation.

Do you know a child between the ages of 4 and 8 who would enjoy ballet and hip hop classes but can’t afford them? Take a minute to nominate a deserving child for an 8-week dance and fitness scholarship at Anatomy Fitness Studio in Highland Park. The first session will start April 4, 2011 and the program will be ongoing every 8-week session. Anatomy is located at 5215 York Blvd., L.A. 90045.

“We love our neighborhood and hope this is a way we can give back,” says Jeff Cole, owner of Anatomy with wife Amy Cole.

Popular for its adult fitness and dance classes, few are aware that Anatomy also offers dynamic children’s dance classes. Anatomy is known for top notch instructors, and the kids’ dance teachers are no exception. Ballet on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for 4-8 year olds is taught by Star Peterson and and Hip Hop on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. for 4-10 year olds is taught by Arlene Yuan.

One family very familiar with Anatomy kids classes is that of Patty Whong, previous L.A. Kid Stuff winner of 8 ballet classes at Anatomy. “We love Anatomy and the ballet classes that we won from L.A. Kid Stuff,” says Patty, whose 5-year-old daughter attends classes. “Amy always greets us with a smile. After the first class, my daughter asked me if we could go every day. Another amazing plus is that the classes are very affordable, especially compared to many other ballet classes. The more you buy, the more you save. And they don’t charge you for the classes you don’t attend. If you buy 12 classes, you actually get to attend 12 class that they keep track of with a punch card. Most ballet classes run consecutively and if you miss a class, you do not get to do a make up class. In tough financial times, with the flu season just behind us, this was especially helpful!” Patty has already signed her daughter on for another 12 classes.

To nominate a child you think would enjoy and take advantage of these classes but who normally wouldn’t be able to afford it, email Jeff Cole at info@anatomyla.com by April 1, 2011 with the requested information below. Anatomy will choose a lucky child via random drawing of qualifying submissions. The lucky winner will be announced and notified on Saturday, April 2, 2011. A different child will be sponsored every eight weeks.

Share the lifetime benefits of fitness and the arts with a deserving child! What you have to do:

1. Email info@anatomyla.com with the child’s name, age and family contact info (email, phone #)
2. Include the child’s story and why he/she should be considered.

What the child will receive:

1. FREE HIP HOP AND BALLET CLASSES on Mondays and Wednesdays for 8 consecutive weeks!

Call (323) 259-5356 for more information or questions. Good luck!

On the tenth day of Christmas, L.A. Kid Stuff is giving away an Eight-Pack of Kids Hip Hop and/or Ballet classes at Anatomy Studio in Highland Park! Give your kids the best gift of all: an opportunity to learn something new and exposure to art forms that will keep them in shape and stay with them a lifetime! Suitable for children ages 4-8, the class passes are redeemable starting the week of January 3, 2011.

Today’s giveaway is yet another one of our favorite this Christmas season! Why? Because we at L.A. Kid Stuff have had positive personal experience at the awesome Anatomy Studio! Our own 4-year-old L.A. kid has incorporated hip hop moves learned from classes at Anatomy into her regular free dance routines, whenever the music moves her. She loves it! And this L.A. mom has Anatomy (well, and some of my own sweat and tears) to thank for getting (almost completely) back into pre-pregnancy shape. You mommies out there know what I mean…but YES, it is attainable!

Family-owned and operated by Jeff and Amy Cole—two of the most genuine people who could own a boutique fitness studio, you’ll always be greeted by name and meet some cool new friends along the way. Anatomy offers fitness and kickboxing classes for adults in addition to hip hop and ballet for your kids. Visit the Anatomy website to see the selection of classes for the whole family!

Anatomy L.A.
5215 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 259-5356
WEBSITE

To Enter to Win an Eight-Class Package of Kids Hip Hop or Ballet Classes:
1) To qualify to enter, simply “LIKE” the L.A. Kid Stuff Facebook Page HERE.
2) Comment on the Facebook post for this prize. Comments must be posted before midnight PST today, December 10, 2010.
3) Today’s winner will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow morning. One entry per day per person. You must not have won an L.A. Kid Stuff giveaway contest within the past 90 days to enter this contest.
4) Good luck and have a great day in L.A.!

The Original Farmer’s Market – West Patio
6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles; (323) 933-9211
Thursdays and Fridays, Now – September 10, 2010
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Head to the original Farmer’s Market all summer long for this popular and FREE music series. Food and shopping will be available as well, perfect for a warm summer evening.

THURSDAY NIGHT JAZZ SERIES
5/27  Elliott Caine
6/3  Dana Bronson
6/10  Doug MacDonald Trio
6/17  Bluecat Express
6/24  Bobby Matos
7/1  CJS Quintet
7/8  Larry O. Williams & Friends
7/15  Ron Kobayashi Trio
7/22  Bill Watrous w/ Rob Stoneback
7/29  Sydney Weisman & The Chicago Trio
8/5  Jazz Rangers with DJ Bonebrake
& Mark Christian
8/12  Michael LeVan Trio
8/19  Katisse Buckingham
8/26  Otis Hayes Quartet
9/2  The Bill Kalmenson Sextet
9/9  Frank Cano and Latin Groove

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES
5/28  Eddie Baytos & The Nervis Bros.
6/4  Jumpin Joz
6/11  Adam Del Monte
6/18  Louie Cruz Beltran
6/25  Orquesta Charangoa
7/2  Doo Wah Riders
7/9  Sapadilla Reggae
7/16  50 Cent Haircut
7/23  Bad Haggis w/ Eric Rigler
7/30  Front Porch Band
8/6  Rudy Regalado Salsa y Jazz
8/13  Hot Club Quartet with Janet Klein
8/20  L.A. Bluescasters
8/27  Katia Moraes & Sambaguru
9/3  Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
9/10  Saucy Monky

Point Fermin Park
807 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, 90731 (Foot of Gaffey St.); (310) 548-7705
Sundays through August 1, 2010
Noon – 5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Music & Sunshine, Vendors & Shopping, Family & Friends … Free and by the Sea!

July 11
The Longhorns
Jack Chance
Soul Shot

July 18
Ultimate Source
In Contempt
Jerry Butera Blues Band

July 25
Hindsight
Sean Lane and the Hellhounds
110 South

August 1
Identity Theft
The Topics
Titanic Johnson

Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 90401
Thursdays through September 2, 2010
All concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Enjoy an eclectic mix of music along with a beautiful sunset every Thursday at the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series. The Santa Monica Pier offers a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park; a historic 1922 Carousel, and an interactive aquarium. Street performers — from musicians to artists plus fabulous vendor carts bring the pier to life.

July 8, 2010
Konono No. 1 – Congolese Trance Dance-Tronica

Can you imagine “Stomp” with an electronica vibe and dance groove that won’t stop? That’s Konono No. 1, a band founded over 25 years ago by Mingiedi, a virtuoso of the likembé, a crude “thumb piano” central to Bazombo trance music from the region near the border of Congo and Angola.

July 15, 2010
Australia Rocks The Pier!
Ben Lee
Brother
Ry Cuming

Ben Lee has been living as a working musician for over half of his lifetime. From the age of 14, he has stayed grounded and spiritually focused, with a quintessential niceness stemming from his Sydney-bred roots that has never faded. Ben Lee’s musical career began in 1993 with the band Noise Addict. The band came to the attention of Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys’ Mike D., who released their recordings in the United States.

July 22, 2010
Jovanotti – Italian Super Star
Jace Everett – Singer/Songwriter
Ana Tijoux – Chilean Rapera

Jovanotti (aka Lorenzo Cherubini) fills stadiums in his native Italy and throughout Latin America. He sets out this summer to bring his synthesis of rap and rock to festivals across America. Jovanotti’s music has transformed from its early roots in hip-hop and rap to a broader hybrid, incorporating pointed lyrics which address philosophical, religious, social, and political issues, more typical of a singer-songwriter, Italian cantautore tradition.

July 29, 2010
Kailash Kher’s Kailasa – Indian Pop/Rock/Bollywood

There is no greater star in Indian popular music today than Kailash Kher, a revered singer whose prodigious vocal gifts and inspiring personality have made him a household name across the subcontinent. Kailash Kher’s meteoric rise from a humble upbringing outside of New Delhi to being appointed a judge for the 2008-09 season of Indian Idol is nothing less than remarkable. It is also a testament to the strength and appeal of what is undeniably one of the most unique voices in Indian music today.

August 5, 2010
Rickie Lee Jones – Duchess of Coolsville

Rickie Lee Jones is one of the most singular artists in today’s music world. A clue to defining her iconoclasm comes from her own family description as “lower-middle-class-hillbilly-hipster.” From her emergence on the national scene in 1979, Rickie Lee has become one of the most acclaimed and talented singer-songwriters of our time spanning many genres: folk, rock, jazz, soul, spoken word and pop.

August 12, 2010
Soulive – Funk Jazz Organ Trio
Breakestra – Hip-Hop Funk Beats

Not many bands can say they’ve recorded with such diverse artists as Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Talib Kweli and John Scofield. Nor can many, if any, bands lay claim to opening for The Rolling Stones on one tour and having Stevie Wonder sit in with them on the next. The enduring musical relationships Soulive has developed, from the aforementioned artists to Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Joshua Redman, Robert Randolph, Kenny Garrett, The Roots, Fred Wesley, Ivan Neville and so many others, speak volumes about both how versatile and popular these talented musicians are.

August 19, 2010
Mick Taylor – Legendary Guitarist/Former Rolling Stone

Tom Nolan Band – Blues, R&B and Soul
As one of the most admired and respected guitarists in Blues, R&B and Rock music, Mick Taylor’s distinctive, elegant slide guitar work graces some of the key albums in Rock & Roll history. Mick Taylor’s biggest impact and recognition came when he joined the ranks of illustrious alumni of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, accepting the Rolling Stones’ offer to replace founding member Brian Jones in 1969. The Stones had already established their reputation as “the greatest rock’n’roll band” in the world, having just released the classic “Beggar’s Banquet.” Taylor quickly added his imprint to the Stones and was present for the legendary concert tours through 1974.

August 26, 2010
Beatlesfest

Beatlesfest, a three day tribute that began five years ago, is proud to be a part of the Twilight Dance Series this summer! “Abbey Road” will open the night with an acoustic set of the Beatles, followed by Los Angeles based Led Zepagain, as part of the British Invasion.

September 2, 2010
Dr. John & the Lower 911 – New Orleans Icon

Eddie Baytos & the Nervis Brothers – World Mardi Gras Music
An icon of American music born in New Orleans, Dr. John is indelibly linked to the traditions and singularity of the city’s musical and cultural heritage. Mac Rebennack burst onto the rock & roll scene in the late 60s as Dr. John, the Night Tripper, merging the Rhythm and Blues, voodoo rhythms and chants of his native New Orleans to create a persona perfect for the psychedelic era. Over the years he’s thrown Jazz, Classic American Songbook, Zydeco, Boogie Woogie and Rock into the musical mix.

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 90290; (310) 455-2322
Saturdays or Sundays, through October 2010
11 a.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $8 per person; $7 per person for groups of 5 or more. July 18 Benefit Concert $10/person; $9/person family rate. (Box Office (310) 455-3723)
Website

Concerts and Performances for young children and their families to enjoy together!

Sunday, 7/11
Mark Lewis

Mark Lewis is an actor and a consummate children’s entertainer who fills the stage with his warmth and engages the audience with inventive stories and songs.

Saturday, 7/17
The Velveteen Rabbit

Adapted from Margery Williams’ classic tale of true friendship and what it means to be “really real”, this version modernizes language and locale, but retains the story’s original heart. The audience particiaptes from the play’s opening moment, being both guests and gifts at the birthday party of Billy, the young protagonist

Sunday, 7/18 (at 9:30 and 11:30 am)
Justin Roberts & The Not Ready For Naptime Players

SPECIAL BENEFIT CONCERT!

Truly one of the “all stars” of the indie family music scene, Justin and his bandmates dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and parents! Proceeds from this special concert will benefit Theatricum Botanicum’s Youth Education Programs. Tickets are $10 per person, with a family rate of $9 per person (for families of five or more).

Sunday, 7/25
Beethoven’s Wig

If you think it unlikely that a kid would shout “you rock!” at a classical music concert, you haven’t experienced Richard Perlmutter as Beethoven’s Wig, the classical music sensation for the whole family!

Sunday, 8/08
Gwendolyn and The Goodtime Gang

Gwendolyn and her band take it up a notch with their latest CD. They’ll be sure to rock your socks off and get your feet moving!

Sunday, 8/15
Parachute Express

If you’ve been to one of Danny, Janice and Stephen’s concerts, or have watched one of their videos with your kids, you’ll know how children connect wonderfully to Parachute Express. Don’t miss the live show!

Sunday, 8/22
Rocknoceros

Northern Virginia’s premiere power trio for children is making a rare west coast visit. Rocknoceros (pronounced “rhi-noc-erose”) rocks its way into the hearts of music-loving families on both coasts!

Saturday, 8/28
Ferdinand and the Bull

Audience members participate from the moment they arrive, working with the actors before the show to make pipe-cleaner flowers that are thrown into the ring during the bullfight! Volunteers become the young bulls of the meadow as well as the Men from Madrid who are looking for bulls to fight. All are invited to help Ferdinand create stories by using their imagination, and one youngster even becomes the Matador.

Sunday, 8/29
David Tobocman

A Dad who started writing fun songs for his kids to help teach them the ways of the world! Important stuff, like coping with frustration, keeping clean and why we keep our clothes on!

Natural Amphitheater at Conejo Community Park
1175 Hendrix Ave. Thousand Oaks, 91360; (805) 381-1247
Select Sundays through September 6, 2010
5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Monthly free community concerts in the park offer a variety of musical genres!
Artists subject to change without notice.
Please leave pets at home.

SUNDAY, JULY 18
EMILIO PALAME BAND
An exciting nine-piece R&B/Jazz ensemble – from funk to swing -
delivering an eclectic blend of original and popular songs, featuring
an ultra-tight rhythm section, soulful vocals, and fluid horn players.
BLUES!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15
TERESA JAMES and the RHYTHM TRAMPS
Traveling around the country and the world, this group has created a
sound that is “beyond blues” where New Orleans meets Texas Blues.

LABOR DAY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
The Thousand Oaks Acorn presents: QUEEN NATION
The series winds up with a Tribute to Queen featuring their major hits
performed with extraordinary authenticity.

Garfield Park
Mission St & Park Ave., South Pasadena, 91030
Sundays, June 27 – August 8, 2010 (except July 4)
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

The City of South Pasadena will host fabulous concerts throughout the summer. Bring the family, pack a picnic, or buy food at the park from various vendors. Bring your blankets, beach chairs and picnic dinner and enjoy all the music and fun. There will also be a variety of delicious food available for purchase from local restaurants and organizations. Call (626)403-7380 for more information.

CONCERT SCHEDULE:

Sunday June 27, 2010 – The Swing Cats Big Band (Swing)

Sunday July 11, 2010 – Police and Thieves (Motown/R&B)

Sunday July 18, 2010 – The Wise Guys (Rat Pack/Big Band)

Sunday Aug. 1, 2010 – Tom Nolan Band (Funk)

Sunday Aug. 8, 2010 – Louie Cruz Beltran Latin Jazz Ensemble

City of Lakewood De Valle Park
5939 Henrilee St., Lakewood, 90713
Thursdays, June 24 – August 12, 2010
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Concerts in the Park summer series runs for eight consecutive Thursday evenings of great music, vocals and entertainment!

The weekly concerts feature a variety of music including classic rock, country western and pop music. Dinner and refreshments will be on sale or attendees may bring their own picnic basket.

Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Please refrain from bringing pets, barbeques or alcoholic beverages.

6/24/10
Hard Day’s Night
Beatles Tribute

7/1/10
The Doo Wah Riders
Country

7/8/10
Open Wide
Classic Rock

7/15/10
Billy and the Bandits
Country

7/22/10
The Emperors
Classic Rock

7/29/10
The Silverados
Country

8/5/10
Rockit Scientists
Classic Rock

8/12/10
Brian Lynn Jones
and the Misfit Cowboys
Country