Free children’s event series returns to Barker Park
TROY, N.Y. » One local organization is offering free summer fun just for kids, with an annual children’s event series in downtown Troy.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation, in cooperation the City of Troy and The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, recently announced the lineup for its free Barker Park Kids’ Summer Series.
The events will take place at 11 a.m. each Thursday from July 6 through Aug. 24 at Barker Park, located at the corner of Third and State streets in downtown Troy, not far from the famous Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Barker Park Kids’ Summer Series schedule:
July 6 — Ramblin Stompers
Ramblin Jug Stompers have been kicking up a vintage American roots-rocking ruckus for more than a decade and they’re still stomping strong. Conjuring up the ghosts of early legends like Gus Cannon and Charlie Poole, mixing in the best of the 60s folk revival with some seasoning from the Jug current Americana movement, Ramblin Jug Stompers have melded these influences with their own contemporary spin and wry sense of humor. The quartet — Cousin Clyde, Bowtie, Mister Eck and Wild Bill — traces its roots directly to membership in the legendary Star Spangled Washboard Band and early MTV pioneers Blotto, echoing those bands’ unique combination of hot-wired musicianship and quick wit.
July 13 — Andy The Music Man
Andy “The Music Man” Morse is a popular children’s musician renowned for the special way he connects with his audiences. A talented guitarist, mandolin player and songwriter, Andy mingles traditional and original songs and novelty, delighting and involving kids through sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling.
July 20 — Movement Story Hour with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company
Appropriate for children, toddlers and kids up to age eight, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company’s workshops are designed to nurture the creative potential of each child. The stories are drawn from the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company’s extensive collection of children’s books and are led by its Artistic Director, Ellen Sinopoli. An array of fun-filled visual and verbal tools are given to assist children in finding innovative shapes and imaginative ways to move.
July 27 — Seth & The Moodymelix
Borrowing from a wonderfully diverse mix of musical styles, this toe-tapping trio plays lyrically rich music for kids that parents can appreciate, too. With guitar (Seth Warden), fiddle (Doug Moody) and percussion (Brian Melick), along with sweet harmony vocals, their songs impart good values and educational tidbits in a fresh upbeat organic style. August 3 — Heard Heard is Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius, composer/pianist, Jonathan Greene, woodwinds, Bobby Kendall, bass, Brian Melick, drums/percussion, and Zorkie Nelson on drums/percussion/vocals. Heard’s energizing world music is meant to put a smile on listeners’ faces and get them up and dancing. The group will present an all-ages interactive show with percussion instruments for kids to check out and learn some rhythms.
August 10 — Troy Public Library
The Troy Public Library will host a Story Hour with a visit from a very special reader, a Fairy Queen! Join in when Queen Mab from the Enchanted City comes to Barker Park to read stories. This program is appropriate for children ages four to 10 years of age, and the wearing of fairy wings is encouraged.
August 17 — The Arts Center of the Capital Region: Twirling Sculpture Installation
Join The Arts Center of the Capital Region for a funfilled interactive art making workshop. Participants will work collaboratively to create and hang unique twirling sculptures in the park for all to enjoy.
August 24 — Amazing Kids’ Circus
Come one, come all to the Amazing Kids’ Circus, an interactive performance that engages the imagination! The Ringmaster provides the setting and costumes that transform children and adults into circus stars. Join the circus and you might transform into an elephant, a tightrope walker, a human cannonball and more, delighting and entertaining people of all ages.
For more information about this series, contact the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall at (518) 273-0038 or visit www.troymusichall.org.