WEEKEND TO DO: APRIL 28 & 29, 2012

Shop
Anne Geddes
The photographer famous for snapping irresistible pics of babies in cabbage leaves and such is celebrating the release of her latest pregnancy project, a collectable magazine called My Pregnancy: A Woman’s Story. Get a sneak peek of the beautiful imagery, pick up a special signed copy, and enjoy chitchat with the famed photog.
When: Sat. 4/28, 2-4pm; Free.
Where: Destination Maternity, 28 East 57th St., 212-588-0220, destinationmaternity.com.

Go
Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair
Try not to be overwhelmed by all the downtown fun, including Broadway performances, stilt walkers, face painters, puppet shows, arts and crafts and other diversions. Throughout the day, kids can play with a life-sized chess board, fly kites, create giant bubbles and join music workshops.
When: Sat. 4/28, 10am-6pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Greenwich St. (bet. Chambers & Hubert St.), tribecafilm.com/family.

Do
Manners for Mother’s Day
The best gift: Having your little ones well versed in please and thank you by mid-May. Sign up now for this special socialsklz mom-and-kid workshop happening next month.
When: Sat. 5/12, 10-11:15am at Whole Food Market Upper West Side, and Thurs. 5/10, 5-6:15pm at Whole Foods Market Tribeca; Ages 4+; $25.
Where: socialsklz.com, 212-579-5300.

Hear
Claude Debussy Meets Sherlock Key
In this one-hour family concert by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, kids are introduced to the music of Debussy — who is arrested for musical anarchy by the music police and then rescued by Sherlock, who reveals the secret method behind the artist’s mystery.
When: Sun. 4/29, 1pm & 3pm; Ages 6+; $15 & $25.
Where: Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center, 129 West 67th St. (bet. Broadway & Amsterdam), chambermusicsociety.com.

SOURCE CREDIT: URBAN BABY

Celebrate Mother's Day!

Mil’s Trills Calling All Moms to Pick Up a Ukulele and Sing!

A Mother’s Day Event Led by Electric Ukulele-ist/Composer Amelia Robinson

New York, NY – In celebration of moms and music, interactive performance group Mil’s Trills will be live on stage this Mother’s Day with the “Ukulele Mom-semble,” a group of local moms who will accompany the Mil’s Trills Band to perform original lullabies written for and inspired by their children.  The event will be held on Sunday, May 13, 11 a.m. at the 92YTribeca where guests will be invited to join in and jam to a tune of their own.

Guests will enjoy the event as much as the kids with revived adaptations of memorable hand-clapping beats Miss Mary Mac and games like Mother May I interwoven throughout the performance. With diverse backgrounds and experiences, members of Mil’s Trills and the Ukulele Mom-semble will each bring to the stage their own variation of song in both sound and lyrics with shared inspiration – their children.

“The ukulele is a beautiful tool for creating raw, sensitive, honest songwriting from deep within the heart,” says Amelia Robinson, creator and lead musician of Mil’s Trills. “Music and movement are vital to our lives, no matter what age…Mil’s Trills music speaks to children 0 to 100.”

Members of the “Ukulele Mom-semble” are all graduates from Robinson’s four-week workshop, which was developed by popular demand from local moms in the Mil’s Trills community. Robinson designed the workshop with mom in mind, providing a safe space for the women to experiment with their innermost thoughts using the ukulele as their guide. The moms proved that with a little framework and support, beautiful music can be made. This coming Mother’s Day will be the first time the moms perform on stage for a live audience (outside of the nursery, of course!).

“I am so proud of all my ‘uke-workshop-ers’ for their audacity – for taking the time to nourish their souls, for having fun, and for being role models for their children as living examples that you can have a desire and follow through with it!”

Moms who attend for the first time should expect to have a ukulele in their hands by the end of the show, leaving the event with a few chords and a new tune to hum home to.  Just like the moms performing on the stage this year, new moms who attend have the chance to join a workshop, learn how to play, write their own lullaby and ultimately perform live at next year’s event in front of their child and family. A Mil’s Trills event is the perfect place to start practicing. 

More importantly, Robinson stresses that Mil’s Trills is a retreat for both parent and child alike. “Anyone who attends a Mil’s Trills show, whether for the first or umpteenth time, is instantly given a place in our community with a sense of belonging,” Robinson says. “Our show has become a safe space for children [and adults] to discover and explore, to be nurtured and loved.”

Mother of two, Rachel Lotus, says she gets hardly any “me” time, but learning to play the ukulele with Mil’s Trills, is “In short, pure joy!”

 

“Amelia has brought her verve and vigor, good humor, and quirky style to the process,” Lotus says. “It’s sort of like music therapy.”

This event is for anyone who is a parent or child, loves and appreciates music, wants to learn the ukulele and songwriting or to bring musical inspiration into their home, is looking to meet like-minded moms in their community, or would like to attend in support of their peers on stage (so…everyone!). Above all else, this show intends to provide a space for moms to appreciate one another in their shared bravery, hard work and hidden talents.

The show will be held at the 92YTribeca at 200 Hudson St., Sunday, May 13 at 11a.m. It is recommended that guests book early since Mil’s Trills’ last show was completely sold out. “We sadly had to turn away babies at the door!” Robinson says. “Who wants to do that?!”

For a link to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.92y.org/Tribeca/Event/BYOK--Mil.

For more information on Amelia’s events and workshops, visit her at: http://www.milstrills.com

For an interview or more information, please contact Amelia Robinson at milstrills@gmail.com or (347) 703-5207.

About Mil’s Trills

Mil’s Trills is an interactive series of live performances for grown-ups with babies & toddlers ages 0-4.  Led by Amelia Robinson who plays original, quirky and whimsical songs on her electric ukulele and hosts a rotating cast of musical guests.   Each show highlights a new, often rare, instrument and a hand-selected book that is brought to life through an improvised soundtrack.   Mil’s Trills is founded on a cooperative effort to support local businesses & artists in the community and to make music accessible to all. 

Mil’s Trills has appeared at South Street Seaport’s Children’s Day, the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, the Greater New York Dental Meeting at the Javits Center, and is to be featured at Lincoln Center’s Meet the Artist Saturdays on June 2, 2012 in conjunction with the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.

Clippings

'There's not much sweeter than a room full of cherub-cheeked, doe eyed toddlers, smiling moms and Amelia Robinson strumming away on her ukulele...' Bed-Stuy Patch, October, 2011

'This is Baby Fink’s absolute favorite thing to do every week and we’re sure that your tot will agree. And it’s fun for grownups too!' Brooklyn Heights Blog, October, 2011

‘What a great way to spend time…’ Brooklyn Parent Magazine, November 2011

‘If you haven’t already caught the ukulele wave in Brooklyn, then you don’t know what you’re missing’! Brooklyn Music Lessons, July 2011

‘In the first few months of motherhood, I would have loved to learn a new instrument to play for my baby, especially one that is so small and easily stored in a Brooklyn apartment.’ For the Creatively Starved Parent, Carroll Gardens Patch, June, 2011

Information

92YTribeca BYOK: Mil's Trills Collective MOMs! Celebration

Featuring Amelia + the Ukulele Mom-semble.

Show your love with fun, interactive songs about moms that the whole family will enjoy, as well as the premiere of original ukulele lullabies written by parents/graduates of the Mil's Trills ukulele workshops.

Date: Sunday, May 13, 2012

Time: 11am

Venue: 92YTribeca MAINSTAGE.  92YTribeca, 200 Hudson Street, 100013.

Nearest Subway: 1 to Canal Street

Tickets:  $15 per adult. KIDS FREE! (under 2years) 

Booking: To book visit www.92y.org/Tribeca/Event/BYOK--Mil’s-Trills-Collective.aspx

Suitable for adults with babies, toddlers and children ages 0-4.  Bring blankets, shakers & ukuleles.  Pre-booking recommended, as these shows are often sold out.

Contact: Amelia Robinson 347-703-5207 or milstrills@gmail.com

For more information: visit www.milstrills.com

THIS WEEKEND: COOL THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Free and Fun Things to Do This Weekend with NYC Kids: Children’s Carnival in Queens, Titanic 100th Anniversary, New Kids' Shows

APR 11 2012

BY RAVEN

Spring kicks into high gear this weekend with the start of festival season and the debut of a few wonderful new family shows. Enjoy kiddie rides, magic and more at the Queens Country Farm Museum'sannual Children's Carnival, or check out two kids' theater productions we're really excited about: The Butterfly by Making Books Sing and the New Acting Company's irreverent adaptation ofJack & the Beanstalk.

This weekend also marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and we've found age-appropriate ways kids can learn about the tragedy. In other water-related news, the Parks Department holds its online lottery for free spring swimming lessonsthis weekend. We've got the scoop on how to vie for a spot for your kid.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional suggestions in our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide.

SOURCE: 

http://mommypoppins.com/nyc-kids-free-things-to-do-weekend-april-14-15

Saturday, April 14

Learn calligraphy, origami or kamishibai (picture card storytelling) at Japan Society’s spring celebration, J-cation 2012: Sakura. Free with admission.

Watch Portland’s Do Jump! company perform acrobatics and dance to music by Afro-Hebrew band Klezmocracy in Ahhh Ha! at the New Victory Theater. $14–$38.

Meet local green heroes and solve environmental puzzles at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s Celebrate Earth Festival. Free with museum admission.

FREE Sing along with Elizabeth Mitchell to tunes from her new album, You Are My Flower, at the Central Library in Brooklyn.

Celebrate Grandpa the Spider Monkey's 40th birthday with cake, the birthday song and other simian-themed festivities at the Staten Island Zoo. Free with zoo admission.

Hosted by John Tartaglia, the New York Pops will perform two family shows in tribute to Jim Henson and the Muppets at Carnegie Hall's Perelman Stage. $9–$20.

SOURCE: 

http://timeoutnewyorkkids.com/things-to-do/116069/saturday-april-14?package=116067

Dance to tunes on Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players’ album Jungle Gym at Symphony Space. $25, children under 13 $15.

Stroll through the South Street Seaport Museum’s exhibitions with a professional educator, or participate in seaport-themed arts and crafts while the youngest sailors play in the mini mates corner (with parental supervision). $15.

Go on amusement park rides, play midway games and take in a magic show at the Queens County Farm Museum’s Children's Carnival. $10 (carnival rides included in entry fee).

Kids learn all about their carbon footprint and sustainability at the New York Transit Museum's Sharin' a Ride stage show. Free with museum admission.

Participate in history hunts and quizzes and art-making sessions at the New-York Historical Society’s April School Vacation Week. Free with museum admission.

Meet Monique and Sevrine, two little girls who become friends during the Nazi occupation of France, in The Butterfly, playing at the Mint Theater at Theater 3. $15, children under 12 $10.

Watch a stage performance of The Lonely Phone Booth, then stay for a book signing with the story’s author, Peter Ackerman (on Sunday), at the Manhattan Children’s Theater. $20, in advance $18, kids $16.

Confessions of a Scary Mommy
Jill Smokler’s new book, a snarky, snappy collection of original essays, shares the real deal on hot topics like vacationing with kids, losing the baby weight, choosing favorites, cursing in front of little ones and other parenting gems.
Where: scarymommy.com.

Tartan Day Parade
Don your plaid and see this annual celebration of pipe bands, pipers, drummers and Scottish groups. The 10-block route means it manageable for young parade-goers.
When: Sat. 4/14, 2pm; All ages; Free.
Where: 45th St. to 55th St., 6th Ave.,tartanweek.com.

The Lonely Phone Booth
The children’s book about one of the last remaining phone booths in NYC (on West End Ave. and 100th St.) has been turned into a play. See the story of the beloved booth loved by locals from zookeepers to cellists, and how it united the neighborhood.
When: Sat.-Sun., 4/14-4/15, 12pm & 2pm; All ages; $18/Adults, $16/Kids.
Where: Access Theatre, 380 Broadway at Broadway & White St., 4th floor, mctny.com.

Elizabeth Mitchell
The children’s singer performs songs from her newest release, Sunny Day, in an interactive, family-style celebration.
When: Sat. 4/14, 1pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center,brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

SOURCE: urbanbabyny.com

 

"In the Company of Animals: Art, Literature, and Music at the Morgan | Tomorrow, Sat 14, Sun 15, Tue 17, Wed 18, Thu 19, Apr 20. Through May 20.

My Book Is a Beast | Apr 21

The Morgan's Spring Family Fair | May 6