Just Kidding Brings 'Kindie Rock' to Symphony Space, Jan-Feb 2013

Just Kidding will present the top kindie rock stars during January and February 2013 at Symphony Space. Smart kid tunes are a hallmark of this acclaimed performing arts series aimed at children ages 3 to 9 and their families. Each year, Symphony Space Performing Arts Director Darren Critz searches the nation to bring the top and emerging artists in family music to the Just Kidding stage.

To hear samples from recent Just Kidding concerts with Alastair Moock, Uncle Rock, Elizabeth Mitchell and more, visit Symphony Space Live.

Here is a sampling of the performances coming up soon:

Tickets are available now ($13 to $25) from www.symphonyspace.org.

Moona Luna
Saturday, January 19, 11 am

A passionate second project of New York-based songwriter Sandra Velasquez and her critically acclaimed Latin band Pistolera, Moona Luna's music is a rich and flavorful platter of bold and spicy music performed in both English and Spanish; an invitation to sample the tastes and flavors of the world from a child's sensibility -- of experiencing the familiar in a way that is suddenly unfamiliar and new. The concert celebrates the release of a new bilingual CD Vamos, Let's Go!" For more information, visit www.moonalunamusic.com, and watch the band perform "Brinca, Jump."

Mista Cookie Jar and the Chocolate Chips
Saturday, January 26, 11 am

With songs and music bound together by the perennial concept of love, Mista Cookie Jar blends hip-hop, reggae and folk-rock together for lively shows filled with interactive music and awesome visual style. The musical party will be enhanced by a large-screen video featuring animation, live video clips and song lyrics for easy sing-along fun. Dancing is encouraged, and bubbles will end the show.

Based in Los Angeles, Mista Cookie Jar (aka C.J. Pizarro) and the Chocolate Chips (Ava Flava, age 11 and Lucas - aka Joey The Dog, age 9) have toured all over the country promoting their blend of Urban-Island-Folky-Rock & Roll for the Inner Child. Fusing audio style and visual lyricism, tradition and innovation, Mista Cookie Jar unites a rock star excitement with the warmth of family music. The show will feature interactive songs from their two albums: Love Bubble and Ultramagnetic Universal Love Revolution.

Visit www.mistacookiejar.com for more information, and watch them perform "Happy Place."

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Saturday, February 2, 11 am

A hip-shaking, head-bopping morning of music for the cool family crowd from award-winning singer/songwriter Lucky Diaz. With an audience base growing by the second (and not just in height!) Lucky and crew are known for inspiring dance parties all around the country. At the show, the band will debut songs from two forthcoming 2013 releases.

Lucky Diaz will be joined by his wife and musical partner Alisha Gaddis (an NYU graduate who has also appeared on Broadway), and guest star Michael Farkus, a New Yorker who fronts The Wiyos and is an internationally acclaimed kazoo player. Visit www.luckydiazmusic.com for more information, and check out the animated music video, "Blue Bear."

There's more Just Kidding musical fun coming up in February and March:
February 16 - The Not-Its!
February 23 (two shows) - Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players
March 2 - The Deedle Deedle Dees
March 16 - Randy Kaplan

Symphony Space is located at 2537 Broadway (at 95th), New York, NY. Box office: 212-864-5400, boxoffice@symphonyspace.org.