If your little one has a budding talent for song and dance, Northern Virginia venues like Jammin Java, Wolf Trap and the McLean Community Center frequently host entertainment specifically geared toward engaging children in the arts with an emphasis on education. Here are some opportunities to take your kids to a concert this summer:
Friday Morning with Rainbow Rock
April 21
Spanning rock, folk and beyond, the Rainbow Rock Band teaches kids about shapes, color and and movement through song. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Peter McCory
May 3, 12:30 p.m.
Juggling a bevy of instruments, McCory performs well-known folks songs and original tunes. // McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Friday Morning with The Grandsons Jr.
May 5, 10:30 a.m.
D.C.-area roots-rock band The Grandsons perform music for adults, but in their other gig as The Grandsons Jr., they deliver songs that appeal to their kids. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Two of a Kind
May 10, 12:30 p.m.
In addition to the music, this husband-and-wife duo’s set incorporates storytelling and puppets. // McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Farmer Jason
May 24, 12:30 p.m.
On top of his work in Jason and the Scorchers, Jason Ringenberg writes songs for kids that educate about farms and nature. // McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Alex & the Kaleidoscope
June 20, 10:30 a.m.
Alex & the Kaleidoscope blend genres during their educational shows that gets kids involved in the performance. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
The Itty Biddies
June 22, 10:30 a.m.
This trio plays ukulele, piano, cello and more. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
Red Yarn Born in the Deep Woods
June 27, 10:30 a.m.
This Portland-based folk-rock duo, who sing about animals and nature, also incorporates puppetry into their shows. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
123 Andrés Family Fiesta
June 28, 10:30 a.m.
Kids can start learning a second language early with Andrés’ music, which uses both English and Spanish. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
Dinorock Favorite Dinos
June 30-July 1, 10:30 a.m.
Using song and puppetry, this dinosaur-themed show teaches kids about science, nature and history. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – in Concert
July 7-8, 8:30 p.m.
The National Symphony Orchestra will perform music from the first Harry Potter film. // Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
The Whizpops! Changers for the Endangered
July 11, 10:30 a.m.
The Whizpops’ songs teach kids about endangered species and conservation. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
KB Whirly
July 18, 10:30 a.m.
This one-man band encourages kids to engage in his often improvised performances. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
Jazzy Ash & the Leaping Lizards
July 26-27, 10:30 a.m.
This band introduces children to New Orleans music and culture. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
The Okee Dokee Brothers
July 28-29
This bluegrass duo sings about nature. // Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
Friday Mornings with the Rocknoceros
Recurring Fridays
The Rocknoceros make regular appearances at Jammin Java to perform their educational songs. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
