KCKidsFun

Our spotlight this week is turned squarely on local musician Bongo Barry (Bernstein).  His untimely passing in August, 2009 left a void in the artistic community–and some pretty large shoes to fill!

On Friday, November 20, 2009, the Plaza Library/Truman Forum at 4801 Main will host the FREE Bongo Barry Tribute Concert.  Local favorites will be paying their musical respects to Bongo Barry and his unique brand of music–including Mr. Stinky Feet (Jim Cosgrove), Funky Mama, Dino O’Dell and more. What a great way to kick off the weekend with your family!  The fun starts at 6:00pm at the library.

In addition to the wonderful music, your kids can take part in the instrument-making workshop, hosted at the Plaza Library by Wonderscope Children’s Museum!  The workshop runs from 6-645pm and the concert kicks off at 7pm. This free event is open to the public.

Donations will be accepted for Healthy Sounds–where Bongo Barry’s musical mission will continue to be carried out.  Retreats and unique programs use music as the springboard to build community amongst schools and organizations.  There are retreats and other programs, too.  Learn more by visiting Healthy Sounds.

If you have little ones, you’ll want to mark your calendars for two upcoming tours on their way to Kansas City – Curious George at Sprint Center from November 5 through 8 AND the Imagination Movers: Live from the Idea Warehouse tour at the Midland Theatre, October 22.

CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! is a live stage musical starring the famous inquisitive little monkey named George who takes everyone along on intriguing problem-solving adventures. Your kids will laugh, tap their toes, sing and dance as you follow Curious George on his quest to win the Golden Meatball Contest. There are several shows on the schedule – different days, different times – something for everyone! (For discounted Curious George tickets, call 816-949-7175 and ask Kerri for the KCKidsFun discount!!)

If you haven’t seen the Imagination Movers on the Disney Channel, you’re missing some of the most energetic and catchy kids’ music on TV. In concert, the Movers teach high-energy dances, play games with the audience and make music on their one-of-a-kind trashcan drumset. Kids and parents help perform new kids classics like “Shakable You,” “The Medicine Song,” “What’s in the Fridge?” and “I Want My Mommy (Time for Bed).” (Unfortunately, we don’t have a discount for Imagination Movers tix, but they are available for $25-35 thru Ticketmaster.)

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And, for those of you with older kids, you might want to check out the NBA exhibition game coming to Sprint Center on October 15th! Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Hornets. You’ll get to see superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul in action – and, oh yeah, a few guys who used to play around these parts: Mario Chalmers, Julian Wright and Michael Beasley… (Click the banner at the top of this page and use our promo code “kckids” for discounted tickets!)

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TONS of great family-friendly stuff going on in Kansas City this weekend –

get the full listing at our Events Calendar!  Have a great weekend, everyone!

September is drawing to a close and one of my favorite local events is coming up this weekend.  It’s the Plaza Art Fair, and this year marks the 78th edition!  The weather is supposed to be excellent and there are lots of kid-friendly things to do…tons of food (30 Plaza restaurants), music (3 live stages) and artists (240)!!!  The Plaza Art Fair has always been a hit with grownups and kids alike, and 2009 is sure to be filled with fun kids activities.  For a hands-on experience, look no further than the Kids Art Workshop, powered by Wonderscope Children’s Museum.  You’ll find engaging and entertaining art experiences and take-away projects. The Kids Art Workshop will be located on Broadway, across the street from The Apple Store.  Don’t miss it!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

• Johnson County Museum (Shawnee, KS) – Pop N Play for kids from 9 months to 3 years – 9am to 11am
• Royals vs. Red Sox- Kauffman Stadium – Buck Night (popcorn, small pretzels, small Pepsis and peanuts just $1!)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

• Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest – downtown Lee’s Summit – carnival from 6pm to 9pm

Friday, September 25, 2009

• Plaza Art Fair, Kansas City, MO – September 25 thru September 27
• Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest – downtown Lee’s Summit – 5pm to 10pm – kids’ activities, carnival, live entertainment, German music & dancing, arts & crafts, pony rides, moonwalk and more!
• Alice in Wonderland, Off Center Theatre in Crown Center, 7pm (weekend performances thru September 27)

Saturday, September 26, 2009

• Overland Park Fall Festival, Downtown OP, 81st & Santa Fe Dr., FREE ADMISSION – featuring Arts & Crafts Fair, 3 concert stages, parade, farmer’s market, LOTS of kids’ entertainment, food and more! – 9am to 5pm
• Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest – downtown Lee’s Summit – 9am to 10pm – kids’ activities, carnival, live entertainment, German music & dancing, arts & crafts, pony rides, moonwalk and more!
• American Royal Parade – 10am – from Pershing & Grand to Power & Light District (KCMO)
• Kids Cook! at the Culinary Center of Kansas City (Overland Park) – choose from several different interactive cooking stations ($5/station) – 1pm to 3pm
• Alice in Wonderland, Off Center Theatre in Crown Center, 2pm and 4pm (weekend performances thru September 27)
• Wild West Show and Bullwhacker Days, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm (Olathe, KS) – 10am to 5pm – SO many cool events, check the website for details!
• Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs, KS – weekends thru October 18
• Plaza Art Fair, Kansas City, MO – September 25 thru September 27

Sunday, September 27, 2009

• Wild West Show and Bullwhacker Days, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm (Olathe, KS) – 11am to 4pm – SO many cool events, check the website for details!
• Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest – downtown Lee’s Summit – carnival from 1pm to 5pm
• Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs, KS – weekends thru October 18
• Plaza Art Fair, Kansas City, MO – September 25 thru September 27
• Alice in Wonderland, Off Center Theatre in Crown Center, 2pm and 4pm (weekend performances thru September 27)