Success at its cutest!
The last 2 Kids Open Stage events at Ellington’s Music & Café were so much fun that my smiling muscles were exhausted afterwards!
December 21, 2014’s Kids Open Stage featured many seasonal sing-a-longs and just as many kids’ songs. Our intimate crowd was cute enough for the whole room.
Jasper was in fine form – he sure knows what kids like! He’s a natural at being a ham, and at putting toddlers and young kids at ease. He will soon be a very well employed babysitter.
Sometimes kids come to Kids Open Stage to perform, and sometimes kids come to see the show. It’s a good thing that Jasper loves to entertain!
Ukuleles are one of the most joyful gateway instruments. Playing ukulele, at any age, plants musical seeds that continue to grow for a lifetime. Plus, ukuleles are child-sized, which makes them feel like a comforting toy, while being a real instrument at the same time. The best of both worlds!
Thankfully, eventually, and most often inevitably, audience members become performers…
January 18, 2015’s Kids Open Stage was such a huge success that I lost track of how many kids came! I’m guessing about a dozen overall. At one point, Jasper counted 27 people, cozily gathered at the back of Ellington’s Café, near the stage, and near each other.
It was like a gathering of friends; the kids got along famously and the jovial exchanges between parents had an old-friends feel. This made this particular event more like a party than previous Kids Open Stages. What a delight to see my vision become a success!
The day before the Kids Open Stage, while I was busking with my ukulele at The Stop’s Farmers’ Market at Wychwood Barns, I met a few young musicians. One of them was a ukulele player and we had a mini uke jam! Then, the very next day, to my delight, she brought her ukulele to Kids Open Stage. Her ukulele was tuned in a different way, and she played it ever-so sweetly.
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
Even the youngest kids treated my 3 colourful ukuleles with affection and care. And excitement! I loved watching them watching Jasper as he strummed rhythmically, and irresistibly. Before long, they were strumming along!
Like a kitten to a box, give a kid their choice of every size of drum in the world, and they’ll sit on the floor with the tiniest tambourine.
I am grateful for the beautiful piano at Ellington’s. And I am also grateful for the piano players who silenced the room (especially for their patience with the happy toddlers who played off-beat percussions during their performances).
Jasper was better than ever before, adapting easily to the larger-than-ever audience. He entertained the crowd with talent and humour, winning hearts with his genuine charm. I could see the kids looking up to him, and not just because he’s taller than me now!
From babes-in-arms, to parents with tired arms, to teens with long arms, Kids Open Stage is for every loved one.
The next Kids Open Stage is on Sunday, February 15th, 4-6pm at Ellington’s Music & Café.
Bring your little loved ones, and I’ll bring mine!
Maia Waern
January 21, 2015