Gigs for Kids: Daytime Concerts for Cool Kids (and Parents)

 
Music makes people happy. It’s that simple.

I couldn’t tear the smile off my face as I watched young and old, parents and toddlers, get into the mood at the launch of Gigs for Kids last month.

 

 
Fumi, a jazz singer and mama of 2 adorable boys, is the force behind this brand new musical adventure that features professional musicians playing really good tunes to appeal to all ages.

Held at the Church on the Corner in Barnsbury, the taster event attracted around 30 parents and kids who quickly got into the groove.

 

 
Zac Gvi (clarinet/ saxophone) and Francesc Marco (accordion) played a stonkin’ set of European folk, gypsy jazz and standards like Summertime and When the Saints Go Marching In.

It’s such fun watching babies and toddlers respond to live music, especially those who are too young to have inhibitions.

 

 
Gigs for Kids featured some little rockers crashing about, using the play mat as their teeny mosh pit. Others were being twirled in the air by their dancing mamas and papas.

 
Some of them crawled up to touch the instruments while bubbas nestled in their mothers’ arms, enchanted by the sounds.

There was a warm and inviting atmosphere with parents loosening up easily, healthy snacks for the kids and Fumi walking around with a big smile and cups of tea on offer.

Future concerts will showcase a broad range of jazz, classical and folk music from around the world. The upcoming event (this Friday) will feature Ben Davis on cello (leader and composer of the Mercury-nominated, Basquiat Strings) and songwriter/guitarist Jonny Philips.

Gigs for Kids is a very welcome addition to the popular family concerts and interactive classes cropping up around the capital.

And we’re proud to have signed Fumi up as one of our first MaSh clients!

 
On the Spot parent feedback: ‘It was fantastic because the music is for adults as well as kids. It’s the kind of music I would listen to even without children. Before being a parent we used to go to lots of concerts but that all stopped after having a baby. It’s great to be able to go out and dance and I can’t wait for the next one. I think it’s going to be really successful!’

 
The next Gigs for Kids event is on Fri Jul 12 at the Church on the Corner (former King Edward VII pub), 64 Barnsbury Street, N1.

Doors 10.40am/music 11-11.45am; adult £6 or pay whatever you can afford/child FREE. Visit gigsforkids.org