We spent Friday night rocking and rolling with Mr. Stinky Feet at his Love Fest concert at the Plaza Library. My girls love his music and know the words to almost all of his songs. We own many of his CDs, and borrow the rest from the library.
One of the things I love about Mr. Stinky Feet's Concerts is that he includes the kids in the act, asking them to stretch imaginary bubble gum in their fingers or sing along from their seats. And, for several songs, he selects a bunch of kids from the audience to join the band... you must sit on your bottom, be quiet, and hold your hand up if you want to join the band and you may only be in the band once per concert.
Friday night, he chose Emily to join the band with about a dozen other children for "Hug Bug" ("Slug Bug" modified for Valentine's Day). She danced and shook her tambourine with pigtails flying. When he said "Freeze" she froze. And I sat there watching, cheering, and recording the memory thinking.... what a gift Mr. Stinky Feet, Funky Mama, and other local musicians are giving to our children...
Not only are they loving the music, learning new styles and fun songs, but they are learning to be comfortable on stage performing without inhibitions or fear of teasing, because they're in a fun, safe, encouraging environment where every child is invited to Join the Band.
ps: Our baby girl also performed "This Little Light of Mine" with her grandfather in the closing act.. and I'm happy to report that at 8 wks old she wasn't shy at all! :-)