2019 kids & families
All BOTMC events are open to all ages, but we have some that are especially good for kids and families.
Saturday, September 21
(10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
CONCERT FOR KIDS and PARENTS
featuring Morgan Cochneuer
Berkeley Public Library, Main Branch, Community Room (3rd floor), 2090 Kittredge
FREE ADMISSION
After the concert at the Library, walk three blocks to Civic Center Park, get a delicious lunch from one of the Farmers Market food trucks, and enjoy:
BERKELEY FARMERS’ MARKET STRING BAND CONTEST
Special performance by the Manning Music Fiddlers at 11:00 a.m.
Civic Center Park (MLK between Allston and Center), Berkeley
FREE ADMISSION
Don’t miss the Manning Music Fiddlers, appearing at 11:00 a.m. These student fiddlers, some as young as three years of age, will play a short set of tunes. Starting at 11:00 a.m., 15 acoustic string bands will compete for agricultural prizes, with informal jam sessions taking place all over the park. Grab a picnic lunch at the adjacent farmers market and enjoy the music! Civic Center Park contains a toddler playground and the park includes plenty of open grassy space for kids to run around in.
CHILDREN'S FIDDLE WORKSHOP
taught by Elise Engelberg
Open to children aged 8 and up, who have already played fiddle or violin for a year.
1:00 to 2:00 pm
At Freight & Salvage (2 blocks from Civic Center Park), 2020 Addison (between Milvia & Shattuck)
TUITION: $25, includes admission to the Sunday Family Dance for one child and one adult. Pre-registration strongly suggested. Register online at the Freight's website, or in person at the Freight box office.
Children will learn a simple but fun fiddle tune on Saturday, then play it at the Sunday afternoon family dance. Open to children aged 8 and up who have already played fiddle or violin for a year. Reading music NOT required!
Fiddlers who want to perform with the BOTMC Kids Fiddle Band at the Family Dance will gather at Ashkenaz at 2, for a run-through of the tune at 2:15. The dance goes from 3 to 4. The tune will be played during the first half.
Instructor Elise Engelberg is a Kentucky native who plays fiddle with Skillet Licorice. She also is a devoted Suzuki violin teacher who has worked with young children for over 25 years. Elise has recorded with the Crooked Jades, The Mercury Dimes and has toured with the Stairwell Sisters.
Sunday, September 22
(3:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
FAMILY DANCE
with Sydney Roberts and Friends and guest caller Sue Hulsether
Special guest performance by the BOTMC Kids Fiddle Band!
Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo, Berkeley
Tickets: $6 kids; $8 adults; available at the door
The Sunday afternoon family dance is a great way for families to have fun dancing together in a casual and spacious setting to live fiddle music played by Sydney Roberts and Friends, with a special appearance by the BOTMC Kids Fiddle Band (participants from Saturday's children's fiddle workshop). Sue Hulsether will teach easy dances, including all the moves, with some dances that even babes in arms can do.