Now in its ninth year, the children's concert series "Wake Up With The Waves" returns to the Pier on Saturday mornings. Starting March 28 through May 16, children 1-8 and their parents can enjoy free interactive concerts and activities including singing, dancing and movement, puppets, talent shows, dress-up, face-painting, prizes and bubbles.
Veteran producer KC Mancebo of Clamorhouse Kids is teaming up the energetic Greg and Sienna Markles of Small Fry Entertainment to bring an amazing line-up of children's entertainers.
"It's Saturday morning, you look at your kids, they look restless. What do you do? What…do…you...do? Pop on the TV or get them out to get active, involved, and maybe even inspired," says S. Jay Farrand, Pier Administrator. "With all the studies about how music improves cognitive development, it's a no brainer (sorry, brain puns). And it's a great way to start the day with some fresh-air, and then you've got all the family fun of the Pier afterwards."
This year's line up brings a mix of Pier favorites like Latin Grammy winner Lucky Diaz and former Ray Charles back-up singer Birdie's Playhouse, musical impresarios, and a band that Michelle Obama invited to play the White House as part of her initiative to get kids moving.
All concerts are held from 10:30 a.m. to noon. on the Santa Monica Pier. For more information on these shows and all activities at the Santa Monica Pier, call (310) 458-8900 or visit www.WakeUpWithTheWaves.com.
The schedule for Wake Up with the Waves is:
March 28 Lucky Diaz & The Family Jam Band
2013 Latin Grammy winners for Children's Album, Lucky Diaz & The Family Jam Band lights up the stage with a hip-shaking, head bopping dance party.
April 4 Rhythm Child
After 10 years of entertaining children all over California with Kindie Reggae, a family-style roots record for children, plus an invitation to perform at the White House, award-winning Norm Jones & Rhythm Child are blessing the Pier.
April 11 Birdie's Playhouse
Voted "CD of the Year" by Creative Child Magazine and led by former Ray Charles back-up singer Birdie Mendoza, Birdie's Playhouse creates rhythmic music with a Latin twist that gets families to shake their tail feathers.
April 18 Gwendolyn & The Good Time Gang
Come see how Gwendolyn inspires kids to pick up instruments and get involved with music.
April 25 Tom Freund
A father inspired by his daughter, Tom Freund writes songs that make kids want to get outside and appreciate nature. His soulful yet playful style has been likened to Jack Johnson and Ben Harper.
May 2, Heidi Swedberg
Hawaiian native and lifelong musician Heidi Swedberg is self taught and found a home in Hollywood playing a musician both on TV and in real life. Now she brings her funky stage presence and unique brand of "jump music" to the Pier.
May 9 Randy Kaplan
Finger-picking his way through a combination of Broadway, Blues and Ragtime.
May 16 David Tobocman
Children's songwriter David Tobocman never underestimates the intelligence of his audience, and couples thought-provoking melodic songs with a tight band that can switch styles on a dime.
