If you’ve got kids, have an affection for Kindie Rock, and can get to Brooklyn next weekend, then KindieFest is the event for you!
KindieFest is the place to be for fans, friends, and those involved with the family entertainment scene. I was invited to this (thanks, Stephanie!) but am a party pooper. I’m normally not a big ”event” guy as-is, but with a new baby due in less than two months, I’m just not up for a trip to NYC from Rock Father HQ in Illinois… this year. But if YOU can get to Brooklyn? Absolutely clear your schedule for April 27-29, and get ready to rock. Full details below.
Official Press Release:
Focusing exclusively on music for kids and families, KindieFest is back this spring in its fourth year for a packed weekend centered around the fastest growing aspect of the music business: family entertainment.
KindieFest is the world’s first-ever family music conference that fully embraces today’s market in all its diversity. The weekend long event that has become known as the place for everyone involved in music for kids and families will take place from April 27 to 29, 2012, at Littlefield in Brooklyn, New York. Attendees will benefit from a fresh comprehensive program that includes a Friday night keynote address and welcome reception, Saturday panels and industry only showcase and a Sunday public family festival that will feature some of the best and most original family music on today’s scene.
KindieFest has developed a unique space for industry members, musicians, kids’ promotion and media professionals and talent buyers to learn, grow and play together in this growing corner of the music industry. “Over the past few years, KindieFest has been about building cooperation and community, and we’re really starting to see the fruits of those labors now — between acts that were inspired by attending past events making huge splashes on the scene, cooperative efforts springing up nationwide, and countless examples of one-to-one work.” says Bill Childs, co-founder and executive producer. “This year promises to be another big step forwards in solidifying this crazy scene we call kindie.”
The keynote speaker for KindieFest 2012 is Scott Schultz, co-creator of Yo Gabba Gabba! and The Aquabats Super Show! This year’s panel discussions will be lead by key players in the business and will address industry sensitive topics. Themes are to include digital distribution, marketing, public relations, fan base development, booking opportunities, the relationship between family with books and television and more.
“KindieFest is the best way I can think of to meet the people behind the music, make new friends, get inspired, hear where family music is at today, and discover how to become a part of where it’s going tomorrow.” says Dan Zanes, Grammy winner and leading man of the family music movement.
Performers for the Saturday night industry only showcase will include Dan Zanes & Bomba Yo, Caspar Babypants (with Chris Ballew of President of the United States of America), Alastair Moock, Gustafer Yellowgold, Renee & Jeremy, Mista Cookie Jar, The Uncle Devin Show, Lori Henriques, Elska, and Hullabaloo. The Sunday public family festival will feature SteveSongs (as seen on PBS kids), Bari Koral Family Rock Band, Moona Luna (featuring members of Pistolera), KBC Kids (with members of Us3), Apple Brains, Big Bang Boom (lead by Chuck Folds brother of Ben Folds) and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop.
KindieFest, which grew out of industry showcases in 2007 and 2008, got started on Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Brooklyn, with a sold-out day of panels and a night of music and fun. In 2010, KindieFest expanded to three days, including a first-night party, keynote and a Sunday public festival. KindieFest is an event of KindieFest LLC and is produced by Stephanie Mayers, Tor Hyams, Mona Kayhan and Bill Childs. Read more about the partnership and past events at www.kindiefest.com.
