Showing posts with label Mindy Hester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mindy Hester. Show all posts

Friday, June 21, 2013

KINDIE LAND FREE TICKETS: Enter To Win 4 Tickets To Any/All Wilmette Theatre Kids' Shows Now Through October #giveaway #sponsored



ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama at The Mette!!  We've partnered up with our neighbors to the north...no, not Wisconsin... WILMETTE, to bring you free tickets to some of our favorite Windy Kindie acts.  The Windy City has some of the best kids' indie musicians in the country.  Come rock out with your punk kin, little folk and rock tots "at the mette".   (Disclosure:   Thanks to Wilmette Theatre for providing tickets for our giveaways.)

Enter right here to win 4 free tickets to any/all Wilmette Theatre kids' shows from now Through October, then check back like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for great weekly giveaways, original footage, and more.   Entries are open until midnight the Thursday before each show.  Winners will be announced here each Friday.   Click the Rafflecopter Link below each show image for your chance to win.


THE DREAMTREE SHAKERS

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 6/20.



 Call it poppy folk, folky pop, or indie alt country americana, Jeremy Babcock and gang lay down some righteous, jangly tunes, the kind of airy, loping rock and roll that America and Neil Young were so good at.” - Warren Truitt, Kids Music That Rocks
 This kindie rock band great for kids & adults, incorporating lots of “creative movement” and puppetry to really create an amazing show experience. Your kids will find themselves both dancing with the performers as well as sit and watch in awe at the puppetry.

Check out the Dreamtree Shakers on Chic-A-Go-Go HERE,  and meet the band through this exclusive interview with ChiIL Mama HERE!

The Dreamtree Shakers currently have two albums, Dream and You Will See & Going On A Picnic. In Spring 2013, expect to hear the release of their newest edition, Big Top Tent!

Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at door

Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 10am.

Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424

OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26
  



MINDY HESTER & THE TIME OUTS
Back By Popular Demand!

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 7/25.


Rock is here to stay with Chicago kindie rock band Mindy Hester & The Time Outs! Their 2011 release, “Juice Box Hero” is a Kids Music Awards winning collection of kid-friendly rock parodies that has been praised as “ not anything that you’d expect, but it’ll have you giggling and reminiscing right up to the end!“ and “..even better than the originals!” Mindy and her band transform Neil Young, Guns & Roses, The Flaming Lips, The Clash and numerous other pivotal and iconic rock anthems and turn them into songs and new experiences that kids and parents LOVE! You can find “Juice Box Hero”, “Keep On Rockin’ In The Pre-School” as well as Mindy’s debut, “Box Of Sunshine” at itunes and www.cdbaby.com.

Mindy Hester: Guitar/Vocals
Chris Peterson: Bass
Colin Campbell: Drums

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2013 AT 10AM
TICKETS ARE $10 IN ADVANCE OR $12 AT THE DOOR

Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424.  OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26




MR. SINGER & THE SHARP COOKIES
Back by Rocking Kiddie Demand!

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 8/15.



"A Different Kind of Kid Rock" -Chicago Tribune
Super-rockin', positive music at family friendly volumes. Hands-on hootenannies get everyone singing, dancing and jamming like full-fledged musicians. Playing everything from outstanding original songs to a trove of classic tunes bridging genres from swing to rock to samba.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 10am

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424.
 OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26



THE BOOGERS

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 10/10.



"The aptly named BOOGERS perform their hard-driving, chord-driven rock n' roll for the youngsters in a style reminiscent of New York Punksters The Ramones. Of course, their songs are crafted with age-appropriate material. The only sedation going on here is an after-show nap." – Chicago Tribune

For them, it's not just about putting a different beat to the music — it's about interpreting the songs…adding new lyrics…whole new sections and melodies…to better communicate their implicit message and create something familiar to kids but completely original and fun. Visit their website and meet band members Crusty, Greenie, & Sticky HERE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013 AT 10AM
TICKETS ARE $10 IN ADVANCE OR $12 AT THE DOOR

Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424.
 OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26

PERFORMANCE DATES ARE:

Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 10am for The Dreamtree Shakers
Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 10am for Mindy Hester and the Time Outs
Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 10am for Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies
Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10am for The Boogers

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and the VIK Pack (Very Important Kid) allows access to any 4 of the 2013 concerts for $26.


Tickets are available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call the Box Office at 847-251-7424.


About Wilmette Theatre:

Steps away from the METRA and accessible by CTA public transportation, located in the heart of downtown Wilmette in the beautiful North Shore suburb area of Chicago.

The Wilmette Theatre: More Than Movies! The best in film, live events, live music concerts, quality childrens theatre and kids shows, cabaret, live stand-up comedy, daytime programming, musical theater, silent films, Opera in Cinema, Shakespeare in Cinema, Ballet in Cinema, family and adult sing-a-longs, The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live cast and more! 







The Wilmette Theatre

1122 Central Avenue
Wilmette, Il.. 60091
847-849-3272 

(Disclosure:   Thanks to Wilmette Theatre for providing tickets for our giveaways.)

Friday, April 12, 2013

KINDIE LAND FREE TICKETS: Enter To Win 4 Tickets To Any/All Wilmette Theatre Kids' Shows April Through October #giveaway #sponsored



ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama at The Mette!!  We've partnered up with our neighbors to the north...no, not Wisconsin... WILMETTE, to bring you free tickets to some of our favorite Windy Kindie acts.  The Windy City has some of the best kids' indie musicians in the country.  Come rock out with your punk kin, little folk and rock tots "at the mette".   (Disclosure:   Thanks to Wilmette Theatre for providing tickets for our giveaways.)



The Wilmette Theatre will be presenting their Kids Concert Series including Dave Hamilton and the Space Cadets, featuring upbeat originals with jazz appeal with lots to teach.  Then don’t miss Future Hits, The Dreamtree Shakers, Mindy Hester and the Time Outs, Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies  and the Boogers.


Don’t miss these high energy and entertaining shows for the whole family. Dave Hamilton and the Space Cades will be appearing on Saturday, April 20 at 10am; Future Hits will be performing on Saturday, May 25 at 10am, The Dreamtree Shakers on Saturday, June 22 at 10am, Mindy Hester and the Time Outs will be happening on Saturday, July 27 at 10am, Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies on Saturday, August 17 at 10am and The Boogers on Saturday, October 12 at 10am.   Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.  And don’t forget the VIK (Very Important Kid) Pack with access to any 4 of the 2013 Kids Concerts for $26.


MR. DAVE & THE SPACE CADETS

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 4/18.


Upbeat Originals with Jazz Appeal

Catchy tunes with traces of punk and new wave influences. Comparable to proto-punker Jonathan Richman.” – Time Out Chicago Kids

Dave and the Space Cadets create a mix of whimsical, upbeat originals that have lots to teach.  Overnight, Dave was transformed into a music hero with a positive message – not to mention a cool cape. David has an organic way of connecting with children and adults alike.

After five years working with wee ones, he released his first kids’ album, Mr. Dave. A crowd favorite, with traditional songs and simple interactive movements for toddlers.  With “Gui-tar” in hand, Dave has just completed his second album for children, It’s Mr. Dave, a collection of new classics that are sure to delight. Some even claim they are downright super. Y'all are invited to come sing along.

From Mr. Dave's days as a winning Star Search child contestant to his packed 56 Hope Road concerts all over town, Dave has been a successful professional musician since he was a kid himself.  His musical prowess has earned him accolades from rock stars to industry media.  But because Dave is just a big kid at heart, it’s no wonder that he has made his life’s passion and work entertaining kids with his infectious enthusiasm and musical talent.Mr. Dave has an organic way of connecting with children & adults alike.  His simple approach to writing & performing introduces them to the world of music in an uninhibited way.  It is pure magic. 

Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at door
  
Saturday, April 20 @ 10:00am
 Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424
OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26


FUTURE HITS

Songs For Learning

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 5/23.


My inner kid is sold, I listen to this a lot!” -Roctober Magazine
Future Hits' songs promote literacy alongside uptempo drumming. Come dance with this Chicago-based band, and maybe learn something too!
Matt Baron teamed up with Emma Hospelhorn (New Millennium Orchestra) and Ben Sutherland (Columbia College) to form Future Hits, harmonizing with elements Matt started using for teaching with at Chicago Public Schools.  Future Hits recorded their debut album, Songs for Learning, with Mark Greenberg (Coctails, Wilco, Andrew Bird).
Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at door
Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 10am
Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424.


 OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26

Enter right here to win 4 free tickets to any/all Wilmette Theatre kids' shows from now Through October, then check back like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for great weekly giveaways, original footage, and more.   Entries are open until midnight the Thursday before each show.  Winners will be announced here each Friday.   Click the Rafflecopter Link below each show image for your chance to win.



THE DREAMTREE SHAKERS


CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 6/20.




 Call it poppy folk, folky pop, or indie alt country americana, Jeremy Babcock and gang lay down some righteous, jangly tunes, the kind of airy, loping rock and roll that America and Neil Young were so good at.” - Warren Truitt, Kids Music That Rocks
 This kindie rock band great for kids & adults, incorporating lots of “creative movement” and puppetry to really create an amazing show experience. Your kids will find themselves both dancing with the performers as well as sit and watch in awe at the puppetry.

Check out the Dreamtree Shakers on Chic-A-Go-Go HERE,  and meet the band through this exclusive interview with ChiIL Mama HERE!

The Dreamtree Shakers currently have two albums, Dream and You Will See & Going On A Picnic. In Spring 2013, expect to hear the release of their newest edition, Big Top Tent!

Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at door
Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 10am.
Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424
OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26
  


MINDY HESTER & THE TIME OUTS

Back By Popular Demand!

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 7/25.

Rock is here to stay with Chicago kindie rock band Mindy Hester & The Time Outs! Their 2011 release, “Juice Box Hero” is a Kids Music Awards winning collection of kid-friendly rock parodies that has been praised as “ not anything that you’d expect, but it’ll have you giggling and reminiscing right up to the end!“ and “..even better than the originals!” Mindy and her band transform Neil Young, Guns & Roses, The Flaming Lips, The Clash and numerous other pivotal and iconic rock anthems and turn them into songs and new experiences that kids and parents LOVE! You can find “Juice Box Hero”, “Keep On Rockin’ In The Pre-School” as well as Mindy’s debut, “Box Of Sunshine” at itunes andwww.cdbaby.com.
Mindy Hester: Guitar/Vocals
Chris Peterson: Bass
Colin Campbell: Drums
SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2013 AT 10AM
TICKETS ARE $10 IN ADVANCE OR $12 AT THE DOOR
Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424.  OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26




MR. SINGER & THE SHARP COOKIES

Back by Rocking Kiddie Demand!

CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 8/15.


"A Different Kind of Kid Rock" -Chicago Tribune
Super-rockin', positive music at family friendly volumes. Hands-on hootenannies get everyone singing, dancing and jamming like full-fledged musicians. Playing everything from outstanding original songs to a trove of classic tunes bridging genres from swing to rock to samba.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 10am
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424.
 OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26


THE BOOGERS


CLICK THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY LINK BELOW TO ENTER THROUGH MIDNIGHT 10/10.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


"The aptly named BOOGERS perform their hard-driving, chord-driven rock n' roll for the youngsters in a style reminiscent of New York Punksters The Ramones. Of course, their songs are crafted with age-appropriate material. The only sedation going on here is an after-show nap." – Chicago Tribune
For them, it's not just about putting a different beat to the music — it's about interpreting the songs…adding new lyrics…whole new sections and melodies…to better communicate their implicit message and create something familiar to kids but completely original and fun. Visit their website and meet band members Crusty, Greenie, & Sticky HERE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013 AT 10AM
TICKETS ARE $10 IN ADVANCE OR $12 AT THE DOOR
Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424.
 OR Order a VIK Pack (Very Important Kid), gaining you access to 4 of our 2013 Concerts for only $26
PERFORMANCE DATES ARE:

Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 10am for The Dreamtress Shakers
Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 10am for Mindy Hester and the Time Outs
Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 10am for Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies
Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10am for The Boogers
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and the VIK Pack (Very Important Kid) allows access to any 4 of the 2013 concerts for $26.
Tickets are available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call the Box Office at 847-251-7424.



About Wilmette Theatre:

Steps away from the METRA and accessible by CTA public transportation, located in the heart of downtown Wilmette in the beautiful North Shore suburb area of Chicago.



The Wilmette Theatre: More Than Movies! The best in film, live events, live music concerts, quality childrens theatre and kids shows, cabaret, live stand-up comedy, daytime programming, musical theater, silent films, Opera in Cinema, Shakespeare in Cinema, Ballet in Cinema, family and adult sing-a-longs, The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live cast and more! 








The Wilmette Theatre
1122 Central Avenue
Wilmette, Il.. 60091
847-849-3272 

(Disclosure:   Thanks to Wilmette Theatre for providing tickets for our giveaways.)

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

ChiIL Mama's Kindie Favorites Rock Little Beans Spring/ Summer Concert Series


 

SPRING/SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
 
Loads of ChiIL Mama's kindie favorites are playing Little Beans Spring/Summer Concert Series.   Check out our band interviews and live show footage here at ChiIL Mama.


We have zillions of great photo and video filled features if you type in a musician's name in the search bar in the right side of the blog or on ChiIL Mama's YouTube Channel.   Just click the links for ChiIL Mama's original video footage of all of these artists:  
Laura Doherty, Mindy Hester, and Human Tim + Robot Tim!


Check it out.   We also post new footage all the time and have great new material for all of those artists coming soon, in addition to our fun footage that's already up.

ChiIL Mama also has loads of rockin' CD and kindie ticket give aways all the time!!

So ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama this summer and check back like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.

Little Beans hosts monthly concerts sponsored by on the go Chicago during the summer. 

The first 40 kids to arrive can rock out with the band with a free maraca from on the go Chicago! Come over to enjoy music, food/ice cream, and playtime. Price includes play space admission, concert and dinner (pizza)! Kids 12 months and younger are free.  

*Come play starting at 5:15pm!
SPRING CONCERT PRICES (May concert): 2 People - $25/3 People - $35/ 4 People - $45 /5 People - $55
 
SUMMER CONCERT PRICES (June - Sept. concerts): 2 People - $30/3 People - $40/ 4 People - $50 /5 People - $60
 
*Baby Disco - Friday, May 18th | 6:00pm |
*Laura Doherty - Friday, June 15th | 6:00pm |
*Mindy Hester - Friday, July 13th | 6:00pm |
*Jeanie B - Friday, August 10th | 6:00pm |
*Super Stoli - Friday, August 24th | 6:00pm |
*Human Tim/Robot Tim - Friday, September 14th | 6:00pm |

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday, February 18, 2012

More Winners Updates: Mindy Hester & Joanie Leeds TODAY!

Chicagoland IS Kindie Land this weekend!!   We've given away all our 4 packs and pairs of tickets, but you can still get out and see a bunch of great family friendly live music and theatre.    Here's the short list of ChiIL Mama's favs, with links to more info.

Saturday:

Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Mindy Hester-Wilmette Theatre 10am-(birth-10 with parents) Jackie B. is our 4 ticket winner.   Click the link for all the details.    

 

Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Joanie Leeds-Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids-noon-(birth-10 with parents)  *We have a winner unable to go, so a new winner was picked-Erika S.

Check out Joanie Leeds while she's in Chi-Town from NYC.   Let's give her a big Windy Kindie welcome!!   Here at ChiIL Mama, we've reviewed and given away multiple copies of both of her CDs before.   Now we're super stoked to see her live.   Come on out to Beat Kitchen and hear her, meet us, and grab a shiny, new, holographic ChiIL Mama button-FREE.


Here's the latest update from Joanie herself:


Febu-what?
It was 60 degrees in NYC yesterday. What? Isn't it supposed to be snowing right about now? I just heard our very own Groundhog, Staten Island Chuck didn't see it's shadow today which means we are in for a short winter. But if I've learned one thing in life, it's to be wary in trusting a hog from Staten Island. OK, I know there's a song in there somewhere.


To all my new little Nightlights joining us from LA, Boston and Westchester, welcome and thanks so much for coming out to see our January concerts. We had a blast playing for you.


Concerts

Beat Kitchen
Sat. Feb 18th, 2012
 
2100 W. Belmont. Chicago, IL
Doors at 11:00 am, Show at 12:00 PM, $6
With Chi-town Nightlights: The amazing kindie-artist Laura Doherty along with Andy Wilkins & Michael Riendeau

Boppin' and Burgers Family Music Series- Blues Bar
 Sun. Feb 19th, 2012
2 West Busse Ave., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
847-788-9977
12:00 pm, $5 donation suggested
Solo concert


Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
Tue. Feb 21st, 2012
180 Woz Way San Jose, CA 95110
408-298-5437
Two 45 minutes shows starting at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM
With Drummer Dan
Come out for my first show in the Bay Area in honor of Bicycle Safety week!

Recess Urban Recreation
Fri. Feb 24th, 2012
470 Carolina St. San Francisco, CA
(415) 701-7529
4:30 PM
With Drummer Dan!

JCC Manhattan
Sun. Mar 25th, 2012
334 Amsterdam Avenue
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Full band, Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
  *Tix available online now!

To find out about upcoming concerts, make sure to check my website or become a Facebook Fan to get all the news & invitations.
 
Radio Airplay
Many of my tunes from 'What A Zoo' and 'I'm A Rock Star' have been playing on various radio stations across the country. Some of em' have even made their way to becoming #1. To keep them playing, make sure to make your requests known. XM Sirius Sattelite Radio takes requests right on their Kids Place Live Facebook wall and many others you can call in and request a song. With Valentine's Day approaching, feel free to suggest one of my lovey dovey tunes like, 'Give Me A Hug. Thanks everyone!

Best,
Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights


Sunday:
 Laura Veirs   photo credit:   David Belisle

Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Mr. Dave-Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids-noon (birth-10 with parents)

Bluegrass in Berwyn at FitzGerald's- 1pm (adults $12/kids just $2-all ages)  5th Annual After Brunch Bash at FitzGeralds with Sunnyside Up and The Teflons!   Click the link for our prior write up with all the details.

 

Kindi Concerts/Live Music:  Laura Veirs Old Town-(3pm all ages with parents/evening adult show)

 

About Tumble Bee
(*ChiILMama will be reviewing Tumble Bee and we'll have a video interview with Laura Veirs, coming soon, too!  So check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We have some amazing things coming.)
Tumble Bee, the first children’s record from the prolific Laura Veirs (whose last release, July Flame, was dubbed “a perfect Sunday afternoon record” by The Oxford American and “sweet and irresistible” by Rolling Stone) inspires listeners to lean in close and hit replay.  The youthful innocence in Veirs’ voice lends itself well to the jaunty spirit of the album. The recording covers a wide range of folk songs, from early 20th century work songs to the ballads of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Peggy Seeger and Harry Belafonte.

Veirs and renowned record producer Tucker Martine, her long-time collaborator on seven of her eight records, have created a piece of art that is sure to appeal to children as well as adult fans of Veirs’ previous work.  The album features guest appearances by Colin Meloy (Decemberists), Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Bela Fleck and Brian Blade (drummer for Bob Dylan) among many others. As Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Elizabeth Mitchell says, “This is a luminous, smart, essential and truly extraordinary album.”

Inspired by the birth of her son and by countless fans who’ve told her over the years how much their kids love her records, Veirs became curious about the history of American children’s music.  She and Martine listened to hundreds of songs from the past several centuries, including Harry Smith’s famous Anthology of American Folk Music. They selected what Veirs calls, “a sampling that reflects our richness as a people.” Tumble Bee was recorded at home in the spring of 2011.

“Many of these songs have been forgotten throughout the years,” says Martine.  “We wanted to bring these beloved songs to a new generation with an instrumentation that both honors their traditions and creates something unique.”

A joyous testament to this collective history, Tumble Bee embodies both the uplifting and fearful moments of childhood.  Much more than simply a record for children, Tumble Bee defies category to stand on its own as a vibrant, sonically beautiful recording; listeners of all ages will revel in Veirs at her prime.  “I love this record,” says acclaimed songwriter Sufjan Stevens. “Laura’s folk songs for children prove that the best children’s music never gets old.”

Biography
Laura Veirs grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she often spent summers camping with her family, which gave her much of her songwriting inspiration. Veirs has said that she didn’t seriously listen to music until she was in her 20s; instead, she just heard what was in her environment. She listened to folk, country, classical and pop music around the house and on the radio during her youth.

Attending Carleton College in rural Minnesota, Veirs latched onto feminist punk rock from the Pacific Northwest, eventually starting an all-female punk band called “Rair Kx!”. Laura studied geology and Mandarin Chinese. After college, she embraced older country and folk music. Her first foray into songwriting started with a geological expedition in China, where she served as translator. She was miserable and immersed herself into writing lyrics as a way of coping.


She put out her own self-titled album Laura Veirs, recorded live and featuring just her and guitar, in 1999. She has since made seven highly acclaimed records with producer/husband Tucker Martine. Veirs’ seventh album, July Flame, was released in January 2010 on her own record label, Raven Marching Band Records. Her most recent album, “Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children,” was released in November, 2011 to rave reviews both in the mainstream and parenting press.

Veirs tours frequently in Europe and North America and is currently writing songs for a new album. She lives in Portland, Oregon with Martine and their young son Tennessee.

 

Highly recommended and going on all weekend:

THEATRE:  Houdini Box at The Mercury Theatre-(age 5+)

Click the link above for ChiIL Mama's show photos and review.

Magic, music, puppets, and performance unite in this awesome conglomeration, worthy of the escape artist/magic master himself.   The Houdini Box is based on a book by Brian Selznick.   Did you know, he's also the author of Hugo Cabret-the now famous book that inspired the movie Hugo, nominated for 11 Oscars?   This show is a delight for all ages.  

The Houdini Box: Chicago

January 24-March 4, 2012
Recommended for ages 5 and up
The Mercury Theatre
773.325.1700  
3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago

Show times are 11am and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday.   Check the main site for additional weekday shows and more.

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