Sometimes dubbed “kindie rock,” a few local music groups have mastered a musical aesthetic that appeals specifically to young kids. It’s a great way to engage your child musically, and just have some fun singing and dancing!
Fox and Branch
foxandbranch.com
“Everyone has fun at a Fox & Branch show.
That has been the duo’s guiding principle for the past two decades, especially since performing for children and parents became their main focus. Dave Fox and Will Branch strive to create a communal atmosphere of fun and high spirits wherever they play. A Fox and Branch show is as much a celebration of being together as it is a musical performance.
Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the nationally known duo has toured the Midwest, the East Coast and the South. In 2017, Fox and Branch toured overseas for the first time, playing to audiences in Ireland, England and Scotland. They are the winners of four Parent’s Choice recommended awards.
Fox and Branch have appeared at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Symphony Space in New York City; Cafe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY; Club Passim in Boston, MA; and the Overture Center in Madison, WI. They have been featured at many Midwest festivals and community events. The duo has brought their show to libraries in Brooklyn, NY; St. Louis, MO; Boston, MA; southern Louisiana; northern Illinois and across Wisconsin.
Fox and Branch consider themselves to be working in the tradition of great children’s performers like Pete Seeger, Ella Jenkins and Bessie Jones. Audience members are invited to sing along, to dance, and to come onstage to try their hand at the washboard and other musical instruments. Anchored in American roots music, the duo also plays traditional music from other countries around the world.”
Ms. Jen & the Jellyfish
milwaukeeaardvarks.com
“Aardvarks teachers Ms. Jen and Ms. Rachel have joined musical forces with their talented friends to create the “kindie rock” band Ms. Jen and the Jellyfish. Ms. Jen and the Jellyfish bring the songs and rhymes of the Aardvarks musical library to the stage in full band style, inspiring audiences of all ages to move and groove. Come and check out a family concert!”
Mr. Pickles
drakemusic.com
Local musician Michael Drake becomes Mr. Pickles as he entertains audiences at local play cafes and summer festivals. Check out his videos and songs on his website.
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
