Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in charleston, SC

Savvy Reviews and Giveaways: Dan Zanes and Friends!

by Nicole Teed

June 22, 2009

Dan Zanes and Friends rocked into playrooms everywhere a few years ago, with spots on Playhouse Disney and awesome success with a number of previous albums, including the Grammy-Award winning Catch that Train and Parents' Choice Gold winner House Party.  

Very soon, you'll be able to enjoy the folk family rock of this fun group in person!  DZAF are packing up their mandolins and harmonicas and heading to Charleston, taking the stage at the Music Farm on Sunday, July 19 at 3 pm.  For details and to buy tickets, click here for their tour calendar!

My daughter and I saw their show in Asheville, NC almost two years ago, and we danced our fool heads off.  (I also ordered a juice box and a beer at the bar, thereby securing this concert the coolest ever for parents of young children!)  We can't wait to see them again in a few weeks!

The band is touring now with the release of their latest CD, The Welcome Table.  They were kind enough to forward a copy so I could take a listen.  They were also kind enough to offer a FREE family four pack of concert tickets to one lucky reader, so read on to see how you can enter to win!

Tuesday Top Five(ish): 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Picks

by Nicole Teed

May 19, 2009

The Spoletians are coming!  The Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto festivals kick-off this weekend, turning Charleston into an art lover's paradise.  The more formal Spoleto Festival hosts fabulous opera, theatre, dance and music performances -- perfect for date nights, but not so friendly to the short crowd.  In contrast, there are a number of Piccolo events that are not only family-friendly, they're also FREE.  Put some events on your calendar for the next couple of weeks!

Sing, Dance, Act: Classic Musicals Your Kids Will Love

by Nicole Teed

March 02, 2009

Let's face it: Disney Channel may be good for turning out theatrical musical performances from the latest tween and teen stars, but they didn't invent the musical.  Some of my favorite classic movies are musicals, and there is nothing I like better than seeing people break into song in the middle of everyday life.  In fact, my daughter and I sing so much throughout the course of the day, I've wondered if my toddler son thinks that he actually lives a musical!

Here are a few of my recommendations of old school musicals to share with your kids.

Tuesday Top Five: Places to See Live Music with Kids in Charleston

by Nicole Teed

February 24, 2009

There is something innate about children's love for music. Clapping is one of the earliest skills that develops in little ones, meaning that most of them are playing percussion even before they can walk! Family dance parties at home are a favorite activity, but sometimes it's nice to get out and about town to hear some tunes. Here are five places in Charleston where you can listen and learn with live musical performances.

Savvy Reviews: Lunch Money Gets DIZZY!

by Nicole Teed

February 09, 2009

The newest album from our Columbia-based friends, Lunch Money, arrived just as I was heading out the door for preschool pick-up. I got my daughter and her friend settled into booster seats, popped the CD into the stereo without any introduction, and waited for their reaction.

"What's this CD?" Claire asked, as soon as the first chords of I Love My Library started.

"It's the new Lunch Money CD," I replied, trying not to sound too excited, as I wanted an honest reaction from the two of them.

"This is cool!" she said. "Yeah, way cool!" echoed her buddy.

Way cool indeed. Molly, Jay, and J.P. are the trio of musicians behind Lunch Money, and they've just released another great album of music for kids that grown-ups love, too.

Weekend round-up: January 16-18, 2009

by Nicole

January 16, 2009

Jazz hands! Tonight, Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra take the stage at 7:30 pm at the Charleston Music Hall (37 John Street). This man and his music are living legends, and this is a rare opportunity to see them live in town. If you have a budding jazz musician whose bedtime isn't too early, this show is worth the high ticket price. If a tale of "some pig" is more your  Read more...

Give a gift of Charleston!

by Nicole

December 16, 2008

I don't know about you, but my kids have more than enough stuff. We've got old stuff, new stuff, even stuff to try and contain the stuff. While toys and books certainly have their place in holiday gift giving, I also like to give gifts that will keep giving throughout the year with enriching, fun experiences for the whole family. There are quite a number of options for giving the gift of  Read more...

Weekend calendar: December 12-14

by Nicole

December 12, 2008

Lots of holiday happenings this weekend! The weather looks beautiful, so get out and enjoy! Saturday brings a unique holiday presentation to Charles Towne Landing ! The Ceremonies of the Cultures will explore the theme of traditions and celebrations from the perspective of Lowcountry people past and present. Hear Gullah storytelling, learn about Native American tales and songs, and learn  Read more...

Lowcountry holiday traditions

by Nicole

December 02, 2008

There's nothing like the holiday season in Charleston. I love this time of year -- the chill in the air (just enough to wear a scarf!), the shoppers on King Street, and the full line-up of holiday events for the whole family! This weekend officially kicks off the Christmas welcome in Charleston with a two days of family fun. Join Mayor Joe Riley this Saturday from 4:30 - 6 pm at Marion Square  Read more...

Weekend events: November 22-23

by Nicole

November 21, 2008

As is our savvy tradition, this post is brought to you by the letters T G I and F. I hope you'll find some inspiration for your weekend plans in this round-up. First, how about some awesome kid-friendly performances? The Charleston Ballet Theatre performs its second round of How the Grinch Stole Christmas this weekend. Showtimes are Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm.  Read more...

Ukuleles and tap shoes -- must be the V Tones!

by Nicole

September 11, 2008

The band that calls themselves the V Tones doesn't fit into one category. Their MySpace profile says "Jazz/Swing/Hawaiian," which kind of supports my point. It's old-timey. It's upbeat. It's creative and a touch crazy. In other words, it's something the kids totally dig. Anchored by ukulele player and man about town Noodle and singer/tap dancer Eden, the band can contract or expand  Read more...

Weekend Fun for the Whole Family

by Nicole

June 06, 2008

If you're like me, weekends are a time to enjoy life together as a family. There's something to be said for some quiet time at home, just hanging out. There's also something to be said for getting out of the house so that you don't go crazy with cabin fever. Here are my picks for this weekend, all free for the whole family. Local Blend concerts at the Charleston County Public Library Yes, I'm  Read more...

Mozart, Moby or Miles: Enjoying the music of Piccolo Spoleto with your kids!

by Nicole

May 30, 2008

I can't even tell you how lucky I am that we decided to launch this site right in the midst of the Spoleto madness! With all of the options offered by Piccolo Spoleto, it can be hard to choose. Fear not! I've done the dirty work for you. (You're welcome.) There are four events this week that look like excellent choices for the short crowd, and three of them are totally free, so get your kids  Read more...