Our Band is scheduled to play at a Celtic Festival here in Australia in early April ... the Festival has a fairly eclectic musical programme.
We're due to play 2 x 1 hr sets ..one in the afternoon and one at night.
The organisers rang today to ask if 3 or 4 of us would do a 30 min. spot between sets at an outdoor venue for Kids...say small right up to 12 year olds.
We'd be playing single row C and Bb accordion, guitar and snare drum....probably no fiddle.
Any Braves have suggestions for 'sure fire' songs that'd appeal to that age group?..these are Aussie kids who wouldn't know 'diddly squat' about C or Z music.
Darryl, Australia.
I'd say "Diggy Liggy Lo" and "Jambalaya" for starters. Maybe Carlton Frank's "Oh Mom"? How about "Jolie Blonde," with a big "Ayyyyy, hey hey, Ohhhhh, ha ha" for a second verse?
There's also "L'Arbre Est Dans Ses Feuilles," popularized by Zachary Richard, one of those accumulative folk songs where each verse is longer than the last -- a heart in a bird in an egg in a nest on a branch in a tree. I know hand motions that go with it (which may have originated in Quebec summer camps). A big hit with kids.
Also, there are several CDs of Cajun children's music available, such as "Fait le Hoogie-Boogie" ("Do the Hokey-Pokey") by Michael Doucet and friends.
Kids love music and love to do things. Have them participate as musicians for part of the program. Pass out rythm instruments, shakers, rythm sticks, small jingle bells in a piece of leather, small drums (oatmeal containers) and invite them to join in. Teach a sinple dance and have them dance. Have their parents join in.
Leslie
Teachem to second line, New Orleans style, wave white handkerchief in right hand, twirl minature umbrella in left hand while following on behind the other. Play Mardi Gras Mambo for proper atmosphere.