Symphony Space Announces the 2019-20 Just Kidding Performance Series Starting October 5th

USA - English

• USA - English

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Symphony Space announces its 13th annual Just Kidding performing arts series with a diverse and engaging roster of performances each weekend from fall to spring. Tickets to all matinee shows this season are available online at SymphonySpace.org and by calling the box office at (212) 864-5400.

Just Kidding launches on Saturday, October 5th at 11 am with internationally acclaimed jazz clarinetist Oran Etkin and his Timbalooloo band, performing globe-spanning songs from the new album "Finding Friends Far from Home: A Journey with Clara Net." The show will involve loads of audience interaction including singing, clapping, dancing and drumming. As the instruments "talk" with one another, children learn that making music means bringing their own character, humor and emotion along for the ride. Next up, on Saturday, October 12th at 11 am, Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights will brighten the Leonard Nimoy Thalia stage for a rousing show. Joanie's tuneful melodies and rich, funny lyrics give irresistible zip to songs about sunglasses at the beach, goodnight hugs, and popcorn popping. The Brooklyn based artist will also debut a couple of songs from her upcoming folksy female empowerment album.

Just Kidding is the go-to series for independent family-friendly puppet theater, and Wonderspark's "Fox Fables" and Puppetkabob's "Dirty Gert" are just two award-winning examples from this season.

Dance is always part of the lineup, starting with the National Dance Institute (NDI) Celebration Team's annual kid-powered extravaganza on October 26th, and Beats, Rhymes and Breaking on January 4th.

Variety acts make an appearance this season with circus arts, magic, and a one-man sideshow, and music continues to be a Just Kidding focus. Back by popular demand, family music luminaries Elizabeth Mitchell, Gustafer Yellowgold, and The Okee Dokee Brothers return to delight kids and parents alike. Grammy nominees Alastair Moock and Falu's Bazaar round out the diverse all-ages musical offerings this fall.

Indeed, most Saturdays this fall, Just Kidding performances offer something for every member of the family, all presented on the two Symphony Space stages – the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre and the Leonard Nimoy Thalia:

• October 5 at 11 am: Oran Etkin and Timbalooloo – globe-spanning, jazz influenced instruments that "talk" to each other in a highly interactive show.
• October 12 at 11 am: Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights – A NYC based kindie star, Joanie and her band bring smart lyrics and friendly pop tunes to their family concerts.
• October 19 at 11 am: The Remarkable Renaldo – This world-class clown and one-man circus astonishes audience around the world with juggling, pranks, magic and lots of humor.
• October 26 at 2 pm: National Dance Institute: The Celebration Team – kids ages 9 to 15 will be dancing for kids in Just Kidding's annual high-energy show featuring original choreography and live music. This year's show honors individuals and communities that have used their voices to effect positive change in the world. The audience is invited to come in costume and enjoy a pre-show "Thriller" dance lesson.
• November 2 at 11 am: The Magic of Harrison Kramer – a mind-blowing, interactive and energetic show featuring sleight-of-hand, juggling and illusions.
• November 9 at 11 am: The Okee Dokee Brothers – Grammy winning duo performs sing-along folk songs from their Adventure Album and "Winterland."
• November 16 at 11 am and 2 pm: "Fox Fables" by Wonderspark Puppets – Glorious puppetry from this renowned NYC based company tells the story of a fox who loses his precious tail, and with it, his identity. The show combines handcrafted puppetry and storytelling with memorable characters and silly songs.
• November 23 at 11 am: Alastair Moock – Grammy nominated, Boston based folk artist performs socially conscious music with his band.
• December 7 at 11 am and 2 pm: "Dirty Gerts" by Puppetkabob – Puppetry and props made from 100% repurposed paper products create a groovy story about growing pains, created by master puppeteer Sarah Frechette. A NYC debut!
• December 14 at 11 am: Falu's Bazaar – a musical journey through South Asian and global culture from a Grammy nominee.
• December 21 at 11 am: Suzi Shelton – NYC based kid-pop star offers clever and inspiring lyrics and a modern sound. Her latest album is the award-winning "Hand in Hand."

The full lineup is scheduled through March 2020; check the complete schedule and order tickets online at http://www.symphonyspace.org/family. Unless otherwise noted, tickets for each show are $17, $14 for members.

Each weekend, Just Kidding attracts hundreds of families from near and far for one of the most exciting, high value performing arts options available anywhere. Time Out New York Kids calls Just Kidding "the best concert series for kids" with "a jam-packed bill of family programming." New York Family recommends the "excellent programming for children," and Mommy Nearest calls these performances "amazing." In reviewing a Just Kidding performance, the New York City Dads Group reviewer notes, "As a parent, it's a big relief to know that whatever show we're going to see there, whether planned or at the last minute, is going to be of high quality and capable of producing long lasting happy memories."

Since its founding in the late 1970s, Symphony Space has gained international acclaim for presenting an eclectic mix of live performance from various artistic disciplines, including music, theater, comedy, dance, and film. Just Kidding's family performance program also offers a similar range of unique and fun-filled options, drawing the very best performers from around the nation.

"This year's lineup is unbelievable," says Darren Critz, Director of Performing Arts Programs, who scours the nation for the best family performers, and who has curated Just Kidding since 2007. "Whether performers are spinning plates, juggling, controlling underpant-stealing squirrels, or playing guitars, this season's human and puppet performers offer NYC audiences an incredibly entertaining and globally conscious set of shows. The common denominators are excellence, energy and uniqueness."

Symphony Space is conveniently located at 2537 Broadway (at 95th St.), across from the 96th Street 1,2,3 subway station. Just Kidding is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Shubert Foundation, the Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Fund, The Achelis & Bodman Foundation, the William H. Donner Foundation, the Consolidated Edison Company of New York, The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, The Scherman Foundation, the Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts, Susan Bay Nimoy, and The Jim Henson Foundation. Symphony Space thanks their generous supporters, including the Board of Directors, Producers Circle, and members, who make these programs possible with their annual support.
For more information about Just Kidding and other performances, literary events and educational programs at Symphony Space, please visit http://www.symphonyspace.org.

Artsy, Imaginative and Fun: Birthdays at Symphony Space
Just Kidding birthday packages are designed to make party planning easy, engaging, and enriching for everyone involved. As New York Family notes, this is a performing arts themed experience where "pint-sized Broadway stars are sure to love the festivities, including a show, birthday treats, music, and more." Time Out New York recommends these parties, saying, "Why not make one of the (Just Kidding) shows an extra-special occasion? Choose an upcoming performance that interests the birthday boy or girl and invite a group to come along." Kids interact directly with Just Kidding artists, while enjoying tasty snacks, a cake, free music, and a few pairs of extra hands to help parents wrangle the kids. Families may choose between the arts-themed, Just Kidding Theater Package or the no-fuss Just Kidding Easy Package (party only, no performance). Rates for 15 or more party-goers start at $420 (prices exclude taxes and gratuities). Please email [email protected], or call (212) 864-1414, ext. 289 for more information.

A note to editors:
Most performers and Symphony Space presenters are available for interviews. More detailed information about each group and high-resolution photos are available upon request.

SOURCE Symphony Space