Dudes. Dads. Have you ever wondered how you’re going to teach your children about their rock legacy? I haven’t gotten beyond providing them with vital mini lessons in the car when a song comes on the radio that I feel they should know details about. “This is Pink Floyd!” I should into the backseat, usually to no response. “This band is spelled ‘U’ ‘2’, Isn’t that funny?” “This song has a girl with scarlet begonias in her hair! No, she’s not friends with the devil, that’s another song.”
So I was very interested when I saw the announcement: “THE ROCK AND ROLL PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS: THE MUSIC OF GRATEFUL DEAD FOR KIDS, FATHER’S DAY CELEBRATION.” The two Sunday shows are: June 17, 2018 at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.
Maybe my daughters could learn some basics from someone besides their Dad from the front seat. There were two shows happening at the venerable Boulder Theater (where I used to work as a security guard several decades ago, but that’s another story). And for those of you planning on taking your kids to Dead & Company at Folsom Field on July 13 and 14, this could be a good primer experience.
I reached out to Stephen Grybowski of the Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series that, according to The New York Times, “allows kids to move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon,” and asked them a few questions about this Grateful Dad gathering going down in my town.
TRANQUILO TRAVELER: What can Boulder/Denver-area Dads expect at this event?
ROCK AND ROLL PLAYHOUSE: 60 minutes of action-packed Grateful Dead tunes in a family-friendly environment. Dads have the unique experience of being able to take their young children to their first concert and have it be the music of Grateful Dead. Plus it’s on a Sunday afternoon! After all, never miss a Sunday show — especially a summer one for kids.
Will their kids really get a primer on Grateful Dead music and songs?
Yes, we have incredible musicians including Charlie Humphreys, from Dead Floyd, joining us to play straight-up Grateful Dead tunes without the long, extended jams. We typically cover 10–12 songs during our show, all Grateful Dead.
What activities will there be?
Perhaps a freeze dance to “Dancing in Streets,” running with streamers to “Eyes of the World,” and you never know what the band will play when the giant parachute comes out.
What are the ideal recommended ages?
The Rock and Roll Playhouse offers its core audience of children under 10 with games, movement, and stories and an opportunity to rock out.
IF Y OU GO: Tickets available at Boulder Theater Box Office, by phone at (303)-786-7030 or online at http://www.bouldertheater.com.
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