In a blog post last week about the Ukulele Festival in Reston, I mentioned the story of how last year at a City of Fairfax Band Association event, when asked what his favorite music was, my son immediately said “Hawaiian” (and he meant it, too).
The event where that happened was the band’s annual Children’s Concert. And while the concert did not feature Hawaiian songs, it did feature music my son knew and everyone enjoyed. The City of Fairfax Band Children’s Concert is coming up again this Thursday evening, July 17, and I highly recommend it as a fun and free family-friendly night!
At the event, at Veteran’s Amphitheater, the band presents classical songs most children will recognize, along with other kid-friendly music. Selections tend to be brief and lively and are a great way to introduce kids to live music. Along those lines, preceding the concert is an “instrument petting zoo” at 6:30 pm for young attendees to see and try out many different types of instruments. This is a fun chance for them to see instruments up-close and find out how they’re played. Prior to the concert itself, which starts at 7:30 pm, there will be free ice cream for all, free balloons, and a children’s march. Event sponsors also usually hand out fun goodies as well. Staff and volunteers are friendly and happy to answer questions kids and adults have.
The concert is completely free to attend and open to participants of all ages. (A bit of advice from me: keep in mind the later start times (the event won’t end until 8:30 or 9) when considering bringing very young children, especially if they’ve already had an active day and this is their usual bedtime. Also note: Veteran’s Amphitheater is an outdoor venue. While no “rain date” plans have been announced for this event at the time of this writing, last year when it rained the moved the event indoors to the Sherwood Community Center. )
See you Thursday night!
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