Places to check out bands and introduce kids to live tunes
We love our music. So much that in a parallel universe we are probably fronting some sub-genre, alternative, electronic, post-punk, pop, rock band. But here we are, eager groupies snapping up tickets to gigs that we’re often too tired to attend after putting the kids to bed. What if we could enjoy our music and our kids at the same time? Surely there is somewhere in Singapore that we can combine our joys and share an easy afternoon of kids playing and grooving while we kick back and enjoy a few beers and listen to some fun tunes?
There is in fact! We’ve done a bit of research and found a few festivals, venues and events across the calendar year that you and the kids can look forward to dancing at together.
The Training Shed
The beauty of this pick is its accessibility and ease. The monthly special makes having kids an addition to cool rather than making you wish for a moment that you are a single something converse-wearer again. Pack a rug and the rugrats, head down to Labroador Park and pull up a patch of green. We bet you get nostalgic for your own childhood as you watch your children run around barefoot, partly drenched and grubby of face as they investigate the chalk board, giant balls, paddle pool and make up games with their friends. Meanwhile you can share a bucket of beers with bigger friends and have a little boogy to some fairly decent electronic, funk, hip-hop and easy dance beats depending on the DJ’s choice. And it’s free!
When: Monthly. We will update our calendar when the next date is announced.
The Training Shed
Zoukidisco
This is a day-time dance party especially for kids. In fact you can’t get in unless you have a child! Shimmy the afternoon away to Katy Perry, Gangnam Style and lots of other kid-friendly but not (thankfully) kiddie music. Inside authentic, genuine nightclub, Zouk (yes, remember), a DJ come circus ringleader gets the crowd going and entertainers help the kids bust a move while they’re sprinkled with disco bubbles – it’s pop music after all! There’s also face painting, craft activities and very cool photo booth. Even though this is for kids, we actually love and look forward to this event and the chance to boogy with our bubs. Entry is $10 per person including a non-alcoholic drink.
When: Several times a year. We will update our calendar when the next date is announced.
Zoukidisco
Beautiful Sunday
Free Music. In the Esplanade Concert Hall. Sunday afternoons. Need we say more? This is a series of homegrown musical performances that are open to the public for the pure pleasure of enjoyment and appreciation. Genres vary and the offering is always a surprise.
When: Once or twice monthly. Check our calendar for the upcoming Afternoon at The Opera event featuring kidsphilharmonic@sg playing highlights of popular operas and musicals.
Beautiful Sunday
Laneway Festival
Ok, we confess we have not actually attempted to bring along our own kids for this favourite forward-thinking festival but we saw some hip parents and their wee entourage enjoying the event this year and it’s inspired us to try the same in 2015. The awesome sounds of emerging and fresh bands, DJ’s and artists make us want to listen and the relaxed and spacious setting means you can take a position away from the mosh pit and chill out with the kids on a blanket. We seriously recommend though that you practice personal sun protection and come late in the day or rig up a non-view obstructing shade-cloth to shield kids from the sun as shade is at a premium here. And remember to hydrate! Free bottles of water this year were a big improvement on the $5 charge of 2013. Tickets are $150 for everyone. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted.
When: Usually the last weekend in January. We will update our calendar when the next date is announced.
Laneway Festival
Sunday Remix with Endless Summer at W Singapore
This find is almost too cool for school with its beautiful people and funky beats. But step in to the gorgeous surrounds of WET, strip down to your swimmers, plunge into the stunning pool and you and the family will be partying with the rest of them in no time. You can access this shindig for free if you’ve opted for the Sunday Bubbly Remix Brunch at The Kitchen Table. Brunch is from 12:30-4pm but the live DJ tunes keep on going till later. $148++ per adult free flow, children are $54++ and children under 4 eat and play for free!
When: Monthly. Check our calendar for the upcoming session on Sunday 4 May.
Endless Summer
Saturday Social BBQ Timbre@Gillman
This is low-key fun at its finest. Every first Saturday of the month, you can kick back with some beers while the kids play on the lawn in and around the bouncy castles, tents and footballs. The music is 60’s surfer vibe with some live acts later on and the food is quality BBQ feasting. Try to book a table near the grassy area so you can watch the kids easily. There is also a great crafting area set up near the entrance. We love that you can enjoy a great late afternoon event and still get home in plenty of time to put little ones to bed.
When: Every first Sunday of the month. Check our calendar for details of the next event happening this Saturday 3 May.
Timbre
Singapore International Jazz Festival
Sing Jazz took place for the first time in 2014 and what a big band bang it was! Jamie Cullum, India Arie and James Morrison to name a few, had people swinging under the stars 4 nights. Full of jazz and jazz-inspired local and international acts, this is one event that has people grinning and tapping their feet. It’s infectious and your kids will love it too.
When: February/March. We will update our calendar when the next date is announced. They are calling for suggestions now on who you want to see in 2015!
SingJazz
Concerts at Singapore Botanic Gardens
Get back to nature and listen to some sweet sounds with the kids at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage hosts a variety of musical performances conducted by well known orchestras like the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. They are a great way for children to see multiple instruments combining to great effect. Oh, and it’s free. Get there early to get a good spot and bring a picnic dinner.
When: Usually monthly. See the details in our calendar for the SSO concert taking place on 11 May.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Timbre Rock and Roots
This is the place to treat your kids to a crash course in quality music. It may not feature the latest and greatest but exposure to the acts this festival attracts are the mainstay of a quality modern musical education. Inspired by the legendary Byron Bay Bluesfest, this collaboration between Danny Loong and Bluesfest founder, Peter Noble focuses on bringing world class acts to Singapore for a 2 day stellar line up. Think Paul Simon, Rufus Wainwright and The Specials as past examples. With a hiatus in 2014, we can’t wait for the next instalment in 2015. Tickets are roughly $165 per day with concessions available for students and children under 7 enter free.
When: March. We will update our calendar when the next date is announced.
Timbre Rock and Roots
Sentosa Ukulele Festival
Palawan Beach is about to come alive with the sweet sounds of this petite Hawaiian string instrument. International and local acts will be performing and jamming from afternoon to evening this weekend. We developed a soft spot for the ukulele after hearing Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow a few years ago, and now we’re looking forward to seeing You Tube sensation Sungha Jung from Korea. This child protege clocked over 42 million views for his cover of the Pirates of The Caribbean soundtrack and has performed with Jason Mraz.
When: 3 May 2014, 4pm-10:30pm. Check our calendar for details.
Sentosa Ukulele Festival