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If you are stuck in NYC for Memorial Day Weekend like we are: don’t despair! There is plenty to do from music to puppet shows! Charles, our Listings Editor, has tracked down the music events that are happening here this weekend.  Venture out to Governor’s Island Family Festival for opening weekend of the island and enjoy musical and theatrical performances as well as crafts, storytelling and much more.  (For more info on the Family Festival go here.) If you want a little less “country” and lot more “city”, head to the Lower East Side Festival. You are sure to see everything from folksy to punk and everything in between. This Saturday is family day where you can also check out some young performers in an air-conditioned theatre!

Friday May 27th

11:00 am: Weekly Sing-along with Lloyd Miller
Lloyd’s energy, humor, and wonderful music always entertains and educates children and adults at his weekly sing-along.
For more info, go here.

7:00 pm: The Alex Levin Trio’s Friday Night Jazz Shows
At this weekly jazz jam, children under 16 can bring their own instruments and let loose alongside the band for a few tunes.
For more info, go here.

Saturday May 28th

11:30 am: Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’ by Amore Opera
This abbreviated version of the show introduces children and families to the beauty of classical music productions by giving them a behind-the-scenes experience. Following the performance, children will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the cast, director, conductor, choreographer, set designer, and production crew.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: 16th Annual Lower East Side Festival
Although the venerable East Village institution’s annual arts bash goes on all weekend, most of the performances are geared to adults. Saturday, however, is family day, featuring a cultural street fair jam-packed with vendors, food and entertainers on East 10th Street, as well as a cavalcade of youth performers inside the theater.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: Trilok Fusion Arts: Sprint Family Performance
Through costumes, live music, and an ancient majestic Indian dance called Bharatanatyam, this Brooklyn-based group melds original jazz sounds with hints of Indian classical music.
For more info, go here.

7:30 pm: DanceAfrica 2011: Expressions and Encounters: African, Cuban, and American Rhythms
Now in its 34th year, DanceAfrica, unites dance companies from around the world to celebrate the cultural vitality of Africa and its diaspora. This year, in conjunction with a citywide celebration of Cuban culture and art, BAM welcomes Santiago de Cuba-based Ballet Folklórico Cutumba, masters of the island’s vibrant Afro-Cuban and Haitian popular styles. A favorite at the DanceAfrica 2002 celebration, Cutumba returns to BAM with a compelling program infused with the sultry rhythms of the Cuban gagá and son. They will be joined by Kùlú Mèlé African Dance and Drum Ensemble, Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble, and Brooklyn’s very own BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble for a program that promises to inspire.
Also Saturday 2 & 7:30pm, Sunday and Monday at 3pm
For more info, go here.

Sunday May 29th

11:00 am: DanceAfrica Family Master Class: Ballet Folklórico Cutumba
Grab your foot-fancy kid and celebrate Afro-Cuban and Haitian culture with an energetic dance class led by Ballet Folklórico Cutumba and DanceAfrica. After the class, visit the outdoor bazaar featuring more than 250 craft, food and fashion vendors.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: Jazz for Kids
Introduce your kids to the joys of jazz at the Jazz Standard’s weekly Sunday brunch program. The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, made up of talented youngsters between the ages of 11 and 18, provides the music, while your family chows down on a barbecue brunch from Blue Smoke. Doors open at 1pm.
For more info, go here.

(Many thanks to TONY Kids, NY Metro Parents, and Mommy Poppins for listing info!)

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