Mesmerizing Klezmer
Yid Vicious, Madison's fun-lovin' Klezmer band, will take the stage Friday, Feb. 8, with members past and present, for the annual family-friendly Kleztacular at Mother Fool's Coffeehouse, 1101 Williamson St. "We've found at our Kids in the Rotunda shows that kids really respond to Klezmer without having to add a lot of kid-centric bells and whistles," says horn and accordion player Kia Karlen, who hints that a new CD is in the works. "Mother Fool's provides a great kid-friendly atmosphere." Indeed, plenty of young people get their first dose of live music at the coffeehouse, according to owner Jon Hain. "It is a great place for parents to bring kids, because the shows are early, and there is no drinking," he says. Plus, kids under 12 are free. Adult cover charge: $6. More info: motherfools.com.
Very special art to love
Art by Wisconsin children with disabilities will be on display Feb. 12-20 at the Common Wealth Gallery, 100 S. Baldwin St., as part of the VSA Arts of Wisconsin's Children's Art Collection. The exhibit showcases drawings, collages, photography, mixed media and other two-dimensional art forms from aspiring artists between the ages of 5 and 15; five pieces will be chosen by a jury of art professionals to be added to VSA's Traveling Children's Art Exhibit. An opening reception is scheduled on Friday, Feb. 15, 5-8 pm. The exhibit and reception are free. More info: 241-2131, vsawis.org.
Positively 4th Avenue
In early February, a van from the Missoula (Mont.) Children's Theatre will roll into Baraboo's historical Al. Ringling Theatre, 135 Fourth Ave., loaded with everything to stage a production of Cinderella - except the majority of cast members. For that, the touring company will rely on up to 60 area children in kindergarten through grade 12. Auditions will be held Feb. 4, with rehearsals scheduled the rest of the week, culminating in two public performances on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 3 and 7 pm. Last year, approximately 130 young people tried out for roles, says Larry McCoy, executive director of the Al. Ringling Theatre. "We really like this program, because it does not require previous acting experience, allowing the children to take the opportunity to see if acting is something they like to do," he says. To audition or attend, see alringling.com for more info or call 608-356-8864.
Smart sitters
Whether it's for the neighbor's kids, family friends or younger siblings, babysitting's a first job full of challenges, especially for rookies. "Caring for Kids," part of the Dean/St. Mary's Health Works' Tots to Teens program, will teach boys and girls ages 11 and older such essentials as diapering, feeding and play techniques, as well as safety, first-aid and emergency response procedures. It also will focus on how to react in uncomfortable situations, such as when a client comes home drunk or behaves inappropriately. Saturday classes are scheduled 9 am-3 pm on Feb. 9 at the East Clinic, 1821 S. Stoughton Rd., and Feb. 23 at the West Clinic, 752, N. High Point Rd. Cost: $40. More info: 827-4424, www.deancare.com/healthworks.