by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
Kid’s concerts have come a long way over the years. Today there are more artists and a lot more demand. Just look at the recent Hannah Montana sell outs all over the country. Getting your hands on tickets for any one of the 14 year-old pop sensation’s concerts is nearly impossible for people like you and me. Stubhub.com, a popular second-party ticket seller, has plenty of tickets for her November 19th show in Tampa but you’ll have to shell out anywhere from $99 to $2648 for a seat. Thankfully, Jacksonville parents are spared the Hannah Montana madness this time around, but we’re not completely devoid of kid-friendly concerts this fall.
Murray Hill Theatre- October 26 at 7 pm
Perfect for: Tweens and teens who remember this band from their tweens
I don’t remember this Contemporary Christian dance-pop group but apparently they were a big deal for a while. The foursome (the 5 in their name is a mystery to us all) has made 10 albums since the millennium, most of which went Gold or Platinum. During their time in the spotlight, Jump5 has toured with acts like Aaron Carter, Play and Baha Men- not bad for a group made up of Tennessee teens. Now all grown up, the kids of Jump5 are moving on. Their final album Hello & Goodbye hit stores last week and the band is hitting the road to promote it with one last headlining tour. Jump5 will perform at the Murray Hill Theatre next Friday with Jesse Daniels, pureNRG, Sammy Ward and Cali. Tickets are on sale now for just $12 ($15 the day of the show). For tickets and info visit murrayhilltheatre.com or call (904) 388-3179.
The Florida Theatre- November 10 at 2 pm
Perfect for: Soccer moms and the families who love them
Rolling Stone called Dan Zanes’ band The Del Fuegos the “Best New Band” of 1984. But once he got married and had babies, Zanes opted to make more family-friendly music and The Del Fuegos dropped off the radar. Today, Dan Zanes and Friends are the latest big thing in kid’s music that moms and dads can get behind. The aging rocker with a penchant for wacky suits and hair product won a Grammy last year for his record Catch That Train!, an album that got a huge boost from The Disney Channel, who plays music videos for the group each day during Playhouse Disney. Dan and his band are making the rounds and will make a stop at the Florida Theatre next month. Tickets are on sale now and range from $18.50 to $28.50. Visit floridatheatre.com for tickets or call (904) 355-2787.
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena- November 15 at 3 pm and 6:30 pm
Perfect for: High-strung preschoolers and those who dig songs about fruit salad
The Wiggles are The Beatles of preschool entertainment. They made more than fellow Aussies AC/DC and Nicole Kidman combined in 2005 and it’s been reported that they made $50 million last year alone, despite losing lead singer and founding member Greg Page, who was forced to quit when diagnosed with a rare nervous system disorder. The band, who has been rocking sandboxes since 1991, is currently on tour supporting their latest kid-friendly album Racing to the Rainbow, the 25th record in their discography. The Wiggles will be performing two shows in Jacksonville at the Arena in November. Tickets range from $23 to $35 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
The most dedicated of concert-going moms and dads may want to introduce their children to the joys of the out-of-town show. Here are some good options:
Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater- November 2, 3 and 4
Perfect for: Muppet lovers
St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa- November 19 at 7 pm
BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise- November 20 at 7 pm
Perfect for: Tween and teen superfans and the fabulously wealthy
Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater- December 29 at 12 pm and 3 pm
Amway Arena in Orlando- December 30 at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Perfect for: The preschool set and their parents (aspirin optional but recommended)
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