My nephew, Keith, is a drum prodigy with a penchant for banging on things. On his last visit to Chicago, we presented the New York-based musician with a pint-sized drum kit. Within the first few minutes behind his new gear, Keith delivered a stadium-caliber skin solo—after which he preceded to kick over each drum and triumphantly raise his sticks above his head in the most epic rock pose a three-year-old has ever struck.
Keith isn't alone. Like most kids who grew up with music-loving parents, he'd never want to stay at home while his folks paraded around a weekend-long music festival. He'd want to rock out right along with them. Fortunately for aspiring rock stars of tomorrow, Lolla organizers keep expanding Kidzapalooza—this year, it's better than ever. Some highlights:
Get a Makeover
You take care of wriggling your little one into a toddler-sized Wilco T-shirt or Ramones onesie before coming to the park, and the folks at Kidzapalooza will take care of the rest. Siren Salon will be on location all weekend doling out colored mohawks and other rock hairdos; and Small Paul artists will ink your wee ones up in tough tattoos and lovely face-paintings (temporary and totally non-toxic, naturally). Once your tots are in full rock star mode, herd 'em over to the photo area for a Kodak moment that Grandma will hate.
Learn to Rock
Looking like a rock star is only half the battle. For the complete transition, the kid's gotta learn to play some music. Paul Green's School of Rock has a full rock band setup—drums, keys, guitars, bass and mics all amped up and ready to go—for little ones to jam on. Workshops throughout the weekend teach guitar techniques, drum beats, DJ basics and even stage posturing—and a mobile recording studio lets you walk away with junior's debut album.
Have Some Fun
In between sets, kids can participate in a number of other fun activities: A dance floor is set up and the Brickheadz are on hand to teach breakdancing skills to aspiring B-Boys and B-Girls; retro-loving youngsters can get a dose of how Mom used to roll with a Double Dutch workshop; and artsy kids can build instruments from recycled materials and screen-print their own tote bags.
Catch the Bands
Brooklyn-based rockers Tiny Masters of Today are a pre-teen band with a pretty impressive fan base—David Bowie can't get enough of 'em. New York City fun collective The Jimmies have serious musical chops and an even more serious silly streak; the Mississippi sibling trio Homemade Jamz Blues Band have already jammed onstage with B.B. King and gigged around the country—all with a 9-year-old drummer; and of course, The Paul Green School of Rock shreds throughout the weekend.
Parental Bonus
In year's past, hanging out in the kids area has proven to be a surefire bet for once-in-a-lifetime moments with your favorite musicians. Performers from elsewhere in the park flock to the shady grove to strum through child-ready tunes—last year, punk rock legend Patti Smith stopped by for a surprise set. Artists scheduled to show up this weekend include Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, festival founder Perry Farrell, Rogue Wave, G. Love & Special Sauce, and The Get Up Kids and New Amsterdams frontman, Matt Pryor. Don't be surprised if big names from other stages stop by for cameos throughout the weekend, and be sure to hang around for the always incredible "Special Guest" slot; it could be anyone from Trent Reznor to Barack Obama.
The kids are covered, but what about you? Plan your weekend with our Grid Wars guide; become an expert on the fest with our alphabetical primer; get to know the local acts in this year's lineup; and learn how to go green in Grant Park. If you can get a sitter, check out one of these after-parties. And don't forget our music-festival survival guide.
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