Families can introduce young children to the joy of live performance through the Center for the Performing Arts’ Faegre Drinker Peanut Butter & Jam series, which begins a new season Sept. 11.
With fun and informal sessions designed specifically for ages 1 to 7, Faegre Drinker PB&J takes place one Saturday each month from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in the Palladium’s Robert Adam Room or across Carter Green in the Studio Theater. Tickets are only $10 per child, which includes the option of two free adult admissions, creating an affordable weekend outing for families.
Carmel native Jack Denger, who has been juggling since age 7, will perform at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel on May 14, 2022. (Photo provided)
Stevens Puppets: “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”
Sept. 11, 2021
Robert Adam Room
Founded in 1933, the award-winning Stevens Puppets proudly presents an old tale with some new twists. In an enchanted Alaskan forest, a family of bears encounters characters with different perspectives and values, learning lessons about respect, kindness, apologizing and forgiveness. Hand-carved wooden marionettes and hand-painted scenery bring the story to life.
Music with Mrs. Kate
Oct. 2, 2021
Robert Adam Room
“Mrs. Kate” Carpenter travels the world making families smile with her homespun folk music. A newcomer to Indiana, she performs catchy interactive tunes that build character and spread joy. Folks of all ages are delighted with her puppets, storytelling and unusual instruments. A prolific songwriter, Carpenter has recorded 12 original CDs and several children’s music videos in the past 25 years.
The Shake Ups
Nov. 13, 2021
Robert Adam Room
The Shake Ups are an award-winning power-pop group that writes and performs songs inspired by a variety of cartoon favorites. The combination of co-ed vocals, danceable hooks and singable melodies makes for a unique concert experience that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. The Shake Ups are professional crowd pleasers – and the Midwest’s most animated band.
Melchior Marionettes: Holiday Cabaret on Strings
Dec. 11, 2021
The Studio Theater
Back by popular demand – join for a fast-paced, entertaining cabaret of handcrafted marionettes. Children and adults alike can sing along with holiday favorites as they delight in the hilarious antics of the marionettes and the skill of the puppeteers.
Traveler’s Dream
Jan. 15, 2022
Robert Adam Room
With rich voices, engaging personalities and a wide variety of folk instruments, Michael Lewis and Denise Wilson – aka Traveler’s Dream – captivate listeners with lively Celtic, French-Canadian and American folk songs. Take a musical journey through American history with folk songs that kids have loved for ages. Children will be encouraged to interact and sing along.
Silly Safaris: Animal Athletes
Feb. 26, 2022
The Studio Theater
What is the fastest animal on earth? Who can jump the farthest? Who can squeeze the strongest? Join for Animal Athletes and compete for the gold medal with your favorite Silly Safaris stars. get moving with reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians and bugs. Everyone will come together to celebrate their abilities – and then get to pet the stars, too.
The Rainbows
March 12, 2022
Robert Adam Room
Come join family jam supergroup the Rainbows for interactive musical fun. Mr. Daniel and Ms. Michelle of ShooBeeLoo Music are joined by Daniel’s son Roland, Ms. Sheila of Itty Bitty Book Mobile and Mr. Phil. They will have you dancing, singing and playing along to original songs and children’s favorites – and maybe even a visit from a dancing unicorn.
Phoenix Rising Dance Company: Imagination Station
April 16, 2022
Robert Adam Room
Join Phoenix Rising Dance Company dancers on an interactive trip to a magical world created by dancing children. Unfortunately, all the children have grown up and forgotten how to dance. Since the magical world needs dancing to remain magical, kids will use their imaginations to create the sun, wind, rain, flowers, trees and animals.
Juggler Jack Denger
May 14, 2022
Robert Adam Room
Carmel native Jack Denger began juggling at age 7 and has been hooked ever since, winning international awards and competitions with skill matched by few. Join Jack for an exciting display of juggling to music with balls, clubs and rings – and even explore the objects he uses to do it.
About the Center for the Performing Arts
The mission of the nonprofit Center for the Performing Arts is to engage and inspire the Central Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. Its campus in Carmel includes the 1,600-seat Palladium concert hall, the 500-seat Tarkington proscenium theater and the black-box Studio Theater. The Center presents and hosts hundreds of events each year, including the Center Presents performance series, featuring the best in classical, jazz, pop, rock, country, comedy and other genres. Educational and experiential programming for all ages includes children’s concerts and camps, book clubs, lectures, and classes in music and dance. The Center is home to the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation and provides space and support services for six resident arts companies. More information is available at TheCenterPresents.org.