Children's Music Review: Alex and The Kaleidoscope

11/18/15 - By Maureen Rayburn

As a parent of two small children, I’m always looking for new ways to stimulate their senses through art, music, or other fun activities. They love to sing along to their favorite commercial jingles and TV show theme songs, but it’s also nice to expose them to age-appropriate tunes that are also grown-up toe-tappers. (And really, how many more times can we put the Frozen soundtrack on repeat in the car? “Let It Go” is genuinely a favorite of mine, but seriously.)

Enter Alex and The Kaleidoscope, an enthusiastic kindie band that blends lyrics, rhythm, and vibes that both parents and children can enjoy. Their new album, Get On Board!, is now a staple in our minivan’s CD player, so we can finally retire Elsa…for a little while, at least. Plus, we were lucky enough to see them perform live at the Ardmore Music Theatre, at the venue’s very first children’s show. 

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From the first few notes of Alex’s theme song, my little ones were hooked on this new album. My youngest is about a year and a half old, so her favorite pastime is already clapping and stomping—consequently, every song from Get On Board! was an opportunity to practice her skills. My 3-year-old is obsessed with singing and memorizing fun lyrics, and these songs certainly didn’t disappoint! From a parent’s standpoint, it really made excellent driving music, and I even found myself continuing to listen on my way to work, even after I had dropped off my girls at school. The title song, “Get On Board” and “Vegetable Garden Town” were a couple of my personal favorites. Plus, older children are bound to learn some fun facts about the world around them, as well as find a new favorite song.

The live show at the Ardmore Music Theatre was a real treat for children and parents alike. Alex and his band are colorful and enthusiastic, and they had an amazing way of talking to every age group appropriately throughout the show. This made the kids feel like they were the guests of honor at the performance, and it also made the parents feel like they were an integral part of the experience. The entire crowd danced the morning away, and it seemed that the kids and grown-ups all left with positive vibes, and, most importantly, a catchy tune (or two) in their heads.

Alex and The Kaleidoscope is fun and engaging, plain and simple. They blend a rock and jazz undertone with captivating lyrics and messages for every age. Whether you’re 2 or 92, this kindie band’s music belongs in your car, home, and heart!

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