This Sunday, September 25 at 3pm, Trout Fishing in America and some of their pals will play tunes and tell tall tales at Symphony Space's Just Kidding launch party. There's a lot to love about the Arkansas duo, like their clever story-songs and authentic Americana style. But what I find most irresistible is the way Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet look when they perform together. Ezra is super tall and Keith is, well, quite the opposite. They always humorously acknowledge that they're a silly sight. But when it comes to making music, they're very serious, which explains their four Grammy nominations. Since Sunday's concert is free, we suggest you arrive early to snag seats.

While there are a lot of big kindie rock names on the Just Kidding roster this season, we figure you've already heard all about Justin Roberts, Elizabeth Mitchell and Recess Monkey. So our picks are of the lesser known variety.

The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary
Sunday, November 6 at 1pm
$15
If you missed author Norton Juster at the Brooklyn Book Festival last weekend, you can still meet him and celebrate the golden anniversary of this legendary children's book.

Tim and the Space Cadets
Saturday, December 31 at 11am
$20 for adults, $13 for children under 13
What a way to ring in the New Year: Ex-Jimmies guitarist Tim Kubart will make 11:59am seem like the stroke of midnight as he rocks catchy power-pop tunes about superheroes and great parties.

Shine & the Moonbeams
Saturday, February 4 at 11am
$20 for adults, $13 for children under 13
We told you about this amazing R&B outfit earlier this year. Singer-songwriter Shawana Kemp and her band will have you grooving in the aisles to their tunes of empowerment and friendship.

A Wrinkle in Time 50th Anniversary
Saturday, February 11 at 4pm
$15
Another golden anniversary of a kid-lit classic. Celebrate the late Madeleine L'Engle’s time-bending novel with Rebecca Stead (author of When You Reach Me) and other artists influenced by the book.

The Okee Dokee Brothers
Saturday, February 18 at 11am
$20 for adults, $13 for children under 13
These Minnesota boys are incredibly charming as is their knee-snapping bluegrass. My young daughters love their up tempo banjo-picked tunes about aliens, household chores and fast-talking auctioneers.

The Ugly Duckling and Tortoise and the Hare
Saturday, March 17 at 11am
$25 for adults, $15 for children under 13
Technology helps to reinvent these familiar childhood fairy tales with glow-in-the-dark 3D puppetry and cool music.

Caspar Babypants
Saturday, April 28 at 11am and 2pm
$20 for adults, $13 for children under 13
This is going to be special: Chris Ballew of the '90s alt-rock band The Presidents of the Unites States of America has spent the last four years making goofy, minimalist music for toddlers. In this rare East Coast concert, he'll play his revamped versions of “Ring Around the Rosie” and “Baba Black Sheep” as well as oddball originals.


Visit Symphony Space's website for the complete Just Kidding lineup.

Find out about additional seasonal activities in our Fall Fun Guide.