Chicago Botanic Garden

FOR FAMILIES

Dancin' Sprouts

The first and third Wednesdays in
June, July, and August
Performances at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
The Esplanade

Part of our Summer Evenings at the Garden program, Dancin' Sprouts provides FREE musical entertainment for the Garden's youngest visitors!

Dancin' Sprouts evenings reflect the Garden's role in the Chicago Wilderness consortium to Leave No Child Inside. Bring the family and enjoy live music in this idyllic summer setting. For these evenings, picnicking will be allowed on the Esplanade only.

Each Dancin' Sprouts evening will feature two 45-minute shows. One will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the second will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Dancin' Sprouts 2010 Performance Schedule

PHOTO: Jodi Koplin

Children’s music entertainer and performer Jodi Koplin captures the essence of childhood through her music that delights audiences of all ages. Her sometimes humorous, always evocative lyrics reflect the awe and wonder unique to young children. She blends messages of personal growth and having fun with a wide range of musical styles from rock 'n' roll to calypso to boogie and blues. Joining Jodi for this concert are special guests, The Fire Ants, a band made entirely of kids!

PHOTO: scribblemonster

ScribbleMonster can be heard nationally on children’s radio. Their latest release was named one of the Top 10 Kids & Family Albums of 2008 by NPR. Their “draw outside the lines” approach to music for the family has earned the band raves ranging from parents to Parenting Magazine. Come sing, think, play, dance and get creative with ScribbleMonster.

PHOTO: Jeanie B!

Time Out Chicago includes Jeanie B! among the "Best things to happen to Chicago Children in the past decade"! Jeanie B! is thrilled to return to Chicago Botanic Gardens again this Summer with lyrics that will make you smile, and a beat that will keep you dancing. This Americana/Rock artist and her amazing Jelly Beans Band promises an evening to remember with your family. Plenty of sing-a-long and play-a-long numbers to keep everyone entertained. Don't miss her signature song "Bubble Wrap" where everyone gets to pop some!

PHOTO: raisin rhyme

Raisin Rhyme has developed a unique blend of music and education for the young and young at heart. Every performance consists of a rock 'n' roll supershow at the Raisin Rhyme Imagination treetop stadium, where all children are encouraged to sing, dance, shake, wiggle, drum, pat, jump up, and have a great time! Yes, it’s the first rock show with no height requirement!

PHOTO: Karen Jordan

Karen Jordan, singer/songwriter guitarist, has performed at libraries, festivals and special events throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Rhythm of the Seasons is Karen's CD of original songs for kids. Much of her music was inspired by her 10 years of teaching Wiggleworms for the Old Town School of Folk Music in the 90s. She has been a featured performer at the The Taste of Chicago’s Family Stage, Kohl Children's Museum, Old Town School of Folk Music, and the Dane County Kid’s Expo. Jordan will be joined by jazz/bluegrass mandolinist, Don Stiernberg, and bassist Jim Cox for a performance you won’t want to miss! Bring your dancin’ shoes and let the music begin.

PHOTO: Little Nashville

This award-winning, family-focused live concert offers children the opportunity to have a ton of fun while learning about the world around them. The concert features a high-energy stage show with an authentic Southern flair - lead by award-winning singer/songwriter/musician, J Juliano, who has shared the stage with Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, and others.