Kids, Music »

From Nickelodeon’s Yo! Gabba Gabba to Baby Loves Disco, Gen X parents can’t get enough of ways to expose their children to more accessible versions of indie music, and Kidrockers is the latest kid-friendly rock’n'roll enterprise to hit the Windy City.

Started three years ago in New York City by Beth Lorge, Kidrockers shows bring indie music and comedy acts to clubs for all-ages shows, intended specifically to be appealing to the 3-13 crowd (and, of course, their parents). Unlike acts such as Dan Zanes, Mr. Singer, or Laurie Berkner, though, Kidrockers’ acts perform original songs not written for kids, which means it’s a true introduction to indie rock.

“We love to hear great new music — and so do our kids,” Lorge says. “We want to create an opportunity for kids and parents to discover artists and get to see them play live in a fun, safe and comfortable environment.”

The first Chicago installment of the Kidrockers series hits Schubas tomorrow at 1pm and features Pretty Good Dance Moves (a Brooklyn-based group originally from Chicago, whom I had the good fortune of meeting when they were in the KEXP Chicago studios in 2008) and The Bon Mots. I’ll be heading out there with my two children — who are excited to see grown-up music in a real bar — and reporting back tomorrow about whether it’s worth going to future events (especially since the ticket price is higher than the $10 threshold I consider “cheap” on this site).

Pretty Good Dance Moves and The Bon Mots play Sat Mar 13 at 1pm at Schubas (3159 N Southport Ave). Purchase tickets in advance through Kidrockers for $12, or pay $14 at the door (get a free 12-issue subscription to Time Out Chicago Kids, too!). Family packs of four tickets are available for $40, and audience members have a chance to win a copy of Yo! Gabba Gabba Music is Awesome CD out now (featuring The Shins, Of Montreal, and The Roots) and BabyLegs funky, fashionable and practical leg and arm warmers.

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