Another rare gig, this time two assemblies for pre-K – 2nd grades in Jersey City, not far from NYC. Maya Angelou School – how cool is that name for a school? I am often somewhat daunted by these inner city gigs, mostly because of the traffic and the parking. Luckily, the school had a side lot for me to unload and park in, after I had to fight “drop off” time early on. I was scheduled for ~ 250 kids per show so I had to forgo my scarves and instrument bag and go for the strictly song set. I had pre-K / 2nd and then K / 1st, but no really big deal. We’re gonna dance.
I was in an auditorium so I had to cut back on large group dancing, with the kids in seats. I hauled in my amplifier (so glad that I don’t use the big PA anymore), set up on stage and waited for the 9:30 show.
My opening consists of I Like Peanut Butter and Tutti Tah, both good introductory tunes, with movement, and I go from there. Down By The Bay, I Wanna Be a Dog, We Gave Names to the Animals, Giants, Cat Came Back, All Around the Kitchen.
With these large groups, I try to bring up a core of teachers for Giants to play Thunder Tubes, partly because the little kids might hurt themselves and the teachers reactions are fairly humorous, as was the case today. The kids get a chance to witness the teachers in an unusual situation. I’ve been asking the teachers to give me their “teacher glare” during the song, and the teachers respond wonderfully.
All Around the Kitchen provides a great finale in that the kids are up and dancing, and I invite three or four kids up on stage to show off their dance moves. Lots of The Floss this time, but, upon encouragement, the kids come up with some different and fun moves (which have to be named, as well). I bring up a teacher for the last set, and, again, that really makes for entertaining moments (usually The Twist).
Playing for this age group in an inner city situation makes for a challenging gig, but, somehow, I seem to be able to pull it off.
The ride back home on Rt 78 was through a blinding thunder storm, but I was feeling gratified for being employed and being on the road again. That’s good.