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A scorching rocker has musical lessons for kids

He's back in his "Farmer Jason" role.

The LyricFest ensemble and the "Yes, and . . ." Children's Dance Company will present "Once Upon a Time" in two venues.
The LyricFest ensemble and the "Yes, and . . ." Children's Dance Company will present "Once Upon a Time" in two venues.Read more

Nashville-based Farmer Jason, the identical twin brother (wink, wink) of Jason Ringenberg of Jason and the Scorchers fame, returns to Philadelphia to perform hits from his latest CD,

Rockin' in the Forest With Farmer Jason

at World Cafe Live.

Born on a hog farm in Illinois, Farmer Jason relied on his roots to create his first CD, A Day on the Farm With Farmer Jason, which entertains kids while educating them about caring for animals and their environment. Little did he know that a CD he put together for his two young daughters to listen to while he toured as Jason and the Scorchers, a band that pioneered the "cow-punk" sound of the 1980s, would likewise make him a rock star with the stroller set.

Rockin' in the Forest, released in September 2006, takes kids to a musical forest where they can explore natural wonders and receive subtle lessons on ecology, fitness and history. Highlights include "He's a Moose on the Loose," "Punk Rock Skunk," "Ode to a Toad," and "Opossum in a Pocket.

This rollicking performance will include songs from Rockin' in the Forest and A Day on the Farm. Every once in a while, however, Farmer Jason throws in a song or two performed by Jason and the Scorchers.

"Children understand lyrically more than we give them credit for," he says.

Fairy tales in the flesh

"Once Upon a Time. . ." is a show that brings treasured fairy tales to life through song and dance. Presented by LyricFest, a costumed cast of singers and actors seeking to explore and celebrate the possibilities of song, "Once Upon a Time," re-creates classics such as

Cinderella, The Magic Flute, the Barber of Seville,

and

Hansel and Gretel.

Throughout the performances, the artists interact with the audience, sharing poetry, spoken word, and other anecdotes to put the music into context for younger audiences; it introduces children to music styles from opera to Broadway. The "Yes, and. . ." Children's Dance Company and the Motet Choir of the Pennsylvania Girlchoir join LyricFest artistic directors Suzanne DuPlantis and Randi Marazzo and an ensemble of performers for this concert filled with princesses and princes, kings and queens, and a whole lot of fun.

Puppet theater's invitation

Through its puppet parades and pageants, Spiral Q Puppet Theatre preserves an almost forgotten art form. Saturday, Spiral Q will open its doors and invite its neighbors to learn about its mission and see its handiwork. The evening will feature food, music, and of course, puppets. Kid-friendly activities will include puppet games from 5 to 7 p.m.