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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
I have been asked to provide one hour of ‘upbeat party music for kids.’ It will be playing while the kids are participating in various activities in a gym before my magic show begins. I’m not up to date on the songs kids like these days. So, I was hoping some of my friends in this field could steer me in the right direction. Kids are elementary level (K-5).
Please note, I’m making this request in the Little Darlings section. In other words, please don’t recommend songs with a bunch of curse words and sexual innuendo. Although, I realize that’s what kids may me listening to these days! Thanking you in advance!
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
I just did a show for the 4-10 age group last Sat and the parents were playing a CD of current pop music being sung by kids. I was impressed with the quality of the production and vocals. Here's an Amazon link. Kidz Bop Dance Party
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gmsmagic1 Elite user 405 Posts |
Ken, I would be happy to offer some guidance, but first please answer the following questions since you mention that the kids will be participating in various activities in a gym prior to your magic show:
1) Are the activities in the gym your responsibility, or activities that you have no involvement in? 2) If you will have no involvement in the activities, what activities does the client have planned? Ideally, the music should either compliment the activities or not distract from what's happening. 3) If you're running the activities, what else will be happening in the gym that could compete for your time with the kids? 4) Beyond playing upbeat age appropriate party music, has the client laid out any ground rules or expectations prior to the magic show? For example, do they want you to get the kids dancing or involved, or are they simply looking for fun background music that people can easily talk over? If it's background music they are seeking, you can't go round with any of the Kidz Bop or Disney Remixes as Mike suggested. Local dance studios and Little Gym type facilities that cater to this age group also typically sell CD's so that the kids can practice their routines at home. Don't stress it if it's just background music they are seeking. - Gary |
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
I'm definitely not responsible for the activities. I made it clear to them I will be getting my show set up at that time. So, its just background music to make it a fun atmosphere. My wife will be doing balloon animals during the hour, and I think they will have pumpkin painting and other crafts like that.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
gmsmagic1 Elite user 405 Posts |
If their only expectation is upbeat age appropriate background party music, then grab a couple compilation CD's like Kidz Bop (here's a sampling: http://www.kidzbop.com/videos/watch/music-artistband/1803830/Everybody-talks-kidz-bop-kids.html), and let them play on a boom box in the corner. Mission accomplished! You can also find these CD's at a Toys R Us in the music section.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Smiley is a hip hop clown in Detroit. I was the number kid's entertainer for years in Detroit. But now Smiley has passed me. He uses rap at all his venues. He always bring his sound system to play music. He is also a DJ. He has the kids dance in the crowd to his music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICCCNFVtfkE
Tommy the Clown is popular in Southern California. He uses music in his shows. I saw him on a special nationwide tv program. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NacXY4prSE |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Ken
My 7 year old grand daughter is very fussy about what she dances to. Do you know Kurt form the Philly SAM he is a kids DJ?
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
gmsmagic1 Elite user 405 Posts |
Mike and Al, you must have overlooked Ken's comment regarding the fact that he's just been asked to play background music. That is why I probed a little deeper regarding the specifics before making any recommendations. Otherwise, I could have provided him with plenty of ideas to get the kids involved and dancing.
As a DJ/Magician for the past 30 years, I know how to throw a great party and keep the kids dancing and having a blast for over 4 hours. But that isn't what's being asked here by this client, and that isn't what Ken wants to do. He's going to be busy setting up for his magic show during this hour, while the kids are doing other things that he doesn't need to compete with. |
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Yes, Gary is right. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just want to make sure I'm prepared with some upbeat background music. DJing is another whole talent and skill set that I've had very little desire to explore. Gary, your advice has been very helpful. Thanks!!!
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Ken
Are you gonna play CD's or use an ipod?
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Ken, in a similar position a few years ago, I approached a family DJ that I had met at a few gigs, and asked him to put a bunch of songs on a CD for me, and I didn't even think about it. I just popped the CD into the machine, and let it play. To this day I don't know what is on it, though I trot it out whenever I am asked.
Do the same; ask a friendly DJ to burn a CD of suitable music for you. Most will be glad to. In other words, leave it to an expert, and just go with what he (or she) gives you. Job done.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Ken and Gary, my bad. Are you both still mad at me?
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » For those of you who double as a DJ—Can you help? (0 Likes) |
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