ML Interest Tag: orchestra

11 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Los Angeles

by Jennifer O'Brien

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, discover MLK events, celebrations, and local volunteering opportunities for you and your kids around LA

Each year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans unite to honor his legacy and tireless work as a champion of civil rights. So when is Martin Luther King Day? MLK Day takes place the third Monday in January each year. Fun fact: King’s actual birthday is January 15 (he was born in 1929). In addition to celebrating King’s legacy, this holiday has also become a National Day of Service—encouraging Americans to volunteer and do good in their communities. So whether you want to celebrate MLK at a parade or spend the day giving back to others, here are all the things to do on MLK Day in Los Angeles.

How to Celebrate MLK Day in Los Angeles

1. Long Beach Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration

Jan. 14: This beloved event returns for its 35th year to celebrate Rev. Dr. King and the diverse community of Central Long Beach. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. and Anaheim St., followed by the park celebration from noon-5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The park celebration will include a main stage with live performances, a health and wellness area, youth area, and tons of food and vendors.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
1950 Lemon Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: longbeach.gov

2. Santa Monica Symphony MLK Holiday Concert

Jan. 14: In partnership with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition, the Santa Monica Symphony honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. King with its annual MLK concert conducted by Gary Pratt. The concert opens with Coleridge-Taylor’s Danse Negre and Price’s rousing Symphony No. 1 and concludes with Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue with Jason Stoll on piano. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Doors open at 2 p.m. with the performance running from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center
1630 Pearl St.
Santa Monica
Online: smsymphony.org

3. Minecraft March on Washington (Virtual Event)

Jan. 14 & 16: As part of LA Works MLK Day of Service, this virtual event builds upon the anti-racism movement through an interactive march on Washington in Minecraft and an in-person event at LA Memorial Coliseum. Tour a virtual exhibit of the 1963 March on Washington and interact with civil rights leaders like Rev. Dr. King himself. The event takes place from noon- 9 p.m. on Jan. 14 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Jan. 16. Advance registration is required and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. Once you register, LA Works will email a link to attend the event. Access to Minecraft (Java or Bedrock edition) is required. Event details.

4. LA Works Martin Luther King Day of Service at LA Memorial Coliseum

Jan. 16: In 1964, Rev. Dr. King passionately addressed 15,000 Angelenos at LA Memorial Coliseum on the issues of race relations and human dignity. This year, LA Works continues Rev. Dr. King’s legacy by empowering LA volunteers to fight for food and climate justice. The day of service schedule starts off at noon-1 p.m. where volunteers will sample vegan food at booths hosted by local restaurants and learn about local activity to combat climate change. From 1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m., there will be a keynote speaker, and from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., volunteers will rotate through eco-action stations, including creating urban greening kits, assembling disaster preparedness materials, and making a climate action pledge. There will also be a family zone with volunteer activities designed with kids in mind. Register online to volunteer.

LA Memorial Coliseum
3911 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles
Online: laworks.com/mlk

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Wz4qalnkP/?hidecaption=true

5. King Day at California African American Museum

Jan. 16: From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Jan. 16, CAAM celebrates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of festivities. This year’s theme of “MLK: A Legacy of Service” will include a performance by the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, the King Study Group, and family activities provided by the LA Public Library. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP to the event ahead of time.

CAAM
600 State St.
Los Angeles
Online: caamuseum.org

6. Kingdom Day Parade

Jan. 16: Known as America’s biggest and oldest birthday celebration of MLK, the 38th Annual Kingdom Day Parade features this year’s theme of “America, The Last Best Hope of the World.” If you are wondering what time does the MLK parade start in Los Angeles? The parade takes place at 11 a.m. and provides a festive, family-friendly opportunity for the LA community to gather and celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With over 250,000 spectators expected to line the parade route filled with floats, marching bands, and tons of fun, this is must-do event. It will also be broadcast on TV at 11 a.m. on ABC-7.

Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: kingdomdayparade.org

7. A Walk to Remember MLK in Redondo Beach

Jan. 16: Join fellow community members in a Day of Service by walking to honor the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The walk begins at 101 W. Torrance Blvd. in Redondo Beach and ends at the MLK Jr. memorial located in front of the Redondo Beach Police Department. While the walk is free, event organizers ask all participants to bring a child or adult/teen kit filled with necessities (see website for specific needs) to donate at the event or any time prior to that at the RBPD. All kits will go to the RBPD Domestic Violence Advocacy Program. Attendees should meet at the Pier Sub-Station at 10:00 a.m.

Redondo Beach Pier Sub-Station
101 W. Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach
Online: eventbrite.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJrq8pEsHsW/?hidecaption=true

8. Big Sunday MLK Clothing Drive and Community Breakfast

Jan. 16: Big Sunday is hosting their 11th Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive and Community Breakfast on Jan. 16 from 10 a.m.—1 p.m. at 24th St. Elementary School. This big block party will feature a community breakfast, arts and crafts projects to benefit local nonprofits, entertainment from the Blue Breeze Band, a Civil Rights Exhibit, and Big Sunday’s Something in Common project. They will also be putting together 2,023 winter clothing kits for folks who are struggling. They are happy to accept donations of any new clothing or shoes, or you can sponsor a new clothing bag for $25. All ages are welcome!

24th St. Elementary School
2055 W. 24th St.
Los Angeles
Online: bigsunday.org

9. Leadership Long Beach MLK Day of Service

Jan. 16: For 13 years, Leadership Long Beach has coordinated the largest MLK Day of Service in LA County, bringing together thousands of volunteers to complete dozens of community service projects. If you have a project idea, Leadership Long Beach welcomes suggestions on their website. All service projects must be completed between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Jan. 16 and be easy enough that volunteers can quickly jump in to make a difference. Projects must be completed within the cities of Long Beach or Signal Hill and have a dedicated leader who will guide and supervise volunteers to complete the work.

Online: leadershiplb.org

10. National Park System Free Entrance Day in Honor of MLK

Jan. 16: In honor of MLK’s birthday, National Park service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Jan. 16. Many national parks also host a variety of service projects that people can sign up for as volunteers, so be sure to check the park’s website for any opportunities.

Online: nps.gov

Related: Our Favorite National Parks within Driving Distance of DTLA

11. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon

Jan. 16: Join the African American Historical Society for a Walk-A-Thon in honor of MLK. This year’s theme is “A Legacy of Strength, a Future of Action.” The 5K walk starts at the Stratton Center and ends at the Main Library Breezeway across from the Civil Rights Institute with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue along the way. Early registrants have an opportunity to receive one of a limited number of commemorative coins to celebrate the grand opening of the Civil Rights Institute, as well as a family pack of tickets to an Ontario Clippers game at Toyota Arena. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Stratton Center and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Afterwards, there will be booths, entertainment, and performances. Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the Riverside African American Historical Society’s initiatives. Online registration prior to the event is encouraged, but on-site registration will available too. Tickets are $35 for participants ages 13 and up and include a t-shirt.

Stratton Center at Bordwell Park
2008 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Riverside
Online: raahsinc.org

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

9 Inspiring Ways to Spend Your MLK Day

by Debra Flanagan

The best ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. with your kids in Chicago

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 16. With the kids off from school, you may be looking for ways to recognize this important holiday and honor & explore Dr. King’s inspiring legacy. Fortunately, Chicago has so many great museum exhibits, concerts, and service opportunities to choose from.

Did you know Martin Luther King, Jr. spent a lot of time in Chicago? He visited many times in the first decade of his public career.  In 1965, he teamed up with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to fight against segregation in Chicago Public Schools. He then became a leader in the Chicago Freedom Movement. The mission of the Chicago Freedom Movement was to end slums in the city, and it inspired two marches into all-white neighborhoods as part of an open-housing campaign. Martin Luther King, Jr. even lived for a time in a West side ghetto.

To learn more, visit the DuSable Museum of African American History or The Chicago History Museum. Appreciate the contributions of the African American community at the Chicago Sinfonietta or The Museum of Science and Industry. Follow Dr. King’s example by participating in a day of service. Whichever you choose, we got you covered with some excellent options for spending the holiday.

 

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Chicago History Museum

Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Chicago History Museum's day-long family event. Join the museum as they reflect on his life and work, particularly in Chicago with the Chicago Freedom Movement, through special family-friendly activities and performances. This event is FREE with Museum admission, which is complimentary for Illinois residents on this day.

Date: Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
Online: chicagohistory.org

2. Chicago History Museum's Remembering Dr. King

Remembering Dr. King is a collection of 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King's work during the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit places a special emphasis on his time in Chicago shedding light on the existence of discrimination and segregation. the abysmal state of housing and the realities of poverty in the north.

Date:Ongoing

Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
Online: chicagohistory.org

3. Chicago Sinfonietta's Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert

Leading the nation in programming works by women and diverse, under-represented composers, Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation’s most diverse orchestra, presents its annual MLK Tribute Concert, "Thunder", celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through family, equity and the encouragement to execute positive change.

Date: Jan. 15, 3 p.m.

Wentz Concert Hall
171 E. Chicago Ave.
Naperville

Date: Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Loop
Online: chicagosinfonietta.org 

4. Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive

Cradles to Crayons invites Chicagoland families to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by donating new or gently-used children's items at one of their 37 drop-off locations. The nonprofit organization provides essentials such as clothing, coats, books and toys to ensure all children, regardless of their socio-economic status, have what they need to feel safe, warm and valued. Click this link for a list of accepted items.

Date:Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Various drop-off locations
Online: cradlestocrayons.org

5. DuSable Museum of African American History

Every day is a good day to visit the DuSable Museum of African American History. Home to hundreds of artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement, you will not only learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, but also about the entire African American experience and accomplishments.

Date:Ongoing

DuSable Museum
740 E. 56th Pl.
Washington Park
Online: dusablemuseum.org

6. Institute for Nonviolence Chicago: Building the Beloved Community

Responding to Dr. King's question-"What are you doing for others?," the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago invites all ages to donate and help assemble toiletry packs, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, socks, and gloves, for neighbors in need.

Date:Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
819 N Leamington Ave.
Austin
Online: nonviolencechicago.org

7. Museum of Science and Industry's Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition

Established in 1970, the Museum of Science and Industry’s Juried Art Exhibition is the nation’s longest-running exhibition of African-American Art, presenting more than 100 works of art from emerging and established African American artists. The exhibition is just one part of the Museum’s Black Creativity program which showcases achievements in scientific, artistic and technical fields by African-Americans.

Date:Jan. 16-Apr. 23

Museum of Science & Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Hyde Park
Online: msichicago.org

8. University of Chicago's MLK Commemoration Celebration

The University of Chicago will host its 33rd annual MLK Commemoration Celebration. The event is free and open to the public. It is held at the University's Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, where Dr. King himself spoke in the same space in 1956 and 1959.

Date:Jan. 23, 6pm

University of Chicago Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
5850 South Woodlawn Avenue
Hyde Park
Online: mlk.uchicago.edu

9. Fifth Annual King Day of Service: Bronzeville

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the University of Chicago's University Community Service Center has partnered with community organizations across Bronzeville to bring together residents, nonprofits organizations, and institutions to work on beautification projects at Chicago Public Schools and other community sites.

Date:Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Bronzeville
Online: mlk.uchicago.edu

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

DC Metro Kids Weekend Events: Jan. 14-17

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Take a break from city life and spend this long weekend skiing (we list our favorite slopes here) or get cozy at one of these winter wineries for a family-friendly day trip. In celebration of MLK Day on Mon., carve out some time to reflect on the great civil rights leader with these DC library events or step into history by standing on the very step Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from. Scroll down for more ways to fill your holiday weekend with at-home and virtual events.

photo: iStock

 

Beethoven Symphonies Abstracted
To accompany the National Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven & American Masters concert series, author and illustrator Mo Willems presents Beethoven Symphonies Abstracted, an exhibition of nine large-scale, painted abstractions inspired by the music and genius of Beethoven. The nine works will be on display from January 8–March 20 in the Hall of Nations during the Center’s public operating hours. The works can also be viewed online here.  Fri.-Sun. Event details. 

Maple Sugaring
Ever wonder how maple syrup is made? From steel buckets and oxen-drawn wagons to the advanced technology used today, maple syrup production has changed considerably over time. But one thing has remained constant – maple trees and their sweet sap. Join Steve to learn about the history, production, and biology of maple sugaring. He’ll also discuss the maples found in the collections of the U.S. Botanic Garden and the U.S. National Arboretum. Fri. Event details. 

Advocate Speech Contest
Take a moment to listen (or read) MLK’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech here. After soaking in the power of this great orator’s words, consider issues that move you to write your own speech in hopes of moving others. In celebration of  MLK Day, Takoma Park Library is challenging all kids 5-19 to create a speech where you highlight an issue or cause that is important to you. Activity details. 

Collaborative Poster Project 
This self-directed project shows the power of coming together! Head to Shepherd Park Library to get a small “puzzle piece” of a portrait to color at home. Decorate your section of this collaborative poster as you see fit and return your segment to the library by the end of Jan. These pieces will be glued together to create one giant portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. Your small piece is needed for the greater work! Activity details. 

Letters to Community Helpers
Pen a letter of appreciate to your favorite local hero. Share your heartfelt thanks with your favorite teacher, a local emergency worker or your neighborhood bus driver. These letters are being collected by Northeast Library in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to service. Drop your letter off at the designated mailbox by Jan. 16 to share words of kindness with community helpers. These letters (artwork is also welcome!) will be on display before being delivered. Activity details. 

“I Have a Dream” Poetry Contest
In honor of MLK Day, Petworth Library is hosting a poetry and essay contest where kids can wax poetic about their vision for a better world. Kids 5-19 are invited to participate in this contest, simply drop your entry off by Jan. 20 (or email it to the library). Activity details. 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Magical Holiday Shows Not to Be Missed This Season

by Hannah Judge

Well, folks, it’s that time of year again: when you and your family take a festive group outing to one of Portland’s many holiday shows! Perhaps it’s an evening venture to a stage performing Christmas tales of old, or to see a local spin on classic holiday stories. Either way, it is sure to be a merry time! Let us enliven your winter spirit with our picks for this season’s must-see Portland holiday shows!

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

Come and visit Sunset Presbyterian Church’s choir, three-hundred strong, for your classic holiday tunes! This show features a beautifully crafted Nativity scene and is made possible through a masterful cast of singers, dancers, and local actors. You will be entranced by the live orchestra and humored by the dancing Santas in this festive feature, so be sure to carve out a space in one of these upcoming evenings to make memories with friends and family.

Nov. 27 - Dec, 5
14986 NW Cornell Rd,
Portland OR
Online at: singingchristmastree.org/

Oregon Children's Theater

OCT via Yelp

Join the Oregon Children’s Theater for a performance that will be sure to create a special family memory. This year’s performance, titled “Happy Everything!”, features teenagers from the cast of OCTC’s show “Impulse!”, and includes the caroling classics that will be sure to inspire that beloved Christmas spirit. Head to the Oregon Children’s Theater website for details about the cast and ticket prices! If you have a credit from a show during the 2019-2020 season, Oregon Children’s Theater will allow you to redeem it for this show. 

Nov. 19 - Dec. 19
Friday: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 p.m., 2 p.m.
Brunish Theatre: 1111 SW Broadway,
Portland OR
Online at: octc.org/merry-happy-everything

Portland Gay Men's Chorus

Here for only one whirlwind weekend, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is returning this Christmas season with the event “Gather”! This show will feature classic winter songs and holiday staples that will tickle your festive spirit and brighten the beginning of your December. Be sure to check for tickets on their website as they will be going-going-gone, and you surely won’t want to miss this special occasion.

Dec. 10-12
1111 SW Broadway, 
Portland, OR 
Online at: pdxgmc.org/shows/gather/

Oregon Ballet Theatre

OBT via Yelp

The Oregon Ballet Theatre has been preforming its beautifully choreographed showing of the Nutcracker every holiday season since 1989 (barring COVID-season, of course). Never fear - they are back this 2021 Christmas season to bless Portlanders near and far with Tchaikovsky, snowflakes and all things Sugar Plum Fairy! Don’t miss this elegant Christmas classic by heading to the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s website for tickets - be sure to note which shows include the live orchestra! 

Dec. 11 - Dec. 26
Keller Auditorium: 222 SW Clay St,
Portland OR 
Online at: obt.org/nutcracker

The Oregon Symphony

Oregon Symphony via Yelp

The Oregon Symphony is putting on a host of Christmas-themed events this year, and many only are showing for one night! Whether it’s for “Comfort and Joy: A Classical Christmas” or “A Merry-Achi Christmas”, the Oregon Symphony’s large spread of seasonal showings will bring on the holiday spirit, full-swing. So dress your family up in your Sunday’s best and head to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for a musical evening you’ll be sure to enjoy. 

Dec. 8 -19th,
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland OR 97205
Online at: orsymphony.org/concerts

—Hannah Judge

RELATED STORIES

Restaurants that Serve Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey Trots in Portland

50 Fall Activities for Children

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

TikTok Just Made a “Ratatouille” Musical & Here’s How to Watch

by Karly Wood

Are you a fan of  musicals? Then you’ll want to get in on the upcoming original, Ratatouille: the TikTok Musical.

The one-night-only musical version of the Pixar and Disney film is being brought to life in a whole new way, with Broadway stars leading the way. Premiering Fri. Jan. 1, 2021 and available to stream for 72 hours, the event costs just $5 and can be purchased on todaytix.com.

So how did TikTok get involved with making a musical? It all started when TikTok user Emily Jacobsen posted a love ballad to Remy back in August, which kicked off other creators on the social media platform to do the same. Jacobsen is such a fan that she was even invited to get a sneak peak of the upcoming attraction at EPCOT!

Now, the fan-inspired musical is actually happening and with lots of stars that include Wayne Brady, Tituss Burgess, Kevin Chamberlin, Tony Award winner André De Shields, Andrew Barth Feldman, Grammy Award nominee Adam Lambert, Tony winner Priscilla Lopez, Tony nominee Ashley Park, Owen Tabaka, Ashley Park and three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa.e

Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical features original songs created by musical theater lovers on TikTok and will be performed by the 20-piece Broadway Sinfonietta orchestra. Proceeds benefit The Actors Fund, which has been supporting out-of-work performers and crew since Broadway shut down in March due to the pandemic.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Wikipedia

 

RELATED STORIES

There’s an Entire Park for Peppa Pig in the U.K. & How Have We Never Been There?

These Were the Top Rental Movies of 2020 & We’re a Bit Surprised

Sneak Peek! Disneyland’s Snow White Attraction Gets Magical Upgrade

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Holiday Comedy “Godmothered” to Debut on Disney+

by Jennifer Swartvagher

There’s a new holiday film coming to Disney+ this season. The streaming service announced that Godmothered, an all-new enchanted Christmas comedy starring Isla Fisher and Jillian Bell will debut exclusively on the streaming service Fri., Dec. 4, 2020. An original soundtrack will be released concurrently on all digital formats. 

Godmothered

Set at Christmas time, Godmothered is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell) who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not. 

Godmothered

Godmothered is directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones’s Baby) and produced by Justin Springer (Dumbo,TRON: Legacy).  Diane L. Sabatini (Lady and the Tramp), Tom Pollock (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters) and Amie Karp (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) served as executive producers.

Godmothered also stars Santiago Cabrera, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Jane Curtin, June Squibb, Jillian Shea Spaeder, Willa Skye, Artemis Pebdani, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Stephnie Weir.

The Godmothered original soundtrack, from Walt Disney Records, featuring the score by Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman (Emma, A Dog’s Purpose), plus the end credit songs “Rise Up (Joy to the World)” and “Hero” performed by Jillian Shea Spaeder, will be available on all digital formats on Dec. 4. The score was produced by Portman and was recorded with the Chamber Orchestra of London at AIR Lyndhurst and Abbey Road Studios.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

RELATED STORIES

Disney Junior’s “Puppy Dog Pals” Pay Homage to Mister Rogers in a Brand-New Episode

Disney+ Releases Music Video for Christina Aguliera’s “Loyal Brave True” from Mulan

Disney+ Original Docu-Series “Becoming” Chronicles the Lives of Celebrities

Disney+ Releases New Trailer for “The One and Only Ivan”

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Mo Willems & the National Symphony Orchestra Launch Democracy Doodle 2020

by Jennifer Swartvagher

On Election Day you may need to take a break from the news. Mo WIllems and musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) may have just the thing to get your creativity flowing. Find some paper and markers and get ready for Democracy Doodle 2020. 

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ first-ever Education Artist-in-Residence, Emmy Award–winning writer and New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Willems, and musicians from the NSO invite you to express yourself in a different way this Election Night with Democracy Doodle 2020. 

Click on the Kennedy Center website at 7 p.m. ET for a series of doodle exercises led by WIllems accompanied by performances by members of the NSO.  

Democracy and doodles are both forms of self-expression worthy of celebration.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: The Kennedy Center via YouTube

RELATED STORIES

Mo Willems and the Kennedy Center Teach Kids to Draw During School Closures

Fun Arts & Crafts Online Tutorials for Your Little Artists

Amazing Online Music Resources for the Entire Family

These Are the Printable Templates You Need Right Now

Awesome Virtual Resources for Learning Science at Home

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Amazon Releases 2020 “Toys We Love” List for Easy Holiday Shopping

by Karly Wood

The holidays are on the horizon and Amazon has everyone covered. The online retailer has spent the last few months compiling some of its best selling toys and games to bring us this year’s “Toys We Love” list. With a variety of ages and interested, this comprehensive list is perfect for starting off your holiday shopping. We’ve picked our top 10 faves, so keep scrolling1

Babies & Toddlers

Fisher-Price Little People 1-2-3 Babies Playdate

This folding, take-along Little People Babies playset is great for on-the-go play. It features two sides of play, lights, music, and Smart Stages learning content. The adorable set comes with three babies, a rocking horse, feeding table and spoon play pieces and also lights up and plays sounds.

Get it here, $35.99

Green Toys Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Stacker

Minnie Stacker

This eco-friendly toy features seven brightly colored nesting pieces that stack easily from large to small, while also allowing children to use their imagination and stack in any order. The set is designed with no center post, making it a perfect first stacking toy for babies.

Get it here, $14.99

Melissa and Doug Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter

Order up! This adorable ice cream station comes with 28 pieces that include a scooper, toppings, cup, spoon cones and a reusable menu for hours of delicious, pretend play.

Get it here, $42.09

B. toys Symphony Musical Toy Orchestra

Perfect for kids three to eight, B. Toys toy orchestra has everything your littles need to become mini maestros. Kids can choose up to six toy instruments that will play in the orchestra pit and enjoy 15 melodies. The interactive toy lights up and includes 13 overall instruments for the full orchestra experience.

Get it here, $54.95

Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Outdoor and Explore Camper

This sweet playset from Disney Jr. is packed with fun. Each one comes with one camper vehicle with a built-in kitchenette, one Mickey Mouse figure, one Pluto figure, chair, telescope, table, ladder, two campfire logs, one campfire with grill, one tent, one fishing pole with fish, and one boat. It also plays Mickey Mouse phrase and sound effects!

Get it here, $24.99

Big Kids

Journey Girls 18" Special Edition Doll

This Amazon exclusive Journey Girls is the perfect holiday doll. The special edition 18" doll comes with a holiday-inspired attire that includes a red satin dress with gold brocade, gold rhinestone jewelry and ankle strap sandals.

Get it here, $49.99

Kinetic Sand Sandisfying Set

Kinetic Sand's Sandisying Set is a must for your sand collection. The super fun kit comes with 10 tools and two pounds of sand in two colors that you can sculpt, mold and grate for hours of hands-on play. 

Get it here, $19.97

Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand STEM Experiment Kit

This battery and motor-free STEM experiment is perfect for young learners. Kids can build their own wearable mechanical hand that they operate with their fingers in a right hand, left hand or claw configuration. This interactive kit uses the power of air pressure, water, and kids own hands for hours of play.

Get it here, $29.99

Osmo Coding Starter Kit

Transform your tablet into a hands-on coding adventure. Designed for ages 5–10, Coding Starter Kit builds coding skills in progression with 3 hands-on learning games. Watch your child learn to code as they connect colorful blocks of code in the physical world to chart the adventure on their screen.

Get it here, $99.99

LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Razor Crest

The Mandolorian fans will be thrilled to receive this galactic set. The 1,000+ piece set comes with everything you need to create the Razor Crest ship, in addition to four minifigs. The best part? You also get a baby Yoda!

Get it here, $129.99

Want to check out the rest of the list? Head to Amazon’s Toys We Love List here.

 

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Amazon

Editor’s note: All products included reflect price and availability at time of publication.

 

RELATED STORIES

Green Toys Partners with Disney for a Baby Collection

The Home Depot Is Improving the Way We Do the Holidays This Year

Build-A-Bear Is Heading to Hogwarts

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Atlanta Virtual Events Your Kids Will Love

by Kate Loweth

While we are spending time at home with our families, we can still explore all the wonderful activities that Atlanta has to offer. This list of Atlanta’s best virtual events for kids has museum activities, live tours, cute animals and more. We’ve got you covered, parents!

Zoo Atlanta at Home

Zoo Atlanta

Learn with the Atlanta Zoo while you are at home. Meet animals, take a virtual tour, do crafts and explore the world of your backyard. 

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Learn at Home with the Children's Museum of Atlanta

father and daughter stargazing
iStock

Check out Children Museum of Atlanta’s blog featuring an at-home activity, a vocabulary list and a YouTube playlist or book recommendation to support learning through play.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Delve into Science with the Tellus Museum

iStock

Kids can learn how to use science to make a geode suncatcher, lava lamp and more. 

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Tour Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birth Home

Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons

Go on a virtual tour of where Martin Luther King, Jr. lived to learn more about this important person. 

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net 

Check Out the Story of Atlanta in 50 Objects

michaelmko via pixabay

The Atlanta History Center asked the public to submit what objects they think best represent their town. The parameters were broad: an object could also be a person, a place, an institution, or an idea. After receiving hundreds of submissions, History Center staff assembled a collection of fifty pieces that represent the themes identified by the public.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Watch Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performances

pexels

Go behind the scenes at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and listen to performances on their YouTube channel. They’re also hosting live watch parties on Facebook.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Explore the Atlanta History Center at Home

Atlanta History Center

Visit the Atlanta History Center from home with access to lectures, exhibitions, author talks and more. 

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Tour the The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum

unsplash

Take a virtual tour of The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, where you’ll start in the Oval Office. On Facebook, they’ve posted an accompanying scavenger hunt for the virtual tour.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Check Out Our MASSIVE Virtual Events Calendar

istock

For more virtual fun every day of the week, head to our virtual events calendar. You'll find dance classes, scavenger hunts, animal encounters, drawing classes and MORE!

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Featured image by fiskes via istock

—Kate Loweth

RELATED STORIES

Home Away from Home: Atlanta’s Best Airbnbs

16 Signs You’re an Atlanta Parent

Atlanta Inspired Kids Names & Their Meanings

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement