After spending three delightful (and muddy) days grooving to tunes from the Austin Kiddie Limits Stage at the Austin City Limits Festival a few weeks back, I am inspired by the quality of the emerging genre of music dubbed “Family Music.”
Now I caught my share of adult oriented shows at the festival but I can honestly say that many of the artists gracing the AKL stage were just as enjoyable to watch. Oh and the bathroom lines were much shorter. I actually enjoyed the shows as much as my kids, it is very rewarding to see them really get into the grooves and dance, dance, dance.
Music producer Tor Hyams assembled an incredible and diverse bill of artists to fill the three-day festival. From blues child prodigy Quinn Sullivan, to family hip hop band Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, AKL did it right. My favorite traditional hip-hop artist K’naan even stopped by and did a guest set on Saturday afternoon. It was incredible to see that dude in such an intimate setting.
Ralph’s World brought his A game and rocked the Pop, Milkshake got every body up and dancing with numerous high energy sets and The Telephone Company freaked everybody out with various tunes about mustaches! Even with the pouring rain and mud like the apocalypse, our family had a ball. Music festivals and shows, whether big or small, are definitely on the agenda for future Powell Family Quality Time.
Here are a few Family Music artists I recommend you see if they come to your town:
Check back soon to see my top lists of adult tunes that kids love. Can you say “Maria” (Shut Up And Kiss Me) by Willie!
