Bradley’s a musician who plays for adults in the evening and kids in the morning. Now he’s got a two year old, he does more children’s music for the littlest ones. Check his work out here. He asked if he could write something for my site. I’ve done my fair share of fronting work things for adults and playing host at my kids birthday parties (treasure hunts in woods is a particular favourite), but I’ve always been 90% focused on keeping things moving with 10% entertainer. And I’ve had my co-host wife along too.
I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be the sole person on stage, then Bradley got in touch, so I could ask him about it. Over to Bradley.
I’ve been a working musician for over half my life. I never would have thought the lessons I learned on stage would help me be a better dad, but that is exactly what happened.
I’ve performed for crowds of all sizes, from playing to just the bar staff (at 2am), to playing sold out, 1500 seat theaters. Every show was amazing and every show was intimidating, but none were more amazing or intimidating than staring down a library full of toddlers!
I became a children’s performer almost by accident. When my niece turned 2, I decided to write her some songs. She liked them, so I wrote some more. Soon I found myself with a full album of children’s music and folks actually asking me to perform for their children’s events.
Alter Ego
As I became a children’s artist, I found myself performing for two very different crowds. I would often play a children’s show in the morning and, later that night, play a bar gig with one of my various bands. For 6 years, I even toured the nation with an outlaw country band, performing kids shows when I was off the road.
Folks who learned of my dual musical life would always ask me what it was like to play these very different types of gigs. My answer would almost always shock them.
Playing to children is exactly the same as playing to drunk people.
It sounds funny and I meant it to be, but it is also the truth.
Both the drunk at the bar and the child at the library have incredibly short attention spans. They both will tell you exactly what they’re thinking, and they will tell you at the exact moment it pops into their heads, no matter how inappropriate!
Both also want just one thing; to be entertained.
Whether you’re a toddler, a drunk college student, or a 65 year old grandparent, you’re looking to have a fun experience and at this particular moment, you are looking to the musician(s), on stage, to make it happen.
Anyway, about the kid’s shows.
These days, I focus mainly on family-friendly shows. I should mention that I prefer the term ‘family-friendly’ to the dreaded ‘children’s music’.
I am well aware that many children’s artists are a complete nightmare to parents. My goal is to create music, with a positive message, that children (and their parents who will be listening to it over, and over, and over) will enjoy.
Everyone just wants to have a good time.
This is what I remind myself before every show. Every time a room full of kids (and their parents, who are not enthused about having to watch yet another “cheesy children’s performer”) are staring me down. Every child and adult, in that room, wants to be entertained. My goal is to reach every last one of them.
Assuming you’ve got the talent and material, you only need to remember two things:
Keep them engaged and keep them involved
If you want to keep a crowd on your side, they have got to feel like they are part of the show. Here are a few ways to facilitate that feeling:
Do songs they know- Traditional songs have stood the test of time for a reason. They tell a story. They’re catchy. Everyone can sing along. I try to have every set contain about 50% traditional tunes.
Do songs that get them involved- ‘Head & Shoulders’, ‘Wheels on the Bus’, ‘Old MacDonald’. All of these tunes give the kids a role to play. It makes them part of the show.
Your original tunes had best be super catchy- Can everyone sing along by the second chorus? Does the song encourage participation or action? Include a positive message and you’ve got the formula.
If You’re Bored It’s Your Fault
Throughout my adult life, this has been a bit of a mantra. Whether I’m dealing with myself, co-workers, teenage relatives, or really anyone over the age of 5, I’ve found it to be true. If you’re bored, find something (preferably productive) to do. It’s really quite simple.
The opposite applies to the crowd at your musical event! This is your crowd. If your crowd is bored, it is your fault. Your job is to entertain them and you need to do everything in your power to do so.
As I said earlier, all they want is to have fun.
All you have to do is make that happen!
Now that I’m a Dad
Almost 2 years ago, I became a father to an amazing and beautiful son named Hank. I’ve recently realized that the same rules apply to being the parent of a toddler.
All your child really wants is to be involved and to have a good time. Here’s a short list of ways to make that happen:
Let them lead- If they come up with an activity, on their own, you participate in that activity and you do it enthusiastically!
Help them invent activities- You’re creative, aren’t you? You don’t need to reinvent baseball, just find something that’ll be fun for 20 or 30 minutes. (hint: you can make an obstacle course out of nearly anything!)
Involve them in chores- This morning, Hank and I pulled weeds together. More importantly, we had a blast doing it. Now, like most folks, I despise pulling weeds, but Hank doesn’t need to know that. I showed enthusiasm and made a game of it. He was happy to be involved and, therefore, so was I!
If all else fails, turn on some tunes and have a dance party!
You Got This
Remember, you’re the ‘cool, fun dad.’ It’s a lot to live up to, but I believe in you!
Keep them involved.
Keep them moving.
Be silly.
Let them be silly.
Have fun.
Oh, and get some sleep whenever you get the chance!