Kidzapalooza Set to Rock Chicago
Since its inaugural staging in 2005 as part of the Lollapalooza Festival, the celebration of music and interactive activities has shown that family music can be the glue for three days of dancing, singing, and bonding. This year’s event will run on August 7, 8, and 9 at Chicago’s Grant Park.
Tor Hyams, who co-founded Kidzapalooza with Perry Farrell, took time from a whirlwind schedule of performing, producing, and parenting to talk about the festival.
FM: How did Kidzapalooza come about?
TH: I had just finished writing and producing my first “family music” album, A World of Happiness. Gary Oldman suggested he would direct a music video from the album. We chose the song “The Patience Bossa,” which was sung by Perry Farrell and Deborah Harry. Next thing you know, we’re on the set of the music video and I saw Perry furiously typing on his Blackberry. When I inquired, he told me he was talking to bands about that year’s Lollapalooza. Then I exclaimed, “Kidzapalooza!” It just popped out of my head without any real idea behind it, but Perry said, “What’s that?” I then spent about a week putting together the concept. A couple of months later, Perry called me out of the blue and asked if I had ever written anything up as he was about to meet with his new financier for Chicago and wanted to see if Kidzapalooza could be included. His investors loved it and we launched it in 2005 with the “new” Lollapalooza in Chicago.
FM: Why did you think adults would be interested in a day of family music?
TH: Adults love it. I have been told by many Chicago parents that they end up having even more fun than their kids. Perry and I have constructed the event to be appealing for families so it’s all about creation. Kids create music and art with their parents so it’s inclusive. It’s truly a family experience. In fact, the main conceit for the fest in the first place was sired out of the frustration Perry and I both felt for kids’ events in Los Angeles. I always found myself looking at my watch when taking my daughter to events, mostly because kids’ events are made for, well, kids. Kidzapalooza is about an immersive family experience.
FM: What else besides music will be going on there?
TH: We have a slew of activities, from the School of Rock Jam tent and the Hip Hop Workshop to breakdancing lessons and an exploration of the fine arts.
FM: Do you make family music? How is it different from making grown-up songs?
TH: My first family project was A World of Happiness, which I wrote and produced. It was the property that launched a thousand ships. Since I am a record producer, I have now produced several more projects, including the band Jambo, Milkshake, and the band Lunch Money. I make family music because I have to. For me, it’s one of the only genres that is wildly untapped and filled with potential. I feel like I am at the birth of jazz when everything was new.
FM: What do you think kids look for in music today? What tickles their fancy?
TH: Simply, it just has to be good. It’s what we all look for, something that moves us emotionally, makes us want to dance or is just plain fun. Family music has legitimized us all. It’s proof that parents and kids alike can appreciate the same music at the same time. It has evolved in the sense that family music can be genuine rock-n-roll or jazz or whatever as long as it’s not patronizing, not talking down, but rather “falling up” the hill of authenticity.
FM: Why Chicago? Do you have plans to stage the concert in other cities?
TH: It is where Lollapalooza takes place every Summer. We are blessed to be nestled within the confines of the larger festival. It’ s really great for families because kids 10 and under get in free.
FM: How hip do you have to be to be part of the festival? What are the criteria for bands to make the bill? Do they have to be bestselling artists?
TH: You don’t have to be hip at all. In fact, we discourage hip. It’s an affectation and there’s very little room for affectation amidst a festival that preaches truth. The criteria for bands are as simple as they just have to rock. I don’t care if they have press or a big following. They need to be excellent musicians, charismatic performers and, most of all, truly care about family.
FM: Do you have acts you feel are particularly outstanding for people to pay attention to?
TH: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is the best hip hop artist for families on the planet. Lunch Money is a breath of fresh air for anyone. Francis England is a beautiful singer from San Francisco. Ralph’s World is, well, in the history books! There are so many. I could list bands for days
FM: What do you think parents should do to make music more prominent in their children’s lives?
TH: Just play it more often. I grew up listening to my mother’s jazz records so I grew up as a jazz piano player and singer. She never forced me to take lessons (which I probably would have resisted as most kids do). She just put great music out there for me to discover. That’s the key. If we allow our children to discover it for themselves, the music will do all the parenting work for us.
The other thing parents can do is try making music with their children. If both parent and child are learning something together, the lessons become much more powerful and the skills we acquire will be remembered forever. Our children are a mirror of us parents. We do and they copy. If you play an instrument, have a sing-a-long night. Your kids might resist at first, but I guarantee you they will be mushy very soon.
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The full lineup of performers for Kidzapalooza includes, Care Bears on Fire, Frances England, Zach Gill, Lunch Money, Yuto Miyazawa, Paul Green’s School of Rock All Stars, Perry Farrell, Peter DiStefano & Tor Hyams, The Q Brothers, Quinn Sullivan, Ralph’s World, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. A number of special guests will be showing up as well.
For more information, go to Kidzapalooza.com or Kidzapalooza on Facebook.
