Call it punk-rock parenting, goo-goo for Gaga, or munchkins with mohawks.
For the sixth year in a row,Lollapaloozais coming to Chicago this weekend, bringing more than 100 acts and a decidedly family-friendly approach to the craziest three days of the summer.
The fest showcases music for all tastes: nostalgia withSoundgarden,Green Day and Blues Traveler; world-dominating glory from Lady Gaga; indie pop fromThe Strokes, The New Pornographers andThe National; soul power fromErykah Badu; heavy-duty guitar business by The Black Keys, andWolfmother; and a handful of newcomers for those looking for the next big thing.
Organizers strive each year to make the event a family affair - one where today's cool parents can enjoy themselves along with their young ones - and this year is no exception.For parents who'd prefer that their kids not jam out to Cypress Hill's "Hits from a Bong" (we can't imagine why not) or get a glimpse of Gaga's sensationalistic booty, the Kidzapalooza stage is perfect.
The featured acts are tailored to appeal to both kids and adults alike. No saccharine Barney or Wiggles imitators here. Instead, the stage is booked with festival organizer/Jane's Addiction frontmanPerry Farrell, ex-Porno for Pyrosguitarist Peter DiStefano, Nineties alterna-poppersThe Verve Pipeand Ed Kowalczyk from Live, and more performing sets designed to please kids without putting their parents to sleep.
The stage also finds kids themselves strutting their musical chops.School of Rock, the local class that introduces kids to rock performance, the Chicago Youth Symphony (performing withDan ZanesofThe Del Fuegos), and more are given equal billing amongst thebig guns- a brilliant move that serves both as a spotlight on young talent and, hopefully, as an inspiration to young music fans and musicians in the audience.
Of course, it takes more than just a stage of music to keep kids' focus. Luckily, this is covered with kid-centric activities galore: video karaoke, painting and screenprinting areas; hip hop, skateboarding and break dancing workshops; a drum area to bang out aggression; andbody paintingand hairstyling stations where kids can get temporary tattooed and mohawked.
Just like good ol'Mom and Dad.
Lollapalooza runsAug. 6-9in Grant Park. For more details, visitwww.lollapalooza.com
A version of this article first appeared in Chicago Parent's sister newspaper Chicago Journal.