Lah-Lah's Big Live Band - Review

When the school holidays come along there are always lots of things on for 5-12 year olds to do but babies and toddler activites are few and far between. Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band show at the Enmore theatre is perfect for all of the above age groups and adults will find themselves singing and dancing along as well.

Tina Harris, Lah-Lah, and her band bring a hands on concert experience to children, helping them discover the magical world of music by playing lots of different styles of music to get them moving and dancing, even encouraging the audience to try out the instruments and meet the performers after the show. There is a double bass, drums, saxophone and accordion to check out, and lots of percussion instruments are brought out for children to play along with the band during part of the performance.

Many parents in the inner west will be familiar with Tina’s musical talents as she runs Kindermusik classes for 0-5 year olds during school terms. You won’t be disappointed it’s a fantastic show, running this week and next week until October 18th at the Enmore Theatre in Newtown. http://www.enmoretheatre.com.au/events/2009/10/07/lah-lahs-adventures-proms-for-little-people

Review by Lisa Clarke

Music at Lennox House - NSW

Last week I took my 3 month old baby to Lennox House in Newtown- NSW for their Tiny Tots music session. Lennox house is a parent and child learning centre in Newtown run by the Department of Education and Training for children from birth to 5 years old.

They have lots of different activities throughout the week like playgroup, baby gym and occasional care and also have a toy library which only costs $15 a year to join. The music session is every Tuesday afternoon at 2 and costs $2.50. Michelle who runs the session makes it really interactive, she plays guitar and has books and toys to accompany the songs.

The children attending usually range from 3 months old to preschoolers, but I think songs and nursery rhymes are great for language development and creative play for children of all ages. The children are also invited to dance along try out some of the Lennox House instruments.

If you’re looking for something to do on a Tuesday afternoon the music session is a drop in program.
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You can contact Lennox House on 9519 3839, they are at 229 Australia St in Newtown.

Reel Mums

Before I had a baby I used to go to the cinema a few times a week, and I’m happy to discover that I can still go, and the baby can come too. Friends had told me they would bring their babies in to regular cinema sessions, and despite sitting at the back and baby sleeping quietly would get filthy looks from other patrons. Whilst babies and children are allowed into general sessions at all cinemas (subject to age restriction on certain films), many cinemas have special sessions for parents and children.

Every Thursday morning at 10am the Dendy cinema in Newtown has one of these screenings called Reel Mums, where a bit of noise is expected. The price of admission is $14 for adults and includes a free babycino at the Cinque café beside the cinema. Children under 5 are free. I brought my baby in a baby sling, but if you have a stroller they can be left in the lobby outside the theatre. Generally there are very few people in the mornings movies at the Dendy, so you can have your pick of seats. In the session I went to there were about 10 children, mostly young babies, and their parents and a few other people who didn’t have children with them.

The lights were dimmed but still dark enough to enjoy the movie and although they said the sound was lowered for the screening I didn’t notice. There were a few cries here and there, and some mums feeding their babies or walking up and down the aisles during the session. The good thing is that you know everyone will be tolerant so you don’t have to worry that your baby is going to wake and disturb everyone, and you don’t have to feel bad about having a little chat to your friend about the movie.

Reel Mums is highly recommended. It was great to be able to get out of the house with the baby and do something that I would normally do anyway, and also a good excuse to have a choc top before lunch. Many cinemas in Australia have parent and child sessions, some of which are listed here , and the Dendy lists the month’s movies in their website. Next Thursday’s session is Clubland, showing at 10am at the Dendy Newtown, 261-263 King St Newtown. For bookings phone: 02 9550 5699.