My kids dug last week’s performance at Strathmore’s Backyard Theater. Every lawn seat in “the house” is close to the stage. Last week there was an all-you-can-eat sno cone bar to help the kids cool off and the tent provided great shade. Moms were nursing, kids were dancing, napping, crying, clapping, snacking – the definition of kid-friendly.

Charlie and Eve found the musical performance interesting, paid attention and were non-fidgety for the entire show – no small feat. Strathmore seems to have found the sweet spot of acts that are educational and entertaining for kids and parents alike.

You guys can have a great time too! Today and all remaining Thursdays in July, catch the innovative family performances at both 9:30am and 11:30am on the lawn of the Mansion at Strathmore. Grab a seat under the tent, bring a blanket or low chairs and take in these special performances for kids for just $6 per adult or big kid (kids under 3 are free.)

Today’s performance:

Lesole’s Dance Project, a traditional and modern South African dance company. “Founded by South African dancer and teacher Lesole Maine, this dance and drum ensemble performs an Afro-Fusion repertoire including Gumboots, Indlamu and Panstula.” Lesole’s is based in Silver Spring…holla!

Future performances:

July 16 – Red Grammer, goofy singing dude with a guitar, featured on Disney Channel
July 23 – Charlotte Blake Alston, West African griot, a storyteller, musician and keeper of oral traditions
July 30 – Kim & Reggie Harris, Music and the Underground Railroad – songs, stories and audience participation.

Parking is free in the Mansion Lot on a space-available basis, enter at 10701 Rockville Pike in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Last week for the 11:30am show all parking was gone, so we parked at the Metro station. Probably would have been an even better call to take the Metro. Metro is Grosvenor-Strathmore.

To reserve and purchase tickets, visit www.strathmore.org. For more information call (301) 581-5100.

Other fun stuff at Strathmore:

Tonight and Friday night, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra provides live music while Hitchcock’s classic Psycho plays onscreen. Imagine those crazy strings playing and you’ll never shower again. 8pm tonight/Thursday, 7:30pm Friday at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets here.

The Magical Music of Disney is next week’s theme by the BSO at the Music Center at Strathmore. The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King soundtrack favorites will be played live by the symphony with accompanying film clips. 8pm Thursday July 16, 7:30pm Friday July 17 at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets here.