I have incredibly fond memories of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival from my childhood. During university I attended a show; I felt like a fraud being there without kids. When my boys were born I couldn’t wait to take them. Finally they are old enough and we soaked in the experience. I think they found Kids’ Fest as magical as I did (and still do).
We started our experience with the Bobs & Lolo PJ concert. Not only were our kids in pjs, but my parents were too (they are such good sports). If you haven’t taken your kids to see a Bobs & Lolo performance, you need to. They are terrific entertainers. I can confidently say I have all 4 of their CDs memorized; in fact when the kids make a request, I know which CD and which track the requested song is on. Even better, I’m not tired of their music; that’s how good they are! Our kids were a little star-struck getting to meet the one-and-only Lolo in person.
On Saturday night we attended the Variety Show. We had the pleasure of sampling the musical and performing talents of: Robert Morgan of Morgan’s Journey, Cirque Zuma Zuma, Grand Dérangement, James Hill, Aboulaye Koné and Nathalie Cora of Baobab. The Variety Show is an absolute must-see event! While I would love to see all the performances at the Children’s Festival, the Variety Show enables you to see tidbits from many of the top attractions. Each and every act was phenomenal and entertaining. From the clogging and fiddling of Grande Derangement to the ukelele prowess of James Hill to the physical-awesomeness of Cirque Zuma Zuma, the kids and adults were on the edges of our seats for the entire 90 minute performance.
On Sunday morning we capped off our Kids’ Fest activities with a performance by Charlotte Diamond. It was the perfect way to end my trip down memory lane; Charlotte Diamond performed at my elementary school many moons ago. She didn’t disappoint in the slightest. The entire tent was rocking! Kids, parents and grandparents were up on their feet singing along to hits like: I Am a Pizza; Octopus (aka Slippery Fish); and the favourite Four Hugs A Day. I’m so tickled my two monkeys got to see a childhood-favourite of mine perform in person; a real treat!
Once again the Vancouver International Children’s Festival put on a terrific event. We are all eagerly awaiting next year’s festival. Congrats Kids’ Fest!
