Community Corner

Kindie Rock comes to Brighton Library

Zippity2Dads — like my band, the Mydols — make music for children ... and their parents.

In my other life, outside of Brighton Patch, I am bassist for the Mydols. We're a band of moms, with 13 children altogether, and we're part of the "kindie rock" scene, a genre of music that strives to appeal to children and their hipster parents at the same time.

Here in Metro Detroit, we've done gigs with fellow kindie rockers the Candy Band, Mr. Seley and the Troublemakers and the Swingset Mamas. East Lansing-based The Verve Pipe, known for its '90s hit "The Freshman," recently released its first family album and performed this month at the .

At 2 p.m. Saturday, Zippity2Dads will bring its brand of "non-parent-annoying" tunes to the . The concert is part of the library's , which includes refreshments, door prizes, parenting displays and storytelling from 1-4 p.m.

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Zippity2Dads comprise Shawn Ryskamp of Oxford (vocals, percussion) and Tagg Smith of Waterford (guitars, keyboards, bass, percussion, vocals). The two men got together in 2005 and have since released three albums, Thumbs up for Character, Having Fun in Zanzibar and Just Being a Kid.

With seven children between them, these dads know how to keep children entertained, and their shows incorporate comedy, improvisation and audience participation. They also aim to teach.

Find out what's happening in Brightonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Ryskamp, the duo will play a 45-minute set called "Feed Your Mind."

"Reading, language and listening skills are heightened in a fun type of way we like to call 'Edutainment,' " Ryskamp said. "We take the kids — and parents — on a musical imagination tour."

Original songs include "Costume Box," which brings imaginary characters to life; "Super Duper Hero," which teaches children to lend a helping hand; and "Jungle Jive," which encourages audience participation.

According to Margaret Vergith, hosting bands and musicians is nothing new at BDL.

"We have had entertainment annually for years," said Vergith, spokesperson for the library. "Many of the musicians that we hear about perform at various library conferences, or our staff (members) network with other libraries to see who they've used and if they like them."

The library usually brings in big performers for special events, such as the Summer Reading Program, Holiday Open House and Springfest, Vergith said.

"We like to book musicians for the youth department that would appeal to the whole family," she said. "The teen and adult department, however, have had rock musicians, barbershop quartets, The Stardust Big Band, folk musicians and Celtic performers."

Carla Sharp, head of youth services, said Zippity2Dads are "upbeat and catchy, and their lyrics help to promote family values."

Best of all, the concert doesn't cost a dime.

"It's a great way to let people see and hear, for free, different kinds of music in a family-friendly venue," said Mary Ann Scott, head of adult services.

The Mydols have played at several libraries, and we've always had great, interactive crowds. So, come out to support Zippity2Dads and become a kindie rocker yourself.


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