The Getty Center
Garden Concerts for Kids


Garden Concerts for Kids is a free outdoor music series for kids and their families in the Getty Center's Central Garden featuring some of the best children's musical artists from across the nation.

Please feel free to bring a picnic blanket, but lawn chairs are not allowed.

Generous support provided by the Getty Patron Program.

Next in the series

 

Pierce Freelon

Date: Saturday & Sunday, August 19 & 20, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Garden Concerts for Kids are held outdoors in the Central Garden weather permitting and may face cancellation in the event of rain.
Admission: Free. No ticketing required, though time-entry to the Getty Center must be made in advance. This event is outdoors.


Pierce Freelon's joyful music blends hip-hop, electronic jazz and soul. His dynamic sound is inspired by his journey as a millennial dad and crafted for today's modern families. Through honest and playful lyrics, rich melodies and fresh beats, he shares stories and welcomes kids and adults to his world.

Pierce's work has been featured on the TODAY Show and at NPR, Parents Magazine, and more. His album Black to the Future was nominated for Best Children's Music Album at the 2022 GRAMMY® Awards, the same year his mother Nnenna Freelon's album, Time Traveler, was nominated for Best Jazz Album, making history as the first mother and son to be nominated simultaneously. Hailing from Durham, North Carolina, Pierce is the founder of Galactic South, a boutique children's media company, and the founder of Blackspace, an Afrofuturist digital maker-space for youth.


Recently in the Series

Sonia De Los Santos
August 12 and 13, 2023
Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Sonia De Los Santos exudes the joy she sings about. This whole-hearted concert includes songs from her three family music albums: Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island (Parents Choice Gold Award Winner), ¡Alegría! (Latin Grammy Nominee) and Esperanza . Singing in Spanish and English, Sonia's music is inspired by various Latin American rhythms like son jarocho, cumbia and salsa, as well as folk traditions from the United States. It's hard not to smile when she's sharing some of her favorite things, like migrating birds, friendship, chocolate, and anecdotes about growing up in Mexico and realizing her childhood dream of moving to New York. In her highly interactive performances, kids and families love singing along in Spanish and English and dancing in and out of their seats while learning about musical instruments and rhythms from Latin America. Sonia's messages of finding hope and connection in our global community inspire and excite children and grown-ups of all backgrounds.

Renee & Jeremy
August 5 and 6, 2023
Renee & Jeremy are known for their hush indie-folk originals and covers that transform classic songs into quiet mantras. Solo artists in their own right, Renee Stahl and Jeremy Toback (also the original bassist of cult grunge band, Brad) combine to create a flavor of low harmony all their own. The duo first recorded soothing tunes for kids and families on 2006's It's A Big World, which has become a lullaby classic. They followed with 2012's A Little Love, which featured a breezy acoustic take on Queen's "You're My Best Friend," and the recent Whole Lotta Love, with indie-folk transformations of iconic tunes like "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Kids" and "Where Is My Mind?" Renee & Jeremy's new album, shout! is out this summer, with chill acoustic covers of "As It Was," "Shout," and "Our House," as well as easy groove originals like "Let The Day Reveal."

Jazzy Ash & Red Yarn
August 20 and 21, 2022
Acclaimed family jazz performer Jazzy Ash and folksinger and puppeteer Red Yarn team up to celebrate the release of their lively new EP, Sing Together. United by an appreciation of traditional American music, Jazzy Ash and Red Yarn stir their styles into a unique musical gumbo. Their new collaborative songs blend jazz, folk, soul, country and early rock'n'roll into a playful, varied sound. In performance, they also back each other up singing hits from their respective repertoires. Their friendship and the fun they have singing together are infectious – audiences will be singing and dancing right along!

Inez Barlatier Quintet
August 13 and 14, 2022
Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted performer of Ayisyen (Haitian) descent. With her quintet, she celebrates Ayiti (Haitian) art and culture through energetic drumming and singing, colorful costumes, and traditional dances, folktales, and visual art. Songs and phrases in Creole explore themes of community and gratitude. Joined onstage by her father, master percussionist Jan Sebon, and other talented young artists, Inez leads children on a journey to a land rich with history that has often been overlooked.

The Lucky Band
August 6 and 7, 2022
The Lucky Band create indie music sounds rooted in their whimsical child-friendly imaginations, with smart, crafty lyrics and irresistibly fresh pop beats. Spanish and English-language hits earned them several awards, including the Latin GRAMMY for best children's album of 2020 Buenos Dias and the 2013 Latin GRAMMY for best Latin children's album ¡Fantastico!. They're also the creators and stars of the Emmy-winning children's live-action TV show Lishy Lou and Lucky Too on PBS. Formerly called Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis have put out six acclaimed and award-winning records that explore all the wonders and joys of youth, via electric guitars, drums, and horns, as well as kazoos and toy pianos!

The Lucky Band
August 17 and 18, 2019
The Lucky Band create indie music sounds that are rooted in their whimsical child-friendly imaginations, with smart, crafty lyrics, and irresistibly fresh pop beats. Formerly called Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis have put out six acclaimed and award-winning records that offer a musical and topical range aimed at exploring all the wonder and joy of a young person's life. Spanish and English language hits earned them several awards, including the 2013 Latin Grammy Award for Best Latin Children's Album for their album ¡Fantastico!.

Okee Dokee Brothers
August 10 and 11, 2019
As childhood friends growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. Now, as the Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they have put this passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana folk music.

Elena Moon Park and Friends
August 3 and 4, 2019
Elena Moon Park is the leader of Elena Moon Park and Friends, a band that celebrates folk and children's music from all over East Asia, reinterpreted to mix various musical traditions, languages, styles, and stories. The tunes range from northern Japanese sea shanties to Tibetan jump rope rhymes, joyous Korean harvest sing-alongs, and Taiwanese train songs. Elena, who also plays fiddle, trumpet, mandolin, and more with Dan Zanes and Friends and Sonia De Los Santos, leads a fun and adventurous group of musicians for this cross-cultural musical fiesta. Expect to dance and sing tunes in Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, Tibetan, Taiwanese, Spanish, and English!

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players
August 18 and 19, 2018
Three-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. For nearly 20 years, Justin has been creating the soundtrack to families' lives, crafting songs that navigate the joys and sorrows of growing up. With his band, the Not Ready for Naptime Players, he dishes out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.

Moona Luna
August 11 and 12, 2018
After making a splash on the family music scene with their accordion-driven, Latin-inspired debut album Piñata Party, Moona Luna was dubbed "the missing soundtrack for bilingual/bicultural kids." Songwriter and bandleader Sandra Velasquez found inspiration in American pop hits of the '50s and '60s and crafted Spanish and English lyrics for each song, staying true to her bilingual mission. Moona Luna has performed all over the country—from the National Mall In Washington D.C. to Madison Square Park In New York City. Their third album, Panorama, celebrates their Latin roots and branches out to broader musical influences from the African diaspora. Consisting of ten upbeat songs that chronicle a family's bus adventure through South American, the album won a Parent's Choice Award.

Jazzy Ash
August 4 & 5, 2018
Jazzy Ash invites the whole family to come along on a Crescent City inspired, jazzy music adventure with her band the Leaping Lizards. Her songs celebrate the magic of movement, with a lot of sugar and sass thrown in, New Orleans–style. Her latest album, Swing Set features gypsy jazz, zydeco, swing, blues, and Dixieland to encourage kids and families to celebrate the music of New Orleans as part of the American folk music heritage.

Sonia De Los Santos
August 19 and 20, 2017
Sonia De Los Santos hails from Monterrey, Mexico and has spent ten years touring the world, singing in English and Spanish, playing guitar, mandolin, and jarana. This concert is filled with original songs, Latin American party tunes and new bilingual versions of American classics, making it a personal, and yet universal, musical story from a soulful and important new voice in family music. Messages of joyful community music making and cultural bridge-building will inspire and excite children and grown-ups of all backgrounds.

Dan Zanes with Claudia Eliaza, Pauline Jean, and Special Guests
August 12 and 13, 2017
Grammy award-winner Dan Zanes occupies a unique place in American music where sea shanties, folk music, the spirit of early rock 'n' roll, and soulful originals collide. For over 15 years he has performed everywhere from thrift shop basements to Carnegie Hall, from Brooklyn to Bahrain and beyond, meanwhile releasing over a dozen children's albums and several DVDs reconnecting people to forgotten songs. Routinely performing with a large roster of friends, Zanes will be joined by Haitian-American jazz vocalists Claudia Eliaza and Pauline Jean, and other special guests.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
August 5 and 6, 2017
Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo combines the excitement of hip hop with the magical world of childhood. With sophisticated instrumental funk and positive, witty wordplay, he performs classic hip-hop spiced with Motown, reggae, club thump, blues and the occasional pirate shanty—the perfect summer sound for the whole family.

Renee Stahl
August 20 and 21, 2016
Best known as half of the beloved family duo Renee & Jeremy, Renee Stahl will perform with a notable array of musical special guests as "Renee & Friends", drawing from her catalogue of gentle, heartfelt songs that will resonate with children and adults alike.

Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
August 13 and 14, 2016
Mista Cookie Jar is joined by his family band The Chocolate Chips to bring their signature blend of poetry, hip-hop, reggae, and bluegrass to the Getty, uniting rock star excitement with the warmth of family music.

José-Luis Orozco
August 6 and 7, 2016
Grammy award-winning José-Luis Orozco is an educator and recording artist who has dedicated his life to creating quality bilingual music celebrating Latin culture. Orozco will be joined by his band for what promises to be a spirited weekend of bilingual sing-alongs that excite children with culture and positivity.

The Not Its!
August 15 and 16, 2015
Seattle rockers The Not-Its! energize kids and families with their blend of bouncy pop and punk rock. Taking the stage with their signature pink and black tutus and skinny ties, their live concerts give children their first "rock show" experience. Appearing on the heels of their acclaimed 2014 release Raise Your Hand!, The Not-Its! create nonstop powerhouse songs that celebrate individuality, confidence, and the joys of being a kid!

Lisa Loeb
August 8 and 9, 2015
Twenty years after her platinum-selling hit song "Stay (I Missed You)," the Grammy-nominated pop star Lisa Loeb has channeled her wit, wacky humor, and sparkling creativity into the world of children's music. Inspiring kids with creative sing-along fun ever since her first children's book Lisa Loeb's Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs was released, Loeb's unconventional and whimsical spirit promises to delight the whole family!

Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards
August 1 and 2, 2015
Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards enchant children and grown-ups across the country with joyful, original music inspired by traditional New Orleans jazz culture. Influenced by her father's Trinidadian culture and her mother's Louisiana roots, Jazzy Ash leads a six-piece band of ukulele, guitar, banjo, accordion, fiddle, bass, trombone, washboard and more, to craft the sounds of early New Orleans jazz, zydeco, be-bop, and swing for young ears.

Alastair Moock
August 16 and 17, 2014
One of Boston's premier folk artists, Alastair Moock turned his attention to family music after the birth of his daughters. The Boston Globe calls him, "a Tom Waits for your tots, a Woody Guthrie for your progeny." His shows are rowdy, rootsy, singin' and dancin' fun for the whole family!

Shine and the Moonbeams
August 9 and 10, 2014
Soulful singer-songwriter Shawana Kemp and guitarist John Heagle introduce the sounds of classic funk, soul, blues, and jazz music to enthusiastic children as Shine and the Moonbeams. With infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and positively empowering lyrical themes, their songs encourage kids to celebrate life and get up and dance!

Mister G
August 2 and 3, 2014
Mister G is Ben Gundersheimer, a former indie rocker turned full-time family musician and teaching artist known for his collection of original bilingual (Spanish/English) songs that span a range of musical styles from bossa nova to ska, funk to folk. A riveting performer, Mister G is a leading figure in the children's music world.

Elizabeth Mitchell
August 17 and 18, 2013
Elizabeth Mitchell is firmly in the vanguard of modern American folk artists with her gorgeous vocals and spare arrangements. Joined by her extended family onstage, Mitchell brings new energy to a surprising range of songs from familiar favorites like Woody Guthrie, Van Morrison, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, among others, to obscure gems in Old English and Japanese.

Recess Monkey
August 10 and 11, 2013
Recess Monkey, the unstoppable trio of elementary-school teachers from Seattle, are one of the most prolific and eclectic kindie-bands out there. With apt comparisons to the Beatles, their infectious hooks and catchy melodies make for irresistible sing-alongs. They returned to Garden Concerts for Kids with brand new songs from their latest circus-inspired release, In Tents, a fantastical celebration of popcorn, Tilt-a-Whirls, human cannonballs, dancing bears, and more.

Okee Dokee Brothers
August 3 and 4, 2013
A 30-day canoe trip down the Mississippi inspired the Okee Dokee Brothers to write their Grammy-winning album, Can You Canoe? Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing put their passion for the great outdoors into every note of their signature blend of bluegrass and rock. Backed by a rollicking band on fiddle, cajon and upright bass, their Getty debut marked the beginning of an all-star season of Garden Concerts for Kids.

Bill Harley
August 18 and 19, 2012
Two-time Grammy Award–winner and "troubadour extraordinaire" (according to Parents' Choice) Bill Harley is a prolific author and recording artist. Using song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, school, and family life, Bill's work spans the generation gap with collections such as Monsters in the Bathroom, 50 Ways to Fool Your Mother, and Dad Threw the TV Out the Window, to name a few.

Randy Kaplan with David Tobocman and Friends
August 11 and 12, 2012
Randy Kaplan fingerpicked and strummed his way through American roots and delta blues with the ease of an inner tube floating down a lazy river. Parenting magazine says, "One of the most exciting newcomers to kids' music since Dan Zanes." Talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Tobocman and his band joined Randy onstage to share some "Very Helpful Songs" to make a feel-good family music jam.

Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players
August 4 and 5, 2012
The Getty Center was the only place to see kindie rock star Justin Roberts in Los Angeles this year! Roberts, who has climbed all the way to the top of the kids' music scene, returned to the Getty with tunes from his latest Grammy Award-nominated album, Jungle Gym.

Frances England
August 20 and 21, 2011
Singer-guitarist Frances England sings about bicycles, ladybugs, and Jacques Cousteau on her Parent's Choice Gold Award-winning album, Mind Of My Own. With warm, indie-folk melodies and alt-rock rhythms, England's incredibly creative and slightly off-beat take on family life has inspired a world of fans since her 2007 breakout album, Fascinating Creatures.

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
August 13 and 14, 2011
Grammy nominated, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could is a rollicking back-porch rock 'n' roll band with a feel-good R & B foundation. This music had families up and dancing and smiling from ear to ear! They "might just be the best-sounding band in children's music," according to National Public Radio.

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
August 6 and 7, 2011
One of the brightest new artists on the kids' music scene is local gem Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. This Silver Lake trio was named the best new kids' artist of 2010 by USA Today. Their fresh rockabilly, retro tunes, and indie goodness opened the 2011 Garden Concerts for Kids series, with songs from their album, Oh Lucky Day!

Sarah Lee Guthrie and Family
August 21 and 22, 2010
Sarah Lee Guthrie brought charm and heart to her alt-country music for children and families. Accompanied by her husband Johnny Irion and kids, Guthrie continued the song-making tradition forged by her grandfather Woody and father Arlo, presenting thoughtful, playful music inspired by folk traditions, as well as bright new compositions.

Elizabeth Mitchell and Family
August 14 and 15, 2010
Sharing "handmade" songs from their upcoming album, Sunny Day, Elizabeth Mitchell, her husband Daniel Littleton and their nine-year-old daughter Storey reminded us of the joy to be found in the simplest moments of everyday life. Breathtaking vocals, fresh new arrangements and harmonica solos by Storey made for a magical weekend. Plus, the audience picked up a copy of Sunny Day before its October release!

Milkshake
August 7 and 8, 2010
Milkshake is a band on a mission: to create great rock music for kids. Led by alt-pop and rock veterans Lisa Mathews and Mikel Gehl, Milkshake's lively attitude and lyrically lighthearted songs have won fans of all ages and got audiences dancing with their authentic rock-and-roll spirit.

Recess Monkey
August 15 and 16, 2009
Striking a balance between goofy and cerebral, Recess Monkey performed fun tunes about the many topics of a child's day, from putting on your socks to the troubles with homework.

Trout Fishing in America
August 22 and 23, 2009
The four-time Grammy nominated duo Trout Fishing in America harbors the uncanny ability to create a full-bodied ensemble sound, using only guitar and bass. The long-standing musical partnership of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet brought their infectious mix of folk/pop and family music to the Garden Concerts for Kids series.

Justin Roberts
August 29 and 30, 2009
As one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene, Justin Roberts and his bandmates—The Not Ready for Naptime Trio—dished out intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.


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