Summer Camps

SMITH & YARN; KELLI WELLI

Playlist: Two Cool

This month we’ve got two new albums from three wonderful local kids’ musicians!

Local legends Aaron Nigel Smith and Red Yarn, aka Andy Furgeson, have joined up on a new album Smith & Yarn. The tracks blend their signature styles of reggae, funk, folk and rockin’ country into a unique blend of sounds and cultural traditions. The connection between the longtime friends clearly comes through on all the tracks — as does the activist spirit for which both artists are known. Standout tracks include Brothers & Sisters, Swing Your Partner and Make Some Change. A who’s who of kindie artists also contributed to the album including Rissi Palmer, Father Goose, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, and Portland’s Mo Phillips and Kelli Welli. Recommended for all ages.

Kelli Welli has a new album called Robots Don’t Tell Jokes that is packed with silly and sweet songs. Kelli Welli won the grand prize for the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the children’s music category. She’s churned out an album a year since 2020, so clearly she’s a font of songwriting ideas! On her latest album, the opening track Rainbow Love Song is the heart-bursting love you feel for your kids and your very best moments with them distilled into a song. Kids will love to sing along to Stinky Shoe, which is extra fun with its Irish punk sound. Another track kiddos will dig: Dognado, a song that captures the furry chaos of lots of pups romping through the house. And the adorably cute, I’m a Mama Monkey reminded me of a song my daughter sang to me when she was toddler. Recommended for ages 0 to 8. — D.C.

CIRCUS CAMPS

Trapeze Juggling Fabric Tumbling Dance & More

Find more summer camps and other familyfriendly local businesses in our online directory: pdxparent.com/ directory

Now at two locations!

Check out our new outdoor space at Zidell Yards

www.thecircusproject.org