Klezmer Kid

 

The best thing about living in Toronto is the easy access to food, tradition and, of course, the music of different cultures.  This weekend I took Evan to Free Times Cafe for their Sunday brunch which features live Klezmer and Yiddish bands each week.

When I found out this was going on I decided to skip our Music Together class for the week and check it out.  In my excitement I neglected to realized that although the brunch starts at 11:00, the music does not start until 11:45.  Since the brunch (and music) ends in the early afternoon it might be tricky for some nap times. Anyway, we arrived at 11:00, did a round of the buffet, ate and I felt despair when I realized this only took about 10 minutes.  I found myself trying to kill half an hour in a small restaurant with Evan getting increasingly tired and difficult.  After what felt like eternity the music started and he was thrilled – so was I.  As everyone else sat and enjoyed a fantastic performance by The Horables he rocked out in front of the stage and I sat thinking how life was great and music is amazing – especially at distracting a tired child.

Free Times is small and not that great a space for active toddlers who are waiting for a band to start playing but they are very welcoming of kids.  They have high-chairs and a small area for folded strollers (I was glad I had an umbrella stroller with me and not a full-size).  Free Times has a wonderful clientele of all ages and so with the welcoming of kids there is also the welcoming of the opinionated elderly who have grandchildren that speak in full sentences  by 14 months and like to point out to you what you are doing wrong or right with the food you are offering your child.  I left a huge tip for our waiter who accommodated all the extra spoons and napkins and long periods of leaving the table and moving tables to be closer to the music with complete calm and genuine service.  I was very grateful.

Klezmer music has a special place in my heart not only from the many Jewish weddings I played while I was at Juilliard but from my first introduction to it at New England Conservatory in Boston.  A fellow student, Michael Winograd, decided to break with our western “classical” concert traditions and start performing  traditional Klezmer music.  His energy and enthusiasm, the quality of the performances and how he rallied the students behind this genre always stayed with me and added a fond memory to my love this music.  I want Evan to love it too.  I plan to make this brunch experience part of his life and his memories as he grows up in this city.

Toddler at the TSO (Toronto Symphony Orchestra)

I decided to break the rules and take my 2 year old to one of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts.  We had a great time!  At one point Evan leaned over the chair in front and said “this is cool”.  Is there anything more wonderful than watching a child light up to a new experience?  And music is such an easy pleaser for all children.

The TSO recommends their Young People’s concerts to kids between the ages of 5 and 12.  I seriously considered this before I decided to take Evan.  I found myself feeling totally indignant about this age suggestion.  Kids start instruments at 3 and 4 and the best way to get them interested in playing is to show them what is possible.  “Five is too old I was thinking” as I brought Evan in the front doors of Roy Thompson Hall last Saturday.  And then he pooped.  Somehow the combination of classical music and poop doesn’t seem likely but add a two year old and you’ve got a problem.  In my excitement, not only did I forget to actually bring any diapers, I realized there would be no change tables!  We managed, but take note parents, Roy Thompson is ill equipped for diaper changes.

What are the biggest fears one might have about bringing a toddler to a concert?

Tantrums

Well, when I bought the tickets (which are amazingly inexpensive to hear a professional orchestra – ours were $18) I reasoned with myself that there was a risk we would have a bad day and we would simply have to leave.  When you realize you can just leave, it makes it seem a lot more possible.  I decided that yes I was willing to pay a small amount for however many minutes we’d last for this experience! I also made sure that Evan was well slept and well fed before we went.

Talking/Yelling at Awkward Moments

Evan was in a state of quiet awe for a lot of the time which was amazing because he normally never shuts up.  There were a couple of outbursts which made me nervous and made the little girl in front of us turn around and say “shhh” to him but then I listened around me and kids were talking all over the place.  We were in good company!

This is a safe space for kids to express themselves about what they are hearing.  It would be even more safe and welcoming if the age restriction was widened a bit TSO!  I see there is a very serious and formal message in the FAQ section on the TSO website for it to be at the parents’ discretion.  This makes complete sense but shouldn’t the message be more on the side of welcoming all children to come and enjoy the city’s highest level of music making?  To parents I say, bring them at all ages!