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Live Concerts for Little Rockers

Where to Beat the Winter Blues

mr. singer!

Your restless little sidekick is singing the winter blues. And it sure isn’t pretty.

Keep everyone upbeat by checking out the city’s best regular gigs for the tiniest of groupies.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Mr. Singer plays a rollicking show at Farm-in-the-Zoo every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 and 10 a.m. He makes learning animal sounds and the alphabet fun with original songs played on acoustic guitar. North Cannon Drive, at Fullerton Parkway (312-742-2000). Admission is free.

Beat Kitchen
The grown-up venue puts on training pants every Sunday at noon. Musicians change weekly: On February 12, Mr. Singer & the Sharp Cookies (his full band) swing through, and on February 18, folk-pop favorite Joanie Leeds takes the stage. 2100 West Belmont Street, at Hoyne Avenue (773-281-4444). Admission is $6.

Little Beans Cafe
Open play, dinner, and a live concert are on the bill once a month. After pizza and ice cream, musicians go to town in the corner of the playroom, where there is space for dancing. Joanie Leeds plays February 17; Laura Doherty plays March 9. 1809 West Webster Avenue, at North Wood Street (773-251-1025). Admission is $25-$55 per family.

Whole Foods Lincoln Park
Teachers from Bubbles Academy cycle through playful songs every Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. The toddler-friendly show includes lots of sing-alongs and silly hand motions. 1550 North Kingsbury Street, at Sheffield Avenue (312-587-0648). Admission is free.

Now beat it out of the house.

this week in chicago!
LOVE
Be My Valentine Family Event
What:
Show affection with a brunch buffet, cookie decorating, a concert by Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players, and a performance of Pinkalicious: the Musical.
Why: It benefits Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., at Michigan Ave. For tickets, call 312-926-7133 or email tlamar@nmh.org. Adults, $85; children, $55.

PLAY
Circus Zirkus
What:
Kids make like acrobats and swing on a trapeze, dress up in costumes, and practice tumbling and balancing skills at the just-opened exhibit.
Why: It feels good to clown around.
When: Thru Aug. 12.
Where: Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., at the Navy Pier (312-527-1000). Admission, $12.

BOUNCE
Sweets & Treats Valentine’s Day Celebration
What:
Go bananas on inflatable slides and in jump houses, then enjoy a pizza dinner.
Why: A drop-off option is available for ages 5-13, so you can have a date night.
When: Fri., 6-9 p.m.
Where: Pump It Up, 821 W. Eastman St., at Dayton St. (312-664-7867). Children, $15; adults, $5. Drop-off, $25. Tickets online at pumpitupparty.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Singer

Location
1809 W Webster Ave
@ N Wood St
Chicago, IL 60614
773-251-1025
Whole Foods Market
1550 N Kingsbury St
@ Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
312-587-0648
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 E Pearson St
@ Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
312-266-1000
700 E Grand Ave
@ the Navy Pier
Chicago, IL 60611
312-527-1000
821 W Eastman St
@ Dayton St
Chicago, IL 60642
312-664-7867
N Cannon Dr
@ Fullerton Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
2100 W Belmont Ave
@ Hoyne Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-281-4444
MAP IT!