On Sale Tomorrow: Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods

This summer, the Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods will feature 34 performances from local, national, international and GRAMMY-nominated artists who represent folk, kindie-rock, storytelling, theatre, puppetry, and ballet. These shows are recommended for ages 4 and up and run Tuesday through Saturday mornings at 10:30 am. After many performances, children are invited to meet the artists and join free National Park Service activities.

Here is more information on each of these exciting performances:

Hot Peas 'N Butter
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 26 & 27
Take a trip around the world with a three-time winner of the Parents' Choice Award. Inspired by their international backgrounds, this New York City based group incorporates both English and Spanish lyrics, blending Latin and Afro-Caribbean beats with a mix of jazz, rock and pop. Come explore the rhythms of the world- no passport required!

Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance
Thursday, June 28
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Emerald Isle! Dressed in beautifully ornate Irish costumes, this large group of young dancers puts on a breathtaking display of rapid-fire footwork performed in perfect unison, accompanied by the energetic rhythms of Celtic music that will have your whole family tapping along.

Eric Brace & Peter Cooper
Friday & Saturday, June 29 & 30
Drawing inspiration from nature, this Nashville duo presents gentle country melodies and charming lyrics from their 2011 GRAMMY-nominated album, I Love: Tom T. Hall's Songs of Fox Hollow. This creative revitalization of a classic children's album inspires compassion, mindfulness, and preservation and is guaranteed to delight both children and parents alike.

DinoRock
Tuesday, July 3
Travel back to a time when dinosaurs ruled the land with this GRAMMY-nominated audience favorite. In this interactive production, giant colorful puppets present an engaging story that teaches as well as entertains. Characters such as Stella Stegosaurus and Tootsie the tap dancing Triceratops are sure to inspire your imagination during this unforgettable journey into science, nature and history.

Elizabeth Mitchell
Thursday - Saturday, July 5 - 7
Celebrate the simple joys of nature as Smithsonian Folkways Recordings artist Elizabeth Mitchell performs classic melodies alongside her husband and young daughter. Led by Mitchell's delightfully appealing vocals, these sweet, inspiring songs will remind you of the warmth and cheerfulness of a sunny day. "Whether she's singing in English, Spanish, Japanese, or Korean, she embodies the spirit of folk music. Guthrie and Seeger would be proud" (Cookie Magazine).

Coal Train Railroad
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 10 & 11
All aboard! Pulling in from Nashville, Tennessee, this hip ensemble takes children and families into the delightful and playful world of jazz. Parents and critics agree that their newest CD, Coal Train Railroad Swings!, "is musical, smart, and most importantly fun" (ZooGlobble.com). This quirky, feel-good collection of songs is written from a child's point of view and sung by sassy jazz vocalist Katy Bowser. Coal Train Railroad is one train you won't want to miss.

Aaron Nigel Smith
Thursday, July 12
Aaron Nigel Smith's reggae-rock beats infuse a fresh sound into children's classics such as "Muffin Man" and "Simon Says." Designed to get kids moving, his live performances are high-energy, interactive shows that invite the audience to jump, play, sing and dance through a collection of exuberant songs. Smith is well-known from the PBS KIDS Emmy Award-winning show Between the Lions.

The Jimmies
Friday & Saturday, July 13 & 14
Kindie-rock queen Ashley Albert and her band bring edge, sophistication, humor and style to the kingdom of kid's music. Named one of 2011's Best Children's CDs by The Washington Post, The Jimmie's new album, Practically Ridiculous, "is like a delicious sugar-filled dessert: it will make you giggle with delight." Their wildly energetic performances prove this group has no shortage of crazy ingenuity with catchy, upbeat songs.

Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 17 & 18
A fiddle, a guitar, a bass- and a cookie tin? Named "one of America's most inventive string bands" by The Boston Herald, this dynamic group will charm families with their vivacious persona and their unique blend of blues, swing and country. This award-winning roots quartet introduces children to a whole new sound and incorporates everything from a ukulele and banjo to a cardboard box and suitcase.

Robbie Schaefer
Thursday, July 19
Guitarist from folk-pop group Eddie From Ohio and host of Sirius XM radio's Kids Place Live, Robbie Schaefer delivers Songs for Kids Like Us, a collection of "catchy, clever and slightly cheeky tunes that take you on a romp through musical styles and colorful arrangements" (CDBaby). Sing along to "Cowboy Bob" and shout out with "Chicken Lips." It's a concert that reminds the whole family just how fun it is to be a kid.

Kirov Academy of Ballet
Friday & Saturday, July 20 & 21
Dance lovers will delight in the extraordinary talents of these young dancers. Through a series of beautifully designed vignettes, the Kirov Academy reveals the secrets, techniques and history of one of the world's most elegant art forms. The show culminates with a performance of an enchanting Russian ballet that is filled with ornate costumes, breathtaking balances, and gravity-defying leaps.

Matthais Kuchta - The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats
Tuesday - Saturday, July 24 - 28
Enchanting hand-made puppets come to life in this magical rendition of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. Internationally acclaimed German puppeteer Mathis Kuchta uses life-size puppets to share the story of seven little goats that let a wicked wolf into their home. Full of heart with a touch of humor, this old world classic is sure to awaken the imaginations of children ages six to 60.

The Okee Dokee Brothers
Tuesday - Thursday, July 31 - August 2
The Okee Dokee Brothers are a modern-day Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer who travel down the Mississippi River looking for adventure and writing songs along the way. Their nature-inspired lyrics and catchy bluegrass melodies encourage kids to have fun in the great outdoors through songs such as "Bluegrass for Breakfast" and "Woody the Apple Tree." The Minnesota-based duo is winner of the Parents' Choice Award for their 2010 album Take it Outside.

Pushcart Players - Happily Ever After... A Cinderella Tale
Friday & Saturday, August 3 & 4

Dreams really do come true as the classic story of Cinderella comes to life onstage. Happily Ever After... A Cinderella Tale is a lively musical performance that features music by the Tony Award-winning composer Larry Hochman. Children will delight in this timeless tale long after the clock strikes midnight.

Before the People Came

Tuesday - Thursday, August 7 - 9
Discover the importance of sharing and friendship as the musical Before the People Came unfolds. Hit by a terrible drought, a group of animals must overcome their differences and work together to survive. Based on an African fable, the production features a combination of poetry, dance, and delightfully imaginative costumes accompanied by an eclectic blend of jazz, blues, pop and African rhythms.

Justin Roberts
Friday & Saturday, August 10 & 11
GRAMMY-nominated pop-rock star Justin Roberts has been hailed by USA Today as "the Paul McCartney of kids' music." Known for his cleverly insightful lyrics that touch on all aspects of childhood, his recordings take listeners on a journey through iconic experiences that kids will relate to and parents will remember. Backed by his band The Not Ready for Naptime Players, Roberts delivers an unparalleled interactive performance.

All performances go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, April 28. Tickets are $8 or $10. Children under two are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit here.