Justin Roberts with special guests

Like a scene from "Groundhog Day," the event repeats itself over and over. Bass and drums pound out the beat in perfect unison. Bodies spring to their feet and rush the stage; jumping, dancing and bouncing off each other like bumper cars. The concertgoers behave like children. This should come as no surprise, because they are children, participating in the kiddie mosh pit found at nearly every Justin Roberts concert.  GRAMMY Nominated, Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. He logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children's show business. With numerous national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.  Justin's latest CD Recess rocks with gigantic electric guitars, intricate vocal harmonies, and impossibly catchy melodies that will burrow deep into your brain. In his most unrestrained release yet, Justin explores the world from multiple perspectives - kids who love to play, the proud but exhaused parents of twins, and a loyal pet dog, just to name a few. Whether kids are jumping through the chalked boxes of "Hopscotch" or running around the playground to the triumphant electric rock of "Recess," these 12 original songs will add energy to any day. The limited-edition CD Package includes a pop-up robot, and secret web links to craft activities and bonus media.  This ninth family music CD from Justin Roberts continues a hot streak that started in the early 1990s. Roberts began his music career in the Minneapolis-based indie-rock band Pimentos for Gus. He decided to moonlight (during the day) as a Montessori preschool teacher. It wasn't long before Justin began writing and singing songs for a new generation of fans: his students. The kids immediately responded and inspired Justin to record some of his new songs and send them out to a few friends for Christmas. One of the gift recipients was Liam Davis, a college pal and music producer, who suggested that they record the songs professionally.  In 1997, Justin released his first CD, Great Big Sun, and the critics took note. Justin's music was soon being compared to everyone from Elvis Costello and Fountains of Wayne to Paul Simon, ELO and Nick Lowe. By 2001, Justin had hit the road full time, doing what he loves most: playing music for appreciative crowds. Kiddie mosh pits broke out, word spread and shows started selling out. He has played at such renowned venues and festivals as NYC's Symphony Space, DC's National Geographic Live, LA's Getty Museum, Seattle's Moore Theater, Lollapalooza and Chicago's Ravinia.  Justin has performed in front of millions of people on The Today Show, he's featured on Nick Jr. TV, and his song "Get Me Some Glasses" was featured on a World Series broadcast. He's also garnered kudos and raves from national media including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, People, Entertainment Weekly, and the Chicago Tribune.  Once again, Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players raise the bar for family music with a playground full of bright new songs for parents and kids to enjoy together. Roberts explores the joy and freedom of recess, the marvels of the imagination, and that unique combination of melancholy and wonder as school finally lets out for the summer.  What critics are saying about Justin Roberts: “A master of conjuring up images that resonate with the young ones.” — Entertainment Weekly.  “He has a remarkable ability to see through a child’s eyes... the Judy Blume of kiddie rock” — New York Times.  “Hands down the best songwriter in the genre.” — USA Today"On your feet fun and laugh-out-loud funny." — People.  "The Buddy Holly of the kids' world, perhaps with a better voice." — Time Out NY Kids.  "Some of the most inspired and intelligent kids lyrics ever." — Amazon.com.  "Hits all the right magical buttons to charm parents and children alike." — Minneapolis Star-Tribune.  Awards, Accolades and High Fives:  GRAMMY nominee for Jungle Gym in 2010.  "Best Children's Music of the Past 30 Years" (Meltdown) — Time Out NY Kids.  Winner of Seven Parents' Choice Gold Awards, and Naptime was selected for Parents' Choice 25 Best Children's CDs of the Past 25 Years.  Winner of Six National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Gold Awards.  Amazon.com Top 10 Children's CDs of the Year four times.  #1 Children's CD of the Year - Fids and Kamily Poll in 2006, 2008, and 2010.



Past Shows

  • Sun, May 3 - 3pm - $12 - ALL AGES