Gregg (long time musician and radio producer) and I (lover of music and Gregg) took our lovely children to Stomp last week.  Ian (age 7) is currently being schooled by his Dad on Punk Rock and has plans for starting a band.  Brooklyn (age 6) is a budding starlet who confesses she has stage fright (I don’t believe it) and makes a party out of every day.  We love to introduce life’s joys to our kids and music definitely tops that list.

The family got gussied up to head down to the beautiful Midland Theatre – a first for the kids.  We went down early and after stopping for a slice at Grinders, roamed around the perimeter of the P&L on a mild Friday night and marveled at the beauty of the P&L building itself.  Brooklyn asked if we were in New York City.  While we go downtown often, I don’t think she had walked in the shadows of the buildings before.

The anticipation was high as we waited in the lobby for seating.  The kids, with programs in hand, eyed the ornate surroundings and couldn’t wait to experience all the hullaballoo Mom and Dad talked about.  Once we were seated and had a moment to get settled, the lights dimmed as a lone man swept the stage floor.  The crowd hushed and the kids sat at attention.  I’m not sure the kids knew what to think. Is this why we came here?  To watch a man sweep?  But then, when he was joined by other people on the stage, sweeping to a beat, I think they realized it was an orchestra of sound.

I couldn’t get over the amazing sounds coming from everyday items.  I kept closing my eyes and trying to listen without the visual clues.  Although, during several segments I was awestruck by the visual show.  The choreography was great and seemed so easy.  Our favorites were the tubes and the folding chairs.  The newspapers were a comedy riot.  But the most surprising instrument was the hands of the crowd.  I did not expect the show to be so interactive- after all, not everyone has the kind of rhythm the Stomp crew has.

On the way out, Gregg bought the kids official Stomp drumsticks as a keepsake of this wonderful night.  Little did we know the kids would start our own Stomp crew as we walked through the Kansas City streets, stomping out beats and pounding on metal poles, construction cones and newspaper stands.  Music is every where and Stomp demonstrated that beautifully!

Thanks MMF!