Bay Area Life By ME

Half-price Cheeseake Factory cheesecakes!!!

2009-07-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

Can it get any better?!

July 30th is National Cheesecake Day and The Cheesecake Factory is celebrating. Dine-in July 30th and enjoy any of their 30 delicious cheesecakes for half price.

They will also be introducing their new flavor: Stefanie’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake™. For every slice of Stefanie’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake™ sold over the next 12 months, Cheesecake Factory will donate 25 cents to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity.

The Santa Clara County Fair (July 30th - Aug 2nd)

2009-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Fair Hours: 10am - 8pm

Free Entry & Free Parking!

Concert on Aug 2nd at 5pm (Entry Fee $25 - $35) Featuring 80's Bands: Missing Persons, A Flock of Seagulls, Naked Eyes, & Tommy Tutone. Buy tickets online.

http://thefair.org/home.cfm

BAM's Weekend Guide

2009-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

7/31/09 – 8/2/09

7/31 – 8/2
Day Out with Thomas @ Roaring Camp Railroad

Various Times
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton, CA 95018
$18 ages 2+
http://www.roaringcamp.com/dowt09/dowt_main.html

7/31
Children's Theater In The Park: Stone Soup
6:30pm
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View
Free
http://www.mountainview.gov/mvcpa/jul09.html

7/31
10000 A Skyline Party Among the Stars
7pm - 11pm
Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619
Tickets: $20 Adults / $15 Students / $8 Members
http://www.chabotspace.org/visit/calendar/?date=7/31/2009#calendar

8/1 – 8/2
The 15th Annual San Francisco Aloha Festival
10am - 5pm
San Francisco Presidio Main Post/Parade Grounds
Free
http://www.pica-org.org/AlohaFest/index.html

8/1 – 8/2
Fremont Festival
10am - 6pm
Starts on State Street, Fremont, CA
Free
http://www.fremontfestival.net/

8/2
Living History Day @ Dunsmuir
11am – 3pm
2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, California 94605
http://www.dunsmuir.org/calendar.htm

Starry, Starry, Night

2009-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Showing Off Your Nest

2009-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

As you all know, my favorite thing about doing this blog is finding local talented moms with unique ideas. Yes, I found another one, over at Mama's Magic Studio Etsy store and her Bird Nest Pendents. These handmade pendants are great way to symbolize the precious lil' ones in your life. Since each one is handmade each one is unique and can be made to fit your needs. I hope you get a chance to visit Mama's Magic Studio and check out all of her other accessories too.

BAM Reader Discount: Mama's Magic Studio has offered our readers a 10% discount on all orders (not including shipping costs) by entering the code"BayMommy10" during checkout.

Free Coffee Freddo @ Peet's Coffee & Tea

2009-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Visit your local Peet’s on Friday, August 7 from 2 to 3 p.m and enjoy a Free 8oz Coffee Freddo

BAM's Weekend

2009-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

8/7/09 – 8/9/09

8/7
Sleep with the Sharks @ Aquarium of the Bay

7:30pm - 9am

Aquarium of the Bay, The Embarcadero and Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

$50 for Aquarium Members, $60 for Non-Members
http://aquariumofthebay.org/events.aspx?e=75&y=2009&m=8

8/7 – 8/9
Woodminster Amphitheater, Oakland
Various Times
3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, CA 94602

$23-$40
http://www.woodminster.com/Webpages/Musicals/SinginRain09/singinrainmain.html

8/8
Moonlight Dinner Train @ Roaring Camp Railroad

6pm

RoaringCamp Railroads,Felton, CA 95018

Adult $45; Child $35
http://www.roaringcamp.com/events.html

8/8
3rd Annual Kites for Cancer Awareness
12noon - 3pm
Marina Green, San Francisco
Free
http://www.beverlyfund.org/kites.html

8/8 & 8/9
36th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair
11am - 6pm
San Francisco's Japantown, Post Street, between Fillmore & Laguna
Free
http://www.nihonmachistreetfair.org/

8/9
Family Date Night on the Napa Valley Wine Train
5:30pm – 9:30pm
1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
$99 One child per adult ticket purchased; $15 for each add’l child (reservation req)
http://winetrain.com/family-fun-night.php#title

Breastfeeding Gift Packages

2009-08-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

When I had my first baby I was surprised to find out that breastfeeding wasn’t the easiest thing in the world. I didn’t even bring nipple cream with me to the hospital (ouch!). Luckily I had a supportive doctor and mom that helped me through the first few days. That is why when I heard that hospitals were now giving out the breastfeeding-friendly version of the discharge bag, called the Healthy Baby Bounty Bag I was really excited. Typically most hospitals give packages that have formula samples & coupons. The Healthy Baby Bounty Bag on the other hand contains milk storage bags, disposable nipple pads, samples, coupons, and information that supports and encourages breastfeeding. In the Bay Area, Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley is providing these for their new mothers. We applaud the Healthy Baby Bounty Bag and hope that it will be provided by all hospitals in the future!

2009 San Mateo County Fair (August 15 – August 23)

2009-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Experience the all new Peninsula's Festival! The same Fun San Mateo County Fair with a new Festival Flair! Concerts, contests, carnivals, competitive exhibits and more!

Hours
8/15: Noon – 11pm
8/16 – 8/20: Noon – 10pm
8/21 & 8/22: Noon – 11pm
8/23: Noon – 10pm

Admission
Adult: $10
Junior - 6 - 12 years: $8
Senior - 62 & Over: $8
Kids 5 & Under: Free
Carnival: $30
Parking: $8
(pre-sale discounts on their website)

Promotions
Mon., Aug.17th - Kids day are free all day (12 and under ) and parka day at 10 am
Tue., Aug.18th - Senior’s Day (11 am – 3pm)
Wed., Aug 19th - Free till 3 p.m.
Thur., Aug 20 - Green Transportation Day (more information coming soon)
Fri., Aug 21 - Food bank day

Concerts
8/15 - Paramount's Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
8/16 - Arrested Development
8/17 - Shane Dwight
8/19 & 8/20 - Tower of Power
8/21 - Boyz II Men
8/22 - The Guess Who

Healthy "Fast Food"

2009-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Can it be? Food that is good for you and you don't have to drag all your kids out of the car to get?! Yes, it is possible! Beautifull! provides tasty, healthy and convenient prepared food that is fresh, natural and whole. Now, Beautifull provides these foods in a Curbside To Go service seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the fresh food space in Laurel Village (3401 California Street at Laurel Street). Simply call in your order to (415) 728-9080, call back upon arrival, and Beautifull will bring your order right out to your car.

We're not just talking about those cheapy salads you pick up at the drive thru because you can't find anything else that hasn't been fried. Beautifull’s full menu is available including hot items such as the new Asian Spice bowls with Grilled Salmon, Chicken or Shrimp, Turkey Meatballs in Tomato-Basil Sauce, and Grilled Chicken Breast with Basil Pesto and cold items such as Grilled Salmon, Chinese Chicken Salad, Summer Vegetable Medley and Red Quinoa with Edamame to name a few. Anyone else ready for lunch?!

BAM's Weekend Guide

2009-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

08/14/09 – 08/16/09

8/14 – 8/16
Woodminster Summer Musicals: Singin' in the Rain
Various Times
3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, CA 94602
$23-$40
http://www.woodminster.com/Webpages/Musicals/SinginRain09/singinrainmain.html

8/15 & 8/16
Fee-Free Weekends in Your National Parks

8/15 – 8/16
Oakland's Art & Soul Festival
12noon - 6pm
Downtown Oakland adjacent to the 12th Street/City Center
$10 adults, $5 seniors & youth (13-17), 12 and under free
http://www.artandsouloakland.com/

8/15
Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center 16th Annual Hillwide Garage Sale
9am – 4pm
Cortland Avenue ~ Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA
http://www.sresproductions.com/bernal_heights_hillwide_garage_sale.html

8/15
The San Rafael Food & Wine Festival
11am – 5pm
Falkirk Cultural Center and on Mission Street E to D Streets, San Rafael, CA
http://www.sresproductions.com/san_rafael_food_and_wine_festival.html

8/15
Livermore's Salsa Festival
12noon - 4pm
The Bankhead Plaza on 1st Street in Livermore
Sampling Kit $5
http://www.livermoresalsafest.org/#

8/15
Moonlight Dinner Train @ Roaring Camp Railroad
6pm
RoaringCamp Railroads,Felton, CA 95018
Adult $45; Child $35
http://www.roaringcamp.com/events.html

8/22 & 8/23
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
10am – 6pm
University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
http://www.mlaproductions.com/PaloAlto/index.html

Is Stress Getting To You?

2009-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's getting to me! Things have been pretty crazy around here lately and I could use a sanity break. Luckily some places in the Bay Area like SenSpa are help making mommy alone time a little sweeter. SenSpa has two great specials going on:

1) SenSpa BFF Special - When you bring a new friend to SenSpa before August 30th, you BOTH get your treatments for $99!* Choose from the popular 50-minute Muscle Refresher Massage (a $115 value) or our favorite, the 45 minute Presidio Land and Sea Facial (a $110 value). Your choice. Or do one of each!

*Your guest must be new to SenSpa and it can not be combined with other offers

2) SenSpa Road to Recovery - Between now and September 30, 2009, when you enjoy 4 treatments (valued at a minimum of $110 each), you'll receive a SenSpa gift card worth $115!
You may use the gift card for anything you want- share the gift of wellness and beauty to a friend. Use it for products. Use it for more services.

*May not be combined with other offers; may not be used as cash to purchase a series; series redemption's cannot be used towards this promotion.

Got The Kids Luch Packed. Now What About Mom?

2009-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

My 2yr old crunchin' on carrots!

Everyday we think about what we are going to make the kids for lunch and make sure that they get something healthy to eat, but when it comes to what we’re going to eat for lunch it’s a whole other story. I know for myself, I just grab whatever is easiest. If we’re out it’s usually fast food and if we’re at home it’s usually just snacks I grabbed as I was chasing my 2yr old around. I have had to start forcing my husband to start taking lunches more often because going out to eat everyday was killing our bank account. So what should we put in our “lunch box”?

Here is an idea: Earthbound Farm has a line of easy, on-the-go, healthy lunch options great for both you and your kids. Our favorite at our house is the apple slices, they easy to throw in the back pack and give to my 2yr old as a snack. I myself like the mini carrots, they are great with ranch. Here are some of Earthbound Farm's great lunch items:

*Organic Apple Slices – These fresh, crunchy apple slices are the perfect size and ready to eat. (5 2oz bags for $3.99)
*Organic Mini-Peeled Carrots snack pack – (10 2oz bags for $2.99)
*Organic Carrot Dippers with Ranch Dressing – This perfect combination will help sneak in that serving of veggies at lunch (3 packs for $2.89)
*Grab & Go Salads: Caesar Salad, Mixed Baby Greens or Baby Spinach Kits ($3.69 a box and includes salad, dressing, topping, fork and the clamshell package can be used as a bowl)
*Organic Raisin snack packs – A sweet treat in a little box (6 1.5oz boxes for $2.99)

Wuv'in Kids Woot

2009-08-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, that's right, I said KIDS Woot! For those of you who don't know what Woot is, it is a highly addictive website that has new deal every day, in limited quantities at a discounted price. If it sells out or midnight rolls around, a new product is put up. So if it's something good you better scramble because they sell out quick. The original Woot has grown up stuff, but now they have a site just for kids stuff. For example, today they have a "Thomas the Train Talking Railway Set with Engine Recognition Technology" for $49.99...for those of you with little Thomas the Train freaks at home you know this is a good price. Everyday is something new, so check it out! http://kids.woot.com/

Weil Baby House Party

2009-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

House Party is accepting application for their upcoming Weil Baby House Party. House Party is a website that you can apply to hold a party to promote certain products. If you are chosen you usually get some free goodies to share with your friends. My playgroup has had a couple of these parties and they were a lot of fun and the best part is you get to take some free goodies home to try out.

The Weil Baby House Party will be held on September 26 (but they are accepting applications now) to learn about Weil Baby, the new line of BPA-free feeding products that are healthy and natural, ultra-safe, and environmentally friendly. If you are selected as a host, you will receive a free party pack with: Weil Baby 2-pack of 9 oz nurser bottles made of Tritan™ and glass, Weil Baby sippy cup, valuable coupons for more free Weil Baby products, and a variety of other healthy living products in the Dr. Weil line. Good Luck!

Sharing Sandwiches

2009-08-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Remember back in elementary school sitting down at the lunch table and swapping food. Apparently everyone else mom had packed better stuff, or so we thought. Needless to say I’m sure that kids are still swapping their turkey sandwich for someone else’s pb&j.

Hellmann's® and Best Foods® Mayonnaise has teamed up with celebrity Billy Ray Cyrus to encourage people of all ages to celebrate their favorite childhood ritual and join the virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share program to raise money for Feeding America®, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Here’s the deal, you go onto Facebook.com/hellmanns and create your own virtual sandwich and for every sandwich created Hellmann's® and Best Foods® will donate 7 lunches to Feeding America® and for every friend you share your virtual sandwich with they’ll donate an additional 7 lunches. It’s that easy. Not only that but each sandwich created will automatically enter you for a chance to win a $250 grocery store gift certificate. So go make your favorite sandwich and share it!

BAM's Weekend Guide

2009-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

08/21/09 - 08/22/09

8/22
13th Annual Cajun/Zydeco Musica Festival
10am-7pm
$20/adults (16+years), children 4-15 $3, 3 yearsand under free.
Ardenwood Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, CA 94555
http://www.ebparks.org/node/1111

8/22 – 8/23
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
10am – 6pm
University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
Free
http://www.mlaproductions.com/PaloAlto/index.html

8/22
San Jose Super Toy, Comic, & Record Show
11am - 4pm (Early Bird 9am - 10:59am)
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111
General $5; Kids (under 12) $2.50; Early Bird $15 (Parking $8)
http://www.timetunneltoys.com/toyshow.html

8/22
Movie of the Night featuring Bolt @ the San Jose Giants Stadium
7pm
San Jose Giants Stadium, 588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112
Free
http://www.sjgiants.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=102

8/22
Starlight Evenings @ Roaring Camp Railroad
8pm
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton, CA 95018
Adult $22; Child $16
http://www.roaringcamp.com/events.html

8/23
Family Date Night on the Napa Valley Wine Train
5:30pm – 9:30pm
1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
$99 One child per adult ticket purchased; $15 for each add’l child (reservation req)
http://winetrain.com/family-fun-night.php#title

Meet Jessica McClintock

2009-08-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Jessica McClintock is making a special appearance to introduce her first two collections of elegant nursery furniture (Timeless and Cradle Me) at Lullaby Lane in San Bruno on August 22nd. Customers will have an chance to enter to win a full nursery collection set signed by Jessica McClintock and a luncheon with Jessica in her home! For more information click here.

Cut the Costs of Living Expenses - Guest Post

2009-08-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Since the San Francisco Bay Area is known for its steep cost of living, pinching pennies here and there is a high priority for many residents, especially in this economy. Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck or can afford to browse through Pleasanton apartments in search of a new swanky place to live, saving money on living expenses leaves you with more room to build up your retirement savings, plan for vacations, or splurge on a special event or purchase. As long as you have some patience and put in some extra effort, making small changes everyday can lead to big rewards with time. Plus you can still afford to live in one of the country’s most exciting and diverse places.

Eating a Nutritious Diet
You can still enjoy San Francisco’s fabulous restaurant scene, just maybe not everyday. Instead of eating out for meals every day, eat a simple breakfast (such as cereal or oatmeal), bring a packed lunch to work, and cook dinner at home. Cooking may take a little bit more time, but if you shop and plan ahead of time, it can save you hundreds of dollars per month. You don’t even need to buy a cookbook, as so many delicious recipes are available for free online. When shopping at the grocery store, buy generic brands and take advantage of store coupons and sales, and plan your weekly menu based on the store’s promotions. When you plan a weekly menu, you can better utilize ingredients you purchase and prevent those impulse buys. Head to the local farmers markets that the city offers and buy seasonal produce, which is cheaper than fruits and veggies not in season. In addition to the cost savings, you may find yourself actually enjoying cooking and since you have control over all the ingredients, you can customize your meals to suit your individual health needs. Another cost cutter is skipping the local coffee shop and brewing your coffee at home. A few dollars may not seem much during a single day, but it all adds up eventually.

Saving On Utilities
One of the simplest things you can do to save electricity is switch from regular incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy, will last 10 times longer, and will ultimately save you about $30 per bulb. It practically pays for itself in about 6 months. To further save electricity, have all or most of your electronics plugged into a power strip and switch off the whole strip when you leave the house or during the night when they are not in use. That way, the electronics won’t draw an electric current, even when they are powered off. In the winter, instead of cranking up the heat, use more energy efficient and inexpensive space heaters and use an electric blanket in bed.

Entertainment on a Budget
You don’t have to suffer from boredom when you are trying to cut costs. After all, part of living includes some type of entertainment. Instead of buying new books and renting movies at a rental place, borrow books and movies from the local library for free. Even if you do end up renting movies and TV shows, it will still be cheaper than going to the movies. Think about hosting get-togethers with friends by having drinks and cocktails at your place or a friend’s since buying things like liquor will be cheaper than individual drinks at a bar.

**This guest post has been brought to you by Avalon Communities**

A Booty'licious Snack

2009-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

First off I have to shout out to the Pirate's Booty Company and let them know they have an AWESOME marketing team & product! The picture below is what they sent me to try out their product...I just love it. I believe in good presentation and this is one of the better one's have seen since starting the blog. Anyway, onto the post...

Pirate's Booty has been a snack passed around our playgroup for the past year or so. We think it is just great because it taste good, it's bite size for the kids, and it's all natural. I just found out that we have been missing out though! We have only tried the Aged White Cheddar (yum!), but there is a whole line of different flavors we didn't know about! Pirate’s Booty also comes in great flavors like Barbeque, Veggie (vegan), Bermuda Onion and Sea Salt & Vinegar too! All Pirate’s Booty products are low in fat (130 calories per serving) gluten and trans-fat free as well as tree-nut free. Some healthy snacks overpower their food with flavor, but these bite sized rice & corn puffs have just the right amount of flavor. It’s great on-the-go snack to take the park or pack in your child’s lunchbox. I’m sure you’re going to love it! Pirate’s Booty is sold all over the Bay Area and online.

BAM's Weekend Gudie

2009-08-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

08/28/2009 – 08/30/2009

8/28 - 8/30
Eat Real Festival
Fri 4pm – 9pm; Sat 10am – 9pm; Sun 10am – 5pm
Jack London Square, Oakland, CA
Free Entrance (All food $1 - $5)
http://www.eatrealfest.com/

08/28
Willow Glen Safety Fair & Outdoor Movie: Wall-E
6pm – 9pm
Bramhall Park, 1101 Camino Ramon, San Jose
Free
http://www.downtownwillowglen.org/eventinfo.php?eventid=7808

08/28
Starlight Movie In The Park: Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D

6:30pm

1101 West Redline Avenue, Alameda

Free
http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/arpd/pdf/starlight_movie_journey_center_earth.pdf

08/29
"RAGGS" KQED's Meet and Greet @ Hillsdale Shopping Center
10:30am – 11:30am
Hillsdale Shopping Center, Sixty 31st Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
Free
http://www.hillsdale.com/special.php

8/29
Starlight Evenings @ Roaring Camp Railroad

8pm

Roaring Camp Railroads,Felton, CA 95018Adult $22; Child $16
http://www.roaringcamp.com/events.html

8/29
Movie Night at Ardenwood: The Chicken Run
8:30pm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, CA 94555
Free
http://www.ebparks.org/node/1124

8/29 & 8/30
The San Ramon Eco-Festival
Sat 9am-9pm & Sun 9am-7pm
Bishop Ranch Civic Center, San Ramon, CA
Free
http://www.eco-festivals.org/

8/29 & 8/30
Italian Family Festa
Sat 11am-9pm & Sun 11am-6pm
Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Willow Glen, San Jose
Free
http://sites.google.com/a/iahfsj.org/italian-american-heritage-foundation/Activities---Programs/Festa

Fireworks in September?

2009-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Union City is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year and is having a lot of fun events for the family. I attended their Parade back in May and to my surprise it wasn't just a few cars rolling down the street, it was a cute parade with floats, big balloons, classic cars, and more. The atmosphere was great and very family oriented.

On September 12th they are holding their "50th Anniversary Concert & Fireworks Spectacular" from 5:45pm - 10pm at James Logan High School. Tickets cost $10 for Adults & $5 for children under 12. Entertainment includes Papa Doo Run Run, Quest Crew (love them!), Boyz Nite Out, Sage, & more! You can buy tickets online. They have few more events planned for the rest of this year so if you live in Union City or the surrounding area you should check out their website for more information!

The San Ramon Eco-Festival

2009-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

**Updated 8-31-09: Apparently the EcoFest put on hold "Eco-Festivals has experienced logistical issues with the current venue for the San Ramon Eco-Festivals Event." I apologize if this cause any confusion.***

Eco-Festivals, Inc., an organization that encourages people to live simple and cost-effective green lifestyles, has teamed with leading environmentally-conscious vendors and experts to announce the first annual Eco-Festival being held at Bishop Ranch Civic Center in San Ramon, California on August 29-30, 2009. The free two-day event aims to provide “good green fun for everyone.” Event hours will be Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Main Stage: listen to the sounds of well-known environmentalist rock band U2 through cover band Zoo Station, and additional performances by Bay Area talent.
Meet the Experts: learn about different green industries as experts share their knowledge in sessions designed to raise environmental awareness and provide take-home tips.
Kids Zone: play sustainable carnival games, ride solar/bio-fuel powered rides and enjoy performances by the country’s most famous children’s acts, such as nationally acclaimed PBS children’s performer SteveSongs, as well as the Happy Birds (featured on “The Tonight Show”).
Food Court: experience the future of organic dining while testing the latest tools for eco-friendly cooking, cleaning, and disposal.
Vendor Village: browse the latest sustainable goods and services for the home, garden and office.
Fashion Show: view chic, stylish fashions showcasing clothing, jewelry and beauty products made from organic materials.
Auto Zone: discover the latest innovations in electric cars, hybrids and sustainable car care that don’t sacrifice quality or style.
Career Zone: learn how to make sustainability a full-time career at the on-site job fair.

Tunes for the Kids & You

2009-08-31T23:01:00.000-07:00

If you looking for some fun things to do with the kids The Bay Area Discovery Museum has some tunes you can both enjoy. BADM is holding their third annual series of Hip Kid's music - featuring rock 'n roll, hip hop, pop, Irish dance tunes and more that appeals to kids and their grown-ups.

All shows at 11 a.m.

Members $5; General Child $10; General Adult $12(includes Museum admission)

Ages 1 & up

Culann's Hounds

Saturday, October 10

Named for one of the great warriors of Ireland, Culann's Hounds will be playing an acoustic set of Irish dance tunes. Combining vocal harmonies with melodies on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, accordion and bohran, they produce an eclectic blend of modern and traditional Irish music. Join them for a high energy show with plenty of opportunity for singing, dancing a jig and perhaps some howling with the Hounds. Visit www.sfhounds.com

Halloween Stomp with The Time Outs

Saturday, October 31

Put on a costume and join the Time Outs for a Halloween dance party. They will be performing a lively mix of kid-centric indie pop, 60s garage and good old-fashioned rock and roll. This high energy show encourages kids and adults alike to sing along, learn some new dance moves, and walk like a monster. Check them out at www.thetimeouts.com .

Banana Slug String Band

Saturday, November 7

Be part of the musical fun as the Banana Slug String Band performs their earth-loving songs. This duo plays music that is so infectious that children can't help singing, dancing and laughing along as they learn about this home we call Earth. Music, theater, puppetry and audience participation create a rich experience for the entire family. Visit www.bananaslugstringband.com

Alphabet Rockers

Saturday, November 14

Shout it out with the Alphabet Rockers. Featuring hip grooves, rocking guitar lines and tight rhymes, this is music that you can enjoy no matter what your age. Every catchy and clever song in this genre-hopping show introduces preschool concepts from counting money to naming the colors of the rainbow. Visit www.alphabetrockers.com

20,000 Volts Under the Sea by The Brian Waite Band

Saturday, November 21

Meet Brian, Clif and Todd, a band of rock 'n roll adventurers! Our heroes just booked an undersea gig at The Neptune Theater in Atlantis City but they don't know where it is. After heading off in their submarine, they meet (and play) many musical sea creatures. Come be part of the adventure and help the band reach their destination. Visit www.brianwaite.com

Octopretzel

Saturday, Dec. 5

Octopretzel' s show is as exuberant as their whimsical name . The band creates engaging music that inspires curiosity, wonder and appreciation for the magical world we live in. Their blend of four-part harmony and skilled musicianship, guarantees a danceable, singable and super fun experience for kids of all ages. Visit Octopretzel at www.melitamusic.com .

Smithsonian Magazine's 6th Annual Museum Day

2010-09-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

What:

6th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day

When:
Saturday, September 25, 2010

Where:
There are over 1,000 museums participating in this event, including several in the Bay Area (California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, The Lace Museum in Sunnyvale). Click here to see if your favorite Bay Area museum is on the list.

How:
Check your Smithsonian Magazine or download your ticket online at
http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/index.html

Details:
Free admission for one person, plus a guest. One official Museum Day Ticket is allowed per household and only for entry into one of the participating museums.