To say that the past week has been a rough one for New Yorkers would be an understatement of vast proportions.  In the wake of Sandy, my family remains without power or water and we are camped out in a midtown hotel awaiting word as to whether all of our priceless mementos in storage at the South Street Seaport have been destroyed by flooding.  Of course, we are beyond grateful to be safe and together, which is really all that matters.  Throughout this ordeal, my daughter Sadie has remained remarkably upbeat, always ready to chime in with a song to cheer everyone up.  After all, music really does do wonders for the soul, and children in particular seem to derive endless pleasure from song and dance.  And if you're looking for a post-Sandy musical diversion for your little ones, you'd be well served by purchasing tickets to next weekend's performance by The Little Orchestra Society's Lolli-Pops ensemble, "Things That Go Bang!"

Aptly billed as the "sweetest little show in the city," Lolli-Pops concerts introduce kids ages 3-5 to classical music by combining music, drama, dance and the visual arts in unique and engaging ways that inspire a life-long connection with music.  These programs are among my family's favorite NYC activities, as they never fail to impress with their unique and enriching approach.  Each show's enjoyment is only enhanced by the intimate Kaye Playhouse, which serves as the perfect venue for a child's first orchestra experience.  Next weekend, percussion will abound as the Lolli-Pops present "Things That Go Bang!", a musical extravaganza that will transform Kaye Playhouse into a musical kitchen where The Little Orchestra Society, guest conductor Paul Haas, Bang the Lion and Buzz the Bee will cook up a rhythmic feast and teach kids that everyday household objects can make anyone a percussionist.  The concert will feature music by Bizet, Britten, Gershwin, Ginastera, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and others, and kids will get to join in the fun as they play tambourines (which they get to keep!) to "March of the Toreadors" from Bizet's "Carmen."

It's sure to be an entertaining and engaging program, and I strongly encourage you to bring your family to share in the festivities.  "Things That Go Bang!" will take place on Saturday November 10th at 10am and 11:30am and on Sunday November 11th at 1pm and 2:30pm.  Tickets are $15 (rear balcony/rear orchestra) and $45 (prime seating).  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.littleorchestra.org.

Disclosure:  The Little Orchestra Society is a Macaroni Kid sponsor.  The opinions expressed herein are, as always, entirely my own.