Tim and the Space Cadets Lollapalooza - Kidzapalooza Stage Chicago, IL August 7, 2010

Although the festival was just kicking off Kidzapalooza was in full swing, after all 11:30 a.m. is prime time for children 10 and under. Kidzapalooza doesn’t get a lot of attention but it is a stage well attending. I was lucky enough to catch the talented Tim and the Space Cadets open up the stage and set the mood for the rest of the day in their little corner of the universe.

Kid rock is tricky business. A good portion of your audience isn’t that aware of what’s going on and doesn’t fully understand most of what is being said. That’s why you have to make sure your music is straight and to the point but still fun enough for everyone to enjoy. Tim and the Space Cadets found just the right measure of playful music to satisfy both child and parent alike.

Their songs didn’t last any longer than two minutes or so but the little ones grooved to their punk and ska rhythms with enthusiasm. They could have played old kid song standards and no one would have argued but they took the reigns and played almost entirely originals. Only near the end did they throw in a cover song and even that wasn’t cliché. Their choice of “Rock This House” by the Brian Setzer Orchestra showed they respected their audience, no matter how old they were, enough to play solid music.

It’s hard to tell whether the Cadets plan on playing exclusively in the kid rock arena. They have the talent to take their music into the mainstream. To be honest I almost hope they don’t, as good as they are children need role models that stay in one place. There is no better role model than a musician.

Even if you don’t have small children make the effort to check out the Kidz stage, you won’t be disappointed. Your inner child will thank you.

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