Free Concerts for the Whole Family
For almost 20 years KPBX Kids' Concerts have been bringing different genres of music and performances to generations of children. These family concerts are at the heart of the station's mission to provide music awareness and entertainment to our listening region, which compliments our on-air programming. Eight free one-hour concerts are held throughout the year at rotating venues. At each concert, attendees may be treated to a mix of music and historical information. Each KPBX Kids' Concert highlights a musical style. Past concerts have featured classical, jazz, big band, folk, bluegrass, latin, calypso, reggae, klezmer, rockabilly, and lots more.
KPBX Kids' Concerts are made possible with a generous grant from:
The Florence Wasmer Fund for Arts & Culture 
NOTE: SUMMER KIDS' CONCERTS ARE ON FRIDAYS AND BEGIN AT NOON
Friday, June 22, 2012 - noon to 1pm - FREE
The Music of Bluegrass Musician Bill Monroe
Featuring John Reishman & The Spokane Bluegass All Stars
Hosted by Kevin Brown
The Bing Crosby Theater, 901 West Sprague Avenue
Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music, would have been 100 years old this year. He left behind a musical legacy and repertoire that influenced such 20th century musical legends as Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Jerry Garcia, and Bob Dylan. On Friday, June 22, KPBX will host a special Kids' Concert to celebrate Monroe's life and legacy. The concert will feature veteran musicians from the Inland Northwest Bluegrass community plus special-guest John Reischman, one of the world’s most respected mandolin players. Kevin Brown, host of KPBX's Front Porch Bluegrass will emcee the concert, providing stories and commentary about the songs and the life of Bill Monroe. More about Bill Monroe can be found on his official fan website.
About the band:
John Reischman (mandolin) is recognized as one of the world's top-ranked mandolin players, and is intimately familiar with the songs and style of Bill Monroe. His mastery of the instrument is showcased today in the powerful bluegrass band John Reischman and the Jaybirds, as well as on several solo and ensemble projects over the last four decades.
Jim Faddis (guitar, vocals) is well-known to bluegrass fans throughout the Northwest from his long-running band Prairie Flyer. Jim helped start the Inland Northwest Bluegrass Association in Spokane 15 years ago, and has been an active presence in concerts, jams and bluegrass events throughout the region. Jim released his first solo album One More Ride in 2010.
Kelly Bogan (banjo, vocals) is a local performer and music instructor with a mastery of several bluegrass, jazz, and classical instruments and styles. For the past several years Kelly’s bluegrass band, Molly & Tenbrooks, has been a favorite on the regional bluegrass scene.
Gregory Spatz (fiddle) was named the 2011 Individual Artist of the Year by the Spokane Arts Commission. A published novelist, writer, and teacher, Greg is also a nationally touring musician with John Reischman and the Jaybirds. He has been playing fiddle since he was six and music has played an important part in his writing and research. In 2008 hSpatz released a novel and solo CD, both entitled, Fiddler’s Dream.
Dave Hackwith (bass) is a founding member of the first and longest-running bluegrass band in the Pacific Northwest, Custer’s Grass Band. He has also played over the years with Prairie Flyer and other bluegrass ensembles in the Inland Northwest, and is respected for his solid, impeccable timing and easy-going demeanor.
Friday, July 20, 2012 - noon to 1pm - FREE
Walt Disney's Fantasia (1940)
Spokane Community College Lair Auditorium
1810 N. Greene Street, Spokane
KPBX Kids' Concert Venues:
The Bing Crosby Theater
901 West Sprague Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201
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The Spokane Masonic Center Auditorium
1108 West Riverside Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201
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River Park Square Mall
808 West Main, Spokane, WA 99201
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