Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Minneapolis, MN

Before I get into my summer song list, I need to warn you that I grew up going to folk festivals.  I would hang at the kids area and soak it in during the day, and then see the main stage at night with parents.  With this came major exposure to Canadian artists, and well, you know, lots of folk music.  I know what a reel is, and while it may have taken 20 or so years, I really love bluegrass.  To balance out my granola upbringing, A has an eclectic taste in music, in the opposite direction. The challenge now is finding clean (enough) lyrics.  Here is a fun summer play list, gleaned from my iTunes, with a couple of imports from A's collection. 

Rubber Biscuit - Blue Brothers - Who doesn't love utter nonsense.  Great for singing along, and M likes to dance to it. 

Should I Stay or Should I Go - The Clash - When I grew up, I wanted to be a punk, and now there are two year olds with mohawks.  Posers.  This is a great song for dancing to, and the tempo change is great fun. 

The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens  - Who doesn't love a classic animal song?

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - The Beatles - I couldn't do a list without the Beatles, since they were such a big part of my upbringing.  It tells a story, what could be better than that?

Diner - Martin Sexton - Listen to while driving to Mickey's for breakfast.  (go before church service across the street lets out for less of a crowd)

Twist & Shout - David Lindley - Classic Beatles done by one of the best guitar players to ever collect vintage polyester.  It has a zydeco flavor that makes it that much more fun. 

Here Comes the Sun - George Harrison - When I was a kid, I saw Richie Havens sing this as a storm was ending, and it brought out the sun.  Perfect to chase away summer storms. 

The Galaxy Song - Monty Python - For anyone feeling small.  For another version, try Jim Post's. 

Blue - Jayhawks - I had to find something local to add to this list, and while it isn't upbeat and happy, it is still a great song. 


Just so you know, I tried to put a Replacement's song on this list, but a lyric check turned up some iffy things.  However, I leave that up to you, M dances to Alex Chilton when it comes on the radio.