At the JFK Library, Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents Koi and the Kola Nuts , a humorous tale from Liberia. Koi, the youngest son of a chief inherits just one small kola nut tree. On his travels, he meets animals that need kola nuts the animals His kindness to the creatures he meets is rewarded.February’s school vacation week will be upon us before you know it. Parents may want to enroll their progeny in one or more of the arts-oriented programs that will be running Feb. 15-19 before all the spaces are snapped up.
First, let’s consider events here in Dorchester.
• The JFK Library, as part of its monthly Celebrate! Series, will welcome Vermont’s Crabgrass Puppet Theatre with its latest production, “African Adventure Tales,” on Feb. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. With whimsical puppetry, spectacular scenery, and infectious music, the award-winning Crabgrass puppeteers will present “Anansi and the Talking Melon” and “Koi and the Kola Nuts,” learning stories ideal for Black History Month. The show is free, but pre-registration is required.
• The Lower Mills campus of St. John Paul II Catholic Academy will again offer its February Fine Arts program that runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The full-day schedule encompasses music theory, violin, keyboard, tin whistle, guitar, musical drama, chorus and visual arts classes. Get application form as well as info on fees, vouchers, pick-up options at the SJPIICA website.
• Over at the Museum of Fine Arts, the theme for this year’s Cogan Family Foundation Vacation Week Adventures is “Tune In To Art.” The MFA invites kids to “Whistle while you work and discover some of the many creative ways artists have been inspired by music in their work. “Enjoy free drop-in activities all week, including storytelling, musical performances, family tours, and art activities. Program runs Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Until 8 p.m. on Wednesday)
One special feature is a daily presentation of different traditional folk instruments and music from around the world. For example, on Friday, there will be morning and afternoon sessions introducing the unique sounds of the veena, India’s national instrument, with Durga Krishanan.
• Among the many events at the Children’s Museum, there will be two of particular arts interest. On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:30, the Boston Baroque Performance and Instrument Playground will present a special interactive performance of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” Following the concert, attendees will be invited to try out some real baroque musical instruments.
• For something more contemporary, on Wednesday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Urbanity Dance will present an interactive 30-minute performance that pushes the boundaries of the imagination through movement and storytelling! The group says, “Families will enjoy performances complemented by commentary that inspires ideas and introduces dance while having opportunities to ask question.”
• The Institute for Contemporary Art has “Art-Making for All Ages” Tuesday through-Friday. Young art lovers can play gallery games, listen to book readings especially for families, enjoy the view, and try their hand with mixed media and storytelling in “Comics: Frame by Frame,” in the Bank of America Art Lab, where on Fri., Feb 19, aspiring young cartoonists can work with visiting artist Dave Ortega himself. All activities are free with admission.
• Finally, more kids these days dream about being a stand-up comic than aspire to be a sculptor or saxophonist. Improv Boston has “classes in improv comedy, sketch comedy writing and standup comedy. Our small classes ensure that everyone learns while having a great time, and they’re perfect for the beginner or advanced performer.” Visit improvboston.com.
