Talk about kids growing up fast. A group performing twice on Friday plans to rock the house with the preschool set.
At least as much as a pink-purple keyboardist, a blue guitarist and an orange drummer can pull off.
In a performance that targets kids not even in school yet, "Doodlebops Live!", produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., will include the features of today's rock concerts, said Chad McNamara. He plays the leggy Rooney in "The Doodlebops," a half-hour show on the Disney Channel.
"Every adult can remember that first concert they went to," said the soft-spoken McNamara recently by phone from a tour stop in Corpus Christi, Texas.
"I thought it was important to do that experience for a child. We try to create a rock show, but for kids."
That means flashy lighting, live back-up dancers, a giant screen to show graphics and videos and lots of interaction with the audience, said the 24-year-old Ottawa native. It's solid singing and dancing.
People are also reading…
Bob the Bus Driver and puppet Audio Murphy will make appearances with the high-energy Canadian trio that includes Lisa Lennox, 25, as Deedee and Jon Wexler, 21, as Moe.
They'll perform such popular songs as "Get on the Bus," "Whobbly Whoopsie," "Let's Get Loud" and "Faces."
The Doodlebops will show the audience how to do dances to specific songs so they can join right in.
Unlike the 21-month-old television show by Cookie Jar Entertainment in Toronto, the concert won't follow any story lines.
McNamara, who performed as a member of the "Mama Mia" Canadian touring cast, says he's happy to get back on tour. "I enjoy the live audiences," he says. "When the curtains open and the kids are screaming, it's awesome."
Desert Museum wants young rock hounds
As dealers launch the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will put on its own Mineral Madness on Saturday and Sunday.
Along with specimens for sale during the annual 9 a.m-4 p.m. event, a slew of activities starting at 11 a.m. will reveal the world of minerals. They include painting with minerals and making geodes.
Junior rock hounds should bring an egg carton to collect free specimens at activity stations around the museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, according to information on the museum's Web site.
The event's sale has thousands of specimens, including collector's finds and yard rocks.
Mineral Madness is part of the regular admission into the museum: $12; $4 for ages 6-12.
• What: "Doodlebops Live!"
• When: 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Friday.
• Where: Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave.
• Tickets: $36, $26 and $21 available at the TCC box office or Ticketmaster, 321-1000.
• Et cetera: The Doodlebops will sign autographs on Thursday starting at 4 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 1650 W. Valencia Road. They will autograph up to two items per fan. The group will not pose for pictures or perform. The appearance will end promptly at 5:30 p.m.
