In pictures: Rock the Cradle 2019
March 25, 2019
Ten thousand people visited the campus of the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis on Sunday, March 24, for the 14th installment of Rock the Cradle, a free day of fun and music for kids and their grownups presented by The Current and Children's Minnesota.
Each year, Rock the Cradle offers a number of activities that incorporate music, art, stories, movement or any combination of the above. One of the perennial favorites is the Kids' Disco, a truly all-ages dance party deejayed by hosts from The Current. Another favorite that's been part of Rock the Cradle since its first appearance in December 2005 is DJ Story Time, where hosts from The Current plop down in a big comfy chair to read children's books aloud to kids gathered there. And while live music has also always been part of the equation, the lineup varies from year to year. This year's live music, which took place inside Mia's vast 3rd Floor Reception Hall, was performed by Aby Wolf and by Andy Cook, with interstitial sets by DJ Hampsterdance (aka Jeff Atchison).
Throughout the museum, Rock the Cradle attendees had the chance to see live impromptu sets of music by Cameron Kinghorn and his ensemble. And for those who wanted to have a chance at some hip-hop scratching, mixing and beat-making, DJ Kool Akiem offered both analog (i.e. turntables and vinyl) and digital media so people could learn how it's done and give it a try.
Alongside The Current, other groups from MPR were on hand at Rock the Cradle to offer experiences for learning and fun. Classical MPR provided live choral music from the ensemble Border CrosSings, which got kids moving and dancing. Call To Mind, MPR's mental health initiative, provided an activity called MeMoves, a sensorimotor multimedia program intended to stimulate the mind and body, and during the afternoon, Call To Mind's Sam Choo read a selection of kids' books that specifically address themes of emotions and mood.
Co-presenters Childrens Minnesota and a vast array of sponsors — such groups as the Saint Paul Saints, Park Dental, Slumberland Furniture and its 40 Winks Foundation, and many others — provided a range of activities designed to get kids actively learning, moving and creating.
Rock the Cradle 2019 is indeed the 14th installment of the popular event. First launched in December 2005, the same year that The Current went on the air, the decision was made in 2006 to hold the event after the holidays and in the waning days of winter, typically when cabin fever in Minnesota is at its peak. Thus, the second Rock the Cradle did not happen until 2007, but it has continued every year since. Rock the Cradle has always been held at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Children's Theatre Company.
Below is a collection of photos from the Rock the Cradle 2019.
