Redlands Bowl workshops bring music, movement and magic to local kids
Now in its 50th year, the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival’s free children’s workshops offer hands-on fun with musicians, dancers and performers—from shadow illusions to drumlines and ballet.
Many Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer, children and their families clamor to the check-in tables, making their way to the front of the Contemporary Club or the Redlands Community Center while they wait for the artists and performers to start the workshop.
The workshops, held in conjunction with the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, give local children an opportunity to chat with award-winning artists and learn something fun.
“Kids and families are delighted to interact and ask questions,” said Valerie Peister, program director of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival.
In years past, artists have brought a variety of instruments, showcasing individual sounds and then performing a short demonstration of all of them together. Actors from 2023’s Hello, Dolly! brought headpieces for participants to hold and admire, and folklorico dancers twirled their colorful skirts, catching the attention of children and adults alike.
Peister expects to serve more than 300 children and their families throughout the summer. More than six dozen children and their families came to learn the magic of the shadow illusion dancers from Catapult, which brought special sheets and a projector to share their secrets with Redlanders.
“We build on the foundation of past years,” Peister said.
The workshops have been part of the summer music festival for about 50 years, giving artists a chance to meet fans on a casual level and building generational appreciation for the Bowl and the performers it draws.
The workshops are sponsored by the Contemporary Club, which supplies volunteers to staff the check-in tables and ensure the facilities are ready. Redlands Bowl Performing Arts staff run the 45-minute sessions.
Last year, RBPA introduced a passport program for children. Those who attend seven workshops can earn a prize at the end of the season. Children ages 4 to 12 are invited to participate and can earn the 2025 Bowl Dog.
Unless otherwise noted, Saturday sessions are held at 10 a.m. at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave., and Tuesday sessions are held at the Contemporary Club, 173 Eureka St.
The next workshop will be held at the Community Center Saturday July 26 at 10am with cast members from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Upcoming workshops include:
- July 29: Members of The Pack Drumline will show off their skills
- Aug. 2: Ballet dancers will teach a few steps
- Aug. 9: Families can learn Irish dancing
