Arts & Entertainment
New Rochelle Library Concert Gets Children Moving
Children's musician Zev Haber got kids and parents alike dancing and jumping around.
Children’s musician Zev Haber got kids (and adults) jumping, laughing and dancing Friday at the New Rochelle Public Library.
“We have had a great week here for the kids during the school vacation,” said Community Relations Coordinator Barbara Davis, as she introduced Mr. Haber.
The show was the last of a weeklong series of events designed to keep kids busy and entertained during the school break.
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Haber had the kids’ attention and enthusiasm from the beginning.
“This is an interactive dance party so feel free to shake what you got, or what you don’t got. Just shake,” he began enthusiastically.
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Throughout the show he had kids waving their arms, jumping up and down, and screaming, “I like to rock!”
Smiles could be found upon many of the parents’ faces as well because Haber’s simple but clever lyrics, stories and melodies kept everyone involved.
“This was a lot of fun and a great thing for the kids,” said David Bean, a grandfather from New Rochelle who brought along his two grandchildren Katie, 7, and Quinn, 4. Bean declined to give the children's last names.
“I thought the show was going to be classic songs that I already knew but instead it was a surprise,” said Katie, who lives in Mamaroneck.
The ability to be original is one of the things that Haber loves about making music for children.
“Well, the unbridled enthusiasm and excitement of the kids is unparalled,” he said. “In addition, kids music is the best way to be creative. It allows me to write songs in different styles.”
Haber grew up in Poughkeepsie, where his attraction to music began at age 4 with a violin.
“My dad always sang scat to me when I was a little kid, I was always musical,” he said.
Today he lives in New Rochelle where he is an active member of the community. He teaches at several local pre-schools and knows a number of the kids and parents who were at the show by name.
“The best part about playing in New Rochelle is the endless number of rock and roll puns I can make,” Haber said.
