Rocking Out

If you've had a child in the past few years, then you know that there is an all-ages rock star by the name of Dan Zanes. Former frontman for the band the Del Fuegos, Zanes decided several years back that the "children's music" available for purchase and listening was frozen-stiff, and he decided to do something about the situation. Annalee and her mommy and daddy had the good fortune to take in a show by Zanes and his six-piece band yesterday afternoon at the Rhode Island School of Design auditorium. The music and atmosphere were effervescent; the crowd was as happy an assortment of children and parents as it is possible to find. Annalee, spooked by some costumed performers outside the hall, warmed to the music after a song or two, wiggling first in my lap and then her mommy's. She clapped to the rhythm and danced in front of the stage on a couple of occasions. Dad, meanwhile, sang harmony on every number he knew at all -- and some he didn't. Zanes autographed three CDs for us when the show was over, and it will be a day to remember.