by Samantha Chan

PARENTGUIDE News May 2012

Princess Party
Moey’s Music Party releases Princess Revolution on CD. The award-winning children’s band presents this girl-power album that seeks to spark the can-do spirit inside young females listeners. The music compilation features 15 original tracks, which cover topics ranging from body image to standing up against bullies. Pick up a copy at local entertainment retailers or download online at iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby.

Forward-Thinking Festival
The art fair Frieze New York heads to Randall’s Island from May 4-7. All are invited to see work from more than 1,000 of the world’s most innovative artists. Experience projects, programs, debates, panel discussions and other features. Log onto www.friezenewyork.com for more information.

Seasonal Fete
On May 5, head to the Columbia Greenhouse Spring Fair at 404 W. 116th St. from 11am-4pm. The annual affair features children’s rides, pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting. Families are invited to enjoy homemade fare, as well as shop children’s clothing and toys. The rain date is May 6. For details, see www.columbiagreenhouse.com.

Colors of the Wind
Trinity Wall Street presents Family Friday Pizza and Movie Night at Charlotte’s Place on May 18, 6-7:30pm. Visitors of all ages are invited to view a screening of Pocahontas. The movie tells the classic tale of an English soldier who ventures to the New World in search of gold, then finds and falls in love with the village native Pocahontas. Charlotte’s Place is located at 107 Greenwich St.

Unleash the Beast
The Beast, New York’s popular jet-powered speedboat, kicks off its summer 2012 season on May 4. Trips operate every hour on the hour between 10am and 6pm. The 30-minute excursion provides thrills and breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty. The Beast operates out of Pier 83 at West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue. For tickets, log onto www.circleline42.com or dial (212)563-3200.

Mellow Cello
When acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis could not find good books to help teach his son about great composers, the father created his own. On May 13 at 3pm, Isserlis takes the stage at 92Y to bring an hour-long musical portrait of Beethoven in The Cello Was His Forte: Introducing Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas. The event, recommended for families with children ages 6-10, is located at 1395 Lexington Ave. Dial (212)415-5500 or log onto www.92y.org for tickets.

Get Grooving
Indie children’s band Imagination Movers is the perfect embodiment of a resulting combination of the Beastie Boys and Mr. Rogers. On May 5 at 1:30pm and 4:30pm, the musical group takes the stage at the Best Buy Theater (formerly known as the Nokia Theater Times Square), 1515 Broadway at West 44th Street. They sing about things kids know best, from messy rooms and healthy snacks to sibling rivalry. Visit www.bestbuytheater.com to order tickets to this dynamic live show.

Made with Love
Join the Creative Kitchen at City Treehouse, 129A W. 20th St., on May 12 at 10am and 11am. Recommended for children ages 2-6, the workshop invites guests to decorate their own personal flower pot, then cook and fill it with a fruity parfait. Adorn your creation with some flora to create the perfect gift for mom. Register at www.citytreehouse.com.

On the Water
The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, located at Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, hosts two engagements this month. On May 13, celebrate Mother’s Day with discounted pricing for all moms who print up the coupon from www.intrepidmuseum.org. And to celebrate Fleet Week in NYC, tour visiting military ships from May 23-28, along with various displays on Pier 86, the famous Tug of War and other great happenings. See the website for details.

Comfortable Pregnancy
Prenatal Yoga Center presents 1+1 = 3: Partner Yoga and Massage Workshop with Gayla Marie Stiles and Aaron Stiles, LMT, at 251 W. 72nd St., second floor. On May 13, noon-2:15pm, pregnant mothers and their partners are invited to experience flowing yoga sequences, restorative postures and massages with which fathers, partners or friends can help. See www.prenatalyogacenter.com for information and details on other workshops.

Samantha Chan is an associate editor.