McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone
Visit the McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone to find FREE entertainment for the whole family! Features include family shows on the Mainstage, interactive inflatable's, arts and crafts, face painting, games, hands-on exhibits, product sampling, balloon entertainment, magicians, and a whole lot more.
The McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone is located in the Hall of Fame park at Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun Street, in front of the Hilton Suits Hotel. Hours are Thursday-Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm and Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm.
Theme Days:
- Safety Day - Thursday, June 5
- Health & Wellness Day - Friday, June 6
- Community Day- Saturday, June 7
- Environmental Day - Sunday, June 8
Each day the Family Zone will celebrate a different theme. Local organizations such as the Police Department, Fire Department, Red Cross and Hands on Nashville will be on site with fun activities and hand outs in support of the themes.
Family Zone Area features include:
Ronald McDonald
Thursday, Friday, Sunday @ 12:40pm
One of the world’s most beloved and recognized icons, Ronald McDonald, has entertained millions through his school shows and community appearances on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. There will be tons of fun and laughter for all when Ronald visits the Family Zone. He’ll perform his interactive magic show once daily on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. More information at Ronald.com
Strawberry Shortcake
Thursday, Friday & Sunday @ 1:30pm
In support of her new DVD "Big Country Fun," Strawberry Shortcake and her friends Ginger Snap and Orange Blossom will perform once a day on Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Kids will have the chance to meet Strawberry and participate in Strawberry Shortcake themed activities in the Strawberry Shortcake tent. More information at BigCountryFunDVD.com
The Kid Fiddlers
Thursday @ 11:00am
The Kid Fiddlers, based in Las Vegas, consist of five siblings age 6-17. Also known as the Jackson Family Band, the group wows audiences with an entertaining blend of vocal and instrumental prowess, comedy and clogging. More information at KidFiddlers.com
Katie Chance
Thursday @ 11:50am
Katie Chance, a nine-year old fourth-grader who lives in the Middle Tennessee area, has released her debut single to radio, “Love In My Pocket,” a song she co-wrote with her father. For Chance, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, the song is both her personal heartwarming expression and an opportunity to thank the medical team at Nashville’s Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Autism Research Program (TRIAD), who directed the young girl’s speech pathology and therapy treatment program for more than thirty months.
Proceeds from the purchase of the song, available through Chance’s website, iTunes and numerous other digital outlets, will benefit Vanderbilt’s Kennedy Center. Through the Vanderbilt facility’s direction for early intervention, Chance made remarkable improvements and is now an accomplished student and young recording artist. Her credits include a duet with Sawyer Brown front man Mark Miller and songs in several motion pictures, including the King Red film project for children. More information at KatieChance.com
Miss Lori
Thursday @ 2:20pm
Lori Holton Nash, also known as "Miss Lori," is a gifted children's educator and entertainer. Her heartfelt mission is to unite families by providing quality, multi-age children’s content that can be enjoyed together. Lori's overall mission is to help children explore their sense of wonder, and her live performances add physical activity to lessons with musically rich up-tempo songs from her album Music ‘n Movement TOGETHER. Lori founded the Chicago-based The C.A.M.P.U.S. Inc. to be a resource for families and children in search of recreational arts programming that will enrich the souls, engage the bodies and challenge the minds of youth all while having fun.
Lori is also the host of the multi-platform PBS KIDS preschool destination. Along with her animated guinea pig sidekick, Hooper, the duo guide preschoolers through interactive, engaging lessons weekday mornings on PBS KIDS and online at pbskids.org. More information at MissLorisCampus.com
Dennis Scott
Thursday @ 3:25pm
Dennis Scott is a two time Grammy Award winner, most recently for producing the 2006 Best Musical Recording for Children: Songs from the Neighborhood, the Music of Mr. Rogers. Dennis possesses a rare charismatic quality which captivates his young audiences. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Crystal Gayle, Ray Charles, Loretta Lynn, Faith Hill, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Jim Henson & The Muppets. His music has been featured on such shows as Sesame Street, ElmoPalooza, Guiding Light and Noddy. In addition to two Grammys, he is a recipient of an Emmy and a Parent’s Choice Award.
Dennis’ show is a high energy musical revue of kids’ favorites as well as original songs, games and sing-alongs. Dennis conducts the kids through a non-stop flurry of silly antics and fun with lots of audience participation. It's a celebration that embodies imagination and positive family values. More information at DennisScott.net
GrandBob
Friday @ 11:00am
You'd never know it to look at him, but GrandBob is still a little boy at heart. He likes to run and play, and has been known to ride his bicycle as far as 100 miles in a single day. But GrandBob really loves corny jokes, silly rhymes and music to tap your foot to. Music has always been a vital part of GrandBob’s life. Over the years he has become an accomplished songwriter, concentrating on the folk, traditional and children’s music which he loves. His songs have been recorded by a number of artists and have been heard throughout the world in several venues including radio, television, and movies. Since 1998 GrandBob has recorded five albums which have been released on Saddle Sore Records. Today he co-writes with elementary school children as a volunteer at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, and performs at a variety of children's venues. More information at GrandBob.com
Bummkinn Band
Friday @ 11:50am
Boot scootin' country kids music that features the original songs of Texas-born singer/songwriter Kimber Breaux and her collaborators. They’ve got folksy but flavorful nursery rhyme story-songs that teach kids about making friends, having hope, making mistakes and living out their dreams as well as rockin country tunes that teach kids how to turn any bummer situation around or at least have fun with it like. The Bummkinn Band also features Joe Bear Bumm Kinn, the rootin’ tootin’ high falutin guitar-playing “Buck Owens” of the stuffed animal world. Joe’s a teddy-sized fella with a grizzly-sized personality. More information at BummkinnBand.com
Adam and the Couch Potatoes
Friday @ 2:20pm
Adam and the Couch Potatoes is a rock and roll band which plays music about and for hip parents and their young kids. Musically, they reference many genres and styles (often with thick four-part harmonies, exciting instrumentation featuring brass and fiddle, and a refreshing take on Beatles-esque, pop-formula hooks). Lyrically, many of their songs are written from the first-person perspective of children. Stylistically, they appear as the coolest kids around – bring colored vintage garb and authentic enthusiasm. And in concept, the band weaves stories and characters based on a magical and mythical land of potatoes. In addition to playing kids’ rock, they transform into jugglers, puppeteers, magicians and inspired improvisers – all of which makes for a truly imaginative, larger-than-life live performances. More information at VeryVerySilly.com
Zak Morgan
Friday @ 3:10pm
Zak Morgan, the Grammy-nominated children's artist (When Bullfrogs Croak), combines uplifting, kid-honoring songs with magic, theatre and comedy to encourage kids to read books, exercise their imaginations and maintain “I Can Do It” attitudes. His songs encompass topics such as sibling rivalry, metamorphosis, chicken pox, late bloomers and a turkey that thinks it's a dog. His musical styles range from calypso to rock to country, and Morgan's bubbly exuberance keeps his live shows moving at a fast, engaging pace. More information at ZakMorgan.com
Tim Hanning’s Pro-Kids Show!®
Friday @ 4:00pm
Tim Hanning’s Pro-Kids Show is a motivational program growing out of 22 years of success in schools across the United States. Through the use of music, magic, comedy and involvement, kids learn the importance of honesty, respect, self-esteem, cooperation and responsibility. More information at PKShow.com
YWCA Celebrity Auction
Saturday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT
Grab your seat fast! Bring the family to this all day auction with hundreds of memorabilia from Country Music artists. Fans will have the chance to bid on memorabilia from their favorite country artists when the YWCA returns with their Celebrity Auction.
The Hollow Trees
Saturday @ 4:00pm
The Hollow Trees, based in Los Angeles, play what they call “Folk Music for Families.” It’s high energy acoustic Americana music played with passion, skill and humor. They combine the musical styles of bluegrass, country, folk, blues and jazz and put their stamp on many traditional folk songs as well as original compositions. Their live shows feature audience sing-alongs to both well-known classics such as “Polly Wolly Doodle” and originals such as “Forest Melody.”
The Hollow Trees’ universe revolves around the Hollow Tree and its resident Nelson. The Hollow Tree grows in the middle of a magic meadow, hidden inside an enchanted forest which is located on the outskirts of the town of Nelsonville. Many of the Trees’ original songs tell stories about Nelson and his friends and fellow residents of Nelsonville, and Nelson himself is known to make appearances at Hollow Trees’ shows. More information at TheHollowTrees.com
The Zinghoppers
Sunday @ 11:00am
The Zinghoppers blend upbeat music, dynamic and playful lyrics, slaptick comedy and humor along with important “edutainment” and high energy fun. Their upbeat shows feature a band of “animal friends” including Penelope the Possum (lead singer, bass), Coconuts the Kangaroo (drums) and Olo the Donkey (guitar). They are accompanied by friend Conductor Jack (ukulele) who drives the Happy Train and joins the band onstage.
Entertaining children in an inspiring world where imagination will take them on amazing adventures, the Zinghoppers encourage kids to explore the world around them through music, movement and laughter - and they won't even know they're learning! More information at ZingHoppers.com
Eve and Mare
Sunday @ 11:50am
Once upon a time in Nashville, Tennessee, there lived two friends named Eve and Mare. Nashville is a music town, and Eve and Mare would often get together to write songs and play music. One day, Eve had the idea to write songs about some of the things she enjoyed the most when she was a kid. She had lots of fun remembering days spent playing hide-and-seek with her friends or going on boat rides with her family. She showed these songs to Mare, who loved them immediately. They began working together to create kids songs that were entertaining, unique, and most of all fun to listen to and even sing along with. They played their songs for some kids, and the kids really liked them. They played their songs for some grown-ups, and the grown-ups really liked them too. They played their songs for a producer and he said, "Lets make a CD." So they did. And they all lived happily ever after. More information at EveAndMare.com
Little Nashville
Sunday @ 2:20pm
As seen on ABC, NBC, CBS and GAC-TV, this award-winning, family-focused live concert offers children the opportunity to have a ton of fun while learning about the world around them. The concert features a high-energy stage show with an authentic Southern flair lead by singer/songwriter/musician, J Juliano. The music is produced in the vein of today's "hot" Country and while the words and the messaging are geared for the kids, the music is produced for the adults. The goal is to bring families together and create an experience that both the children and their parents can enjoy. Don’t miss this roof-raising, foot-stomping good time… guaranteed to bring the house down! More information about Little Nashville at LittleNashvilleMusic.com
Taylor Ware
Sunday @ 3:30pm
At just 12 yrs old Taylor has been a top 3 finalist on America's got talent, been seen by millions of people and performed for tens of thousands. Taylor started singing in front of an audience when she was just 4 years old. Her first public appearance was at a county fair, singing and playing her violin. There were more than a thousand people at that fair. Taylor began singing at nursing homes, when she was 6 years old. Also at the age of 6, she started her Adopt-a-Grandparent program. When Taylor was 7 years old, she taught herself how to yodel using an instruction book and tape. At 8 years old, Taylor then started to take guitar lessons and voice lessons from Renee Grant Williams. Taylor performed on the Grand Ole Opry, won the Yahoo! Yodel Challenge, and was invited to be one of the 1,773 people who helped Yahoo! break the Guinness record for the world's largest group yodel, at the age of 9. She graduated from Walnut Grove Elementary school, in Tennessee, in 2006. More information about Taylor Ware at TaylorWare.com
Borders® Storytelling
Thursday-Sunday
Each day, Borders® Books, Music and More will sponsor one celebrity storytelling segment on the Family Zone stage. The first 50 children to visit will receive a free copy of the book that is being read. BordersStores.com
Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee
Thursday-Sunday
The Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee will host a “cabin themed” tent complete with fun activities in support of the Family Zone theme days. On Safety Day, kids can participate in “stop, drop & roll” activities. On Health & Wellness Day, kids can create their own travel “wellness kits.” On Community Day, kids can make greeting cards for Father’s Day or to be sent to local Veterans for Veteran’s Day. One Environmental Day, kids can participate in a gardening activity. On Sunday afternoon, approximately twenty campers attending the Girl Scouts "Camp Music City, USA” will sing with Taylor Ware on the Family Zone Stage. GSMidTN.org
Music City Rising Star Competition
Thursday-Sunday
For the second year running, the top high school vocalists from across the country will compete for the prestigious “Music City Rising Star.” Performances will take place Thursday-Friday, June 5-6, with trophies being awarded to the top five soloists in each age group for best acoustic performance,
original selection, outstanding showmanship, audience appeal, instrumentalist, and top five overall.
The Grand Champion “Music City Rising Star” will be announced Sunday, June 8 on the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages and will perform later that day in the McDonald’s®-Dr. Pepper® Family Zone. The competition is hosted by Music Festivals
Space Chimps
Thursday - Sunday
A trio of space monkeys must overthrow the tyrannical leader of a distant planet in this zany new animated feature film. This witty, out-of-this-world adventure, produced by Barry Sonnenfeld for 20th Century Fox features cutting-edge CGI animation and the voice talent of Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”), Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Patrick Warburton (“Rules of Engagement”), Kristin Chenoweth (“The West Wing”) and Stanley Tucci (Robots). "Space Chimps" launches into theaters on Friday, July 18th.
Kids can visit the Space Chimp Academy in the Family Zone. There will be fun activities for kids to earn their “stripes” and be an official Space Cadet!
More Information at SpaceChimpsPower.com
WOW! WOW! WUBBZY!
Dates TBD
Nick Jr./Noggin hit show Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! revolves around Wubbzy and his two friends, Widget and Walden, who live in the town of Wuzzleburg. The three are constantly having hilarious adventures that reinforce the importance of friendship. The show airs on Nick Jr and Noggin. Wubbzy will be on site greeting, singing and dancing with visitors. More information at Wubbzy.com
Family Zone Partners:
