Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Raffi celebrates 40th anniversary of “Baby Beluga” with fan-art music video + GIVEAWAY

Raffi has been the world’s best-selling and most influential children’s entertainer, delighting successive generations of kids and their parents with his playful, exuberant personality and his irresistibly infectious songs for over two generations. “Baby Beluga” is one of the most enduring songs in the children’s music canon as well as a catchy one. More than two million copies of the album have been sold since the original release on July 10, 1980, and the song has been streamed hundreds of millions of time across digital music services. “I think that kids love how the song makes them feel,” Raffi says. “The song plants a seed of love in young children, love for a magnificent aquatic creature. What you love, you want to protect. So, love for a beluga is symbolic for a greater love of our world of wonders, our big, beautiful planet.”

This year, Raffi is celebrating 40 years since he released “Baby Beluga,” a foundational song for the children’s music genre. When considering the art direction for a music video to commemorate the song’s enduring popularity, Raffi turned to the people who have been listening to the song their entire lives. Parents were requested to submit drawings that reflected the lyrical content of the song and its Earth-friendly message, and hundreds of children of all ages submitted their creations. The animator YOUSEF (Tame Impala, Robbie Williams, Iggy Pop), then brought a handful of the selected drawings to life as live animations.

Fatherly.com premiered the new “Baby Beluga” music video. Entertainment editor Ryan Britt, says it “perfectly captures the gentle spirit of children’s imaginations everywhere .”
 Millions of people grew up with “Baby Beluga,” which follows a little white whale through his happy day, a hit song that helped spark both a public appreciation of a threatened species and Raffi’s own climate activism.
 In July, Raffi and cellist Yo-Yo Ma released a 40th anniversary version of “Baby Beluga” as part of Ma’s Songs of Comfort web series, garnering millions of streams within the first week.  The celebration continued with the launch of Raffi’s official YouTube channel at Youtube.com/Raffi, and a new web store offering a range of special bundles around the beloved little white whale.

GIVEAWAY: Win Raffi’s original “Baby Beluga” CD. Comment on this blog post with your favorite Raffi song. Open to US residents only. Winner announced on September 7, 2020.

 https://youtu.be/mIBY-LQYkVA
Please tag Raffi whenever you share this. 
Hashtags for social media: #BB40 #BelugaGrads

For the latest Raffi news, follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit here.

Flex Academies ONE online enrichment programs + GIVEAWAY

You may be familiar with Flex Academies as some local schools partnered with Flex Academies to hold enrichment classes. As we find ourselves not being able to go to school, Flex Academies has pivoted and adjusted their offerings to continue to reach your child at home!

Flex Academies ONE are classes taught LIVE by Flex Academy’s instructors. The classes are taught via a password protected Zoom room and an extensive list of classes are offered for kids in grades PreK-6. You are sure to find a class right for your child. Classes are categorized into arts, fitness, life skills and language classes. The great part is you can pay as you go or purchase a pack of classes. Visit the FAQ for answers to common questions and head to their YouTube channel to see classes in action.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a 10 pack of classes from Flex Academies ONE by commenting on our Facebook post with which class(es) you’d sign your Bambino(s) up for. A winner will be announced on May 8, 2020.

Harlem Globetrotters + GIVEAWAY

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring larger than life entertainers, are bringing their ALL-NEW show, “Pushing the Limits” to Washington, DC & Fairfax. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personable with a star-stuffed roster including Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton, and woman stars TNT Lister, Swish Sutton, and Torch George. Every show features a blend of hilarious hijinks and incredible basketball skills including ball handling, high flying dunks, and a new record-breaking attempt. The Harlem Globetrotters are a one-of-a kind experience putting a new spin on family time. You won’t want to miss these memories worth repeating! 

The tickets for the giveaway will be 4 tickets for one performance of your choice. Leave a comment on our Facebook page + extra entry for commenting below on this post with which show you want to attend. Winner will be randomly selected and notified March 10, 2020.
March 20, 2020 | Eagle Bank Arena | 7:30 PM
March 21, 2020 |Eagle Bank Arena | 7:30 PM
March 21, 2020 | Capital One Arena | 1:00 PM

Fiddler on the Roof at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY

Fiddler on the Roof will be hitting the stage for one week only; December 10 – 15, 2019 at National Theatre.   

Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific, The King and I, and 2017 Tony-winning Best Play Oslo, bring a fresh and authentic vision to beloved theatrical masterpiece FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. The original production won ten Tony Awards, including a special Tony for becoming the longest-running Broadway musical of all time. You’ll be there when the sun rises on this new production, with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins. A wonderful cast and lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. Featuring the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life,” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!

This show is recommended for ages 8 and up. The run time is approximately 2 hours, 55 minutes including one intermission. With only 8 performances you won’t want to wait to get tickets.

Giveaway – Enter to win a pair of tickets to opening night on Tuesday, December 10th at 7:30pm by tagging a friend to take to the show on Facebook and/or Instagram. Winner announced December 8, 2019.

STOMP at National Theatre + GIVEAWAY


What: STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

Where: The National Theatre

When: April 23 – 28, 2019

Run time: Approximately 95 minutes with no intermission.

Win: 2 tickets for Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:30pm show. Enter to win by tagging 2 friends on Facebook who would like this show & get an extra entry by doing the same on Instagram. Winner announced in one week.

Arts on the Horizon present Beep, Beep + GIVEAWAY

On a warm spring day, the friendly tune of the ice cream truck might be just what you need. But when one particular ice cream truck starts to fall apart, the drivers have to fix it before everything starts to melt! Will our friends find a way out of this sticky situation? This highly physical comedy, features live percussion music and plenty of zany shenanigans. Come help us figure out how to fix up this ice cream truck where nothing goes right at Arts on the Horizon.

Beep, Beep is showing March 7-23, 2019 at The Lab at Convergence: 1819 N. Quaker Ln., Alexandria, VA. The show is best for ages 2-5 and tickets are just $10. 

Flash Giveaway: We are offering a 4-pack of tickets to the performance on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:30am. Tag a friend who may be interested in attending with you on our Facebook post. Winner will be announced Friday, February 15.

Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment + GIVEAWAY

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT IS COMING TO WASHINGTON, DC, FEBRUARY 14-18!

Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories when Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment comes to our hometown!  This action-packed ice spectacular showcases beloved characters from Disney Pixar’s Cars, Toy Story 3, Disney’s The Little Mermaid and the Academy Award®-winning Frozen.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment is performing at Capital One Arena from February 14-18 for 10 performances.

Thrill to high-speed stunts, as Lightning McQueen and the crew of Disney•Pixar’s Cars race across the ice. Dive into adventure with Ariel from Disney’sThe Little Mermaid, as she explores her undersea kingdom. The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the Disney•PixarToy Story gang escape Sunnyside Daycare in a daring adventure to get back to Andy’s room. Plus, enter the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love comes from within. Get warmed up for the show and be your best with exclusive moves taught by the mouse that started it all during Mickey’s Dance-Along Pre-Show.

From wheels to waves, icy wonderlands to infinity and beyond, see some of your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life in Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment!

Where: Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

When:

  • February 14, 2019 @ 7:30 p.m.
  • February 15, 2019 @ 10:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.
  • February 16, 2019 @ 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
  • February 17, 2019 @ 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
  • February 18, 2019 @ 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $20.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win 4 tickets to the opening night performance on Wednesday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day)! Share our Facebook post and tag someone who would want to go to this spectacular show. Winner will be announced, February 1. 


Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live!, DreamWorks Trolls The Experience and Jurassic World Live (coming Fall 2019). Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.comfor more information.

B&O’s Magical Holiday Express + GIVEAWAY

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the B&O’s Magical Holiday Express, a magical holiday wonderland featuring:

  • a magnificent 30-foot Christmas tree that you can stand inside of or walk through
  • operating model train layouts
  • indoor carousel rides
  • interactive kids’ crafts
  • weekend train rides & visits with Santa, December 1-23
  • weekend train rides with Frosty the Snowman, December 15 & 16
  • appearances by Mrs. Claus
  • live entertainment and performances, December 1, 2 & 9

Plus, ALL-NEW holiday themed weekends!
SILVER & GOLD – December 1 & 2 
DECK THE HALLS – December 8 & 9
JINGLE BELLS – December 15 & 16
LET IT SNOW – December 17 -31, Closed Christmas Eve & Day

Admission: $20 adults, $17 seniors (60+), $12 children (ages 2-12)
Train Rides with paid admission: First Class train rides are $10 adults, $6 children; Coach Class train rides are $3 adults, $2 children
Carousel Rides with paid admission: $2 per ride

Giveaway: Enter to win 4 vouchers to visit the museum between Dec. 1-31. Two winners will be chosen on December 5, 2018. (Please note the museum is closed on Christmas Eve & Day). Share the post on Facebook to be entered to win and comment that you shared! 

The B&O Railroad Museum™, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American society, culture and economy. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment.  The 40-acre historic site is regarded as the birthplace of American Railroading and includes the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse and first mile of commercial railroad track in America. For further information on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, please call 410-752-2490 or visit here.

B&O Railroad Museum 901 W. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223

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