Tune into Disney for the first concert from inside Toontown

These days, kids don’t have to wait until they are teens to enjoy the energy of a rock ‘n’ roll show, as Disney demonstrates with Rock ‘N Toontown, the first concert inside Disneyland’s newest attraction, Toontown.

Toontown, the first “land” to be opened at Disneyland since Bear Country opened in 1972, is designed to look like a life-sized cartoon. This animated arena sets the tone for the concert, which features music from children’s music specialist Craig Taubman’s new album of the same name. The album will be released this week.

“It’s pretty much a live rock and roll show for families,” says Taubman of “Rock ‘N Toontown.” “There are different styles of music, from hip-hop to reggae to straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll.”

Taubman began writing music for little folk when his wife, a nursery school director, asked him to teach a class in music. Not knowing classical kids tunes, he wrote his own, based on experiences with their own children, now 3 and 4. “Rock ‘N Toontown” is Taubman’s fourth album.

Dancing and performing with Taubman will be popular Disney characters and 10 kid dancers called Craig ‘N Company. Also on the scene will be several kid reporters and a family audience.

“Rock ‘N Toontown” airs Sunday 8:30-9 p.m. on the Disney Channel. For ages 3 and up.

MORE FAMILY SHOWS

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Lucille Ball is the irrepressible Auntie Mame (Monday 9-11 p.m. Lifetime), who takes her nephew on exciting adventures. This musical was Lucille Ball’s final feature film. Great scenes between Ball and Bea Arthur. For ages 7 and up.

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