CHILDREN’S MUSIC : Craig ‘n Co. Boost Spirits

Call him the stress buster. Walt Disney Records’ dynamic children’s rock ‘n’ roller, Craig Taubman, and his Craig ‘n Co. band, lifted spirits with an upbeat sing-along concert at Burbank High School Auditorium on Sunday.

A benefit for Daniel Bridge, a young Burbank boy with a rare blood disease, and the American Lutheran Elementary School, the concert was also a break for families from the stresses of the past week. The group’s next concert is at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Despite a decibel level that at times was too high, the foot-stompin’, finger-poppin’ songs about hair cuts, car trips, boredom, sibling rivalry and baby sitters won continuous smiles from children and adults.

The secret to Craig ‘n Co.’s success, apart from the inexhaustible physicality of Taubman’s performance, his confident vocals and and his band’s musical expertise, is the singer’s remarkable gift for involving his audience.

With a combination of humorous coaxing, infectious enthusiasm and the instinct to know when not to push it, Taubman persuades moms, dads and other adults to wave their arms, twist and shimmy, clap and sing in the aisles and on stage, right along with the kindergarten set.

He can also ease smoothly into a lullaby mode these days, something he wasn’t as comfortable with in the past. On Sunday, Taubman brought his preschool-age son on stage, held him close and crooned a quiet ballad about unity. Closing the set, he and the band--Mike Turner, Joel Bennett, Robert Aguilar and Jim Blazer-- deftly harmonized in a gentle, a capella doo-wop dialogue between father and child.

Always a crowd-pleaser, even in his early years, Taubman seems to have left behind past lyric awkwardness and what was sometimes an over-the-top nervous energy. He and his band have matured into one of the most enjoyable acts in children’s music. But, do turn the volume down, please.

* Craig ‘n Co., Museum of Flying, 2772 Donald Douglas Loop North, Santa Monica, Sunday at 1 p.m. $8 (ages 2 and under); (310) 392-8822.