Kids, get ready to rock ‘n’ rumble to Ralph’s World

The hot children’s music market has caught the attention of leading concert promoter Live Nation. It has put its clout into a House of Blues national tour for one of the field’s hottest stars, Ralph Covert, a.k.a. Ralph’s World.

Next stop: the Sunset Strip on Saturday.

With Covert’s idea of what kids’ music should be and a desire to create “that first rock ‘n’ roll experience,” Ralph’s World seemed a perfect fit for House of Blues, said Kevin Morrow, senior vice president of HOB entertainment and talent.

“We’re in the artist development business and this is a big part of the music world now,” Morrow added.

Covert, lead singer-songwriter for Chicago indie band the Bad Examples, has gained a coast-to-coast following for the quirky lyrics and solid rock sensibility that defines his Ralph’s World persona.

Covert’s star has risen with his recent first release on the Disney Sound label, “Welcome to Ralph’s World,” a Grammy nomination for his 2005, “Green Gorilla” CD and Playhouse Disney’s airing of Ralph’s World videos.

For Covert, performing for little kids in a big-kids’ venue affirms his signature approach: an authentic rock vibe and fantastical, rowdy and soulful tweaks to familiar themes.

“I’m just trying to make great music,” he says. “I don’t feel it’s a detour -- it’s an expansion of what I do to encompass an even broader audience.”

-- Lynne Heffley

Ralph’s World, House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. $17. (323) 848-5100; www.ticketmaster.com