Sandbox Band rocks kids, families

Most had kids of their own when the members, who all had played in other bands though not so kid-friendly, got together. As Chris Bean tells me in the video interview, they expected to play birthday parties, maybe a pool party if they were lucky.

They do that. But they also have became sought after entertainment for major festivals and events around the Triangle. And they've become a favorite of local families for their folksy twists on classic kids music (think "Bingo" and "Eensy Weensy Spider"); their own original songs; and their antics and banter during the concerts.

The guys of the Sandbox Band are busy these days. The band has a steady slate of public and private performances around the Triangle (including Raleigh's Fletcher Park concert series on Sunday) and two CDs in the works. A Christmas CD is set for release in October. Another CD of all original songs should come out in spring 2011.

"They're all pretty much the best children's songs ever," says band member Jeff Morats (only half joking).

The band already has two CDs: a collection of classic tunes for kids called "KidSongs" and an album of originals called "Are We There Yet?"

You'll find the Sandbox Band at 6 p.m. Sunday at Fletcher Park, 820 Clay St. near the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and Peace Street in Raleigh. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs and get there early to get a good spot. There will be room up front for the kids to dance and room around the park for them to run around.

The band played a couple of their original songs for me earlier this week.

Here's "Why?", followed by "Dinosaur Ride."