Justin Roberts returns to Triangle; Win tickets to his May show!

Roberts, a Grammy Award nominee who has played The Today Show, Nick Jr. and was featured on a World Series broadcast, has been playing the children's music circuit for years now.

And yes ... we are very excited in my house about his May 21 concerts at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. They've become an annual event. And we're looking forward to showing our younger child what he's all about for the first time. We actually bought our tickets two months ago.

And here's why we like Justin. While my six-year-old is one of his biggest fans, I can say that his lyrics ring true for me as much as they do for her.

There's nothing here about why brushing your teeth is a good idea or how to sing the ABCs, though they may get a mention somewhere along the way. Roberts' lyrics are all about real life and set to music that's been compared to everybody from Buddy Holly and Weezer to Nick Lowe and Paul McCartney.

He'll take you right back to your own childhood with pieces on trick-or-treating, the first day of school or the parachute in gym class. And then he'll jerk you right back to your life today as a parent with anthems on childhood meltdowns or just how much you love your kids. If you're like me, you'll tear up at songs like "Fruit Jar" or "Never Getting Lost" or "Sandcastle."

Your kid, of course, will think he's singing all for her.

And we're not the only one who like him. His most recent album, "Jungle Gym," was nominated for a Grammy Award this year. And he's the winner of numerous other awards too.

I have a family four pack of tickets to the 2 p.m. show plus a Jungle Gym CD to give away.

How can you enter to win? There are a couple of ways to enter and you can do one or both.

2. Answer the following question in the comments: What's your favorite childhood memory? Family vacations maybe? Trips to the park? Holidays? Family dinners? Fighting with your brother?

This contest ends at noon April 26. One winner will be picked at random from all entries. The winner's user name will be posted on this post by 9 p.m. April 26 and an email will be sent to the winner. The winner must respond by noon April 30 or a runner-up will be selected. Good luck!