MOVIES, MUSIC & STAGE
Mamapalooza
By Lizzie Plaugic, May 19, 2011
This celebration on the Hudson is all about motherhood.
1:35–2:25pm Moey’s Music Party Parents have dubbed NYC songstress Moey “the pied piper in pink” because of her uncanny ability to get thousands of children grooving along to her celebratory pop rock.
Mamapalooza, Sun May 22 at 11am. Riverside Park, Pier I, W 70th St at the Hudson River Park (212-408-0219, riversideparkfund.org). All ages. Free.
THINGS TO DO
Time Out New York Kids / Issue 30 : Mar 15–Apr 15, 2008
Changing tune
After years of creating adult music, a mom finds her calling writing songs for the sing-along set.
By Susan Avery
Melissa Levis poses with her new fan base.
Photograph: Cecilia Ohlssen
Melissa Levis takes her place in front of her adoring fans and begins belting out original tunes as the crowd readily sings along. In years past, she has performed in concerts at downtown venues like Mercury Lounge, and even had a successful run Off Broadway as the lyricist for the musical The Joys of Sex. Now, under the jolly stage moniker “Moey,” Levis plays kid birthday parties and regular gigs at Gymtime Rhythm & Glues and P.S. 158. Her inventive songs cover topics like hygiene (the bluesy “Pierre Wouldn’t Wash His Hair”) and meal time (the a cappella “Sushi Symphony”). While her short-statured fans jump around, no doubt a few of their parents have wondered how Levis came to the role of kiddie entertainer.
A childhood talent for writing humorous songs led her to a career in the 1990s crafting cleverly worded custom ditties—at $5,000 a pop—for politicians and business execs (“Here’s to the best of CEOs, / The man who brought highs to Loews. / Blow out your candle and make a wish, / Now that you’re 40-ish. / Happy birthday, Jonathan Tisch”).
In 1995, she formed a band, Melissa and the Moguls, with a few high-powered friends she’d met through her uncle Bruce Wasserstein, the investment banker and magazine owner, and aunt Wendy Wasserstein, the late Pulitzer-winning playwright. The group still gets together to jam once in a while on songs like “A-list”: “For big benefits, we write big checks. / We’re in Peggy Siegal’s Rolodex. / We got a trophy wife and an angry ex. / A-list, A-list.”
In 2002, while spending time in her native Vermont with her son, Monty, now four, Levis began plotting her next move. In an effort to get Monty into a sold-out Vermont nursery school, she volunteered as a music teacher. The rest is mommy-rock history. “I gave up the A-list to sing the ABCs,” she laughs. “But my family thinks I’m a celebrity.”
THINGS TO DO
Best things to do with NYC kids this weekend
Picks for Sunday, April 4
Moey’s Music Party
Don your boas and sparkly jewelry for Moey’s Music Party at the Bowery Poetry Club. Only $10!
Read more ...
THINGS TO DO
Carl Schurz Park Sixth Annual Egg Hunt
Sat Apr 16 at 1pm. Carl Schurz Park, East End Ave at 89th St (212-459-4455, carlschurzparknyc.org). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. $10 suggested donation per child.
The Upper East Side green space kicks off the festivities with kids decorating their own egg bags, to be used during the subsequent three hunting sessions. When they're not busy searching for eggs, kids can decorate cupcakes, get their faces painted or rock out with neighborhood mama Moey, who will perform with her band. And instead of resting up for his big day, the Easter bunny will drop by for photo ops. All ages.
THINGS TO DO
Moey's Music Party Concert
Off-Broadway songwriter Melissa Levis (Moey) cranks out entertaining and educational tunes reminiscent of Schoolhouse Rock. Kids will embrace their empire state of mind by belting out tunes like "Im a NYC Kid" or learn a thing or two about manners during the song "I Always Sit When I Eat." Ages 8 and under.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Birthday party entertainers for NYC kids
Moey—or a member of her band—sings original tunes, such as “New York City Kid” and “Alphabet Soup,” gives away prizes that play on the party’s theme and helms a puppet show based on your child’s name. Call for prices and packages. (917-680-6739)
THINGS TO DO
Moey's Music Party
FAO Schwarz, 767 Fifth Ave (at 58th Street)
Tue Jan 26 1 pm
A performer and teacher who entertains 300 preschoolers a week, Moey (Melissa Levis) sings tunes about Rudolph and dreidels that are sure to transport the under-ten set into a genuine tizzy. After boogying down with pom-poms, maracas and inflatable guitars, your mini-Madonna will surely hit the hay without a fuss. All ages.
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THINGS TO DO
Moey's Music Party
FAO Schwarz, 767 Fifth Ave (at 58th Street)
Sat noon–12:45pm , Dec 14 3pm–3:45pm
A performer and teacher who entertains 300 preschoolers a week, Moey (Melissa Levis) sings tunes about Rudolph and dreidels that are sure to transport the under-ten set into a genuine tizzy. After boogying down with pom-poms, maracas and inflatable guitars, your mini-Madonna will surely hit the hay without a fuss. All ages.
Read more …
THINGS TO DO
Moey's Music Party
Carl Schurz Park, E 86th St (at East End Avenue)
A performer and teacher who entertains 300 preschoolers a week, Moey (Melissa Levis) sings silly tunes—like the rib-tickling ditty “Pierre Wouldn’t Wash His Hair”—that are sure to transport the under-ten set into a genuine tizzy. After boogying down with free pom-poms, maracas and inflatable guitars, your mini-Madonna will surely hit the hay for a nap without a fuss. All ages.
THINGS TO DO
Tuesday, May 14, 2009
Sunday May 17th picks (all indoors in case of rain!)
Tots can rock out at a pair of concerts: the perpetually pink and perky Moey in Tribeca and ex-punk Uncle Rock in the East Village.
THINGS TO DO
DR2 Theatre
103 E 15th St (at Union Sq East) 212-239-6200
Using words and props that start with the letter p—think puppet, princess, pizza—the audience helps Moey (a.k.a. kiddie crooner Melissa Levis) and her band plan a birthday party for a surprise guest. If your own tot happens to be celebrating the anniversary of his birth today, Moey will invite him onstage with other b-day boys and girls for a personalized song. At the end of the show, all the kids get to try their luck at breaking open a piñata filled with sweet treats. Ages 1 to 8.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Keep the gang entertained all weekend long with Moey Live: P Is for Party!