There's a Party in my City.

One of my last vestiges of cool with my students is that I can tell them about my friend Ben, who is not only related to the Bat Commander of Aquabats fame, but actually played with the Aquabats for a period. Why ska is still considered cool at this point at all is certainly up for debate, but my students continue to be seduced by its syncopated wiles.

Ska past aside, Ben is still a pretty cool cat, and he is one of the producers of the hit kids show "Yo Gabba Gabba", which my kids are fans of (of which my kids are fans), and which most any parent would agree is a googolplex times better than listening to Barney and the Wiggles. We were supposed to connect with Ben and his family at some point over Thanksgiving--either on their way to or from their Thanksgiving destination--but because of traffic and other stormy factors, it was not convenient for them to stop over. Ben called, though, and told us that Yo Gabba Gabba Live was coming to town and asked if we'd like to be on the guest list. "Does the Pope wear a funny hat?" was our immediate reply, and this past Thursday, we went to the show.

 Basically, the production was a rock concert for kids: there were long lines, loud music, sweet pyrotechnics, dancing, and even a merch table at the exclusive after-party/meet and greet, which we were also privileged enough to attend.

BAM!!! We're blowing your tiny kids' tiny little MINDS!!!

This was a number with Archibald the Earthworm. I have yet to receive compensation.

The Boy looking very somber in his DJ Lance Rock spectacles. They are not 3-D, nor were they required for viewing the show properly. We wore them anyway.

A proud, suspicious looking papa in his DJ Lance Rock head gear.

The Boy took a picture of me in my glasses.

Mamacheetah in hers. WRrrrrrowWWW!

The merch table. Pushing backpacks and t-shirts.

This is what a party in your tummy looks like. At least before the stomach acid starts to kick in.

CHEESE! INCOMING!

Biz Markie was a hip-hop Santa Claus, having kids come up, sit on his lap, and give "Biz's Beat of the Day" on the mic.

Even jaded teens got in on the act.

The after-party. We got pictures with the Yo Gabba creatures. This is not us.

The girl's unintentional Brobee-like shirt.

Biz Markie slapping kids five.

Biz Markie with some random enthusiastic mom. The wife didn't get her picture with him.

We had tons of fun. Thanks, BEN!!!!