Bay Chamber Concerts offers "Muddy Boots Series: Free concerts just for children." This free interactive series offers children the freedom to move and dance at concerts created just for them.

"From string quartets to rockin’ piano to a rare harp trio, children and their families will be exposed to the highest quality performances in a relaxed, fun atmosphere," said Bay Chamber, in a news release.

The Halcyon String Quartet will perform a concert inspired by the beloved children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. Pianist and educator Danny Holt will take children on a journey up and down the piano, from a whisper of melody to thunderous rhythms. 

"And there’s much, much more," said Bay Chamber. "Join us for mornings of fun and wonder."

Bay Chamber Concerts provides the following descriptions:

Strings Attached: Saturday, January 24 at 11 am | Hammer Hall – Through interactive storytelling and live performance, cellist Nora Willauer and pianist Marlene McCarthy open a window into the relationships between composers and their music, explaining that creativity often grows out of friendship. Expect laughter, curiosity, and a lively introduction to the cello, piano, and the joy of making music together. 

Trio Oko: Saturday, March 21 at 11 am | Hammer Hall – This time, children get to hear the glorious strains of harp music. Eclectic harp ensemble Trio Oko is a rare bird in the chamber music world. And its three musicians use the unique instrumentation to dazzle. Trio Oko’s members, violinist Emma Powell, cellist Mina Kim, and harpist Charles Overton, create lush harmonies anchored by the harp. Children will learn how the three instruments make beautiful sounds together. 

Piano Adventures with Danny: Saturday, April 4 at 11 am | Hammer Hall – Pianist Danny Holt is not only a virtuoso performer but also a gifted educator with a flair for making music come alive for young audiences. In this special Muddy Boots family concert, he shares the piano’s amazing range — from whispering melodies to thunderous rhythms — through an interactive, playful program designed for children and their families. Danny encourages young audiences to explore how the piano can sound jazzy, rocky, classical, and everything in between. Expect laughter, curiosity, and hands-on fun with an imaginative and engaging performer. 

Halcyon String Quartet: Saturday, May 2 | Hammer Hall – Let the wild rumpus begin! Halcyon String Quartet’s Muddy Boots concert is based on the much-loved book, Where the Wild Things Are, using music, narration and audience participation. Through live performance, storytelling, and interactive elements, Halcyon demonstrates how music can spark curiosity, reflection, and joy. Please bring your own copy of Wild Things if you have one to follow along with the program. 

The ARKAI Experience: Saturday, May 16 | Hammer Hall – Join ARKAI violin-cello duo for a joyful and interactive concert designed for children and their families. With acoustic and electric instruments (and a playful spirit,) violinist Jonathan Miron and cellist Philip Sheegog immerse young listeners in a kaleidoscope of sound, from melodies to pulsing rhythms. Blending music with storytelling and musical games, ARKAI introduces children to the magic of strings. Children will learn how acoustic and electronic instruments work and have a great time moving around the room and dancing. 

Bay Chamber Concerts & Music School is a nationally acclaimed chamber music organization and a cultural hub in Midcoast Maine. Bay Chamber presents more than 50 concerts each year by top musicians from the US and abroad, including traditional chamber music ensembles, soloists, and small groups from diverse traditions. Its Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award is recognized nationally as a top prize for piano. The music school is a center of excellence staffed by experienced, dedicated instructors with advanced music degrees. Most continue to perform professionally. More than 370 students participate in lessons and ensemble classes at Bay Chamber.