Calling all wannabe pop stars and future music legends to Newark, New Jersey! Last month, Los Angeles' popular Grammy Museum opened an outpost in Newark's Prudential Center that encourages kids to indulge their inner rock god.
The interactive exhibits celebrate some of the Garden State's greatest musicians while teaching visitors the techniques used by these industry titans. Step behind a drum kit to learn how E Street Band's Max Weinberg bangs out “Born in the U.S.A.” Head to "The Studio," an exhibit that uses touch screens and video, to rap along with Wyclef Jean to the beat of his song “Gone Till November.”
Interested in more music history? Hit up "New Jersey Legends" where you'll see photos of Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, the Sugarhill Gang, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and more. There's even the pair of blue jeans Bruce Springsteen actually wore on the iconic Born in the U.S.A. album cover. Fans who love the glitz and glam of stardom can also ooh and ahh over several memorable gowns and fashion statements from Grammy Awards past in the "And the Grammy Goes To..." exhibit.
Other hands-on (and vocals-on) experiences, include singing along with "Ray Charles & The Raelettes" on "Hit the Road Jack" karaoke-style, and the chance to make your own music with the electric instruments in "Roland Live." The Roland-made equipment features headphones, soundboards, a drum kit, a guitar, a keyboard, a keytar and more, so everyone can try out the full band experience. Rock on!
The Recording Academy Grammy Museum Experience is at the Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry St, Newark (grammymuseumexp.org). Tues–Sun 11am–6pm on non-event days, Tues–Sun 11am–8pm on event days; $10, college students $9, seniors $8, children ages 3–17 $7, children under 3 free.
Want more? Explore our top children's museums, sing along to great plays for kids or catch some Broadway shows for kids!
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