Photo: NYRR

Get your running shoes out folks, this Saturday marks Fitness and the New York Road Runners family races in Central Park. Before you reject the notion of running a marathon, there are a few options for every family member. For the older set, there is a 4-miler on East Drive and 68th, which we predict will be competitive. Afterwards, NYRR will send the kids out dashing for a short version intended for toddlers up to pre-teens. Those people who just don’t delight in running, there are free Pure Barre total body workouts and the awesome SurfSE wave-surfing simulator to try out.

For Parents feeling more nostalgic and who enjoy a spot of folk music; Washington Square Park’s free Folk Festival will take place Saturday afternoon and evening. Over a dozen musical acts will commemorate New York City’s legendary 1960s folk music scene with renditions of jazz, Appalachian string music and bluegrass. Just a few names to grace the stage are Ginny Hawker and Tracy Schwarz, John Cohen, Blind Boy Paxton and Mamie Minch. A crop of new players on the folk scene—locally and nationally—are also set to perform. It’s slated to be a fantastic weekend so bring comfy blankets and chairs with a picnic or grab something healthy to-go from the diverse cuisine options in the West Village.

Courtesy of Brighton Neighborhood Association

Brooklyn’s Russian capitol, Brighton Beach, is gearing up for its 36^th Annual Brighton Jubilee on Sunday, August 26. Brighton Beach Avenue and parts of the Coney Island Boardwalk will be teaming with food carts, artisan vendors and three stages of live entertainment.  As always, the jubilee is an excellent option for families are around the City this weekend.

Starting at 10:00a.m., there will be shopping and music from such acts as Frankie Marra & His Band and Brooklyn group Neptune Jam. A highlight is sure to be Brooklyn’s Strongest Arm Competition, where members of the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Arm Wrestling Association are slated to participate.

The Brighton Jubilee serves as a fundraiser for the Brighton Neighborhood and attracts over 100,000 people each year. A statement from the organizers states that the event “is dedicated to bridging the communication gap through the international language of music."

If you arrive early you may even have time to enjoy some time on the beach!

If you want to get your kiddie culture indoors, the Fringe Festival will present two weekend performances of Grimm: A New Musical, Saturday at noon and Sunday at 2:15p.m. (HERE, 145 Sixth Avenue). The FringeJR show, a BIG Theatre Company production, blends cherished tales from the Brothers Grimm with dueling princesses, mystical creatures and an epic quest for glory. Grimm: A New Musical is perfect for ages 6-12.

Eventually, Zuckerman wound up heading back to the classroom. Today, the singer-songwriter teaches kindergarten just outside of New York City while he continues to tour the country.

After deciding to combine his two passions of music and teaching, Zuckerman recorded his first children's album (From A to Mr.Z) under the name Mr.Z and the Shashka Frashkas. The music targets an audience from kindergarten to elementary school with songs that deliver valuable educational and social lessons, using a variety of music genres.

"Making this children’s CD has been a great experience for me. I've always wanted to make a difference with my music,” said Mr.Z. "This CD is truly a great way to make learning fun while also teaching children good messages about liking the self.

Scooter got word of the album's first music video online for the single "It Starts With You.”

Give it a go and let us know what you think!

DJ Kai Song

Skies were blue and the sun was out midday this past Sunday as Scooter trekked over to Lower East Side Business Improvement District’s DayLife street party. Orchard Street was closed to traffic, making way for retrofitted pushcarts with local merchandise. Boutique storefronts poured into the streets, as did dozens of delicious food vendors including Sons of Essex, Mission Chinese, Blue Ribbon Sushi, and The Meatball Shop.

Nearly 10,000 people were estimated to have enjoyed the food, outdoor games (ping pong, urban croquet, badminton, etc.) and music. One bite sized individual that attracted quite a crowd, was eight year old DJ Kai Song. He spun remixes of Gotye and Rihanna outside LES spot Tammany Hall. Scooter caught up with him after his set.

When did you first start DJing?

I've been DJing for as long as I can remember. We had a DJ set-up in the living room and whenever I wanted to hear music I would just turn that on and then I got more and more into it and my Papa started teaching me. My first gig was at age 3 at the Children's Museum of the Arts in Manhattan.

What artists do you love?

Adele, David Guetta, Tiësto, Nadia Ali, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Swedish House Mafia and Skrillex.

Do you get nervous?

No, not really.

What has been your biggest gig?

The PS 29 block party. This weekend was my 3rd year playing there. I was told there were over 1000 people.

Do your friends like your DJing?

A big yes!

How was the Lower East Side Sunday ‘funday’ gig!?

It was really fun. The whole event was fun, everyone was super nice and the food was so good. I loved the fried rice from Mission Chinese and I had a yummy ice cream sandwich.

Check out DJ Kai Song in action on Vimeo.