Sarah James (who performs as The Nunnery) and her family. (Submitted photo)

Looking for a cabin fever cure for you and your kiddos this winter while also learning the latest childcare info? Then, mark your calendar for “Chillin’ with the Children,” a concert for families with young children, on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 4-7:30pm at SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).

Siblings Julia Bennker, owner of Ms. Julia’s Schoolia on the Eastside Hill, and Micah Davis, award-winning videographer and creative at Soul Shine Creative Studio, are the minds behind this first-of-its-kind event. It combines live child-focused entertainment with childcare resources for parents – all before 8pm.

Once the idea was born, word spread, and participation snowballed. Sarah James – musically known as The Nunnery – whose two kids attend Ms. Julia’s Schoolia, will be performing live with her looper, which in her words, makes for “a really magical thing to come to life with kids.” Lynn Buske of BaredFeet Co. and art therapist Amy Hahn will provide interactive art activities. There will also be a 12-year-old member of the Pablo Center Lego Club staffing a LEGO table, a drum circle, plus more.

“The childcare crisis seems impossible to solve,” Bennker said. “Among other barriers, childcare is expensive and hard to find while the caregivers are hugely underpaid. … With this event, we open a space for the community to dive in and learn the realities of the childcare crisis, discuss real time solutions, show our local families that they are supported, and provide space for community conversations to happen.”

Ms. Julia's Schoolia. (Photo via Facebook event)

Child Care Partnership, a program of the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council and member agency of Supporting Families Together Association, will have childcare resources for parents at the event. Childcare stories — both successes and struggles — will be collected. Plus, a fun infographic/video about the state budget request to invest in childcare will be shown as well. State Reps. Jodi Emerson and Christian Phelps will be on hand to listen to parents’ concerns and answer questions.

Davis is all in for increasing the fun quotient at the event. “During the summer, my wife Gena and I love taking our three young spunky boys to Tuesday Night Blues and the Blue Ox Music Festival where we jam and enjoy the magic of dancing together,” he shared. “If there is enough interest in this debut event, my sister and I hope to create a family-friendly concert series over the winter next year.”

Menomonie Market Food Co-Op is donating two veggie trays and two fruit trays – one cut up into kid-friendly pieces – and SHIFT will have beer, coffee, snacks, and gluten-free options available for purchase. 

“SHIFT is beyond happy and excited to host this family-centered event that aims to address a most relevant issue and provide resources for our community,” said Lauren Roemhild, SHIFT’s art and events coordinator.

For more information on the Saturday, Jan. 18, event at SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) visit the Facebook event page • Giggling, laughing, and smiles optional