FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Mom Rockers, Kiddie Jam Bands “Headline” New Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo
Live Performances, Contests Fill Show, July 31 and August 1
 
            Three bad-to-the-bone rocker moms and kiddie jam bands will headline the family-friendly entertainment at the Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo, keeping hips swaying, heads bobbing, and hands clapping at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 2010. The Expo will be overflowing with more fun than a new mom’s diaper bag - with games and contests, live bogging from the Moms Connect area, themed parties, seminars and parent lounges.

Live Concerts with Rocking’ Mamas
            Neighborhood mom turned hardcore guitar chick Judy David’s will bring the rock sounds of her Detroit-based band, The Mydol’s, to the main stage. Also featured will be queen of the mom rockers, guitarist Joy Rose, who will jam out to tunes for kids and parents alike with her distinctive Rocky Horror Picture Show meets June Cleaver style. Rounding out the trio of powerhouse musicians is Cari Ray, with her original alt country songs, raw vocals, and six string.
           
Family-friendly Jam Bands
Kid-friendly performances are scheduled for the scores of “little groupies” at the Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo. Family band Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies will get kids moving with interactive performances, combining high energy music styles such as classic rock, swing, and samba with sing-a-longs and “call-and-response” exercises. Laura Dougherty will share her original folk rock tunes and acoustic renditions of popular nursery rhymes. Connecting music and education, early childhood music specialist Linda Robertson will use dance, puppets, rhythmic activities and instruments to introduce tots to the joys of music, reinforcing language and cognitive skills through her original acoustic songs. Boca Beth will bring Latin flair to the mix, blending English and Spanish lyrics with informal language education to teach kids and parents the basics of being bilingual while building cultural appreciation.
 
Especially for Kids
            Rambunctious tykes can jump, run, and romp at fun interactive play stations and special themed events at the Expo. Princesses will be whisked away to enjoy treats, games, crafts, and girl time at the Princess Tea Party, while boys don eye patches, bandanas, and pirate beards to ward off villains with swashbuckling fun at the Boys Pirate Party. Princesses will dine on Saturday, July 31 at 1:00 p.m.; pint-size pirates will chow down on Saturday, July 31 at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required by emailing missy@indybabyexpo.com. Space is limited.
The rugrats will also get in on the fun as they crawl, scoot, and wobble their way to victory in the Diaper Derby. In addition, Chicago will crown its next superstar in the Juno Rising Stars Search, a nationwide hunt for a talented tot to appear in Juno’s line of Emmy Award winning music videos. For rules and to apply, visit www.junobaby.com.
Tots can tire themselves out in the special Coach Pickel’s and Jelly Bean Sports and the Oaklee’s Guide activity areas.
 
Just for Moms
            Moms won’t be left out of the fun at the Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo. The first 50 moms to arrive at the show on Saturday and Sunday will receive the coveted Bebe Swag Bag, overflowing with more than $500 in products and goodies.
On the main stage, Susan the Shower Diva will share her party planning checklist, including fun games, etiquette advice, and theme ideas for families and gal pals to throw mom-to-be the perfect baby shower. Mrs. Nashville, Julie Hamilton, will discuss breastfeeding preparedness, while a sleep professional from the CJ Foundation for SIDS shares tips for creating a safe, healthy sleep environment for infants.
While licensed babysitters watch the kids, moms can rest their feet during the Expo in the Mommy Pampering Lounge, where makeup consultants will offer styling tips and spa professionals provide relaxation and beauty treatments.
             
Moms Stay Connected
Web savvy moms, moms who blog and new media mavens can stay connected and post updates live from the show in the Moms Connect Area. Moms can use the show’s free wifi internet access to post about their favorite exhibitors, upload images from the Expo, provide tips about not-to-be-missed show features, and chat live with other Chicago parents from their smart phones and laptops. Moms can register by e-mailing katiedill@indybabyexpo.com.
 
Down n’ Dirty Dads
Dads can bask in the glow of big screen TVs and videogames while relaxing in cushy recliners in the ultimate “man cave,” the Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo’s Daddy Tailgate Lounge. Fathers will put their diapering skills to the test in the Daddyathon obstacle course, where they will race the clock to push strollers through a circuit of baby-related games and challenges. First one across the finish wins a Britax stroller and “man bag” from O Yikes! active gear.
 
Hundreds of Exhibitors
In addition to the show’s entertainment, more than 125 exhibitors will share the hottest new products and services for families and expectant parents. Chicagoland’s best boutiques and trusted national brands will offer furniture and bedding, toys, clothing, handmade baby carriers, diaper and daycare services, and nursing supplies. Customized journals, photo albums, and birth announcements will chronicle the memorable first years of a newborn’s life. Parents will find an abundance of eco-friendly baby products, such as organic foods, natural bedding, cloth diaper providers, and gently used clothing. Nutritionists will offer informal advice and share products for keeping baby healthy.
 
Event Details
The Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo will be open Saturday, July 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, located at 1551 North Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
            General admission to the Expo is $7 online and $10 at the door, $5 for grandparents, and free for children under 5.
            For more information about the Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo or to purchase discount admission tickets online visit www.bebepaluzza.com or call (317) 517-9920.
            The Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo is produced by Bebe Paluzza, the nation’s largest producer of baby fairs and events.
            The Chicago Baby & Toddler Expo is made possible in part by national sponsors Boogie Wipes, Britax, Buy Buy Baby, Joovy, Juno Baby, Mamapalooza, Miracle Cord, and Sounds of Pertussis, and local sponsor, Chicago-area MomsLikeMe.com.
            Bebe Paluzza is partnering with the CJ SIDS Foundation, the largest non-government funder of programs meeting the needs of the SIDS community, to raise awareness and funds about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
           
About Bebe Paluzza
Bebe Paluzza is the nation’s largest producer of events for parents and grandparents of young children, and expecting families.  Each Baby and Toddler Expo created by Bebe Paluzza features the latest products and services, educational sessions, family-oriented entertainment and hands-on activities for children.  In 2009, the company won the SMOTY award as Show Manager of The Year.
 
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