The Story: Nursery Rhymes Concert
(From Mom Kaye’s Perspective)
This concert started with a boy, a piano, and a long list of remixed nursery rhymes.
Lazarus, my 13-year-old son, is a musically gifted teenager on the autism spectrum. Our family calls him “Mr. Music” because he LOVES all music—from classical to hip-hop, jazz to polka, music from all over the world, and most especially, nursery rhymes. He plays multiple instruments, remixes existing songs, and even composes and produces his own music. In fact, he has already written symphonies, concertos, and other classical pieces.
Last year, I bought him a music notebook, and he filled it page by page, bringing it everywhere—even to church—to stay focused while writing down his favourite melodies.
One Sunday after Mass, he had a bold idea:
“What if kids sang along while I play?”
But when he tried, everyone was shy and unsure. It was tough to see, because all he wanted was to share music with others.
Then everything changed. We discovered that Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives was accepting applications for the Neighbourhood Small Grants program. I realized Lazarus didn’t need to change his dream—he just needed a proper stage and an inviting way to share it. We applied together… and a few months later, we were approved!
During planning, we learned about World Nursery Rhymes Week (Nov 10–14). Perfect timing. Perfect theme. A perfect chance to bring kids, families, and music together.
We chose November 8, 2025, as the concert date and booked the Richmond Cultural Centre: Theatre Under the Stairs.
Lazarus recruited his 11-year-old sister, Estella, to be his lead singer. Being a ventriloquist, she decided to include her puppets in the show as well. Together, they worked on the music, program, and script.
Lazarus also wanted a small, steady group of kid singers on stage. We recruited their friends—Anika, Mia, Khloe, and Olivia—to be our “Miniuets!” We also enlisted 10 youth volunteers, our “Hype Crew,” to help with set-up, registration, and audience engagement. They truly hyped up the crowd!
Part of our planning involved spreading the word in true neighbourhood fashion. Lazarus and Estella visited several coffee shops, stores, and small businesses across Richmond to personally post event flyers. This grassroots effort helped our event reach families across the community—and reminded us how warm and supportive Richmond’s business community truly is.
The response was incredible: the show sold out after just ONE week of promotions!
Event Highlights: Youth Talent at the Heart of the Show
- Lazarus and Estella performed 18 nursery rhyme songs, including 3 original pieces they composed themselves
- Lazarus created all backing tracks + performed live on piano and clarinet
- Estella performed with four puppets: Dolly, Teya, Ronny & Grandma Marilou
- Debut of our children’s mini-band, The Miniuets
- Door prizes + goodie bags for every child
- 10 youth volunteers (the Hype Crew!) running the event
- Full house of over 100 people with tons of singing, dancing, props, and audience participation
- Featured on OMNI Filipino News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KPNYrRHIKQ
Massive THANK YOU to our sponsors and partners:
- Vancouver Foundation
- Richmond Cares Richmond Gives
- Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants
- McDonald’s (Chao’s Generation Inc.)
- Speech Meta Clinic
- Our generous private donors
We often think of this concert as more than just an event. It’s proof that sometimes, all a child like Lazarus needs isn’t to change who they are, but simply to have the right space for their voice to shine. The dream didn’t have to change—only the setting.
We can all learn from that: to see things differently, to make room for every kind of expression, and to celebrate the unique ways people share who they are.
