FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES: Suzi Shelton helps introduce children to live performance at the State Theatre New Jersey on March 9. (Photo by Meredith Zimmer)

State Theatre New Jersey has announced the spring performances for the storytelling and music series, Milk & Cookies. Included in the lineup are Suzi Shelton on Saturday, March 9 and Amelia Robinson of Mil’s Trills on Saturday, May 18.

Each show includes a 10 a.m. and a 12 p.m. performance. The program is a way to introduce young children ages 3-8 to the magic of live performance. The 12 p.m. shows are sensory-friendly performances specially designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment for kids on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities. Tickets are $5 and include a cookie and carton of milk after the show for every child.

For more than a decade, Shelton has been recognized as a voice in independent family music, and a leading figure in the New York City children’s music scene. She is known for her four solo albums and the livestream show Sing with Suzi, which is watched in over 70 countries. Shelton will be joined by New York City guitarist Jeff Litman.

Mil’s Trills is a Brooklyn-based children’s music project dedicated to creating positive inclusive experiences that strive to engage and embrace young audiences and families through music. Through live shows, albums, and a collaborative songwriting web series, they work to find new creative ways of bringing people together towards an equitable and peaceful global community.

Mil’s Trills producer Amelia Robinson writes and performs original tunes on her electric ukulele with the help of a rotating cast of musical guests. Together, they have released three award-winning albums; Everyone Together Now! celebrating community, Now That We’re Friends… fostering friendship through open minds and compassionate hearts, and Ridiculous Nonsense. Robinson is the recipient of the 2018/2019 Jubilation Foundation Fellowship for individuals who have exceptional talent for helping young people feel fully alive through rhythm, and a Brooklyn Arts Council Grant (since ’20) to create a kids open mic night series for the Brooklyn community.

The State Theatre is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit stnj.org.