Time: 2 p.m.
tickets: $15
Boys & Girls Club & Think Tank Events presents....
Every weekday on CBC, from 1985 to 1997, Fred Penner taught us about
the importance of kindness, reminding us to take good care of each
other. Long after beloved children’s show was cancelled, his career is
still going strong!
Sunday, May 8th (Mother's Day)
La Cité des Prairies
2104 6 Ave S
Lethbridge, Alberta
******2 SHOWS******
***ALL AGES: 2PM
Mayor Spearman will be opening for Fred Penner by reading one of his favourite stories to everyone!
ADVANCE TICKETS - $15
AVAILABLE AT ALL LETHBRIDGE GAS KING LOCATIONS or
BUY ONLINE at www.ticketweb.ca
JUST CLICK DIRECT LINK -----> http://www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=6306905
Fred Penner http://fredpenner.com/
At
a recent keynote address to an early childhood education conference,
acclaimed family entertainer, singer/songwriter, composer, actor,
writer, author, TV host and keynote speaker Fred Penner delivered a
simple, yet powerful message. “Never underestimate your ability to make a
difference in the life of a child.”
A gentle giant with kind eyes
and an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself, this
musical master brings 25 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a
career that skillfully blends the many genres of performing and
communication. Dubbed “Mr. Multi-Media” by Billboard Magazine, his
diverse repertoire includes a prolific 12 Children’s Albums, countless
energetically packed live shows for throngs of eager audiences across
North America, composing the music for APTN/YTV’s Tipi Tales, and
writing the score and hosting the TV documentary The Simple Way (focused
on the relevant, world-wide topic of voluntary simplicity). He has,
without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North
American family entertainment scene. And whether it’s through CDs,
videos, books or television, his cornerstone philosophy remains the
same: absolute trust that his work can make a difference.
The first
children’s entertainer to headline at the Los Angeles Amphitheater, this
four time recipient of the Parents’ Choice Award and the man Los
Angeles Parent called the “Canadian Minister of Positivity” has
successfully transformed children’s entertainment into a family affair.
Offering his broad talents to speak to the family unit and express his
feelings about where the world is going and what children are learning. A
devoted father of four, lessons learned through the challenges and
rewards of parenthood are translated into all that he does.
His
pre-music experience working with troubled youth set the stage for what
was to come; providing an understanding of the trauma of child abuse and
the ability of music to heal. Those learnings, along with the untimely
passing of his 12- year-old sister with Down’s Syndrome and subsequent
passing of his father a year later, sparked a period of deep
soul-searching and life-changing decisions. Inspired by his sister’s
pure love of music, the man who had planned to become an economist, made
a choice to become a performer. Lucky for us, he did.
More than the
music, the two-time Juno winner (equivalent of a Grammy) for Best
Children’s Album Sing with Fred and eight-time nominee’s body of work is
about energy and emotional connection. The guy who crawled magically
out of that hollow log for 12 seasons and nearly 900 episodes in the hit
CBC TV show Fred Penner’s Place receives fan mail to this day from some
of the 55 million American viewers where the show ran for four years on
the U.S.’s
Nickelodeon. Always building on a common theme rooted in
integrity and a “belief in what I can do” he has created a lasting
impact that crosses the generations and continues to grow.
From the
small screen to the live stage; from writing songs to composing scores;
this seasoned performer’s ability to blend his considerable talents has
garnered critical acclaim and a host of awards. Like the precious
ingredients in your favourite feel good soup, his combination of warmth,
ease, enthusiasm and grace bring nourishment too often lacking in these
turbulent times.
In 2000, the Canadian Institute of Child Health
honoured Fred for his contribution to the well-being and safety of
children. He is also a humble recipient of the Order of Canada, the
highest recognition given to a Canadian citizen. One of his albums,
Happy Feet was named Best Children’s Album of the Year by the U.S.A’s
Entertainment Weekly and he is the first ever winner of the Prairie
Music Award for Outstanding Children’s Recording.
His visibility has
allowed him the privilege and joy of using his voice to “bring something
of value” as a spokesperson for organizations like UNESCO, World
Vision, UNICEF and the National Conference on Down Syndrome, which he
chaired. In 2005, Fred journeyed to Zambia, Africa with World Vision to
host a program for Child Sponsorship in the Western World.
Here and
now, the family entertainer called “an American hero” by Long Island
Parenting News is planning to expand his writing and performing
abilities more into the genres of film and theatre. With extensive stage
experience, including serious drama (Death of a Salesman), musicals
(The Music Man) and family theatre (Captain Hook in Peter Pan to name
just one), he looks forward to more involvement in the acting side of
the film world. In addition, he looks to creating a new family album of
“strong songs, with strong messages for the family and child” that
speaks to what’s happening in the world and the importance of positive
messages in these trying times.
Standing on an already firm footing
in television and always excited about where the mystical journey will
take him next, Fred is also making room for the possibility of another
series or documentary.
A humanitarian always conscious of the
“delicate balance required to create a positive influence that fosters
healthy self-esteem in the life of a child”, his work is infused with a
steadfast commitment to communicating with children and families in a
clear, non-condescending way. “More than just fun”, this multi-talented
artist has the wisdom and humility to know that the importance and the
meaning of what he does can reach deeply into the lives of others.