Fred Penner, one of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 most celebrated childrenB次元官网网址檚 entertainers, committed his life to the world of entertainment when he was just a young man in the early B次元官网网址�70s after tragedy struck his family.
B次元官网网址淚 had a younger sister, who was a Down syndrome child, she passed away, and a year later my dad died. So in my early 20s I had this intense mortality check and made the decision there and then to attempt to follow my bliss and pursue music as a career,B次元官网网址� Penner told the B次元官网网址 last week, on the phone from Toronto.
Though he had a formal education in economics B次元官网网址� a career he says he never wouldB次元官网网址檝e enjoyed B次元官网网址� his first serious foray into the industry was with a comedic folk band that played in bars and universities.
Penner, who scored a CBC TV show, Fred PennerB次元官网网址檚 Place in 1985 after half a decade of success writing childrenB次元官网网址檚 music, says the core elements of performing with the comedic band B次元官网网址� communication, interaction, participation B次元官网网址� continue to help him today.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e in an absolutely messed up world. The insanity is complete. The battles that are raging in every corner of this planet are constant,B次元官网网址� Penner began, B次元官网网址渁nd the only way, I think, to find a balance in this is through human contact.B次元官网网址�
ThatB次元官网网址檚 why, he said, events like this weekendB次元官网网址檚 Island ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Festival, are important.
B次元官网网址淲hat we need to do is really focus on the kids. Because if we make a strong child, if they really understand who they are and how they fit in the global perspective, in the environmental world, how they interact with each other, then weB次元官网网址檒l actually have a chance at affecting the next generation,B次元官网网址� he said.
Penner will headline this SaturdayB次元官网网址檚 Island ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Festival at the Island Montessori House School at 5575 W. Saanich Rd. In addition to music, there will also be kids crafts, face painting, childrenB次元官网网址檚 yoga, storytelling and a bouncy castle.
Penner, who asked that his age not be shared, says he feels like heB次元官网网址檚 30 years old, based on the life, emotional energy and youthful exuberance he continues to exude.
Having been a pioneer in the industry for 40 years, he said childrenB次元官网网址檚 entertainment has been watered down by businesses looking to make money, rather than working on a philosophy of putting kids first.
B次元官网网址淭here needs to be a new level of commitment of work for children and families. ItB次元官网网址檚 not just a matter of getting up and singing songs B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 essential to your understanding of life and how you communicate with people,B次元官网网址� Penner said. B次元官网网址淣ever underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child.B次元官网网址�
Island ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Festival
When: Saturday, May 12, 1 to 5 p.m.
Tickets: $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Kids under 6 are free. Available at any Megson FitzPatrick Insurance location.
For more info: islandchildrensfestival.com
