With the mesmerizing personality of a Pied Piper, the warmth of a Mr. Rogers and comedic cool of a Captain Kangaroo, renowned children’s author, singer, songwriter Eric Ode (pronounced OH-dee) will entertain kids, parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents Saturday, September 29 at the . Ode uses stories, skits, poetry, props, puppets and interactive music to get the audience engaged in a joyful experience.
“Seasoned children’s performer Eric Ode brings to the table a complete feast of energy-filled new songs and fun lyrics that totally invite and encourage participation,” says reviewer John Wood of Kidzmusic.com.
Ode’s benefit performance starting at 10:30 a.m. is a fundraiser for Chalet Arts Showcase Theater (C.A.S.T.), a non-profit organization with the mission of purchasing and converting Enumclaw’s historic movie theater into a community performing arts center.
Ode is highly praised for his energetic and original style that inspires children to enjoy reading and creativity. As a former school teacher for 12 years, he mastered the challenges in the classroom and found ways to make learning fun. With a master’s degree in education technology and a passion for teaching, Ode left the classroom in 2001 for a larger stage that would reach more children in a different way.
“You can go anywhere with children’s music as long as you are writing with sincerity, says Ode. “When you are working with kids, there’s no room for cynicism; no room for anything that’s not genuine and from the heart.
Ode’s original stage presentations are in high demand taking him across many states and even as far as Japan and Guam. He has written three children’s books, has had poems featured in over a dozen anthologies, written countless songs and recorded seven albums. Ode has been a presenter at hundreds of schools and libraries, and is frequently performing at local fairs and festivals. Currently he is starring weekly at Remlinger Farms in Carnation
In the last twelve years Ode has won no less than 11 prestigious awards including two National Parenting Publications, five Parenting Choice Awards and a Telly Bronze Award.
C.A.S.T is proud to present Ode on stage at the Chalet Theater “I was thrilled to hear of Eric Ode’s wonderful enthusiasm and desire to support C.A.S.T.’s vision by accepting an invitation to perform a benefit concert at the Chalet Theatre," said Trudy D’Armond, a C.A.S.T. Board member. "Eric loves the Chalet and this community very much. Children simply adore this wonderful, talented man. To have a venue as wonderful as the Chalet Theatre to perform in will be the perfect setting for Eric and his audience. We couldn’t ask for a more magical setting that will endorse the arts and education.”
Clips of Ode performing live can be found on You Tube and on his website www.ericode.com.
Tickets are $5 each or $15 per family at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 360-829-1792.
Information provided by freelance writer Susan Etchey on behalf of Eric Ode and Chalet Arts Showcase Theater.
