The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society proudly presents Fred Penner on Sunday, October 4th 2015 at 11:00am at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre as the first show in the 2015/16 TD Kids’ Series.

A gentle giant with kind eyes and an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself, this musical master brings over 25 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a career that skillfully blends the many genres of performing and communication. He has, without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North American family entertainment scene.

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).

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. Penner offers his broad talents to speak to the family unit and express his feelings about where the world is going and what children are learning.

More than the music, the two-time Juno winner 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 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.

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.

Tickets for Fred Penner are $12 each and are available now through the Ticket Seller Box Office at 549-SHOW (7469). Series subscriptions for the 2015-16 Kids’ series are just $36 and include tickets to 4 shows: Fred Penner, The Reluctant Dragon, Hamelin: A New Fable and The Middle of Everywhere.

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre thanks the following sponsors for their generous support: TD, Tim Hortons, Fairview Family Law, Planet Clean, the Holiday Inn Express, the Vernon Morning Star, the Okanagan Advertiser, the British Columbia Arts Council, the Department of Canadian Heritage and the North Okanagan Regional District.

Sunday, October 4^th 2015 – 11:00am
Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre
Tickets are available through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469)
$12 All Seats
Discounts available for members of the Performing Arts Centre Society