Lineup: 2010
Fred Penner
Winnipeg, MB
A Canadian, Fred Penner is a children’s entertainer who gives appearances throughout North America as well as performing on his Canadian children’s television show Fred Penner’s Place.
Fred’s musical career practically began as soon as he could harmonize. As a precocious four year old, he would make up songs while travelling on the bus with his mother. In grade school, Fred taught himself how to play the guitar, and performed in school choirs and pageants. He recognized the therapeutic value of music through experience with his sister, Susie, who had Down’s Syndrome. After graduating from university with a degree in Economics and Psychology, Fred spent time working with mentally and physically challenged children, using his considerable musical talents to comfort and entertain.
Throughout the seventies, Fred explored a variety of musical and theatrical genres, including a stint on the live performance circuit with his comedic folk/rock band, Kornstalk, which also featured Juno-award winning children’s entertainer AI Simmons. In 1977, Fred met choreographer and future wife Odette Heyn, with whom he started a children’s dance theatre company. After a performance, he was approached by a member of the audience who was so impressed by Fred’s talent and charisma that he offered to finance an album of his music. Fred accepted the generous offer, which resulted in the classic album, The Cat Came Back. It launched his career and established him as a premiere Canadian children’s entertainer.
Fred’s dynamic live performances are integral to his success. He, along with The Cat’s Meow Band, consistently play to packed houses of children and parents across North America. To captivate throngs of energetic fans for 60 minutes, this consummate family entertainer mixes his music with comedic routines, not only to enchant the little ones, but to delight their parents as well.