Acclaimed children's entertainer not just for kids

Grammy-nominated recording artist Bill Harley will perform at The Christian Center in Kalispell on May 6 at 2 p.m.

A nationally recognized family entertainer, Bill Harley is known for his ability to delight children and adults alike with his unique blend of song and story.

Bringing insight and humor to his observations about growing up and parenting like no other performer, Harley's concerts feature original material about today's world. Entertainment Weekly calls Harley "the Mark Twain of kid's music," TV Guide describes him as "a real find…humorous, canny, and supremely tuneful," and the Providence Journal calls him "unabashedly terrific."

Familiar to many adults as a regular commentator on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," Harley has released over 20 award-winning recordings of songs and stories for kids and families, as well as one concert video featuring his band, The Troublemakers.

All of his recordings have earned national awards including two Grammy nominations and a number of Parents' Choice Foundation Gold Awards. His diverse catalog of recordings includes Grammy-nominated recordings "The Battle of the Mad Scientists" and "Weezie and the Moonpies," as well as "Down in the Backpack," "Play it Again," "There's a Pea on my Plate" and "Big Big World."

Harley's recordings are released on his own independent record label, Round River Records.

In addition, Harley has written several picture books, including: "Nothing Happened," "Sarah's Story," "Sitting Down to Eat" and "Bear's All Night Party."

Touring nationally since 1980, Harley has honed his craft through thousands of performances, festival appearances, school assemblies and conferences.

As Child Magazine says, "There are a lot of performing artists out there singing and stomping and storytelling their way into kids' audio cassette players. But few do it with as much spirit and success as Bill Harley."

Advance tickets are $12.50 for adults, $8.50 for children 12 and under, and over 65.

Tickets at the door will be $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and for those over 65.

Tickets are on sale now at Imagination Station in Kalispell and Whitefish, Books West in Kalispell, a Mother's Blessing in Kalispell (located on the corner of Idaho St. and 5th Ave. West), and Electric Ave. Books in Bigfork, or can be purchased at the Center, located at 75 Glenwood Dr. in Kalispell.

The event is a fundraiser for Discovery Developmental Center.

For more information, call the center at 756-7295 or e-mail ddiscovery@centurytel.net