Sing & Play With Russ

"Russ has the same sense of sincerity and simplicity that helped Raffi connect with preschoolers."

-Toronto City Parent Magazine- 

Imagine a concert where the audience is invited to participate rather than spectate, and where every song is singable and enjoyable.  Imagine a show that engages both parents and children, using a wide variety of hand rhymes, body movement, and on-stage participation.  Russ has performed everywhere from Schools and Libraries to outdoor Folk Festivals. His concerts are highly interactive and very upbeat from beginning to end.  Russ performs traditional favourites such as Down By The Bay, Sleeping Bunnies, Six Little Ducks, and Little Red Wagon, as well as popular originals like A Whale Of A Time,  101 Rabbits, Charlie The Chimpanzee, The Ductape Song, and Grandma's Big Old Purse.  Young audience members are invited to assist with tasks that range from holding letter cards, to playing along with ductape covered rhythm instruments.  The Hokey Pokey Freeze Game is another audience favourite, where Russ takes an old song, and gives it a whole new twist. 

Russ has performed more than 600 Library and School concerts, and has been the opening act for TVO's Don't Sit Still Tour.  Other recent performances include The Mill Race Folk Festival in Cambridge,  Barrie's Road To Reading Festival, The Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival, The Cookstown Fair, and Midland's Books For Brunch Festival.  Audiences at these open-air concerts grow in size, as families passing by are drawn towards the music and fun.  Attending a Russ concert is a unique live experience that a child won't soon forget.

Testimonials

Russ' songs are wonderfully written with memorable melodies and lyrics that speak directly to young children.  Toronto City Parent Magazine

The children were so entertained and still singing the songs on Monday.  Mrs. Murphy (Elementary School Teacher)

My daughter is 2 and LOVES this CD! IT tops her Sharon, Lois, and Bram CD's, and the Anne Murray one hands down. IT keeps her dancing and entertained through the entire CD. I can hardly wait to play it in the car for the 2 hour drive to the cottage.  And us parents like it too...and admittedly sing along.  (A Mom named Trish)

His performances are very professional and generate a great deal of active participation.  Our school recommends him highly.  John Stokes (Principal)

His humour encourages participation and captures the interest and attention of children of all ages.  Pamela Hempen (Daycare Supervisor)

The children really had a great time.  His enthusiasm is infectious.  Janet Eastwood (Librarian)

My kids absolutely love Russ! The music is constantly playing in our house!  Corrine Baiden (Stay-at-home Mom)