Disney makes almost every child's thumbs-up list, so who better to kick off Common Ground on the Hill's family-concert series than a performer with Disney Channel credentials.
Red Grammer, a family-recording artist, will be in concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 in Alumni Hall at Western Maryland College.
"When we brought Tom Chapin to Westminster in December, parents and teachers were thrilled and told us the area needed a concert schedule devoted to kids and family," said Walt Michael, founder of Common Ground, a nonprofit organization in residence at the college.
"We started working right away on continuing to bring that kind of talent here. Red provides a strong, perfect opening to our series. He adores kids and he strives to teach them through his music about love and togetherness," Michael said.
Grammer's latest album earned him the third official seal of approval from Parents' Choice magazine.
Two earlier recordings earned distinction, with the magazine noting, "Picking the best of Red Grammer is like picking the best chocolate from a box of Godiva: there's no way you can lose."
Performing music best described as high-energy folk/rock, Grammer also has received rave reviews from magazines and newspapers around the nation. He has performed at the White House.
Grammer began his career as a folk singer in Chicago in the 1970s. He headed west and teamed with the Limelighters, taking over lead vocals from Glenn Yarborough.
Grammer and his wife, Kathy, began co-writing songs for the group, which toured nationally and abroad, performing in specials on PBS and Showtime.
But when they became parents, the Grammers decided to dedicate themselves to writing music for children. In 1983, they released "Can You Sound Just Like Me?" for their son, David.
The songwriting duo followed with more award winners in "Teaching Peace," "Down the Do Re Mi," "Freefalling," "Red Grammer's Favorite Sing Along Songs," and 1995's "Hello World!" which, according to one critic, includes the best rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" since Judy Garland.
Grammer has appeared on Nickelodeon's "Eureka's Castle" and NBC's "Today," and his music is regularly featured on syndicated children's radio programs.
The family concert at WMC also includes Common Ground's Michael, a Flying Fish recording artist recognized by Lincoln Center as "one of the most innovative and expressive of traditional musicians."
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door for adults, $5 for children under age 12. For advance tickets, send checks to Common Ground, WMC Box 1296, Western Maryland College, Westminster 21157.
Information: 857-2771.
Pub Date: 1/31/97
