AUBURN - Children's music rocks. It also rolls, swings and bops depending on the tune that Ithaca native Tom Knight is playing.
He'll bring his music and puppet performance to the Auburn Public Theater Sunday. For more than 20 years, Knight has drawn inspiration from children's imaginations and books.
“The actual content of the show will be similar to what I do at the library,” Knight said. “It's kind of a variety show with songs and skits.”
The material on Knight's seven recordings targets 3- to 8-year-olds, but the singer/songwriter likes to keep his craft interesting for adults as well.
“I try to write music that has different levels to it,” he said. “The kids are going to play these songs over and over and over so parents need to enjoy it too.”
The lyrics are readily understood by his younger audience. Knight uses various instruments and complex musical construction to keep himself and other adults entertained.
With influences that range from Mr. Rogers and Jim Henson to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Knight tends to incorporate a variety of styles into his music.
“That's one thing that's nice about working with kids, I can play any kind of music I like,” said Knight, who uses aspects of jazz, rock, rhythm and blues and funk in his work. “I have a lot more freedom than a typical band might have.”
His swing project, Tom Knight and the Blue Moon, provides a more exclusive outlet for his musical interests. Working with puppets enhances his rapport with children, and that specialty has taken him to New York City, California and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
“There's a lot of participation at my shows,” said Knight, who typically performs in libraries, but particularly enjoys the stage setting the Auburn Public Theater offers. “It's really fun to play for audiences that have seen me before because they kind of know the songs.”
Some recent projects include songs about pirates and mermaids. Another work in progress is the “Museum Mambo.”
Knight likes to stress the importance of reading and learning in his songs and skits, but the most predominant theme is fun, he said.
“(The shows) are a good way to have fun in a community setting,” Knight said.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
If you go
What: Tom Knight puppet performance
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $5
For details: Call 253-6669, visit www.tomknight.com or www.auburnpublictheater.com
“The actual content of the show will be similar to what I do at the library,” Knight said. “It's kind of a variety show with songs and skits.”
The material on Knight's seven recordings targets 3- to 8-year-olds, but the singer/songwriter likes to keep his craft interesting for adults as well.
“I try to write music that has different levels to it,” he said. “The kids are going to play these songs over and over and over so parents need to enjoy it too.”
The lyrics are readily understood by his younger audience. Knight uses various instruments and complex musical construction to keep himself and other adults entertained.
With influences that range from Mr. Rogers and Jim Henson to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Knight tends to incorporate a variety of styles into his music.
“That's one thing that's nice about working with kids, I can play any kind of music I like,” said Knight, who uses aspects of jazz, rock, rhythm and blues and funk in his work. “I have a lot more freedom than a typical band might have.”
His swing project, Tom Knight and the Blue Moon, provides a more exclusive outlet for his musical interests. Working with puppets enhances his rapport with children, and that specialty has taken him to New York City, California and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
“There's a lot of participation at my shows,” said Knight, who typically performs in libraries, but particularly enjoys the stage setting the Auburn Public Theater offers. “It's really fun to play for audiences that have seen me before because they kind of know the songs.”
Some recent projects include songs about pirates and mermaids. Another work in progress is the “Museum Mambo.”
Knight likes to stress the importance of reading and learning in his songs and skits, but the most predominant theme is fun, he said.
“(The shows) are a good way to have fun in a community setting,” Knight said.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
If you go
What: Tom Knight puppet performance
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $5
For details: Call 253-6669, visit www.tomknight.com or www.auburnpublictheater.com
