Wednesday in Comeford Park, two things took place, the farmers market and a children's concert. It was lovely that day, sun shining, wind blowing, and families running around having fun. A perfect time for everyone involved. Even though I'm a grown adult, dealing with the joys of life such as taxes and bills, it still brought a smile to my face to sit in on the show for the kids.
Eric Ode was the day's performer. He’s a Washington children's book author, song writer, and performer. A man of many hats, and I'm not just referring to the many hats and props he had during his show! Mr Ode had a pizza hat, a washboard tie, a tiny bat to flap around, and a scruffy cat puppet in a huge garbage can. He used all those items and his guitar to just capture the imagination of all the kids watching. A crowd of roughly 30 kids gathered around to happily dance, sing, and follow along with every word of Mr. Ode.
The show went on for about an hour, and in that time everyone had fun. After the show, he opened up shop to sell some of his books and sign things for folks. One of the sweetest things I got to see was a family who had one of his first books from about 15 years ago, it had been signed by Eric Ode over the years over and over again every time a new kid entered their lives. After watching that adorable display I got to interview the man of the hour. I asked three simple questions: “How long have you been doing this?” “What brings you to our town?” and, “What's the best part of the job?”
The answer to each went like this. He’s been doing this for 25 years, but did similar things even before when he was an elementary teacher. He was invited to town by the parks department, and has been to Marysville a few times, although now typically plays his shows at Jennings park. The last one, though, he was stumped for a few seconds, eventually saying how he loves how every day is different. Saying how he never knows how the kids will react, what they’ll resonate with, and how he has to adapt to each group differently.
If this sounded sweet, fun, or like something you’d want to bring your family to, then make sure to be at Comeford Park next Wednesday for their last children's concert! Similarly make sure to show up to the Art Hang in Comeford as well this Tuesday from 4-7 pm.