Cool Kids kicks off full summer agenda

Cool Kids kicks off full summer agenda

"This year's summer programs will be big and wild," said Director Steve Appleton.

Erasing the line between stage and audience is one of the "cool factors" Appleton says make Cool Kids so unique. "Don't look to sit down during Cool Kids. We don't just watch a dance troupe dance, we all try hip-hop, twist balloon animals, mime. Audiences become part of the show. Appleton travels, and is constantly scouting for event series similar to Cool Kids in the U.S. to take notes from, and, so far, hasn't found any. The differences are continually pointed out to him by other event producers.

"Diversity's not just a noun, it's a verb at Cool Kids," Appleton said. That factor is reflected in both audience and stage show. One week a national puppet troupe could be on stage followed by local, grassroots folk dance the following week; or a fun educational science show may precede award-winning juggling festivals, where the entire audience juggles. And for eight years, the recipe for that menu of diversity has spelled success. Cool Kids' attracts a diverse cross-section of families from three counties, has won numerous awards and has local sponsorship and support by business and grant monies.

The season opener on June 9 features dancing, music and comedy of Gary the Happy Pirate and his wise-cracking, puppet sidekick YoHo. Get "up close 'n personal" with the critters of Wildlife Encounters on June 16 and experience the powerful legend of Androcles and the Lion, the most popular production of the Rochester Children's Theater on June 23. A Wild West Show is planned for June 30, the gigantic puppets of the Catskill Puppet Theater on July 14 and a special needs dance troupe, A Moving Experience, returns July 21 to teach sign and dance their own choreographed pieces. Kuumba Kids teaches everyone African Dance, hip-hop and other dance styles on July 28. Get ready to "Make Noise with Mime," as Mime' Internationalé entertains with a silent show and workshop, and the series finale is a music-filled, Balloon-Twisting Party with the comedy group, Improv Dads.

The Cool Kids Day Block Party and Can-imals on Parade takes place August 12, during the Brockport Arts Festival. To build a canned goods sculpture that benefits a local food shelf, or for information on this eight-hour block party, check the website.

Cool Kids is at 7 p.m. on Fridays, in Sagawa Park, Main Street, Brockport, in front of the Brockport Diner. The rain location is First Baptist Church, 124 Main Street, Brockport, next to Sagawa Park. Bring blankets, chairs, coolers and friends. It's free, open to all ages.

Cool Kids is a program of B.I.S.C.O. - Brockport Integrated Service Clubs Organization and is also sponsored by a wide range of non-profits, corporate sponsors and grant foundations.

For information on events, call the Cool Hotline at 637-3984 or to get on the Cool E-List at coolkids@rochester.rr.com or check the website at www.generationcool.biz.