JUNO Award nominee and MASC artist Chris McKhool invites children across Canada to a virtual song and dance party on Saturday, October 31 at 6:00pm EST
Halloween 2020 is bound to look a little different. As parents watch the cases of Covid-19 continue to rise, many are trying to figure out how to carry on the tradition while keeping their children safe. In many parts of North America, where cases numbers continue to soar, politicians and doctors are saying they would that prefer parents not take their kids door-to-door as nations work to keep the virus under control.
Enter JUNO Award nominee Chris McKhool with an idea: a free Kids Halloween Zoom Party, where children can show off their costumes, sing some songs, and have a dance party with other children… safely and virtually.
“I love Halloween, and wanted to do something nice for all the families struggling with what to do with their kids” says McKhool. “I wanted to find a fun and safe way for me, my wife, and 9 year old daughter of celebrating Halloween with her friends and neighbours” Says McKhool.
“The idea grew from there, and now we are extending the invitation across the country for families to join with us. We will sing a few songs, have a dance party, a costume contest, and give away prizes. This will be on ZOOM so we can see each other and celebrate together.”
“As a MASC artist, Chris has already had to be innovative in his approach to sharing his music with schools and communities across Eastern Ontario and Western Québec” says Micheline Shoebridge, Co-Executive Director of MASC.
“Since the pandemic has necessitated restrictions on live performances and workshops, he has transitioned to offering an online program with MASC, through which he has been able to reach even more children and youth across Canada. We are grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting Chris’s latest creative project!”
Community-minded Chris McKhool is hailed as a “Children’s musical star” and “Canada’s greatest eco-troubadour for young people.” (Mississauga Living Arts Centre). He is also the bandleader and violinist in 3x JUNO Award nominated Sultans of String, but the band will not be joining him for this show.
Instead his educator wife will be helping to lead the party with the Zoom kids, and his daughter will work the puppets and stuffies. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance to ensure a safe moderated Zoom room to party in.
Reserve your free tickets here
About Chris McKhool:
Chris McKhool has been delighting audiences with infectious songs and exotic world instruments for over two decades, reaching over 1 million children live in concert. McKhool’s live shows feature original songs from his appearances on Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse, TVOntario’s Crawlspace and live CBC Television and Radio. He has the odd distinction of creating the world’s largest bicycle bell orchestra at Yonge-Dundas Square to raise awareness of environmental initiatives.
“I was impressed by his musical virtuosity and personal appeal… His songs succeed!”
Ernie Coombs, (Mr. Dressup)
About MASC:
MASC brings the arts and culture alive for over 120,000 children, youth, teachers and seniors each year. Founded 30 years ago, this Ottawa-based charitable arts organizations represents a roster of 138 professional artists of diverse backgrounds, who offer workshops, performances, artist-in-residence programs and professional development in all artistic disciplines, including music, dance, drama, literary arts, media and visual arts.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Chris McKhool or Micheline Shoebridge, please contact Jessica Ruano, MASC Communications Director at 613 806 0398 or jessicaruano@masconline.ca
