A crowd of children, parents, and daycare providers sat in the shade in front of the Dunkirk Free Library. Glenn Colton came to perform as part of "Dream Big, Read," the summer program the library is sponsoring for children. His performance was sponsored by the friends of the Dunkirk Library.
Colton bills himself on his website (www.GlennColton.com) as a "children's entertainer, song writer, author, (and a positive guy)."
The website also lists a calendar of his concerts. Those who missed Colton can see him at the Chautauqua County Fair on July 29 at 5 p.m. at the Maytum Family Theatre.
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Glenn Colton performs for kids at Dunkirk Free Library
His site also explains "I'm not going to be some guy with a teddy bear and a guitar. (I've got a duck!)
Colton engaged his audience quickly. They clapped along to his music and laughed at his jokes, even the ones some of the children already knew.
"Why is the skeleton afraid to cross Central Avenue?" asked Colton
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OBSERVER Photos by Diane R. Chodan
Top: Glenn Colton performed Monday to a large crowd of children on the lawn of the Dunkirk Free Library. The concert was sponsored by Friends of the Dunkirk Library.
"Because he lost his guts!" yelled out one youngster who had obviously seen Colton's act before.
"I guess I need some new jokes," admitted Colton.
The audience didn't stay seated for long. They danced the conga, the polka, the birdie dance, the limbo, and a free-form disco dance to the music provided by Colton.
Many audience members were from Campus and Community Day Care Summer Day Camp. The staff enjoyed the dancing and encouraged the kids. Kenny Dawson, a tall staff member, demonstrated proper limbo technique with a big smile on his face, showing "how low he could go."
Colton also sang his signature song, "Mr. Ducky Wucky." His concert was designed to promote reading. "If you like to read a book, clap your hands," he sang. One of the signs prominently displayed said, "Readers are winners."
Colton lives in Orchard Park but has relatives in Dunkirk. Library aide Catherine Wojcinski explained Colton is married to her niece.
Colton is no stranger to the library. He has been performing there for about 10 years. This year it was particularly appropriate for him to perform. His career fits into the library's theme, since Colton's big dream was to become a children's performer. He says he has been a full-time children's performer since 1993.
Other events sponsored by the Dunkirk Library this summer will be the Omnipresent Puppet Theater on July 23 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Gym and a Celebrate the Night Party on Aug. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the library. Continuing events include summer story time and craft until Aug 9, Drop in Board Games on Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. and Pajama-Rama every Tuesday until Aug 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the library for information or check on the website at www.cclslib.org/dunkirk.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
