IF YOU GOWhere: Historic Gem Theatre, 700 Tennessee Ave., Etowah, Tenn.When: 1:30 p.m. Monday.Phone: 423-263-9475.Where: Jasper Public Library, 14 W. Second St., Jasper, Tenn.When: 10 a.m. CDT Wednesday.Phone: 423-942-3369.
The Zinghoppers, a Nashville-based troupe described as "Barney meets the Black Eyed Peas," will give two presentations of "One World Dance Party" next week in Southeast Tennessee.
The tour will bring show host Erica and character Claire Bear to Etowah on Monday and to Jasper on Wednesday to promote summer reading programs. Libraries in both communities are taking part in the Tennessee State Library and Museum's summer reading program, "One World, Many Stories."
The Etowah summer reading program will culminate with a block party, featuring food and games, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday.
The 35- to 45-minute Zinghoppers shows, designed for preschool and elementary-age children, combine preschool pop music, live singing, dance, hand puppets, audience participation and a little magic to turn kids on to reading.
The Zinghoppers have professionally toured the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia the past five years, playing an average of 1,000 events annually. A new television series, "The Zinghoppers Show," is in production for Nashville public television.