Mike Mennard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Mennard
Mike Mennard
Background information
Origin	Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Genres	Kindie Rock, Children's music
Years active	Since 2004
Members	Mike Mennard

Mike Mennard (born in 1967 in Fort Worth, Texas) is a talented musician. He creates and performs fun music for children and families. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has been making music since 2004.

Mike Mennard's Musical Journey

Mike Mennard was a very shy child. His mother helped him become a performer. One night, she gave him an ice cream scoop. She told him to pretend it was a microphone. Mike sang silly songs and poems for her. He did this for many hours. This helped him become the performer he is today. Mike says he still remembers being shy. This helps him understand all children.

In the 1990s, Mike performed gospel music. He traveled all over the United States. He released two albums during this time. They were called "Grace (and Other Stuff)" and "Life With a View." But Mike always loved children's music the most. He calls it "family music."

He started adding his family songs to his gospel concerts. Soon, these fun songs became the most popular. People wanted to buy them on CDs. So, in 2004, Mike released his first children's album. It was called "Something's Rotting in the Fridge."

Mike Mennard's Creative Work

Mike now uses his talents to tell stories and teach through music. He loves writing and performing for kids and their families. His shows are very popular. He performs in classrooms, libraries, and even at state fairs.

Mike is also an English professor. He teaches college students at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. He teaches them about poetry and music. He believes that you are never too young to enjoy rhythm and rhyme. He also loves wacky humor!

Mike promotes reading through music. He travels to reading conferences across the U.S. He entertains teachers and talks about keeping rhythm and fun alive in classrooms.

Since 2004, Mike Mennard has been very busy. He has made six albums for children. He also created one stage musical, which is like a play. His music is great for the whole family. It has humor that kids, parents, and teachers all enjoy.

Mike's music is for elementary-aged kids. His funny songs and interactive shows are loved worldwide. He uses many different music styles. On his albums, you might hear rock, rap, bluegrass, hip-hop, and even opera. He also includes lullabies.

One special thing about Mike's work is how he mixes music and poetry. Each album has both songs and poems. They are all original. Some of his CDs have as many as 51 tracks!

Mike Mennard's Music Albums

• Grace (and Other Stuff) (1991)
• Life With a View (1996)
• Something’s Rotting in the Fridge (2004)
• When Mother Goose Laid an Egg (2007)
• Night at the Whaler’s Inn (2008)
• Pirates do the Darnedest Things (2008)
• We’ve Got it All in Nebraska (2009)
• It's a Pirate's World (2011)
• Gotta be the Pants [with Mighty Magic Pants] (2013)
• Far Out [with Mighty Magic Pants] (2014)
• It Must be Christmas [with Mighty Magic Pants] (2014)

Stage Musicals by Mike Mennard

• That's What Makes Them Pirates (2010)
• Captain Scrooge (2016)

Books by Mike Mennard

• Can't Keep my Soul from Dancing (2003)
• Shall We Gather at the Potluck (2004)
• The Left-sock Tree (2011)
• Song of the Merrows (2011)