Dino O’Dell, the musical alter ego of Kansas City native Kevin Dolan, has been entertaining children all around the metro with his lively original kids’ tunes for a while now. You may have been able to catch a Dino O’Dell show over the summer - it seemed like he was EVERYWHERE! And for good reason. Dino can really entertain a discerning crowd of munchkins.

Dino plays solo shows but also occasionally takes the stage with his band, the Veloci-Rappers. It was with the band that Dino released his first CD, Dino O’Dell and the Veloci-Rappers. More recently, he released a solo CD called Itty Bitty Monsters. Both CDs are great fun. How can songs like “Swimmin’ with Piranha” and “Smoochin’ with a Giant Squid” be anything but silly and entertaining? And I dare any parent out there to NOT tap their toes to the very sweet, acoustic “I’ve Got A Friend.” Wrap things up with covers of the traditional “The More We Get Together” and “The Wheels on the Bus” and you’ve got a totally solid kids’ CD.

You can check Dino out LIVE around town too - his website always has an up-to-date schedule. (more…)

FABULOUS FAMILY ACTIVITY!!!!! You won’t want to miss this–and, it’s for a good cause; all proceeds benefit Children’s TLC. What could be better? The activity is the 12th Annual Crown Center Pumpkin Patch, presented by KPMG. Saturday, October 11 is the date, with Sunday, October 12 being the rain date. The place–Crown Center Square, at 25th and Grand Blvd in KCMO. The time–10am until 4pm. (And don’t forget to wear your costume!!) Now, for the good stuff!!

The whole day will be packed with fun things to do, including a petting zoo, carnival booths, games, inflatables, concessions and live entertainment. And did I mention PUMPKINS? How about 30,000 pounds of them?!? There will be FREE admission and parking at Crown Center Square. At the event, tickets may be purchased for $0.50 each, and these can be used for pumpkins, games, etc.

Here’s the fantastic lineup of LOCAL talent:

• 10:00 am Miller-Marley Performers
• 12:00 pm Berkley Matthews
• 12:30 pm Costume Parade and Contest
• 1:00 pm The Doo Dads
• 2:00 pm Dino O’Dell
• 3:00 pm Oogles ‘n’ Googles

As previously mentioned, this day of family fun benefits one of KCKidsFun’s community partners, Children’s TLC. The mission of CTLC is to provide therapeutic and educational services for children with disabilities in an environment which fosters their independence and celebrates their successes. CTLC was established in Kansas City in 1947 and is located at 31st and Main Street. No child is denied services due to inablity to pay. That’s where WE come in–grab the family, head out to the Crown Center Pumpkin Patch, and support a great cause!!

If you are unable to make it down to Crown Center on the 11th, or, if you just can’t get your fill of pumpkins, check out our comprehensive listing of city-wide pumpkin patches. There’s lots to do in the next few weeks…don’t miss out!