Entertainer says think summer
It's the middle of a long, cold winter. Just the right time for a beach party, don't you think?
Musical entertainer Dave Rudolf is bringing his Beach Party show to the St. Charles Public Library at 2 p.m. Sunday.
A Chicago area resident, Rudolf has made 22 albums, for adults and for children. His latest, Bubba Christmas, is "a Christmas parody," he said, "with songs like: 'Out to the Outhouse, Quick, Quick, Quick.'"
Sunday's concert will feature Rudolf's original songs, along with covers by some of his favorite performers. Rudolf will be joined by Rick Arial, a keyboard player, who also plays marimbas and steel drums with Rudolf's band, at larger venues.
Over the years, Rudolf has been influenced by the music of Jimmy Buffett, Harry Belafonte, Bob Marley, Simon and Garfunkel and Cat Stevens. As a result, his own original music contains a lot of Caribbean and reggae influences, as well as a bit of country here and there.
"I've been a musician for over 30 years," said Rudolf. "I write music and lyrics for others: I've written some for Disney, in the past; the Detroit Tigers used one of my songs ("Baseball," from his "Throwback" CD). I have all kinds of stuff out there."
With an eye for details, Rudolf said he will have inflatable palm trees and "tiki things" on hand, to liven up the space, along with shakers, hula hoops, and limbo sticks, for an interactive experience.
"Listen to the vibe of being on the beach," Rudolf said.
Rudolf's sense of humor will also add to the show.
"I can't do anything without humor," he added.
This local appearance is geared for adults, although Rudolf, who has two grown boys of his own, also does a kids' version of his Beach Party, too.
Rudolf performs adult and children's shows year-round, at libraries, park districts, festivals, theaters, colleges, and larger venues, such as Ravinia.
With an already illustrious career, Rudolf has been nominated for a Grammy; he's a Parent's Choice and Parents Guide winner, and a Web Awards winner; and he has been nominated 15 times for NACA College Entertainer of the year awards.
This multitalented guy has opened for Cheech and Chong, the Beach Boys, Tim McGraw, Sha Na Na, Leo Kotke, and many others. He was Captain Kangaroo on the TV pilot of Saban's All New Captain Kangaroo; he appeared on Bozo's Circus; as a comedian, he has performed on HBO comedy shorts and several cable shows; and he even wrote a children's book, titled "Please don't Tease the Dragon."
You can check out all of Rudolf's many undertakings at www.daverudolf1.com, and at www.daverudolf.com, his site for kids. You can also listen to (and purchase) any of 150 songs by Rudolf online at the iTunes store.
If you go
What: Dave Rudolf concert
Where: St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth St.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: (630) 584-0076