Dino
O'Dell Keeps Kids Rockin’ and Thinkin’
Dino O’Dell (a.k.a. Kevin Dolan), Mission, Kan., knows a thing or two about entertaining children and a whole lot about education. For almost five years, he keeps his motto, “Serving Children-Kind Since 2003,” close to his heart.
The former drama and music elementary school teacher says he is still focused on the education. Anyone who has attended one of his many library shows or local festival performances knows that he inspires through interaction. Kids get up and move, shout out lyrics as part of counting songs and sometimes become detectives, deciphering the next clues to a song.
“There really is something wonderful when parents and teachers recognize that my music and shows are not just about entertaining, but education,” he says.
O’Dell has also performed on stage at the White House with Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove’s band, the Hiccups, and with Grammy award winning children’s performer Bill Harley. O’Dell is on staff at Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, Kan., where he teaches music to children and teens. And he works for six weeks every winter as a teaching artist with the Seattle Opera, bringing opera to elementary schools. “I love getting back into the classroom and keeping a pulse on education,” he says.
Both of Dino’s CDs, “Dino O'Dell & the Veloci-Rappers” and “Itty Bitty Monsters,” are National Parenting Publications award winners. He is also working on a third CD, tentatively titled, “Flippin’ Flapjacks,” which could be released by this Christmas. O’Dell says songs include a pirate song about cleaning and more counting songs.
COMING SHOWS:
May 12
Mid-Continent Public Library, Excelsior Springs branch – 7 p.m.
1460 Kearney Road, Excelsior SpringsMay 20
MCPL, Antioch branch – 7 p.m.
6060 N. Chestnut, GladstoneMay 22
MCPL, Platte City branch – 1 p.m.
2702 Prairie View Road, Platte CityMay 22
MCPL, Dearborn branch – 4 p.m.
206 Maple Leaf Ave., DearbornMay 24
Jiggle Jam Children's Music Festival at Crown Center –10:15 a.m.
Dino O'Dell and the Veloci-RappersJune 10
MCPL, Boardwalk branch – 2 p.m.
8656 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City-NorthJune 11
MCPL, Smithville branch – 10 a.m.
205 Richardson St., SmithvilleJune 12
MCPL, Lone Jack branch – 10 a.m.
211 N. Bynum Rd., Lone JackJune 14
Central location of the Kansas City Public Library – 1:30 p.m.
14 W. 10th St.June 17
Bluford branch of the Kansas City Public Library – 2 p.m.
3050 ProspectJune 19
MCPL, Liberty branch – 10 a.m.
1000 Kent St., LibertyJune 20
Northeast branch of the Kansas City Public Library – 10 a.m.
6000 Wilson RoadRuiz branch of the Kansas City Public Library – 1:30 p.m.
2017 W. PennwayJune 21
Trails West branch of the Kansas City Public Library – 11 a.m.
11401 E. 23rd