For Dave Kinnoin, it’s the simple joy, satisfaction and fun of sharing music with young children facing the most challenging times, making their day by strumming his guitar and singing a collection of his favorite upbeat songs as part of a unique and special nationwide effort.
Kinnoin, a longtime South Pasadena resident, is among a large group of musicians and performers who regularly entertain kids through his involvement with Pickleberry Pie Hospital Concerts, bringing youngsters the healing power of music.
Providing just the ample amount of joy and comfort they need when an uplifting moment is needed the most, Kinnoin is fulfilled seeing “their precious faces light up, hearing them laugh, seeing them dance, even if with just one finger or toe,” as he explains it, “knowing we’re forever bonded by the heart.”
Along with hospital visits, those participating in the program take their talents to special needs facilities, performing high-energy songs, playing instrumentals, telling stories, doing magic tricks or more.
“Once upon a time in 1986, two moms noticed a serious lack of fun, high-quality children’s music on the radio,” Pickleberry Executive Director Jenny Heitler-Klevans said, talking about the non-profits beginning. “
Pickleberry Pie was born. ‘It’s a name as delightfully silly as the music they shared,” noted Heitler-Klevans. “What started as a free radio show quickly caught on, even winning a top award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.”
Then came the magical idea,” said Heitler-Klevans. “Bring live music into the hospitals, starting at Packard and Shriners in 1998. With the help of big-hearted volunteers and foundations, our concerts have spread joy to kids in hospitals all over the country.”
Oh, if you’re looking for actual Pickleberries. Heitler-Klevans is quick to point out they don’t exist.
Proudly, the organization’s top exec says more than 285,000 children, family members and hospital staff have experienced live performances from the team of volunteers over the years.
Favorable comments from parents of those hospitalized are in abundance. “The gift of music provided my son a lifeline during his struggle with brain cancer,” said one.
“It gave us joy and hope and healing during one of the most unimaginable times,” added another.
No stranger to the entertainment world, to his credit Kinnoin is known for his full-length concerts, song videos, games and streaming audio, recognized as a singer, songwriter and music producer for Song Wizard Records, which he owns. His music has been heard on Sesame Street, Disney Henson and through a wide variety of family entertainment programming.
“Having a pal to hang out with, to sing and talk with, to bang on rhythm sticks and hum kazoos and shake maracas and tell stories and just have fun,” answered Kinnoin when asked what kids get most out of his appearances.
And in his next breath, he poignantly reflected, “It’s a play day away from the needles and procedure and worries.”
For more information about the concerts, go to: https://pickleberryhospitalconcerts.org
To make a donation to Pickleberry Pie, a 501(c) organization, go to: http://chuffed.org/project/pickleberry-pie-donate
Contribution are also welcome at: Pickleberry Pie, 7426 Barclay Rd., Cheltenham, PA 19012
Kinnoin can be reached at: [email protected]
