Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (June 19/02) - Ah yes, precious freedom -- an important element to performing artists, who all too often must take to the stage in a controlled environment.

For Fred Penner, performing in Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet produced a unique form of freedom for a children's entertainer.

Penner describes his Kivalliq shows as an "organic process," making entertainer and audience equal partners in his performances.

"It was like, give me a request or holler out a song for me to do, then we'll talk a little bit or I'll do a trick," says Penner with a laugh. My Kivalliq shows were far more relaxed and less structured than I often do. I enjoyed the spirit of those shows. The interaction with the audience was great fun."

Penner says he was pleasantly surprised in both communities by how many of his songs the kids seemed to know.

The Cat Came Back always drew a tremendous response.

"I'm not always sure if the kids actually know the song or if the way I present it (Penner will often sing the chorus beforehand) allows the audience to pick it up to the point where they feel they know it all ready.

"There were certainly lots of people there who grew up with my music through Fred Penner's Place, which, I'm sure, was the main connection between the Kivalliq audiences and my work. Many of them have kids of their own now who were making contact with me and that was a pure joy."

Penner has a number of tunes that pass the message onto kids to be strong within themselves, and be proud of who they are and the things they're doing in life.

"One song, It's Great Being Me, is an example of the kinds of material I'll use to go into that world," he says.

"As I'm setting up a particular tune, I'll make little comments like; 'Those wonderful brains of yours,' and 'How beautiful your singing together sounds,' so they're always getting encouragement for singing with me."

Penner says he never gets tired of the wonderful world of kids.

"They always give me such beautiful feedback -- whether it's at a concert, when I'm signing autographs or through e-mails -- a constant flow of positive energy comes back to me. That's what gives me the strength of continue," he says.

"The Northern kids were just fantastic, with a great joy and love of life. I have many memories firmly connected to the North and I sincerely hope to go back."