Family entertainer Jim Gill to perform at Shepherd of the Prairie May 22

On Sunday, May 22, Jim Gill will bring his energetic, fun-loving music to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church for a family concert. It will begin at 4 p.m. at the church, 10805 Main St. in Huntley.

Sponsored by the SOTP artist series, a community outreach initiative sponsored by Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, this free concert is open to the public and families are welcome to attend Gill's lively performance.

In concert, Gill strums energizing rhythms on his banjo with everyone clapping, dancing and singing along to his silly and inspiring musical games. It is a great opportunity for involvement by the entire family.

He is a musician and author with unique credentials among children's artists. He is a child development specialist, having completed his graduate studies in child development at the Erikson Institute of Chicago with a special emphasis on the study of play. For this reason, each of his recordings and books is created as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult.

In addition to his studies, Gill has over 20 years of experience in creating and leading play groups for families with children with special needs. He has led weekly music play programs at numerous therapeutic and family support agencies in the Chicago area. His unique writing style - combining word play and movement opportunities into songs - was inspired by this work. Just as important, his strategies to promote family involvement in his concerts were developed through these weekly sessions.

Visit the church website at sotp.org for further information or contact jemcmullen1957@gmail.com.

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, located at 10805 Main Street, under the leadership of senior pastor Rev. Mark Boster, has served the Huntley community for over 20 years.