We created the word "Zinghopper" to refer to an action that young children are great at doing ("hopping") and to convey movement and excitement ("zing"). The name of our band is the Zinghoppers and the name that our younger fans have given themselves is “Little Zinghoppers"

Q: What are some of your favorite charities or websites you recommend?
A: There are many great organizations, and we will continue to add additional links but in the meantime visit:

Q: Where are you based?
A: With our hectic schedule, it seems like we mostly live in hotels and in our van! My wife (Kitty) and I have a production office in Phoenix, Arizona and call Nashville, Tennessee home.

Q: Can you tell me the Zinghoppers names?
A: Yes, Coconuts The Kangaroo plays guitar, Olo The Donkey plays keyboards and fiddle, and Penelope The Possum plays bass and drums. I’m the only human that was asked to join the band: I play ukulele. We are a band of friends that make music, sing songs, dance and have fun moving for preschoolers and young school-age children.

Q: What age group is your ideal audience?
A: We write songs for children ages 1-8, though our ideal audience tends to be preschool age children.

Q: Do you post drawings made by fans of the Zinghoppers?
A: Of course! Here's a few great drawings from recent shows...

Q: How old are you, and where are you from originally?
A: I am twenty-six years old, and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kitty is the same age and from Minneapolis too - although she spent a lot of her childhood in Jamaica!

Q: I heard that you and Tiny Tim were good friends, is that true?
A: Yup, it’s really true. He was my next door neighbor in Minneapolis. I was in his third wedding, and his funeral. In fact, the ukulele I play on stage was actually given to me by Tiny just days before he passed.

Q: Few childrens performers, if any, can claim the eclectic fan base you have built over the years. That fan base includes several well known names - who are some of the Zinghoppers biggest supporters?
A: Well I can’t say for sure everyone that is a fan of our animal band, but I know the late Tiny Tim was a big supporter of my music as is the elusive Leon Redbone. I’ve received kind words from Tom Waits, Lucinda Williams, Victoria Jackson (Saturday Night Live alumni), the late Dave Van Ronk, songwriting recluse Jandek, and I’m told Beck is a fan - I have no way of knowing for sure though.

Q: How does that make you feel as an artist?
A: To be honest, it’s flattering, but not as rewarding as making toddlers laugh.

Q: Tom Waits is a fan?
A: I sent him some early demos of Zinghoppers songs and received a nice birthday greeting on my answering machine.

Q: What did Waits say?
A: As a childrens performer, I probably shouldn’t say his exact quote. You know, he swears like a sailor - but it was a nice greeting. Just not too “family-friendly”. We love his music.

Q: What are your goals?
A: Simply, to entertain an audience. We also aim to educate and enlighten. We call what we do “edutainment”. Our primary goal has always been to make children laugh.

Q: How often do you perform?
A: As much as I can! I love it, it’s just in the blood. My parents were bluegrass musicians and my grandpa was a vaudevillian so it’s a family tradition. We usually play about 275 shows a year.

Q: It sounds like your group would be expensive.
A: We strive to provide you with high-quality entertainment at a price that won’t hurt your budget. This is a full-time professional career and we maintain a lower overhead that some touring bands because we do most of the business tasks ourselves. It’s actually a system that works very well for us - we are our own management, booking agent, record label and publicist. The advantage for venues working directly with us is that it eliminates the middle man expenses.

Q: Why aren’t your prices advertised on your website or in your promo kit?
A: We don’t list prices because there are a number of factors that affect the price quoted to a particular venue. We do have a base price that is ALL INCLUSIVE of travel and lodging costs. If you are flexible on a date and choose one during a time when we will already be in your geographical area, our price will go down. Also, our price can be affected by how much you want us to do during a visit - we are happy to play multiple sets throughout the day, conduct workshops, and make various personal appearances when we are in your town. There are also many circumstances when our group is available to perform a special “add-on” show at a local school or church for a reduced fee as well.

Q: Why do you quote all-inclusive prices?
A: It is a lot easier for everyone. Venues like it because they know exactly what they will be spending up front, and aren’t affected by shifting gas prices or airline costs. We like it because we can plan our own travel to suit our specific tour schedule. When you get a price from us, you don’t get any surprises later. Rest assured that you will receive high-quality family-friendly entertainment...and you know exactly what the bottom line is.

Q: So, why should I hire your group?
A: Because we are one of the easiest - and most professional - bands you will ever work with. All of our shows are completely self-contained. We can provide our own PA and are happy to play indoors or outdoors. We can do up to three 45-50 minute sets per day. Also, we are VERY easy to promote to the local media. We will assist you with every step of marketing the show. We are very good at securing newspaper articles, sending press releases, working with local radio stations, spreading the word to area church communities, and will provide you with full color 11x17 posters, CDs, glossy photos and more. We want your show to be a success...it’s just more fun for everybody!

Q: Can you offer any other programs besides your standard set?
A: Yes! If you can think of it - we’ll do it! Part of the fun of being in this business is to tailor each show to meet your specific needs. We’ve done gospel sets, Holiday shows, Hawaiian-themed beach parties, barn dances, workshops, educational programs, weddings, environmental shows - the list is endless.

Q: Can I see a video or get some recommendations?
A: Of course! Just click here for film clips and more information. Call us toll-free at: 1-800-970-0563 with any questions you may have.

Q: Finally, what can people expect at a show?
A: They can expect to have a fun! We get our audiences singing along, tapping their toes, even dancing! By combining good old-fashioned entertainment with upbeat music and energetic fun - people of all ages enjoy our family-friendly shows. Again, I encourage you to spend time on our award-winning website for more fun pictures, news, background information, schedule and much more. Thanks!