The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta sponsored the free event, which drew 197 kids, parents and grandparents. About 50 youngsters, ages 2 to 10, crowded onto the dance floor in front of Music Mike, while adults and babies looked on from the hillside. 

Music Mike strummed his guitar, tooted his kazoo and led the kids through songs, stories and plenty of laughs. 

At his cue, children twirled scarves, danced with abandon, rolled down the hill like hot dog rolls, skipped around the amphitheater and lined up for close encounters with the limbo stick. 

Music Mike mixed classics like “Skidamarink,” “Skip to My Lou,” “Ring Around the Rosie” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” often with a playful twist on the lyrics.

He also slipped in tunes parents knew well – including “Proud Mary,” “Jambalaya” and “You Are My Sunshine” – and the kids sang along just as eagerly. 

The children roared with laughter when Music Mike teased that the prizes would be underwear or socks. 

They squealed with delight as he announced a “Happy Birthday” song for an eight-year-old standing beside him, then surprised them by jumping into “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” 

Kiwanis sponsors the event each year as a way to give back to the community. The late Joe Mazzone first suggested the idea, and President Joanne Brandt organized this year’s program. 

The club handed out child-sized bottles of cold water and provided bubble solution with wands for the kids to enjoy during the show. 

Rene and Susan Mellegers attended their first Music Mike concert when their oldest great-grandchild, Autumn Brandt, was a year old. This year, at 7, she joined in the fun with her 4-year-old sister, Ayla, and her 3-year-old twin brothers, Harrison and Walker. 

“This is a great event for kids,” Rene Mellegers said. “I’m also amazed how he can control all these children. I think parents should learn from him.”

Mike Grmoyes has been performing as Music Mike in the greater Sacramento area for more than 25 years. Grmoyes is available for birthday parties and other children’s events and can be reached at 530-823-2380.