“Raggs LIVE Dance Party!” is set for 3 p.m. at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The event stars the colorful, comical characters Raggs, Trilby, Pido, B. Max and Razzles from the popular “Raggs” educational television show designed for preschoolers. The concert features a “Wag and Wiggle” dance segment to promote movement and physical fitness.
“The Raggs Band is not your average dog show,” said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director. “With over 200 original songs, the power of the music and humor of Raggs and his puppy band stimulate children to become actively involved in learning.
Raggs introduces children to elements that span the preschool curriculum, working to nurture their sense of self and others, and to foster a strong motivation to learn and achieve.”
General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 18. Tickets are available by calling 662-915-7411, by visiting the UM Box Office in the Student Union from noon to 4 p.m. weekdays or the Ford Center Box Office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, or by going to http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/
In connection with the production, special musical performances by UM staff and students are being planned for 10 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 23) at Square Books Jr. on the Oxford Square; 10:30 a.m. Jan. 27 at the Batesville Public Library; and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Oxford-Lafayette County Public Library.
“For this, we will be working with Dr. Andrew Paney in the Ole Miss music department,” said Kate Meacham, Ford Center assistant director of marketing. “He is going to help us put together a music activity, since Raggs doesn’t have a book from which there could be readings.”
“Raggs” is a co-production between Raggs LLC, of Charlotte, N.C., and Southern Star International of Sydney, Australia.
Utilizing an international team of more than 150 industry professionals – including award-winning producers, directors, writers, editors, composers and advisers – the series is in its fifth season. It originated in Australia but is available on many American public television stations.
Each episode follows the band through engaging, emotional and humorous stories that rock the house and explore issues faced by real children. The characters’ chemistry and friendship is immediately evident as they work through a series of creative steps to find a successful conclusion to everyday challenges. Each program is based on one main theme that promotes social and academic readiness while also addressing specific preschool topics such as literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts.
For more information about the “Raggs” television show, visit http://www.raggs.com. For more information about the performance, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/