By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Grafton – Musician and educator Kim Webster of Grafton is known to area kids simply as Mr. Kim. On the second Friday of each month, he’s currently entertaining preschoolers age 2 and up at the Grafton Public Library (GPL). Certified with the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association, Webster is a children’s performer who gladly shares the spotlight with his collection of puppets.
“I’ve worked with puppets for a long time because I find them fascinating,” he said. “They’re a very under-used medium in education. Puppets have a way of connecting with children. Kids want to believe and they’ll focus on puppets unconditionally.”
After performing “Friday Fun” at GPL last year, Mr. Kim’s monthly program returned in October and will continue through May.
“The library show is wonderful,” he said. “I enjoy seeing the kids laugh and dance, and they’ll always say something that’s very funny. I start by talking about colors; my guitar picks are all different colors. We do some hand play, and play with scarfs. Then they sing-along and dance.”
The kids’ dance moves include jumping to the beat of his popular “Popcorn Song.” Children embody the spirit of sizzling corn kernels that ultimately pop as Mr. Kim sings and plays guitar.
“Seeing someone playing the guitar is a first for some children,” he noted. “That can plant a musical seed for them.”
At age 13, Webster bought his first guitar for $30, then played at a party with a friend on bass and a drummer who they just met. Since then, he has continued performing.
About 17 years ago, Webster accepted an invitation from Jan Barlow, the education director of Apple Tree Arts (ATA), to join the nonprofit organization’s faculty. He continues contributing to their early childhood music programs.
“ATA has a deep soul for music and theater,” he said. “They’re a tremendous group of people with so much heart. They’re always there for families.”
In addition to working with ATA, Webster frequently entertains children at libraries and schools throughout central Massachusetts. He also performs regularly at Park Grill & Spirits in Worcester as one of the trio Beau, Ira and Kim.
“It’s great to keep my foot in all things music,” he said. “I’ve been writing songs for a long time and now I get to record them.”
As Mr. Kim, he wrote and recorded three children’s CDs. He won a Children’s Music Web Award as best new artist for “Musical Child,” released in 2004. That album was followed by “Children of the Sea” in 2005 and “Humm” in 2008.
His song “Value You” from “Children of the Sea” is featured in the compilation “Someone Else’s Shoes” of the “Best Foot Forward Series,” released by Recess Music in 2012. The album explores the theme of empathy and won a Parents’ Choice Award.
Webster is currently working on his fourth album, “Father and Son,” with songs for an adult audience. He’s collaborating with his son, Eric, who sang on the previous albums. Now, Eric is a freshman studying computer engineering at UMass Amherst.
“It’s great to connect with him again musically,” Webster said. “He’s more of a classically trained piano player and singer, as opposed to my R&B, folk style. And his computer skills are adding a richness to this CD. Now, he’s a first-year college student with lots of ideas.”
“Father and Son” is expected to be released in the fall of 2016.
Mr. Kim’s next appearance at GPL will be Friday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. Registration opens the first Friday of each month through May. For questions or to register, call GPL at 508-839-4649.
For more information about Mr. Kim Webster, visit mrkimwebster.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/mrkimwebster12.
