Children’s Performer Celebrates 25 Years

SIOUX FALLS, SD - With a guitar and a tune, Sioux Falls performer Phil Baker can captivate a large audience of little ones. Baker is celebrating 25 years in the children's music business.

"You know, I actually had no idea I was going to do this. I actually set out to be a jazz guitar player," Baker said.

But thanks to the encouragement of a college mentor, Baker gave up jazz for 'Wheels on the Bus' and songs about wiggles. It's a move he doesn't regret.

"Personally, I think kids are the best audience. They want to sing along.  They want to dance.  They want to participate.  They want to be part of the show and that makes it a lot of fun for the entertainer," Baker said.

This concert included a guest appearance from a super-star bigger than any other child performer, Santa. Baker says maintaining integrity and strong morals is a must in their business. And Baker says for anyone who works with children, the most important thing they can do is maintain the trust of parents.

That includes keeping to high standards before and after shows, and even looking for the smallest of dangers whenever around children.

"As an entertainer I try to maintain a safe environment for the kids, I try to anticipate if there are any obstacles in the way.  I don't want them to get too close to the equipment.  I try to avoid roughhousing in the program so I'm always trying to make sure it's a safe environment for the kids," Baker said.

And with those virtues and catchy tunes, this 25-year performer will likely draw crowds for more years to come.