The 2008 Children's Performing Arts Series, presented by the Albany Parks & Recreation Department, is changing times and dates this year to spur new interest in spectators.

This year's series is being compressed from six months to 10 weeks, said Debbi Richards, recreation supervisor, "just to keep the excitement going about it. And I think we'll get better attendance that way."

All public performances will take place at 10 a.m. this year. They had been scheduled for 11 in the past, but families told the department they preferred to get an earlier start on their children's activities, Richards said.

Admission is free and all take place in the Linn-Benton Community College Forum.

The 2008 series opens Jan. 12 with Matthew Gollub, a children's author and musician known for such books as "Gobble, Quack, Moon" and "The Jazz Fly."

Children's musician Greta Pedersen is scheduled for Jan. 26, followed by juggler and humorist Charles Brown on Feb. 9.

Tears of Joy Puppet Theater of Portland performs "The Shoemaker and the Elves" on Feb. 23, and a group of African storytellers is scheduled for March 1.

Performers also are scheduled to make guest appearances during the series at various Albany schools.

The Children's Performing Arts series is now in its 21st year. It is funded by many local businesses and individuals.

For more information, call 917-7755 or visit www.cityofalbany.net/parks.

Democrat-Herald