DC Metro Mommy Blog Village

So what is it about The Great Zucchini that makes him the #1 children's performer in the DC Metro area?  In search of answers I sat down with "The Great One" (my new name for him).   Even after an hour long meeting and a 30 minute show for my daughter's preschool class, I still found it difficult to describe the exact lure of this one man wonder.  I will leave it to the French; he has that certain "je ne sais quoi", that certain something that is hard to illustrate or explain. 

At first blush, it is easy to say "I don't get it".  Surely anyone meeting Eric Knaus for the first time would assume he is off to meet his buddies for a drink rather than heading to yet another $300 performance for children.  And there it is, the big surprise.  Don't let the scruffy façade fool you.  When he gets in front of an audience there isn't a child in the room that wouldn't give up a gallon of ice cream and a new bike to stay and watch The Great Zucchini perform. Well that might be a bit much but you get the drift.

His performances are absolute magic for little ones and I don't mean the dime store tricks he pulls out to entertain the crowd, but rather his act.  The interesting thing is his act isn't act.  Since his humble beginnings at a Maryland Discovery Zone, Eric always knew he could entertain a crabby crowd of kids.  After figuring out that minimum wage wasn't cutting it, Eric became a young entrepreneur and performer known as the "The Great Zucchini" (a name he and his father dreamt up).  

Success came quickly and his reputation grew in the DC Metro area.  And while many have tried to copy his style, there is still only one "The Great Zucchini".  So what is the secret?  Eric points to his connection with the crowd.  His easy going, self-deprecating manner immediately gives his young audience a sense of familiarity with "The Great One".  Even parents fall prey to his charm.  Fathers have been known to ask him stay at a party and share a beer.  His clients often times become his friends.  And despite the lackadaisical demeanor, Eric takes his job and his commitments very seriously.  He has never missed a show and he always follows with a "Thank You" note as he is truly grateful to have the opportunity to perform for your children.  He even offers his time and talents to local charities. 

So popular is he that Hollywood is talking about a movie.  Trust me there is a deeper story there that is best understood by reading The Washington Post Magazine article "The Peekaboo Paradox" by Gene Weingarten.

And there it is...the secret!  He is an ordinary guy who just has an extraordinary gift when it comes to people (young & old). 

Now don't let all these good feelings fool you.  If you are booking a show, you will need to follow his lead and requests.   He won't be pulling a J Lo and requesting fresh flowers and Evian, but there are some rules of engagement that must be followed.   Yes...he is worth the energy and the money!  Even the First Daughter, Sasha Obama, has taken notice.  She attended a recent "Sold Out" performance at Avalon.   As I told him, I guess that means he has a seat at the table.  Indeed he has arrived. 

For a list of upcoming shows, see our Calendar Section.  For contact information, photos and more information, go to http://www.thegreatzucchini.com/