Skippy The Human Drum Machine: musicbyskippy's show for kids!

Tell me about Skippy The Human Drum Machine

Note: all ticket types classify as General Admission to the show. The venue has limited seating.

Rated G for All Ages | A children's show

Doors open at 1:30 pm. The program starts at 2:00 pm and runs approximately 60 minutes. The show runs approximately 45 minutes and post-show activities run about `15 minutes.

Lead by Luke "Skippy" Harbur, “Skippy The Human Drum Machine” is a performance and education program to instill confidence, music, and language skills for kids. Artists affecting this show's inspiration include beatboxer Reggie Watts, Mr.Rogers, and Kansas City's own Jim "Stinky Feet" Cosgrove.

Tell me about the artist, musicbyskippy

Luke “Skippy” Harbur is a multidisciplinary artist & educational presenter whose project, musicbyskippy, curates custom arts experiences for multigenerational audiences. Through beatboxing, songwriting, and various sound producing skills his mission focuses on celebrating identity and combating isolation through stories.

In November 2021 the Overland Park, Kansas native started his journey in Kansas City, Missouri. As a multidisciplinary artist he’s written, produced, and published over 60 songs and sold over 1,000 tickets to 10 original productions nationwide. He is a 2024 Librettist Fellow for Lyric Opera of Kansas City & No Divide KC, a 2024 Heartland Arts Fellow for Starlight Theatre & Heartland Arts KC, and a Fall 2024 cohort member of Music To Life, a national training program for musicians focused on making social change. Commissions include but are not limited to Boulevardia, the Ewing Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and Cornell University.

As an educational presenter, he combines the alphabet, movement, and vocal techniques to teach beatboxing, language development, and anxiety/stress relief. Audience engagement includes learning vocal warm ups, movement, singing techniques, and beatboxing sounds.

His life-saving liver transplant at the age of 11 months motivates him daily, making performances testaments to sharing his life and near-death experiences.

Tell me about the co-sponsor and venue, Kanas City Young Audiences

Kansas City Young Audiences (KCYA) unites artists and educators to collaborate on exciting programs that benefit young learners – especially those lacking equal access to arts education. It aims to engage all youth in arts, promote creativity, and inspire success in education. Founded in 1961, the organization provides arts-integrated learning through a vast array of innovative programs. As the original provider of arts education programs in the Kansas City metropolitan area, KCYA arts programs have reached more than 6 million children, providing many with their first encounter with the arts.

A parking lot with limited spots is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Host or Publisher musicbyskippy