The Oklahoman-My Norman
Band discovers new audience
June 7, 2007

They've been popular with the college set for years, but these days the Sugar Free Allstars are finding themselves in front of a different type of crowd.

Children ages 5 to 11 participating in the Pioneer Library System's Centennial Summer Reading Program can catch the popular band at their local library this summer, where the rock duo will be leading "Funky Music for Kids." The program will feature songs from the band's forthcoming children's album, Chris Wiser (vocals, organ, saxophone) said.

"It's something I've been thinking about doing for years, but this is the first time we've ever done anything like this," Wiser said. "Kids have always liked our music because it's funky, fun and funny."

The program includes about 45 to 50 minutes of material and encourages children to interact by singing along, dancing and doing motions, Wiser said.

"We rocked Blanchard this morning and Shawnee this afternoon," Wiser said recently. "The kids really enjoyed it."

Wiser said he thinks it's important to get children interested in music while they are young.

"My mom used to tak me to the same kind of stuff at the Norman library when I was a kid," Wiser said, "I loved it."

Both Wiser and drummer Rob "Dr. Rock" Martin began theri musical careers in their seventh-grade bands. Wiser started out playing saxophone, while Martin began his career on the clarinet before quickly moving to percussion. The two met while attending college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, playing together in another band before hooking up again in the Allstars.

The duo decided to share their music with pint-sized fans after several adult fans told them how much their children were enjoying their Sugar Free Allstars albums.

"I think it's because of the style of music and the beat," Wiser said. "Kids love a beat, and that's what our music is all about."

Wiser said the children's programs also allow the duo to enjoy some much-appreciated rest.

"We're getting a little bit older, and late night gigs are taking their toll," Wiser said. "The children's programs allow us to book daytime shows if we want, with the option of playing our regular shows at night."

Wiser said the children's album will include eight songs dealing with topics such as banana pudding, petting zoos and the bathtub. There also is a song called "Poppy and MeeMaw" that talks about how grandparents are all the same, even if they are called by different names.

The album will be available at the band's library performances.

"I'm hoping this album will be an album adults will listen to even if their kids don't," Wiser said. "I definitely think the world could use some less cheesy kids' music, and that's what we're trying to do."

-Tami Althoff