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This is Shannon Tanner.

Every summer, (for the last 20 years), Shelter Cove Marina has hosted The Shannon Tanner Show. This was our second time making the Independence Day version of his show (you can see more about that HERE)-- it won't be our last.

The first time we attended was when we lived here about five years ago. That year, as the fireworks began to explode, Shannon had a guest musician ( I think he was someone I should've paid attention to his name, in order to make this story more wow-some) step out onto one of the condo balconies and begin to play The Star Spangled Banner on his electric guitar. It was a truly unique moment in time that I have thought about often since.

From that show, to this recent one, the emphasis on inspiring children and just believing in them has not been diluted.

Now, you may see the propeller beanie or click that Shannon Tanner link above and be tempted to shrug him off quickly as only a children's entertainer, but if you'll take the time to look closer (his MySpace link ) you'll see for yourself that Tanner is a real musician.

And as much as I love music and those musicians that make the stuff, I admire Tanner for more than that-- he's got this huge heart full of children and this life mission to inspire each and every one of 'em. He's like a modern day Mister Rogers ( who knows how to rock)

The good doesn't stop there- he reaches beyond his stage full of youngins (he invites them all up front to sing and dance along), out into the audience, and gently reminds all the grown up 'children' present that it is okay to have fun. He inspires the adults to appreciate the gift that is our kids: tomorrow's leaders, today.

We spent the entire celebration singing along at both the 6:30 and 8 o'clock shows. We had developed a strong bond with Shannon Tanner before we headed home ( you don't just dance The Purple People Eater with someone, then go your seperate ways. You must be prepared for the committed relationship that follows)

From start to finish, the shows are interactive for both the kids and adults. Shannon gets the kids to sing and dance and make speeches to their parents ("Mom and Dad, keep up with me if you can!")

He makes the grown ups loosen their collars and remember how to laugh at themselves. He doesn't hesitate to single people out and make them dance while everyone else stares. No one thinks to refuse.

During the shows, Shannon always gives the kids a chance at the mic- some of what you hear is pretty amazing (he knew the whole song!) and the rest is just plain cute or funny.

What happens, after the first or second child sings their song, is the whole stage full of children warms up, they are all the Next American Idol in an instant.

This happened to all 3 of mine. None of them know all the lyrics to more than 3 songs, if I had to bet, but that didn't deter them from waving their hands wildly to sing a song in front of the 200+ people watching.

And get this: Chandler got picked. More about that here.

As the sun set and the beautiful Carolina moon beamed from the sky, we heard a few more children - Jesus Loves Me by one little girl who Shannon Tanner said blessed his socks off ( then helpd up his bare ankled loafers to prove it :)

We heard incredible stories about kids and soldiers and musicians. We watched our kids' hair have a party and then begged them not to mess ours up too much when Tanner sent them into the audience at full tilt to party on our heads.

We watched as bigger kids- 13 and up- came down to the stage to dance several dances with the little ones, simply because Shannon asked them to. ( he has that kind of power and more! He says "Look at me..." and all the kids DO!"

Because Hilton Head is a vacation spot that many families retun to annually, many of the "big" kids had grown up coming to the shows when they were itty bitty (Shannon Tanner is celebrating is 20th year of shows at Shelter Cove this year)

We listened to the talented 16 year old Katie sing Traveling Soldier.