Culture Down on the Farm? Yep, Youth Festival at Knott’s

Yes, that was Snoopy standing next to the piano, but it wasn’t Peanuts Gang prodigy Schroeder at the keys, just Michael Fennelly, a talented San Clemente High School senior who will be performing April 29 at Orange County’s first Children’s Cultural Festival.

Fennelly and violinist Sachiko Tanaka, a Mission Viejo High School sophomore, were on hand at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park earlier this week for the announcement of the festival schedule.

The daylong event at Knott’s will benefit the Orange County Philharmonic Society, South Coast Repertory Theatre and the Children’s Museum at La Habra.

Most of the series of events feature young performers such as Fennelly and Tanaka, who gave the representatives of various arts organizations at the luncheon a sample of their work, courtesy of the Philharmonic Society.

After posing with Snoopy, Knott’s mascot, Tanaka and Fennelly played three brief selections.

They included Dvorak’s familiar “Humoresque,” a piece frequently used as background music in cartoons--usually played just before an unsuspecting character is clobbered by a large piece of furniture.

In addition to the young classical musicians, festival visitors will be able to sample everything from Chinese dancers and Japanese drummers to Broadway show tunes, a Dixieland band and Appalachian Mountains clog dancing.

Other cultural events scattered through the park will include marionettes, a mime, a storyteller and an original musical play called “When I Grow Up,” about the choices and pressures that children face.

Also available will be a Nature Walk Exhibit from the children’s museum, featuring real stuffed North American animals, and an art workshop.

Discount tickets, priced at $13.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 3 to 11, entitle visitors to Knott’s other attractions.

The tickets may be purchased from the three arts organizations or at the park April 29 for those who ask for the special order forms.

Information: (714) 642-8232.