fbpx Uncle Jumbo | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

You are here

Uncle Jumbo

Grammy-nominated children’s artist Uncle Jumbo layers heartfelt lyrics with high-energy music and interactive dance-alongs that get audiences moving together, inspiring young people to dream big, care for one another, and celebrate what makes them unique.

A Texas-born son of a disco and reggae DJ, Uncle Jumbo got his start at age four, playing accordion with touring Zydeco bands on his Aunt Helen’s Louisiana porch. Known for his uplifting spirit and magnetic stage presence, he began creating music for children after the birth of his daughter. Her diagnosis with a rare liver disease, and surgery at only three weeks old, sparked a profound gratitude for life and a mission to help raise generations of positive, loving people as One Big Family.

“Imagine that somewhere in the untapped treasures of the late Prince’s legendary vault of music is an album made for kids. . . . That’s what Uncle Jumbo sounds like.” (Houston Press)

If you believe in the life-affirming experiences that Krannert Center and the performing arts at Illinois make possible, please make a gift: advancement@krannertcenter.illinois.edu, KrannertCenter.com/Give, or faa.illinois.edu/giving.

Event Details

Colwell Playhouse
Sa Apr 17, 2027 - 2:00pm CT
Advocate 50 / Standard 10