Children’s music artist wins award

Staff report

COLUMBIANA

Children’s singer-songwriter Chip Richter received Best Children’s Music honors in the 2016 Ohio Music Awards for his song “Let’s Dance.”

The awards competition is open to artists whose original recordings are either recorded, produced or mixed primarily within the state.

Richter, of Columbiana, has been writing and producing music for kids and families for more than 20 years. He has performed thousands of shows in schools, libraries, churches and festivals in Ohio and across the country. “Let’s Dance” is featured on his latest Parents’ Choice Award-winning CD, “The Dream Tree.”

Richter’s career highlights include having his song “Ice Cream” used on the “Today” show as part of a segment on ice cream, and writing and recording two songs with acclaimed guitarist Phil Keaggy.

But Richter said his biggest thrill has begun happening over the past year as he has begun to sing to a second generation. “It blows me away every time I meet young parents bringing their kids to my shows who tell me how they grew up with my music and now want their own children to experience my music like they did,” he said.

Richter described “Let’s Dance” as “a fun tune that has a bit of a 1920s dance hall feel to it.”

It’s underlying message is to encourage children to not be afraid to try something new. “I wanted to especially encourage kids to not let the fear of what other people think stop them from doing the thing that is in their heart to do,” said Richter.

“It’s also fun to play live as it turns into a real family dance party.”

The song can be heard on YouTube.com.

For information about Richter, including his show dates, go to chiprichter.com.