I personally can't stand the great zucchini. He performed at my kid's preschool and he was rude, obnoxious, and egotistical. The Center Director had to write a note of apology to the parents because so many people complained to her! So no rose colored glasses here.

Sorry, but to the poster that wanted to know about my live shows, I meant to also tell you that on the top left hand corner of dcurbanmoms home page, you can sign up for my listserv. Thanks. Gz

I used to hire him at least once a year when I ran a childcare center. Every time he did a show the staff and I would stand back in awe at the way he held those kids in the palm of his hand with a series of the most lame tricks and most broken down props on earth. I cannot figure out what it is about him, but 2-5yo kids just find him to be the funniest and most fascinating man on earth.

Hey Everyone, thanks for the nice feedback, I really appreciate it. I sometimes forget how long I've been performing, as just yesterday a 15 year old, told me I did his 4 year old party. Wow. I'm still having a ball, and thanks for continuing to bring kids out to my public shows, etc. The reason I'm writing is to answer a couple of questions, I saw in previous posts here. As far as some live shows that I'm very excited about coming up, besides Jammin Java on Mondays. I will be at the Avalon theatre on Connecticut Ave. on Feb. 25 at 10 Am. I'd love to see you there. It sold out the last few times there, so please get tickets in advance on theavalon.org

I've very excited to be performing at the Dc Improv on March 3rd(one day before my bday) at 11:00. This is a stage that has had Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld on it, so it gives me chills. Get tickets in advance at thedcimprov.com Later that day, I'm going to be at Wee Play in Virginia doing a fundraiser to help find many dogs find homes. It's called Aargh(fundraiser).

As far as attire(lol), I get it, how some could look at my lack of costume, but now it's almost expected that the attire isn't fancy that I wear. My philosophy is this: I perform for 2-7 year olds. I like my outfit, to not be intimidating. Also, I like what I wear to not be stimulating and rather boring to a child's eyes. I don't want a very busy outfit, so that they are focused on my show, and I can tunnel their vision more. Also, one of my favorite compliments that I get from parents all the time, is that they feel like they can relate to me, I look like them. I wear a baseball hat sometimes, and they feel like I remind them of one of their friends. I like that.

Also, I list live shows on my site at thegreatzucchini.com Hit the like button and join my facebook as well. You all rock, and I will see you at the shows.

He plays at Jammin Java on Monday mornings at 10:30.

He's really talented. He's an expert in preschooler group psychology!! LOL! He knows how to keep those kids entertained and completely engaged. I have no problem with his attire...he dresses like the kids and that probably puts them more at ease anyways (rather than a flashy costume or clown outfit which can put off some of the timid ones).

He's also very charitable and did a free performance to raise money for one of my girlfriend's breast cancer charity drives.

If you haven't read Gene Weingarten's article "The Peekaboo Paradox" about Eric Knaus (the Great Zucchini) you should. It's an excellent article. It's long, but worth it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/18/AR2006011801434.html

This will be it for props. Your kid will never forget it:

Anyone know if he's doing any public shows in the near future?

Anonymous wrote:The time I saw him the kids thought he was great too, but is anyone else not a little shocked by his appearance? Dirty jeans and old tshirt and old props. He totally knows what to do to get the kids laughing and is a nice guy I was just expecting more of a presentation for the $$

No, Z is not about presentation. He is the anti-presentation. You have to just roll with it--it'll be fine.

4/5/6 is definitely the sweet spot. I have some of my most cherished photos from the 2 parties we had with him at our house. My kid's were in a kind of suspended heaven during these parties--like disney world but without the schmaltz. So great.

The time I saw him the kids thought he was great too, but is anyone else not a little shocked by his appearance? Dirty jeans and old tshirt and old props. He totally knows what to do to get the kids laughing and is a nice guy I was just expecting more of a presentation for the $$

I saw him for a 3 year-old's b day. They loved him.

Saw him recently do a show for 5 year olds...the kids thought he was hilarious. A 7 or 8 year old in the audience seemed bored, so think 4/5/6 is the sweet spot.

has anyone ever been to a show? does he still play at jammin java? worth the money?