Tom Chapin at family concert series Tom Chapin at family concert series (January 28, 2004)

Folk singer Tom Chapin returns to the Peninsula on Saturday, January 31, to perform the first in a series of three family concerts to benefit "Music for Minors," which brings music to elementary classrooms in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Mr. Chapin, a two-time Grammy winner and a favorite performer on this series, appeals to ages 4 and up with upbeat music that focuses on caring for the world and each other, said Diane Tokheim of Menlo Park. She is president of the nonprofit organization "People of Note," which sponsors the series with Linden Tree Children's Records and Books in Los Altos.

Accompanying Mr. Chapin will be Michael Mark, a Broadway actor, composer and musical director. They will perform at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Spangenberg Auditorium on the Gunn High School campus in Palo Alto.

The series also features Red Grammar, who has appeared on Nickelodeon, PBS and the Disney Channel. He will perform at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 28, in Foothill College's Smithwick Theatre in Los Altos Hills.

Folk singer Charlotte Diamond will perform at the final concert at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 15, in the Foothill College venue. She has performed for Music for Minors annually since 1986. Her original songs -- such as "Leave the World Just a Little Bit Better" and "Four Hugs A Day" -- appeal to kids age 3 and up, and adults. She will be accompanied by Paul Gitlitz on mandolin, violin and electric guitar.

All seats are reserved and may be purchased by calling 408-255-8322 from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Tickets are $30 for the series, and $12 for a single concert. Group rates for eight people or more are $11 each for a single concert.

Last year, when People of Note became a nonprofit, the organization donated $10,000 to Music for Minors after paying off a $4,000 debt, said Ms. Tokheim. Docents from Music for Minors provide music education classes in area elementary schools during the school year.

For more information, call Diane Tokheim at 854-5379 or go to PeopleofNote.org. Order forms can be downloaded from the Web site.

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