Top Hollywood children’s party performers to celebrate with the troops and their families

September 19, 2007 download story

Armed Forces Entertainment takes family entertainment to European bases

The Party Animals will bring their delightful brand of family entertainment to U.S. troops and their families stationed on bases in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Norway and Germany October 10-28.  The Los Angeles-based troupe combines a child's love of music and birthday parties, an adult's love of classic rock 'n roll and the troupe’s own blend of comedy to create an interactive musical performance for the whole family.

The Party Animals got their start 12 years ago when their creator began performing for the children of Hollywood celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Cindy Crawford and Ben Stiller. Awed by these birthday party extravaganzas, the group's producers, Mark Allen Ruegg and Buffy Hornung, were inspired to bring a similar over-the-top experience to all children. They formed The Party Animals and began performing shows in Burbank and Hollywood, donating a third of their seats to lower-income schools and City of Hope children.

"When we created The Party Animals, we wanted to put on a performance with really hip music that adults would truly enjoy, but with lyrics that were appropriate for kids," said Ruegg. "We are excited about getting to perform for our troops and their families in Europe. We want to bring an hour-and-a-half of happiness and joy to all the kids on base and give them a familiar taste of what they're missing when they're so far from home." 

Today, the group is comprised of Kaiya the Kangaroo, keyboards and lead vocals; Walter the Fox, lead guitar and vocals; Brandon the Bear, bass guitar; Lance the Lion, drums; and Em & Cee (Emily and Cee Cee), two girls who serve as the Party Animals' friends and emcees. The pre-show festivities feature face painting, stilt walkers, balloon artists and games. 

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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.

Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.

For more information on the Party Animals, visit www.thepartyanimalslive.com.

The Party Animals Live tour schedule: