PORTLAND — The Wiggles, the world’s No. 1 band entertaining preschoolers, invites fans to “Go Bananas” Oct. 29 at the Cumberland County Civic Center. The popular four from Down Under will be joined by Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and all the Wiggly Dancers.

In the “Go Bananas Live!” extravaganza, The Wiggles will showcase old favorites as well as their hit “Monkey Man,” featuring Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue from “The Wiggles Go Bananas” album.

Anthony Field, Murray Cook and Greg Page met while studying early childhood education at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. The three began writing children’s songs as one of their music projects. They enlisted the assistance of Jeff Fatt, who performed with Field in the popular 1980s band The Cockroaches —and The Wiggles were born. They took their finished tape to ABC Music and their self-titled album was released in 1991.

About 18 years and 27 video/DVD releases later, The Wiggles have achieved worldwide success with their children’s albums, videos, television series and concert appearances. They have been awarded 17 gold, 12 platinum, three double platinum and 10 multiplatinum awards for sales of more than 23 million DVDs and 7 million CDs worldwide.

With music and preschool education backgrounds, it’s no surprise the group combines music and theories of child development in its performances, along with well-crafted lyrics, humor geared specifically to youngsters and intelligent and likable characters.
As part of the “Go Bananas Live!” show, The Wiggles urge youngsters to wiggle with their favorite wiggly pal as they sing and dance in the audience; and yell “Wake up, Jeff!” whenever the loveable Purple Wiggle falls asleep onstage. They also invite preschoolers to bring roses for dancing pal Dorothy the Dinosaur and bones for canine comedian Wags the Dog, which The Wiggles and Wiggly Dancers will collect during the show.

‘Reach Out and Read’
The Wiggles support the nationwide early literacy program “Reach Out and Read” through which doctors and nurses inform parents about the importance of reading aloud. Also, physicians give books to children between 6 months and 5 years old at regular pediatric checkups.

The Wiggles encourage families attending the concert to bring a new children’s book to be donated to a child in need in the area. For a list of recommended books, visit www.thewiggles.com.

A new virtual world
The Wiggles have launched www.WiggleTime.com, its new virtual world for children. The Web site has been created specifically for preschoolers and their parents. WiggleTime.com provides toddlers with a safe and fun learning environment online. Parents can monitor their child’s progress and have access to premium promotional offers, competitions, merchandise discounts and presale Wiggles tickets.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 18
WHAT: “Go Bananas Live!” show
WHO: The Wiggles
WHEN: 3 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29
TICKETS: $10 to $40. They will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Tickets for $40 will be for “hot potato seats” and will include a Wiggles giveaway. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com), the Cumberland County Civic Center box office or by calling 1-800-745-3000 (Ticketmaster) or (207) 775-3458 (box office).