Singer and storyteller Joe McDermott of Austin, who has won both national and international awards for his children’s music, will entertain Friday, July 24, at the finale for the Youth Summer Reading Program at the Blanco Library at 10:30 a.m.

A songwriter, educator and performer, McDermott has adapted 10 of the Berenstain Bears books to song. “He is not only a master songwriter,” says Sam Berenstain, “he is also a wizard at communicating with children through music.”

With a degree in fine arts from the University of Texas, McDermott is also founder of Phoenix School in Austin. He regularly performs at libraries, festivals, fairs, and musical programs, including performances with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

McDermott’s nationally distributed CDs have won three Parent’s Choice Awards, the NAPPA Gold Award, and the Children’s Web Music Award. His song “Baby Kangaroo” captured second prize in the International Song Writing Contest Children’s Division, and many songs from his releases are in rotation on KMKIDS Radio. He also composes music for children’s video games (“Zombies Ate My Neighbors.”)

Youth ages 4-10 are invited to attend this final session of the Summer Reading Program. Refreshments will be served and a craft session will follow the main presentation.

“We are so excited about being able to book Joe McDermott,” said Jenni Hinnant, summer program coordinator. “He is a master entertainer.”

For more about Joe McDermott, visit his website at joemcdermottmusic.com.