9-07-2024 3:22am

Music, puppets and fun with Fred and Ginger

No, not Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the famous song and dance team from the 1930's. Today's Fred and Ginger are Kyler and Cassie Hartje, a talented married couple who love to entertain.

With at least three musical ventures going at once, Kyler provides sound stream and is the contemporary music leader at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, 7404 Elevator Road in Roscoe. Cassie is employed at Agrace Hospice Foundation and is the choir director at Cross and Crown.

Kyler is also the owner of Fred & Friends, a children's program featuring original music, hand puppets, and interactive fun. He and Cassie bring their high-energy program to area schools, libraries and birthday parties. "Kyler does all of the arrangements, writes, records, sings, and plays all the instruments (often in our kitchen)," Cassie said.

"His music can be found on all streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, and TikTok."

Kyler's latest creation just came out on YouTube. The song "Boxcar Bob" features original music and a train video.

The other side of Fred and Ginger is providing contemporary entertainment at area venues. Performing as Fred and Ginger, the duo have entertained at Friday in the Park in Beloit, the Beloit Farmer's Market, and After the Vine in Rockton.

Their next gig is Saturday, September 28, 2024 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL. They will be performing at the Cider and Cinnamon Fair at Edgebrook Center in Rockford on October 5, 2024.

Kyler and Cassie sing a variety of popular music, accompanied by Kyler on acoustical guitar and/or harmonica. (Or any other musical instrument - Kyler plays them all.) Cassie plays a djembe, similar to a bongo drum.

"We hope to keep doing more shows in the future, especially Fred & Friends."

Kyler & Cassie Hartje/ Fred & Ginger can be reached at properpenguin3@gmail.com.