This is an excerpt from the print edition of Dirty Linen magazine #98 (February / March 2002). The magazine is available on newsstands and by subscription.

What would lead a professional musician with 20-plus years experience as a studio player, accompanist, and stage performer to play children's music for a living? When asked that very question, Hans Mayer laughed, as though the answer were the most obvious thing in the world. He explained that he never needs to look very far to find his motivation.

"Those faces," he said of the young people he performs his music for, "those great smiling faces, and the great participation that happens. The great energy that they (the children) give back to you."

Audience participation is very important to Mayer and is an integral part of his live shows. Whether performing at a folk festival, library, children's museum, or school assembly, keeping his audience involved and laughing is Mayer's highest priority. Making children laugh, sing, and make faces appears to bring as much satisfaction to him as it does to them. Equally enchanting is the effect Mayer has on the unsuspecting adults in his audience who often return to see future performances because they, too, have become fans.

The songs Mayer writes and performs capture a sense of fun and wonder while seeking to educate at the same time. Kid-friendly favorites include; "My Brother Eats Bugs" (a true story about Mayer's own younger brother), "See You Later Alligator," "Mama's Little Helper," and a hilarious song inspired by the Girl Scouts "God Bless My Underwear" (as everybody knows, all one needs to do in order to send a pre-schooler into convulsions of laughter is to say the word 'underwear' in his or her presence).

A native of Wisconsin and longtime resident of La Crosse, Mayer, with his wife, recently relocated to a home in Minnesota along the Mississippi River. The couple have two grown children, and Mayer now views his concert audiences as "my kids."

Mayer got his start in children's music when a La Crosse Public Radio show for kids called "Ear Ticklers" approached him to write its theme music. He so enjoyed the experience of recording with children in the studio that he jumped at the opportunity to do it again and again, with each successive call from the program. Before he knew it, he was hooked.

It was through Mayer's work with La Crosse Public Radio that he was introduced to visual artist and writer Frank Gosar. The two collaborated on several early recordings and continue to write music together. Gosar is a storyteller and helped to incorporate that aspect into the songwriting.

Fans of Native American folk artist Bill Miller may recognize Mayer from the many years he spent touring as Miller's supporting musician. Playing bass, mandolin, percussion, and Native flute with Miller, both nationally and internationally, provided Mayer with a wealth of experience upon which he continues to draw. Although Mayer no longer devotes the bulk of his time to touring with Miller, the pair still perform together as regularly as their individual schedules permit. In addition, Mayer recently finished recording in Wisconsin on Miller's new solo album.

This is an excerpt from an article in Dirty Linen #98 (Feb/Mar. '02). Read the full text in the magazine, available via subscription or on newsstands and in bookstores.