THE MISSISSAUGA NEWS

Eminem for children educates and entertains

 CHRIS CLAY

April 10, 2005

Teenagers have the uncanny ability to sniff out a phony, especially one who uses a hip and stylish package to push education on them.

Teenagers are a sly bunch and they know when they're being had. So, Windsor singer/songwriter Steven Langlois knows he has to be straight with teens if he wants them to keep turning up to his educational music concerts.

"I can't explain it," said Langlois, 34, who goes by the stage name Etienne. "I'm honest with who I am, so maybe that's why the kids respect me."

An award-winning musician, Etienne brings his blend of hip-hop and rock music rife with educational lyrics to the Living Arts Centre for a concert this Monday. Tickets to the Hammerson Hall show cost $6. Call 905-306-6000. Show time is 1 p.m.

A high school French teacher, Etienne began using music as a way to get through to some of his more reluctant students 12 years ago. Claiming he's no Weird Al Yankovic, Etienne writes all his music and lyrics that teach grammar skills in English, French and Spanish.

"I knew music was a heavy motivation for teens," said Etienne, who said he has been described as the 'Eminem of children's music.' "

The kids go absolutely nuts at the shows. It's the craziest thing. But the music does have an edge and it's in your face."

A staple at the Canadian Music Week's The Indies Awards, Langlois was nominated for Favourite Children's Artist this year (which he lost) but won in the same category in 2004. In 2003, he took home the trophy for Children's Album of the Year.

For more information, visit www.educorock.com.