Peter Puffin's Whale Tales! (aka Peter Lenton)

Artist Information

Biography

Guitar-slinger / songwriter Peter Lenton, aka Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales, has become a legendary addition to the Children’s Entertainer category around kids’ concert series and Festival circuits.

Every show is unique and inspiring! Audience volunteers could get to lead and write songs, play percussion instruments, and wear wacky wildlife costumes… and so much more!

Peter engages all ages with his catchy blend of bluesy folk & uptempo, interactive, and heartfelt songs. Listen for gentle messages like: keeping the earth green, peace-making, and celebrating local and global community building.

The Alberta-based Lenton was originally a decorated teacher and curriculum specialist. His students responded to his incredible energy with such enthusiasm, that he was inspired to take his singing and guitar playing to the stage full-time… and never looked back.

Some 15 years later, he is always evolving his storytelling skills, passion for the environment, and unflagging belief in children… merging it all together into something fresh and inviting.

Though he performs primarily for height efficient folks... (including tweens), helping them express their own artistic tendencies, he also writes and sings for grown-ups.

His music encourages keeping creativity thriving as a lifelong passion. He has been winning awards for years... both in the music industry and educational communities.

His talent and commitment is widely known and admired. He’s won a JUNO for his recordings, notably the anthemic Proud Like A Mountain, and he’s opened up for like-minded conservationists and world leaders in ecology like Jane Goodall, David Suzuki and Stephen Lewis. ??

Children’s Album of the Year awards, multiple Folk, INDIE and World music award nominations, and songwriting contest accomplishments aside, Peter Lenton loves his work!

Peter taps music to fill concert halls, facilitate workshops and deliver musical keynotes, all across Canada and beyond in places like Morocco, the USA, New Zealand and Australia, proving that music truly is the universal language.

Little wonder why he and his legion of fans are “Proud like a Mountain” – knowing he’s out there tapping music to make a difference… for all of us.

Instrumentation

Discography

If Kids Ruled The World! - CD, HD - DVD & download

(in production, for 2013 release)
Stellar concert at Peter's own elementary school, during 2012 Juno Awards Week, Ottawa, Canada.
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Proud Like a Mountain (JUNO Award 2011)
for Children's Album of the Year.

Billboard Magazine World Song Contest Winner (Roots / Folk i.e. grown-up category!)
3rd studio album

Best selling CD
Stand-out original tracks receiving radio play on CBC, CKUA (Alberta), and Galaxie Satelite Radio / TV / streaming, in regular rotation.

Song samples, downloads and CD's: available from CDBaby.com, MapleMusic.com, iTunes, www.puffin.ca and finer retail outlets.
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Proud Like a Mountain (Deluxe Digital Download Version)

with bonus studio and concert tracks!
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1,000 Voices 'Live' - DVD

Recorded with a SOLD-OUT audience in the plush, Living Arts Center (1,000 soft-seater), Mississauga Children's Festival, Ontario.
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Passengers (2nd studio album CD)

Stand-out tracks: Kid Hearts, Passengers, Place in the Choir (Staines), Big Kid Blues, The Cape (Guy Clark) still 'live' favourites... CD Available from www.puffin.ca and finer retail outlets.
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Peter Puffin's Whale Tales (1st CD)

The Enhanced Original album

Stand-out tracks / radioplay / performed 'live' @ radio stations to promote concerts: Save the Whales, Bike Helmet Blues, Peace Like a River, If Burrowing Owls Could Speak, The Whales Are Waiting... CD Available from www.puffin.ca and finer retail outlets.
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Plus various compositions commissioned for Award Winning National TV Broadcast Video productions and CBC radio.

Official Website

http://www.puffin.ca/

Audio

• Proud Like a Mountain (c.Peter Lenton)
  Listen  
• Duct Tape Blues (c.Peter Lenton)
  Listen  
• At Sunnyside School (c. Peter Lenton)
  Listen  
• Metamorphosis (c. Peter Lenton)
  Listen  
• Disappearing Water Blues (c. Peter Lenton)
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Proud Like A Mountain c. Peter Lenton, c/o www.puffin.ca
• Duct Tape Blues
• Metamorphosis
• At Sunnyside School
• Disappearing Water Blues

Video

Puffin Concert medley_outside.mp4

Peter Puffin's Whale Tales! Inside Sampler #4.mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• Students get inspired by Juno award winner, Performer returns to school where he was first inspired to play music [+ Show ]
  

  EMC news - Peter Lenton will always remember his Grade 6 teacher at Severn Avenue Public School who ...EMC news - Peter Lenton will always remember his Grade 6 teacher at Severn Avenue Public School who played the guitar to teach science and social studies.
  
  "It left a mark on me and I was able to eventually, through hard work and meeting the right people, turn it into a career for myself," said Lenton, a Juno Award winner who returned to Severn to perform for teachers and students on March 29.
  
  Lenton, who performs under the name Peter Puffin, won the award for Best Children's Album at last year's Juno Awards. He said he wanted to come and visit his elementary school and deliver a few messages to the students.
  
  "It's amazing. I think we underestimate the elementary experience," said Lenton. "It's a time when the kids' minds are so fertile.
  
  "(I want to) help these kids discover their talents early on, keep the creativity alive and learn skills to share with the community."
  
  He said he also wants to teach kids the value of practicing at something and if they don't succeed, to try again.
  
  "I also want to have environmental literacy weaved into (the message) and global citizenship and the idea of great stewardship in this community," Lenton said.
  
  He also said singing for children and delivering positive messages is something that he feels he was meant to do.
  
  Lenton gave the example of one student he visited at a school years ago, who recently contacted him saying he was the inspiration for the student staying in school.
  
  "He said he plays in a band now and got through school because music kept him in there," Lenton said. "Now he's graduated and he's still thankful. Every time I hear those stories, I feel that this is my mission. This is what I'm meant to do."
  
  The school's principal, Hanif Jamal, said he was delighted to have Lenton come play for the students. He touched base with the artist in November and Jamal felt it was a great opportunity for students to see a graduate of the school who's become so successful.
  
  "If you have the privilege of saying you have Juno award winner who's an alumni, you bring him here," Jamal said.
  
  He said arts are critical and it's very important to him as an educator, and that the school has hosted a variety of other artists over the year. Jamal also hopes his students get inspired by Lenton's performance.
  
  "Everybody needs something that guides them," Jamal said. "Once the students see his performance, they will see one of their own reaching great heights and becoming successful."
  
  kristy.strauss@metroland.com
  
  
  

• Sampling of Previous Gigs / Venues [+ Show ]
  

  Sampling of Previous Gigs / Venues ____________________________________________________________ ...Sampling of Previous Gigs / Venues
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  Breakout West/West Cdn Music Awards SHOWCASE, Regina, SK (2012)
  
  Roots and Blues Festival (4 shows), Salmon Arm, BC (2012)
  
  BC Wildlife Park Amphitheatre (11 shows), Kamloops, BC (2012)
  
  Clearwater Children’s Arts Festival Headliner, BC (2012)
  
  Beaumont Canada Day, Family Stage Headliner, AB (2012)
  
  Environment Week Celebration, Leduc Maclab Theatre, AB (2012)
  
  Arbor Day Fest (1500 Gr.1's !), Sherwood Pk, AB (2006-2012)
  
  Rideau Canal Festival, Ottawa, ON, July 29-31, 2011
  
  Hillside Folk Festival (2 shows), Guelph ON, July 22-24, 2011.
  
  Cypress Hills Amphitheatre, Maple Creek, SK 2001, 2010-2012
  
  Calgary Mayor’s Enviro Expo - SOLD-OUT shows 2007-2012
  
  Canada Day, Sherwood Park, Alberta (2008 & 2010)
  
  Canmore Children’s Festival, Alberta, (May, 2004 & 2009)
  
  Esplanade Concert Hall (2 shows sold-out), Medicine Hat, AB (2009)
  
  Old Firehall/Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, YK (Sept’08) Sold-Out!
  
  Jasper Wildlife Festival (4 appearances!), AB (Aug 2008)
  
  Red Deer Children’s Festival, Alberta. (May 2007)
  
  Calgary & Jasper Canada Days, Alberta (2003)
  
  Winnipeg International Children’s Fest, Manitoba. (June, 2003)
  
  London International Children’s Fest, Ontario. (June 6-9, 2002)
  
  Northern Saskatchewan Children’s Fest, Saskatoon, SK. (June, 2002)
  
  Jasper Folk Festival, Alberta. (August, 2001)
  
  Dawson City Folk Music Festival, Yukon. (July, 2001)
  
  Mississauga International Children’s Festival, Ontario. (June 2001)
  
  Calgary International Children’s Festival, 4 Sold-Out Shows! (May 2000)
  
  Opened for Jane Goodall, Heritage Park, Calgary, AB. (April 2000)
  
  Casablanca (2 shows), Morocco, North Africa. (1999)
  
  Victoria Children’s Festival, BC (September, 1999)
  
  Opened for David Suzuki (December, 1998)
  

• Peter Puffin brings it (to his) old school [+ Show ]
  

  OTTAWA — All the children at Severn Avenue Public School sat full of excitement clapping their hands...OTTAWA — All the children at Severn Avenue Public School sat full of excitement clapping their hands on their legs with enthusiasm as Juno Award winning Peter Puffin played for them Thusday afternoon.
  
  Peter Puffin or Peter Lenton as he’s known off the stage, was thrilled to be playing at Severn because it is where he attended elementry school back in the 1970’s. Lenton says that this is where it all began, “it was one of my teachers here who used music to teach lessons and that was when I really realized how much music can be used for helping kids and teachers learn,” said Lenton.
  
  Today Lenton has played over 3000 concerts across Canada and around the world but says that today was very special because he got to come back home and share his music with children from his old neighbourhood.
  
  Peter Puffin was awarded a Juno in 2011 for his album Proud Like A Moutain and was pleased to be able to play the title track to children and adults alike at Severn.
  
  “It’s just such a great message for kids, it teaches them that they can do anything as long as they keep on trying,” said Lenton.
  
  “He puts out such meaningful messages,” said Hanif Jamal, Principal at Severn Avenue Public School. Jamal said that Peter is such a good example for how kids can succeed at whatever it is they wish to do in life, “if he can do it, we can do it,” he said.
  
  For Lenton it’s not about the awards, although he admits it was very incredible to talk with artists such as Neil Young about the impact his music has had on children. He says it’s about the message and it’s about learning.
  
  He currently resides in Edmonton but still has a lot of family in Ottawa and said it always feels like coming home when he gets a chance to visit this city who is always happy to have him back.
  
  “Peter is the perfect examply of someone who uses music to inspire people to be their best,” said Jamal. And that is exactly what he did for the children of Severn Avenue Public School.
  
  
  
  Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Peter+Puffin+brings+school/6385299/story.html#ixzz1rCtHgzOJ
  
  © Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
  
  
  Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Peter+Puffin+brings+school/6385299/story.html#ixzz1rCtCWQMy

• Whale of a Tale at Regent Theatre [+ Show ]
  

  It was a hand-clapping, finger-snapping and arm waving extravaganza July 20 at the Regent Theatre......It was a hand-clapping, finger-snapping and arm waving extravaganza July 20 at the Regent Theatre...
  
  See Link for full article and photo with following caption:
  
  Peter Puffin's Whale Tales (Peter Lenton) brought his JUNO Award-winning children's music to the Regent Theatre Stage July 20. His bluesy folk and interactive songs with messages of caring for the environment, peace building and celebrating local/global communities have been heard on stages across Canada and as far away as Morocco and New Zealand.
  
  
  

• Local musician stoked with Juno win! Peter Lenton’s Proud Like a Mountain deemed best in its class [+ Show ]
  

  And the Juno for Childrens Album of the Year goes to Peter Lenton. It feels like I have been walk...And the Juno for Childrens Album of the Year goes to Peter Lenton.
  
  It feels like I have been walking about three feet off the ground ever since I was called up to accept the award, said Lenton, the Beaumont musician also known as Peter Puffin, whos album Proud Like a Mountain was given the Canadian music industrys highest honour March 26.
  
  He said he was humbled and excited to be recognized amongst fellow his nominees, The Kerplunks, The Monkey Bunch, Michelle Campagne and Greg LeRock.
  
  Being at the Juno Awards was such an extraordinary experience, said Lenton, who has been nominated for several other awards over the years but never for a Juno. At one moment, just before stepping up onto the red carpet, I could have raised my arms like I was a kid pretending to be a plane taking off, which is how it felt. And if I (had) spun around like the kids do I would have touched Neil Young, Buffy St. Marie, Dan Lanois and Robbie Robertson of The Band.
  
  Just being nominated seemed like enough, he said, then he was announced the winner of his category.
  
  When he took to the stage he thanked all who helped him get there, including the children who shared their poignant stories with him over the years, and everyone in the room for showing kids that you can grow your creative talents as a lifestyle, and believe in yourself, and persevere, and even turn your talents into a full-time career in the arts.
  
  This may be the literal peak of his career thus far, but Lenton said the road to the top hasnt been easy. Since trading in his teaching career in 1996 he has toured millions of kilometers to share his music with children and parents across the country.
  
  Ever since then I wake up each day and invest in using music to help kids of all ages realize their dreams, he said. Though some of my days are long, it doesnt not feel like work in the traditional sense.
  
  But even when hes not working hes working.
  
  Im always looking for the next great story that can be crafted into a song, he said.
  
  Lenton said he would like to share his Juno with all the collaborators, recording technicians and musicians who came together to create the album.
  
  I would like to think that my song and lyric writing contributed to this recognition however, I truly believe that it is the musicianship by the band, the recording and mixing finesse of Chris Daniels and the mastering by Richard Harrow that won over the ears of the judges, he said. I will be scheming gestures of thanks and celebrating this win with everyone involved for a long, long time.
  
  Anyone interested in purchasing the award-winning album can visit www.puffin.ca to order an autographed copy.
  
  We get lots of grown-ups, even without kids, buying the recording at shows, which is very gratifying because I wanted to offer a collection of songs that the whole family could enjoy, said Lenton.
  
  The songs are also available to download at CD Baby and iTunes.

• Peter Lenton Sings About Science [+ Show ]
  

  In a short period of time, Peter Lenton, Artsci ’86, Ed’90, has seen great success. In the last year...In a short period of time, Peter Lenton, Artsci ’86, Ed’90, has seen great success. In the last year alone, his album “Proud Like A Mountain” won the Juno Award for Best Children’s Album, the title track placed third in the 2010 Billboard Magazine World Song Contest, and Peter was nominated for Children’s Artist of the Year at the Canadian Indies Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Western Canadian Music Awards. Peter, who performs under the name Peter Puffin, was also nominated for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta’s Distinguished Artist award. For his creative approach to education, Peter was given the Alberta Teacher’s Association Distinguished Fellow Award and the prestigious Alberta Emerald Foundation Award.
  
  Peter’s journey began shortly after graduating from the B.Ed. program. “I accepted a position as an environmental and outdoor education program teacher at the Rocky Mountain Outdoor School near Banff, Alberta,” he says. “Living in a rustic cabin in the shadow of the Rockies, with the forests and the mountains as my first classrooms, it was so fantastic and fulfilling to re-ignite the natural caring that kids have for nature and environmental science.”
  
  Part of Peter’s teaching program at the school was facilitating a daily 90-minute sing-along celebration for the students. “I was involved in helping 500 students and teachers sing about curriculum-related science and social studies topics. Doing so for four nights a week for six months was a stellar training ground for me.”
  
  He recalls his time on campus: “We played music all the time at Queen’s – we had late-night jam sessions in the stairwells of the residences and in the halls of West Campus.” In addition, Peter worked as a DJ/Producer at CFRC, playing music live on air and interviewing some of his musical heroes. “I remember going to see the Tragically Hip at the Toucan on Princess Street before they had any original material!” he recalls. “I loved the vibrant music scene around Kingston in the 1980s.”
  
  Before studying education, Peter completed a biology degree at Queen’s. “My first degree in biology and the accompanying field research experience gave me the overview content and the science I teach,” he says. “People tell me that I am a good example of someone who has combined a number of disciplines – biology, education, music, storytelling, community-building and global citizenship – and veered off onto a very unconventional career path.”
  
  Peter has seen tremendous success, and things are not looking like they will slow down. While he continues to tour in support of the album – he’s booked nationally and internationally over the next year – Peter will also begin work on his next album. On tour, he performs at festivals, conducts workshops at teaching conventions, and completes week-long stints as the artist-in-residence at several schools. In the midst of a busy schedule, he is also working on developing new teaching resources to go along with his songs. He also writes journal and magazine articles on the process of preparing young people for local leadership and global citizenship. To keep up with his pace, visit Peter’s website at www.puffin.ca.

• Impact of a caring stranger (Poignant childhood lesson comes full circle with Juno Award win) [+ Show ]
  

  Simple gestures can prove lasting I will measure my wealth in memories and friends. From Proud...Simple gestures can prove lasting
  
  I will measure my wealth in memories and friends.
  
  From Proud Like a Mountain, title song from Juno Award winning Children's Album of the Year, by Peter Lenton.
  
  Peter Lenton first appeared in one of these columns in the 1970s when as a boy, fishing from shore, somebody stole his much-loved tackle box while his attention was fixed on the water.
  
  That wasn't the main story, but the bait for what would surely follow. Most of my columns over the years were intended to counteract the nature of news selection, and show that despite the fear and gloom spread by a daily diet of hard news, we are surrounded by good times and caring people.
  
  The follow-up story a few days later told of how some elderly fishers who were cutting back on that favourite pastime put together a new box for the boy, bigger and better than the one he had lost.
  
  The caring strangers created a lifelong impression that led Peter Lenton to become an award-winning children's entertainer/teacher calling himself Peter Puffin.
  
  When we talked last week, he was still riding that high known to those who have received accolades from their peers. He said from his Edmonton home, that after the award ceremony he spent hours walking the streets of Toronto, enjoying being a winner. He was one puffed puffin.
  
  His mother, Bette Linton, lives in the Carlingwood area. We last touched base in 1999 when Peter Puffin arrived in Ottawa booked into 10 schools as part of a national tour in which he spent time at each school as a musician-in-residence.
  
  He had degrees in biology and teaching, and used music as a teaching tool as he brought his message of environmental responsibility to the young.
  
  He has added concerts to his work, but the school programs remain his first love. The tackle box remains a driving force.
  
  "In October I was getting ready to start a school concert and a little girl, about kindergarten age, approached me. She had a little violin and asked if she could play with me. My first reaction was to explain I had to start working. Then I remembered the tackle box and the strangers who took time to make an impression on a kid. So I said let's do it, and for the first time she played in front of a large audience, and I backed her up on guitar. Young as she was, I watched her discover the power of music.
  
  "Near the end of my show I invited her to come back up and jam with me. The crowd loved it. Her mom was beaming. We were a hit!"
  
  It wasn't his first experience with future stars. About 10 years ago his attention was caught by a shy boy at a school concert. The boy had a harmonica. Puffin coaxed him to come up, and the boy, too shy to talk, played. He too discovered music as a means of communicating. One of Lenton's proudest possessions is a letter of thanks from that boy, in Grade 12, saying he was playing in a band, and the harmonica performance had been a life shaper. He called himself "the harmonica kid."
  
  The importance of a little attention from an adult to a child can't be overstressed, but in a society that teaches children to fear strangers, it's a delicate balance.
  
  Another Lenton memory: "My dad (Pete, not Peter) was an air force air traffic controller in the '70s and we were living in Germany. Prime minister (Pierre) Trudeau was arriving at the base, and Dad took me out of school for the day so I could see the man. Mr. Trudeau came over to me, stooped to be at my level, and talked to me for what I was told lasted about two minutes. It changed me."
  
  Likely, it made him feel like a somebody. Kids need that.
  
  Pete Lenton died a year ago, and son Peter is homesick. "I'll likely wind up living in Ottawa again."
  
  He currently lives on the outskirts of Edmonton, is married, and hopes to be a father.
  
  He's not the first person who worked hard to train for a profession, and then dropped everything to switch to a totally different career. But they are rare. In his case, he stopped teaching to take up the guitar and hit the road.
  
  "Sometime, or some day, you wake up and you just know what you're supposed to do."

• People are Talking! Glimpses of the buzz generated by Peter's concert experiences! [+ Show ]
  

  1. "Peter Puffin's gentle songs are both catchy and inspiring! The lyrics are the type that get st...1. "Peter Puffin's gentle songs are both catchy and inspiring! The lyrics are the type that get stuck in your head and build confidence" Hillside Folk Fest, 2011
  
  2. "I just wanted to say congratulations on the Juno and thanks for making music that kids and parents can both enjoy!" Community Concert Series Presenter, Alberta
  
  3. "Seeing Peter again is worth the entire Children's Performance Series subscription price... the other three shows will just be a bonus!" Parent, following a return concert in Strathmore, Alberta.
  
  4. "Thank you so much for your exciting, captivating, fun-filled performance... And the costumes - WOW! " Parent, Ottawa, Ontario.
  
  5. "Even the standing room was jammed for Peter’s return to our festival!" Canmore Kids Fest, Alberta.
  
  6. "We Love, Love, Love your tunes!” Parent, Sylvan Lake, Alberta.
  
  7. “Peter was very easy to work with, provided lots of ideas and inspiration for making the concert relevant to our community's philosophy and values, and really connected with the kids on the concert day! What could be better than great music and ice cream on a sunny fall day! What a great charactor-building opportunity for our community!” Calgary, Alberta
  
  8. "Your folky, bluesy music has been the springboard for many thought provoking conversations... in fact my youngster is quite proud of being a "Green (environmental) Kid"! You do important work. Thank you." Parent, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA.
  
  9. "Dear Peter: We were lucky enough to see you perform twice and thankfully, brought your CD back with us to Vancouver Island. My daughter is now eight months and I like singing to her. I like singing "Proud like a Mountain" because she likes it and it makes me feel good." Parent, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.
  
  10. "The best performance we've ever had." Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario.

• Music moves mountains for Ottawa singer/songwriter [+ Show ]
  

  Peter Lenton uses award-winning children's music as teaching tool Lenton, a singer/songwriter and...Peter Lenton uses award-winning children's music as teaching tool
  
  Lenton, a singer/songwriter and educator from Ottawa, offers a lighthearted musical message about perseverance and other themes such as environmental responsibility, peace-making and boosting self-esteem. is concerts and teacher workshops have inspired and entertained thousands of families across Canada.
  
  "In concert I strive to convey a high-energy mischievousness, and connect with youngsters and parents by initiating multiple dialogues" said Lenton.
  
  "I have always steered clear of talking down to kids. Their innocent smartnesses are akin to a pure wisdom that they sense me respecting, so the hearts open and a mutual trust grows. It is a precious zone that I encourage in concert and on recordings."
  
  "Proud Like a Mountain, which also won the Billboard Magazine World Song Contest, mixes elements of roots, folk, blues and is filled with infectious melodies and knee-slapping delights."
  
  "I feel very fortunate to be gifted the (JUNO) award. The even more pleasing phenomenon is how the award gets so many family members, friends, and fans even more excited about the community-building music we are sharing. "Sparking joy in other people's lives is quite an amazing side effect."
  
  See link for more...

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