The sounds of hand-clapping, foot-stamping and knee-slapping filled the large motor room at the Campus Childcare Center on Wednesday night.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the center invited performer Jim Gill to sing for the families that participate in center activities.

“We have a bunch of his CDs that we have the kids listen to,” said Sarah Kakkuri, assistant teacher at the center. “We decided it would be fun to have him come ‘cause he’s awesome, and really knows how to get the kids interested.”

A native of Chicago, Gill has been performing in play groups and concerts for 19 years.

“I still do the same play groups that I started out doing in college on Mondays and Tuesdays, but the rest of the time I travel around the country giving concerts,” he said.

Gill started his education in child development before he began performing.

“It wasn’t a good match for me,” he said. “I wasn’t as interested in teaching as I was in getting the kids to learn through play.”

Gill said he encourages parents and staff to participate in the songs.

“Children learn the best with the people that really love them,” he said. “It’s special to see everybody singing the same songs, but interpreting them in different ways.”

About 100 people came to see Gill perform, with children ranging from 2 months to 8 years old.

“I thought it was great,” said Mary Olds, music education graduate student. “We didn’t know what to expect at first, but we got there and my daughter really enjoyed it.”

For more information about Gill or to purchase his books or music, visit www.jimgill.com.