Jump Into the Johns Creek Arts Festival

When the fifth annual Arts On The Creek Festival at  takes place this weekend, a popular children's entertainer will be on hand for children to enjoy.

Miss Gail performs from 11:45 a.m to 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, on the Main Stage at the church on Medlock Bridge Road.

"Miss Gail is one of our most popular performers who sends out an uplifting and positive spirit for the kids and adults," said Ron Cioffi, chair of the Arts On The Creek Festival. 

According to Cioffi, the festival is comprised of seven major components celebrating art, including a Children's Town filled with interactive play for kids, a Juried Art Exhibit, food court and vendor exhibits.

"Our goal this year was to increase the art component," he said.

With booths for 67 artists, 50-plus vendors, each of the six Arts Alliance Members (symphony orchestra, professional dance company, cultural and heritage center, concert pianist, local theatre, and art's center) offering demonstrations and workshops, along with performers like Miss Gail, the festival will be filled with "interactive art work," according to Cioffi.  

The first Arts On The Creek Festival occurred in 2007, but celebrations moved to the grounds of the Perimeter Church in 2009, and Miss Gail has been performing at the festival ever since.

Named Miss Gail by her biggest fans, her students, Gail Burnett is a musician and local resident of Johns Creek.

She performs around North Georgia as Miss Gail and the Jumpin’ Jam Band with the goal “to get even the youngest kids off the couch to sing, dance, move, jump, and wiggle,” she said.

Burnett, who has a degree in cello, is an 11-year Music Together Center Director and Teacher through the Academy of the Arts at Perimeter Church and teaches private music lessons as well.

According to Burnett, Music Together is a secular music program for parents and children to enjoy music.

“It’s a musical journey for parents and kids to learn how to keep a steady beat and sing in tune together,” said Burnett.  

She will also play the cello as a member of the ESOEBO band (Eclectic Selection of Everything But Opera) on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage at the festival.

“Miss Gail performs with the (Jumpin Jam) band or solo at birthday parties, backyard playgroups, preschools, festivals, and events and all of the music is highly interactive, so even the youngest kids can do motions and participate,” said Burnett.  

A parent herself, the musical and educational "roots" of “Miss Gail” and the band’s music are based in Burnett’s knowledge and experience of how children develop musically, physically, and emotionally, she said.

“My favorite thing is to see everybody, even teachers and parents, join in our dancing, jumping and moving.  It’s impossible to stand still, which is why everybody loves our music,” said Burnett.

Burnett, who regularly has two to eight children performing on stage with her, said she looks forward to discovering new children who want to dance and have fun with her on stage.

Parents interested in getting their children involved in performing with Miss Gail may contact her via her website.

“Compared to the level of musicianship of most children’s bands, we really rock out!”

In addition to her live performances, Miss Gail and the Jumpin’ Jam Band has two CD’s available on her website, iTunes, and Amazon and is set to release a Christmas EP this November.

Burnett said she’s excited to be performing a third time at the festival.

“It’s really awesome to see all of the talent and creativity in the community,” said Burnett.

Arts On The Creek takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road. The will also host a juried exhibition on Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information on Miss Gail, her available classes, or booking her for performances, visit her website. For more information on the Arts On The Creek Festival, visit the festival website.