Photo by Charlie Hartman Jesse Norell, of Riffin Griffin, hands out guitar picks to fans after performing with Riffin’ Griffin for Music in the Park.

NEW ULM — Dozens of kids ran in dizzying circles and danced around German Park Amphitheater to Riffin’ Griffin until many fell asleep in their parents’ laps afterwards for Music in the Park Thursday night.

Riffin’ Griffin, which plays funny and educational bangers like “T-Flex,” “Kindness,” and “BINGO” was presented by the New Ulm Public Library, KNJU, and New Ulm Park & Recreation.

Lead singer Jesse Norell became personal with the crowd, explaining that he started the band after his daughter overcame multiple heart surgeries at a young age.

He took breaks during the show to ask dancers their names and talk to the children from the audience.

“When you have the chance to be a leader choose to be a kind leader, and when you have the chance to follow a leader, follow a kind leader,” Norell said.

Riffin’ Griffin, from Minneapolis, is composed of — Jesse Norell (guitar, vocals, songwriting), Josh Grinolds (guitar), Matt Call (bass), Andrew Goulson (drums), and Tyler Norell (vocals, actions, hype man). Jesse Norell and Josh Grinolds were the only members to play Thursday’s show.

They drew Brenda Coners, of Comfrey, and her grandson, Austin Windschitl, to watch. Austin was on his feet most of the time, dancing around his grandmother on the amphitheater steps.

“We saw them play at our library and when we heard they were playing here, we wanted to come see them. Ausin loves their songs,” said Coners.

The program was made possible by a grant from Traverse des Sioux Library Corporative and was funded in part from Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

“We have been planning this, emailing back and forth, since January. You should hear their song, “Leftovers.” It’s so funny,” said Kathryn Tatnall, Youth Services Librarian for the New Ulm Public Library.