Much like the character he plays on the Disney show, Mover Rich is sweet and funny and very genuine. In fact, the topic of "genuineness" came up frequently in our conversation, as the story of how the Imagination Movers came to be is a study in organic problem-solving.

In 2003, four long-time buddies and Dads (only Scott "Smitty" Smith is childless, but Rich assured me "he has his dogs"), started brainstorming about a TV show for kids about, well, brainstorming. They weren't sure exactly what it would look like, but they knew it should be musical and fun and inspirational; basically, "Mr. Rogers meets The Beastie Boys", says Rich. "It was completely organic; and the show we've made is the show we dreamed up [ten years ago]".

I have to admit, I gushed a bit with Mover Rich. My family is long-time fans of The Imagination Movers, and we've literally had discussions about who our favorite Mover is and why. Last night we listened to "Rock-o-Matic", the Movers' new CD (and name of their tour) and my kids became obsessed with a hilarious little tune called "Watermelon Meow Meow", a one-minute song about a prank phone call. Rich laughed when I informed him of the kid-pleasing success of "Watermelon".  "Yeah, all that intricate music we worked on and 'Watermelon Meow Meow' becomes our gift to the world." But there is one thing of which Rich and the Movers are very proud: "We've taught our own kids an important lesson, that you can create your own way to make a living. You don't have to follow the standard roads; you really can follow your dreams."

In closing, I asked Mover Rich to give his impressions of the Garden State and it was his turn to gush a little. "This part of the country has been the kindest to us. And [New Jersey] is the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen! So I have to say, thanks for giving us The Boss."

The Imagination Movers Rock-o-Matic tour will play The Best Buy Theater in Manhattan on Saturday, May 5 at 1:30 and 4:30pm. Purchase tickets here. The Movers will be in New Jersey at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank on Thursday, May 10 at 4:00 and 7:00pm. Purchase tickets here. For more information on The Imagination Movers, visit their website or visit their Facebook page.

Mommy Poppins is delighted to be giving away a family four-pack of tickets to the Imagination Movers Rock-o-Matic show on Thursday, May 10 at 7pm!

The Prize: Four tickets to Rock-o-Matic at The Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, NJ on Thursday, May 10 at 7pm. And two other families will win a copy of The Imagination Movers new CD, "Rock-o-Matic"!

How to Enter: To enter the contest you must email us with the subject line "Imagination Movers" by midnight on Sunday, May 6. By participating in this giveaway, you will be automatically signed up to receive the free weekly Mommy Poppins New Jersey family events e-mail newsletter. A winner will be drawn at random and notified on May 7. Please include your full name and email address in the email. If you do not respond to our email notification within 24 hours, another winner will be drawn. Email addresses of entrants will not be collected, sold, or otherwise abused.

Photo credit: Adams Photography