At the last Youth Services Idea Swap, talk turned to Performers. Since our next Performer Showcase is not scheduled till next fall, let's help each other out! If you had a performer in the past who you thought was absolutely outstanding, send in a rave review. Photos are great, but not necessary. Here are some raves from the past:
The Okee Dokee Brothers
Robert and Lynn Halbrook
Kris Winter
The Wonder Weavers
In addition, Barb Huntington sent a list of performers added in 2010 to the Wisconsin State Children's Performer Directory (an amazing resource). Here is the list of new performers:
Birkel, Jim, "Mad Science of Iowa Plus" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfah.html#birkel Jim offers a science show that includes short stories about scientists, their work, and the country they were/are from. Kid volunteers "plant" a flag for each of the countries! We will all also learn a phrase in their native language.
Bosworth, William, Science Alliance, http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfah.html#bosworth
The Science Alliance offers fast-paced K-8 programs and workshops with student participation about chemistry, physics, environmental studies, science fair success, and entomology.
Drake, Michael, "Pickles the Pied Piper" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfah.html#drake.michael
As Pickles the Pied Piper, Papa Michael performs animated readings of his whimsical children's books, accompanies himself on trumpet and percussion, and invites the audience to sing along.
Dunn, Matt http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfah.html#dunn A 40-minute comedy magic show with out-of-this-world magic, packed with tons of magic, a live rabbit gold fish vanish. There will be transformations, hysterical comedy, and tons of audience participation.
Fivenson, Tom, "Copper Tom" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfah.html#fivenson Musician and storyteller Copper Tom tours nationally and has released two award-winning CDs. His shows include interactive music, comedy, and storytelling interwoven into Summer Library Program themes.
Hovde, Edna "Princess Yem Han" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfah.html#hovde Edna, in character as Princess Yem Han" demonstrates Chinese calligraphy and painting techniques, accompanied by a narrative about the materials used and a brief history of 2,000 years of Chinese calligraphy.
Krueger, Andrea http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#krueger Presentations about honeybees, including the life cycle of the honeybee, life inside the hive, benefits of bees, valuable uses of products produced by bees, and an observation hive.
Lesavage, Malia, Tibetan Singing Bowls http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#lesavage Malia presents Tibetan Singing Bowls, a presentation that includes a lecture about their history, use, and manufacture. Malia presents a concert performed on Tibetan Singing Bowls, Ghanta and Dorje, and Tingshas; and an interactive period in which the audience can play their choice of the instruments.
Lieberman, Allan http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#liebermanAllan's program includes a songfest of original works, popular traditional children's songs, and songs relating to Summer Reading Program themes. Sing-along is encouraged and movement is mandatory! For preschoolers through 5th grade and their families.
Lundquist, Steve, "Mr. Steve" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#lundquist With a funny grin, a contagious laugh, and impish childlike enthusiasm, Mr. Steve offers original side-splitting audience participation songs, silly magic, and wacky balloon creations.
Mitchell, Jim, "Magic of Jim Mitchell" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#mitchell Jim offers K-8 shows based on the year's summer library program themes, with lots of volunteers, comedy, and live animals such as rabbits and rescued birds that the audience is welcome to meet after the show.
Nichols, Lori http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#nichols.lori Lori's programs are one-hour long and focus on Wisconsin wildlife and the natural world. Programs include hands-on learning, stories, songs, games, and a simple craft. Guided hikes, bird watching, pond studies, microscope study, and animal dissections are also available.
Pants, Marty, "Smarty Pants" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#pants Inspired by classic vaudeville, the Big Balloon Show features magic, slapstick comedy, and the award-winning giant balloons of Smarty Pants. An interactive "Balloon School" workshop is also available.
Poreda, Stephen, "Funtime Funktions" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfip.html#poreda Funtime Funktions offers fun, educational programs, such as "Global Games," that teaches kids about world cultures with different countries' toys. In the "Trash to Treasures," kids learn to make the toys from recycled materials.
Selthofner, Vanessa, "ArtVenture Girl" http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfqz.html#selthofner ArtVenture Girl, a certified art teacher, who specializes in extreme hands-on art projects as she tells of her traveling adventures and the artistic things she encountered when she visited other countries.Labels: performers