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NEW
ENGLAND
SCHOOL
PERFORMING
ARTIST
DIRECTORY
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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NEW ENGLAND STATES (and NEW YORK)
(See Also REGIONS, OCCUPATIONS, FAMOUS PEOPLE)
CONNECTICUT || MAINE || MASSACHUSETTS || NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW YORK || RHODE ISLAND || VERMONT || HAWAII || ALASKA
CONNECTICUT
Ann Shapiro and Tom Callinan
c/o Crackerbarrel Entertainments
168 Shore Road
Clinton, CT 06413-2340
(860) 669-6581; Toll-Free Outside Connecticut: (800) 565-3687
Fax: (860) 669-6648
E-Mail: tom.c@crackerbarrel-ents.com
Website: http://www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/tomann01.htm
For over 20 years, the husband and wife team of Tom Callinan and Ann Shapiro have toured an
assortment of informative and entertaining participatory programs throughout the Eastern Seaboard
of the United states for audiences as diverse as nursery schools through nursing homes. Whether
appearing as solo artists or as their duo, they blend their extensive repertoire of songs, which span
many centuries, with an impressive array of instruments from the wind, string, and percussion families.
As storytellers, they tell stories in tandem or individually, embellished with humor, music, sound effects,
and audience involvement. Each has been designated a Master Teaching Artist by the Connecticut
Commission on the Arts,
Tom was designated as Connecticut's first "Official State Troubadour" in 1991. His credits include:
The Kennedy Center, "Good Morning America," "Shining Time Station," and many others.
Honors include: composing songs included in an Emmy Award-winning documentary and co-writing
songs on a Parents Choice Gold Award recording, among others.
In addition to her work as a creative and performing artist, Ann also serves as the Education Director
of the Connecticut Storytelling Center, in-residence at Connecticut College.
Her administrative skills include writing grants and arranging residencies at schools and other
cultural venues.
They have produced over a dozen recordings on CD and cassette. A catalog is available, along with
printed study-guides pertaining to their Arts-In-Education programs. Information about their
teacher-training and consulting services are available as well.
Program Titles: Come On & Sing; From Sea to Shining Sea; Holiday Hodge Podge; In the Good Old
Colony Days; I'm Gonna Write a Song; Home Fires; Imagine Menagerie; Thumbs Up for Connecticut;
Sea Songs, Chanteys, and Nautical Lore; Irish and Irish-American Songs and Stories; Let's Clean Up
Our Act; Conflict Resolution, and more.
Audience Limit: 30/class; 300/assembly
Fees: Assembly- $650/duo, $400/solo; Classroom- $400 per day/4 classes-solo
Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts, BOCES (New York).
Special Requirements: Access to performance space 45 minutes before first show
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| GWENDOLYN
QUEZAIRE-PRESUTTI |
PO Box 380496
East Hartford, CT 06138-0496
(860) 528-0733
E Mail: jpresutti@sbcglobal.net
Web site: www.woventales.com
Gwendolyn is an Artist-in-Residence at the Connecticut Historical Society Museum. She is an International Award Winning Toastmaster and the
recipient of the Director's Award for Excellence, from the Institute of Texan Cultures. She is also the 2006 recipient of the Boston Fund Artist Fellowship through the Greater
Hartford Arts Council.
Programs include: Invisible Women in History, When Animals Talked, Narratives of the Black Cowboys and the Black Seminoles, Untold Stories of America's Past, and Gumbo Soup.
Also available are:
Ruth, a woman who was originally captured in Africa, endured the Middle Passage and horrors of slavery, and eventually
became free, recounts her long journey. It addresses racial and ethnic isolation and provides a forum for multicultural programming.
This character is a composite taken from historical researched documents.
Hagar, an enslaved woman, is the property of Silas Deane of Wethersfield, CT. She illuminates some significant historical moments as she
unravels the lives of slaves, native people, indentured servants and the rich slave owners during the Colonial period. This is a characterization of a historical researched individual.
(Props and period clothing appropriate for the time). 5th - adult and each performance concludes with a Q&A session.
Weaving in history, artifacts and interactive storytelling with a beguiling assortment of animal characters, these stories portray human foibles and explore cultural
diversity in America and around the World. Narratives of the Black Cowboys and the Black Seminoles, Gumbo Soup stories and funny and touching
memories of childhood are all included.
Program Titles: Invisible Women in History; When Animals Talked; Narratives of the Black Cowboys and the Black Seminoles;
Untold Stories of America's Past; Gumbo Soup
Grade Level Suitabiilty: Characterizations: 4th to adult; Folktales 1st to adult
Audience Limit: 30/class; 300/assembly
Special requirements: Characterizations: space for a few props and mobility.
Fee: Assembly (folktales): $400.00; $150 for each thereafter same day same location. Characterizations: $600.00; $900 for two same day same location
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Don Sineti and Tom Callinan
c/o Crackerbarrel Entertainments
168 Shore Road
Clinton, CT 06413-2340
860)669-6581; Toll-Free Outside Connecticut: (800) 565-3687
Fax:(860)669-6648
E-Mail: tom.c@crackerbarrel-ents.com
Website: http://www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/don_and_tom.htm
With banjo, concertina, guitar, spoons, bodhran, ocarina, penny whistles, bones, and limberjack,
Tom and Don are masters of generating audience participation. Their infectious performing style
blends sea songs and traditional folksongs with folk-revival and original compositions. Sea chanteys
(work songs), done in powerful harmony, recall the days of wooden ships and iron men. Ballads and
songs about the environment and the plight of the world's endangered whales bring out their more
sensitive side. Effortlessly, the duo shifts gears from ballads, to toe-tapping instrumentals, to silly ditties. They are ideal for inter-generational/family audiences and fund-raisers.
Their programs can be specific or eclectic in theme, depending on the needs of the sponsoring
organization (school, library, museum, etc.). Some feature the implementation of "home-made"
apparatus to simulate the experience of working on a ship for volunteers selected from the audience.
Rhythm instruments are often distributed to volunteers selected from the audience to form a "foo-foo"
band, reminiscent of those found in immigrant communities, or on ship-board in the 18th, 19th,
and early 20th Centuries. Music, songs, Don's award-winning illustrations, slides, and an assortment
of hands-on artifacts raise the lecture/demo format to a multi-media experience.
Program Titles: Songs & Tales of Ships & Whales; Folksongs - Old & New; Songs For the Earth; Instruments & Instrumentals; Drawn By the Song of the Sea (Illustrations/Slides & Music).
Audience Limit: 30/class; 300/assembly
Fees: Assembly - $650/duo, $400/solo; Classroom - $400 per day/ 4 classes - solo
Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts, BOCES (in New York)
Special Requirements: Access to performance space 45 minites before first show
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53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
E-Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Jim Douglas sings history alive! Students love his "In Tune With the Times" programs because they
are lively and entertaining. They enjoy hearing and singing great songs, seeing new and interesting folk
instruments, and learning about other people and times. Teachers love the programs because they
reinforce many classroom lessons. Enrichment providers love the programs because they bring to life
a special part of our musical and cultural heritage in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and memorable.
During two decades as a full-time school performer, Jim has shared his love and extensive research of the past
and its music with audiences of all ages in well over a thousand schools. Mr. Douglas has a Master's
Degree in History (University of Connecticut), has published four books, and released seven recordings
of New England songs and stories. His book, Songs of New England: A Sourcebook for
Teachers, is being used extensively throughout the region, and his most recent book,
Music in Every Classroom : A Resource Guide for Integrating Music Across the Curriculum, Grades K-8 (Libraries Unlimited),
is helping teachers across the country enrich their classes. Jim's latest recording, Under A Spell,
earned the prestigious American Library Association Notable Award.
Jim's work has been supported by such organizations as the National Foundation for the Arts,
the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Young Audiences of Maryland and Connecticut,
Connecticut Humanities Council, Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, and Plimoth Plantation.
Program Titles: Yankee Doodle and His Cousin (colonial songs); A Peddler's Pack (songs of old New
England); (Your State) Songster; Thar She Blows! (songs the whalemen sang); A House Divided
(songs of the Civil War); The American Saga (American folk songs); From Farm to Factory; Across the
Western Ocean (Irish immigration); Freedom Is A Constant Struggle (the Constitution); Thereby
Hangs A Tale (tall tales from New England)
Audience Limit: 40/class; 200/assembly
Fee: $350 - 1 assembly; $275for each assembly after; $400/day of classes (up to 4/day)
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council
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PO Box 511
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 572-9285
E-Mail: bill@billpere.com
Bill Pere is well known for innovative Arts in Education programming, as his interactive, hands-on
demonstrations interrelating music, math, science and technology have been presented to thousands
of students. He is a recognized expert in modern music technology and has a graduate science
degree. Bill is a founding member of the Connecticut Songwriters Association, serves as its Director of
Special Projects, and has twice been named Songwriter of the Year by the organization.
He has been appointed by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism as a Connecticut State Troubadour
and was named national IMC Independent Artist of the Year in 2003. (Grades 5-6).
Program Titles: Science, Math, Computers and Music; Connecticut History through Song; Songwriting Workshop:
Character Education - Acceptance of Differences
Fee: 1 show- $450 ($500 beyond 30 mile radius); $675/full day residency
Funding Source: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism
Special Requirements: electrical power, extension cord, setup time
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Jim Douglas
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
Fax: (508) 213-2333
E Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Website: www.timvanegmond.com
Years ago, friends and neighbors gathered at community and family events to share stories, play tunes and sing songs. Times have changed, but those songs, tunes and stories continue to delight, especially when performed by Yankee Notions.
Yankee Notions is Jim Douglas and Tim Van Egmond. Both are accomplished singers, storytellers, and musicians (guitar, hammered dulcimer, English concertina, pennywhistle, Appalachian dulcimer). Performing throughout New England for close to 20 years,
Yankee Notions has been featured in hundreds of community concerts and festivals, schools, libraries, senior centers, and heritage museums (including Old Sturbridge Village (MA), Historic Deerfield (MA), Mystic Seaport (CT), Old Bethpage Village Restoration (NY), and Plimoth Plantation (MA)).
Because of their extensive repertoire and experience in working with audiences of all ages in a wide variety of situations, Yankee Notions can provide a concert program tailored to your audience’s interests and needs. (We also provide indoor/outdoor sound system at no extra cost.)
Sample School Programs Include:
- A Peddler’s Pack: An eclectic mix from New England and beyond. Lively Irish
and French Canadian tunes, traditional and contemporary
songs sung in two-part harmony.
- The Sailor’s Trade: Shanties (work songs) and fo’c’sle songs (songs for
recreation) from the days of ‘wooden ships and iron men.’
- The Jolly Farmer: Perfect for agricultural fairs and the like. Songs and tunes
from 18th and 19th century New England, when ‘the farmer
was the man’
- Seasonal/Holiday Samplers: Whether it’s a Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, First Night,
Old Home Day, St. Patrick’s Day or other special day, here’s the entertainment to help
celebrate it in style!
Program Titles: A Peddler's Pack; The Sailor's Trade; The Jolly Farmer; Seasonal/Holiday Samplers
Fee: Starts at $650 for 2 assemblies, same day, same school. Block booing discounts available.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts
MAINE
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JACKSON GILLMAN - "Stand-Up Chameleon" |
PO Box 41
Onset, MA 02558
(508) 295-0886
E-Mail: jacksong@jacksongillman.com
Web site: www.jacksongillman.com
Sparkling with energy, wit and whimsy, the "Stand-Up Chameleon" magically
transforms into a wide array of colorful characters. Through his many
talents as songsmith, comic, mime and storyteller, Jackson engages and
delights audiences of all ages with his highly visual and interactive
performances. Many different shows to choose from including several
educational nature programs. Has been a featured performer at festivals
across the country. For 6-12 grades, his two substance abuse awareness
presentations have been used annually by schools for their prevention
programming. 28 years experience, easy-going and flexible, references
galore.
Program Titles: Nature in Action, Story & Song; Riot in the Garden; BUGS!;
Applemania; Autumn Wonders; Halloween Silly Willies; Winter Revels; Spring
into Action; On a Wing and a Song; The Man Who Planted Hope; Kipling: "Just
So"; Levity in Motion; Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors (with ASL); The
Dancing Man (with ASL); Holiday Revels (with ASL); Hard Knocks - substance
abuse program (grade 6 and up)
Fee: starts at $375 + travel
Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts |
MASSACHUSETTS
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
E-Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Jim Douglas sings history alive! Students love his "In Tune With the Times" programs because they
are lively and entertaining. They enjoy hearing and singing great songs, seeing new and interesting folk
instruments, and learning about other people and times. Teachers love the programs because they
reinforce many classroom lessons. Enrichment providers love the programs because they bring to life
a special part of our musical and cultural heritage in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and memorable.
During two decades as a full-time school performer, Jim has shared his love and extensive research of the past
and its music with audiences of all ages in well over a thousand schools. Mr. Douglas has a Master's
Degree in History (University of Connecticut), has published four books, and released seven recordings
of New England songs and stories. His book, Songs of New England: A Sourcebook for
Teachers, is being used extensively throughout the region, and his most recent book,
Music in Every Classroom : A Resource Guide for Integrating Music Across the Curriculum, Grades K-8 (Libraries Unlimited),
is helping teachers across the country enrich their classes. Jim's latest recording, Under A Spell,
earned the prestigious American Library Association Notable Award.
Jim's work has been supported by such organizations as the National Foundation for the Arts,
the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Young Audiences of Maryland and Connecticut,
Connecticut Humanities Council, Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, and Plimoth Plantation.
Program Titles: Yankee Doodle and His Cousin (colonial songs); A Peddler's Pack (songs of old New
England); (Your State) Songster; Thar She Blows! (songs the whalemen sang); A House Divided
(songs of the Civil War); The American Saga (American folk songs); From Farm to Factory; Across the
Western Ocean (Irish immigration); Freedom Is A Constant Struggle (the Constitution); Thereby
Hangs A Tale (tall tales from New England)
Audience Limit: 40/class; 200/assembly
Fee: $350 - 1 assembly; $275for each assembly after; $400/day of classes (up to 4/day)
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council
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Lenny Gerwick and Deborah Costine
6 Wood Street
Southborough, MA 01772
(508) 481-6260
E Mail: info@gerwickpuppets.com
Website: gerwickpuppets.com
Twenty-five years of performing for New England school children! Eight productions are available,
designed for K-6. The productions are performed on our elaborate 15' wide puppet theater with scenery
lighting and classical music. Curriculum materials available.
Demonstrations are offered on the various aspects of creating
puppet theater.
Puppetmaking Workshops for the classroom are available as part of a puppetry unit.
Other workshop topics include hand puppet manipulation, developing character voices and
creating a puppet script from a story.
The Gerwick Puppets are available as Artists in Residence and are approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Program Titles: Adventures from Thornton W. Burgess; Inside the Haunted House; Aladdin and the
Magic Lamp; Aesop's Fables; Rip Van Winkle; Pilgrim Adventure to America; Brer Rabbit Trickster
Tales; Mid Winter Magic; The Puppets Teach Fire Safety
Audience Limit: 250
Fee: 1 performance $700.00, 2 performances $1,000, 3 perf. $1250; Residency days are $250/day/artist
Special Requirements: The puppet theater requires a space of 15 ft. width, 10 ft. depth and 8 ft. height.
A darkened room is best.
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20 Pinehurst Street
Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 783-0887
E Mail: marclevitt@aol.com
Website: www.marclevitt.org
Working throughout the United states and in over 25 countries, Mr. Levitt has brought his memoirs, his
original folktales, his Halloween stories, and his writing instruction to thousands of schools and conferences.
Considered a ‘master storyteller’ by School Library Journal, Marc Levitt uses a warm and engaging style to
encourage students to honor themselves, their community and their physical environment. Author of over one
hundred stories, award winning August House audio tapes, and a new book on writing, Teaching Writing from the Roots, Mr. Levitt humorously and
interactively pulls stories and skills from his always receptive audiences. An award winning public humanist, educator
and radio host, Mr. Levitt comes from a progressive educational tradition where the ‘whole child’ is encouraged,
question-asking is stimulated and ‘real-world’ presentation in prioritized. His ‘museum-in-a-school’ project
in Providence, Rhode Island, created through his unique philosophy of education, Site Specific Education
has received national recognition and has been featured on ABC-TV affiliates throughout the United States. Mr. Levitt has also created
musical narratives about houses, rivers, farms, and watersheds in New England. Mr. Levitt, additionally is an award winning radio host/producer
and has recently completed a documentary film on Narragansett Tribal stonemasons.
Program Descriptions:
Assemblies: Mr Levitt’s programs are appropriate for K-12 and include ‘growing-up’ memoirs on topics such as getting lost, sibling rivalry and first dates, original folktale-inspired stories and juggling. These programs can be tailored for schools interested in encouraging writing and/or diversity celebration/non-violence/bullying prevention.
Tales From the October Moon: Original Halloween-type stories set within the New England landscape. (Award winning August House tape)
Johnny Appleseed; Gentle Hero: A one-person play on the life and times of this native New Englander. (Award winning August House tape)
Marco Polo: A Multi-Cultural Adventure: One-person show with music and props on this Venetian explorer. A multi-cultural adventure.
Writer-in-Residency: Mr. Levitt has created a series of stories, exercises, and games to motivate kids to write. Topics covered: sequential thinking, beginning, middle and endings, topic selection (see his new book Teaching Writing from the Roots, available from his website).
Allison and the Blackstone: A story about the history of the Blackstone River, told through the eyes of an eleven year
old girl and accompanied by music from the well known and regarded 'Pendragon'.
Triple Decker: A story of a fictional triple decker in Providence, Rhode Island and of the six immigrant fammilies who moved
in and out of the house over an eighty year period. Narrated by Mr. Levitt and storyteller Valerie Tutson and accompanied by original
and traditional music performed by musicians from the different nationality groups depicted in this story of the immigration experience in the United States
Program Title: Tales From the October Moon, Johnny Appleseed: Gentle Hero, Marco Polo: A Multi-Cultural Adventure, Allison and the Blackstone, Triple Decker, Stories from a New York City Childhood,
Writer in Residence, Diversity Celebration, Site Specific Education: Local Culture, Questions and 'Real World' Presentation
Audience Limit: 200
Fee: Starts at $500
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LINDA MYER AS ABIGAIL ADAMS |
30 Haven Road
Wellesley, MA 02481-2405
(781) 267-2074
E-Mail: sbeisecker@comcast.net
Abigail Adams: Colonial Kids (Grades 1-2) - What was it like to be a kid in Colonial Day? This presentation introduces young children to the food, clothing and games of Colonial children.
Abigail Adams: Revolutionary Mom (Grades 3 - 6) - In this participatory play, students use simple costumes, props + "space objects" to help Mrs. Adams re-enact certain
key events leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Be an actor in history!
Abigail Adams: Birthing a Nation (Grades 6 - 12) - Mrs. Adams traces the slow and unpredictable struggle that birthed our nation. She also stresses how it changed the role
of women in society. Have students bring questions for discussion.
BONUS: Curriculum guides for classroom use present free of charge for grades 3 and up.
Program Titles: Abigail Adams: Colonial Kids; Abigail Adams: Revolutionary Mom; Abigail Adams: Birthing a Nation
Audience Limit: Colonial Kids - 60; Revolutionary Mom and Birthing a Nation - 125
Fee: $300-$485 plus travel
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Jim Douglas
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
Fax: (508) 213-2333
E Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Website: www.timvanegmond.com
Years ago, friends and neighbors gathered at community and family events to share stories, play tunes and sing songs. Times have changed, but those songs, tunes and stories continue to delight, especially when performed by Yankee Notions.
Yankee Notions is Jim Douglas and Tim Van Egmond. Both are accomplished singers, storytellers, and musicians (guitar, hammered dulcimer, English concertina, pennywhistle, Appalachian dulcimer). Performing throughout New England for close to 20 years,
Yankee Notions has been featured in hundreds of community concerts and festivals, schools, libraries, senior centers, and heritage museums (including Old Sturbridge Village (MA), Historic Deerfield (MA), Mystic Seaport (CT), Old Bethpage Village Restoration (NY), and Plimoth Plantation (MA)).
Because of their extensive repertoire and experience in working with audiences of all ages in a wide variety of situations, Yankee Notions can provide a concert program tailored to your audience’s interests and needs. (We also provide indoor/outdoor sound system at no extra cost.)
Sample School Programs Include:
- A Peddler’s Pack: An eclectic mix from New England and beyond. Lively Irish
and French Canadian tunes, traditional and contemporary
songs sung in two-part harmony.
- The Sailor’s Trade: Shanties (work songs) and fo’c’sle songs (songs for
recreation) from the days of ‘wooden ships and iron men.’
- The Jolly Farmer: Perfect for agricultural fairs and the like. Songs and tunes
from 18th and 19th century New England, when ‘the farmer
was the man’
- Seasonal/Holiday Samplers: Whether it’s a Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, First Night,
Old Home Day, St. Patrick’s Day or other special day, here’s the entertainment to help
celebrate it in style!
Program Titles: A Peddler's Pack; The Sailor's Trade; The Jolly Farmer; Seasonal/Holiday Samplers
Fee: Starts at $650 for 2 assemblies, same day, same school. Block booing discounts available.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts
NEW HAMPSHIRE
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
E-Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Jim Douglas sings history alive! Students love his "In Tune With the Times" programs because they
are lively and entertaining. They enjoy hearing and singing great songs, seeing new and interesting folk
instruments, and learning about other people and times. Teachers love the programs because they
reinforce many classroom lessons. Enrichment providers love the programs because they bring to life
a special part of our musical and cultural heritage in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and memorable.
During two decades as a full-time school performer, Jim has shared his love and extensive research of the past
and its music with audiences of all ages in well over a thousand schools. Mr. Douglas has a Master's
Degree in History (University of Connecticut), has published four books, and released seven recordings
of New England songs and stories. His book, Songs of New England: A Sourcebook for
Teachers, is being used extensively throughout the region, and his most recent book,
Music in Every Classroom : A Resource Guide for Integrating Music Across the Curriculum, Grades K-8 (Libraries Unlimited),
is helping teachers across the country enrich their classes. Jim's latest recording, Under A Spell,
earned the prestigious American Library Association Notable Award.
Jim's work has been supported by such organizations as the National Foundation for the Arts,
the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Young Audiences of Maryland and Connecticut,
Connecticut Humanities Council, Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, and Plimoth Plantation.
Program Titles: Yankee Doodle and His Cousin (colonial songs); A Peddler's Pack (songs of old New
England); (Your State) Songster; Thar She Blows! (songs the whalemen sang); A House Divided
(songs of the Civil War); The American Saga (American folk songs); From Farm to Factory; Across the
Western Ocean (Irish immigration); Freedom Is A Constant Struggle (the Constitution); Thereby
Hangs A Tale (tall tales from New England)
Audience Limit: 40/class; 200/assembly
Fee: $350 - 1 assembly; $275for each assembly after; $400/day of classes (up to 4/day)
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council
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Jim Douglas
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
Fax: (508) 213-2333
E Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Website: www.timvanegmond.com
Years ago, friends and neighbors gathered at community and family events to share stories, play tunes and sing songs. Times have changed, but those songs, tunes and stories continue to delight, especially when performed by Yankee Notions.
Yankee Notions is Jim Douglas and Tim Van Egmond. Both are accomplished singers, storytellers, and musicians (guitar, hammered dulcimer, English concertina, pennywhistle, Appalachian dulcimer). Performing throughout New England for close to 20 years,
Yankee Notions has been featured in hundreds of community concerts and festivals, schools, libraries, senior centers, and heritage museums (including Old Sturbridge Village (MA), Historic Deerfield (MA), Mystic Seaport (CT), Old Bethpage Village Restoration (NY), and Plimoth Plantation (MA)).
Because of their extensive repertoire and experience in working with audiences of all ages in a wide variety of situations, Yankee Notions can provide a concert program tailored to your audience’s interests and needs. (We also provide indoor/outdoor sound system at no extra cost.)
Sample School Programs Include:
- A Peddler’s Pack: An eclectic mix from New England and beyond. Lively Irish
and French Canadian tunes, traditional and contemporary
songs sung in two-part harmony.
- The Sailor’s Trade: Shanties (work songs) and fo’c’sle songs (songs for
recreation) from the days of ‘wooden ships and iron men.’
- The Jolly Farmer: Perfect for agricultural fairs and the like. Songs and tunes
from 18th and 19th century New England, when ‘the farmer
was the man’
- Seasonal/Holiday Samplers: Whether it’s a Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, First Night,
Old Home Day, St. Patrick’s Day or other special day, here’s the entertainment to help
celebrate it in style!
Program Titles: A Peddler's Pack; The Sailor's Trade; The Jolly Farmer; Seasonal/Holiday Samplers
Fee: Starts at $650 for 2 assemblies, same day, same school. Block booing discounts available.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts
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DIANE KORDAS ROMPER RHYTHM AND PUPPETS |
Diane Kordas
516 Barnard Hill Rd.
Weare, NH 03281
603-529-7623
Email: diane@romperrhythm.com
Website: http://www.romperrhythm.com
Diane Kordas brings stories to life with puppets and music, either with a staged puppet
show production or with songs and short puppet skits. Lots of humor and audience
participation are highlights of each program. Great for preschools and day care centers,
schools, libraries, birthday parties, recreation centers and more.
*NH Council on the Arts Touring Artist and New England Foundation for the Arts (link)
*Winner of Children's Music Web award for her Dinosaur Stomp CD.
Program Titles: Friendly Forest Folktales; Bremen Town Musicians; Pirates, Ahoy!; Elves and the Shoemaker with the Gingerbread Man; Sir George and
the Dragon; Outerspace Adventures!. Shadow Puppet show: Chicken Little and other Tales. Residencies, workshops,
Teacher Training workshops. See www.romperrhythm.com for new shows and updates
Grade Level Suitability: pre-K - 3 for most programs, workshops and residencies for K-12
Audience Limits: 250
Special Requirements: I supply my own puppet stage, sound, lighting_and need a grounded 3 prong outlet
to plug into.
Fee: Starts at $300, discount for block bookings
Funding Sources: New England Touring Roster, New England Foundation for the Arts; New Hampshire State Council for the Arts
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NEW YORK
PO Box 179
Billings, NY 12510
(914) 227-7293
E Mail: Baladeer@aol.com
Website: www.richbala.com
Like the troubadors of long ago, Rich presents authentic, traditional folksongs that bring history to life.
Accompanying himself on guitar, banjo, and mountain dulcimer, he sings the actual songs people
created about their, their work, and their experiences, which shaped the course of our nation's history
and heritage. Program topics include the Colonial Period and the Revolutionary War, life on the farm,
the era of sail and steam, and songs from the lumbercamps, canals, as well as other aspects of
our "folk legacy".
In addition to assembly concerts, Rich also offers extended "workshops", and longer
"multi-day" residencies where students actively participate in experiencing history through role-playing,
"creative visualization", and by composing their own songs, based on these activities. (Grades: 4 & up)
References, program descriptions, and 'demo' tape available on request.
Program Titles: Our Folk Heritage in Song; The Land Knows You're There; When I First Came To This
Land; Private Yankee Doodle
Audience Limit: 30/class; 250/assembly
Fee: Assembly - $350 (w/ 4 workshops - $600); Residency - $150/class (4/day max.)
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RHODE ISLAND
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
E-Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Jim Douglas sings history alive! Students love his "In Tune With the Times" programs because they
are lively and entertaining. They enjoy hearing and singing great songs, seeing new and interesting folk
instruments, and learning about other people and times. Teachers love the programs because they
reinforce many classroom lessons. Enrichment providers love the programs because they bring to life
a special part of our musical and cultural heritage in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and memorable.
During two decades as a full-time school performer, Jim has shared his love and extensive research of the past
and its music with audiences of all ages in well over a thousand schools. Mr. Douglas has a Master's
Degree in History (University of Connecticut), has published four books, and released seven recordings
of New England songs and stories. His book, Songs of New England: A Sourcebook for
Teachers, is being used extensively throughout the region, and his most recent book,
Music in Every Classroom : A Resource Guide for Integrating Music Across the Curriculum, Grades K-8 (Libraries Unlimited),
is helping teachers across the country enrich their classes. Jim's latest recording, Under A Spell,
earned the prestigious American Library Association Notable Award.
Jim's work has been supported by such organizations as the National Foundation for the Arts,
the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Young Audiences of Maryland and Connecticut,
Connecticut Humanities Council, Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, and Plimoth Plantation.
Program Titles: Yankee Doodle and His Cousin (colonial songs); A Peddler's Pack (songs of old New
England); (Your State) Songster; Thar She Blows! (songs the whalemen sang); A House Divided
(songs of the Civil War); The American Saga (American folk songs); From Farm to Factory; Across the
Western Ocean (Irish immigration); Freedom Is A Constant Struggle (the Constitution); Thereby
Hangs A Tale (tall tales from New England)
Audience Limit: 40/class; 200/assembly
Fee: $350 - 1 assembly; $275for each assembly after; $400/day of classes (up to 4/day)
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council
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20 Pinehurst Street
Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 783-0887
E Mail: marclevitt@aol.com
Website: www.marclevitt.org
Working throughout the United states and in over 25 countries, Mr. Levitt has brought his memoirs, his
original folktales, his Halloween stories, and his writing instruction to thousands of schools and conferences.
Considered a ‘master storyteller’ by School Library Journal, Marc Levitt uses a warm and engaging style to
encourage students to honor themselves, their community and their physical environment. Author of over one
hundred stories, award winning August House audio tapes, and a new book on writing, Teaching Writing from the Roots, Mr. Levitt humorously and
interactively pulls stories and skills from his always receptive audiences. An award winning public humanist, educator
and radio host, Mr. Levitt comes from a progressive educational tradition where the ‘whole child’ is encouraged,
question-asking is stimulated and ‘real-world’ presentation in prioritized. His ‘museum-in-a-school’ project
in Providence, Rhode Island, created through his unique philosophy of education, Site Specific Education
has received national recognition and has been featured on ABC-TV affiliates throughout the United States. Mr. Levitt has also created
musical narratives about houses, rivers, farms, and watersheds in New England. Mr. Levitt, additionally is an award winning radio host/producer
and has recently completed a documentary film on Narragansett Tribal stonemasons.
Program Descriptions:
Assemblies: Mr Levitt’s programs are appropriate for K-12 and include ‘growing-up’ memoirs on topics such as getting lost, sibling rivalry and first dates, original folktale-inspired stories and juggling. These programs can be tailored for schools interested in encouraging writing and/or diversity celebration/non-violence/bullying prevention.
Tales From the October Moon: Original Halloween-type stories set within the New England landscape. (Award winning August House tape)
Johnny Appleseed; Gentle Hero: A one-person play on the life and times of this native New Englander. (Award winning August House tape)
Marco Polo: A Multi-Cultural Adventure: One-person show with music and props on this Venetian explorer. A multi-cultural adventure.
Writer-in-Residency: Mr. Levitt has created a series of stories, exercises, and games to motivate kids to write. Topics covered: sequential thinking, beginning, middle and endings, topic selection (see his new book Teaching Writing from the Roots, available from his website).
Allison and the Blackstone: A story about the history of the Blackstone River, told through the eyes of an eleven year
old girl and accompanied by music from the well known and regarded 'Pendragon'.
Triple Decker: A story of a fictional triple decker in Providence, Rhode Island and of the six immigrant fammilies who moved
in and out of the house over an eighty year period. Narrated by Mr. Levitt and storyteller Valerie Tutson and accompanied by original
and traditional music performed by musicians from the different nationality groups depicted in this story of the immigration experience in the United States
Program Title: Tales From the October Moon, Johnny Appleseed: Gentle Hero, Marco Polo: A Multi-Cultural Adventure, Allison and the Blackstone, Triple Decker, Stories from a New York City Childhood,
Writer in Residence, Diversity Celebration, Site Specific Education: Local Culture, Questions and 'Real World' Presentation
Audience Limit: 200
Fee: Starts at $500
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Jim Douglas
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
Fax: (508) 213-2333
E Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Website: www.timvanegmond.com
Years ago, friends and neighbors gathered at community and family events to share stories, play tunes and sing songs. Times have changed, but those songs, tunes and stories continue to delight, especially when performed by Yankee Notions.
Yankee Notions is Jim Douglas and Tim Van Egmond. Both are accomplished singers, storytellers, and musicians (guitar, hammered dulcimer, English concertina, pennywhistle, Appalachian dulcimer). Performing throughout New England for close to 20 years,
Yankee Notions has been featured in hundreds of community concerts and festivals, schools, libraries, senior centers, and heritage museums (including Old Sturbridge Village (MA), Historic Deerfield (MA), Mystic Seaport (CT), Old Bethpage Village Restoration (NY), and Plimoth Plantation (MA)).
Because of their extensive repertoire and experience in working with audiences of all ages in a wide variety of situations, Yankee Notions can provide a concert program tailored to your audience’s interests and needs. (We also provide indoor/outdoor sound system at no extra cost.)
Sample School Programs Include:
- A Peddler’s Pack: An eclectic mix from New England and beyond. Lively Irish
and French Canadian tunes, traditional and contemporary
songs sung in two-part harmony.
- The Sailor’s Trade: Shanties (work songs) and fo’c’sle songs (songs for
recreation) from the days of ‘wooden ships and iron men.’
- The Jolly Farmer: Perfect for agricultural fairs and the like. Songs and tunes
from 18th and 19th century New England, when ‘the farmer
was the man’
- Seasonal/Holiday Samplers: Whether it’s a Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, First Night,
Old Home Day, St. Patrick’s Day or other special day, here’s the entertainment to help
celebrate it in style!
Program Titles: A Peddler's Pack; The Sailor's Trade; The Jolly Farmer; Seasonal/Holiday Samplers
Fee: Starts at $650 for 2 assemblies, same day, same school. Block booing discounts available.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts
VERMONT
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
E-Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Jim Douglas sings history alive! Students love his "In Tune With the Times" programs because they
are lively and entertaining. They enjoy hearing and singing great songs, seeing new and interesting folk
instruments, and learning about other people and times. Teachers love the programs because they
reinforce many classroom lessons. Enrichment providers love the programs because they bring to life
a special part of our musical and cultural heritage in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and memorable.
During two decades as a full-time school performer, Jim has shared his love and extensive research of the past
and its music with audiences of all ages in well over a thousand schools. Mr. Douglas has a Master's
Degree in History (University of Connecticut), has published four books, and released seven recordings
of New England songs and stories. His book, Songs of New England: A Sourcebook for
Teachers, is being used extensively throughout the region, and his most recent book,
Music in Every Classroom : A Resource Guide for Integrating Music Across the Curriculum, Grades K-8 (Libraries Unlimited),
is helping teachers across the country enrich their classes. Jim's latest recording, Under A Spell,
earned the prestigious American Library Association Notable Award.
Jim's work has been supported by such organizations as the National Foundation for the Arts,
the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Young Audiences of Maryland and Connecticut,
Connecticut Humanities Council, Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, and Plimoth Plantation.
Program Titles: Yankee Doodle and His Cousin (colonial songs); A Peddler's Pack (songs of old New
England); (Your State) Songster; Thar She Blows! (songs the whalemen sang); A House Divided
(songs of the Civil War); The American Saga (American folk songs); From Farm to Factory; Across the
Western Ocean (Irish immigration); Freedom Is A Constant Struggle (the Constitution); Thereby
Hangs A Tale (tall tales from New England)
Audience Limit: 40/class; 200/assembly
Fee: $350 - 1 assembly; $275for each assembly after; $400/day of classes (up to 4/day)
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council
|
Jim Douglas
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
Fax: (508) 213-2333
E Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu
Website: www.timvanegmond.com
Years ago, friends and neighbors gathered at community and family events to share stories, play tunes and sing songs. Times have changed, but those songs, tunes and stories continue to delight, especially when performed by Yankee Notions.
Yankee Notions is Jim Douglas and Tim Van Egmond. Both are accomplished singers, storytellers, and musicians (guitar, hammered dulcimer, English concertina, pennywhistle, Appalachian dulcimer). Performing throughout New England for close to 20 years,
Yankee Notions has been featured in hundreds of community concerts and festivals, schools, libraries, senior centers, and heritage museums (including Old Sturbridge Village (MA), Historic Deerfield (MA), Mystic Seaport (CT), Old Bethpage Village Restoration (NY), and Plimoth Plantation (MA)).
Because of their extensive repertoire and experience in working with audiences of all ages in a wide variety of situations, Yankee Notions can provide a concert program tailored to your audience’s interests and needs. (We also provide indoor/outdoor sound system at no extra cost.)
Sample School Programs Include:
- A Peddler’s Pack: An eclectic mix from New England and beyond. Lively Irish
and French Canadian tunes, traditional and contemporary
songs sung in two-part harmony.
- The Sailor’s Trade: Shanties (work songs) and fo’c’sle songs (songs for
recreation) from the days of ‘wooden ships and iron men.’
- The Jolly Farmer: Perfect for agricultural fairs and the like. Songs and tunes
from 18th and 19th century New England, when ‘the farmer
was the man’
- Seasonal/Holiday Samplers: Whether it’s a Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, First Night,
Old Home Day, St. Patrick’s Day or other special day, here’s the entertainment to help
celebrate it in style!
Program Titles: A Peddler's Pack; The Sailor's Trade; The Jolly Farmer; Seasonal/Holiday Samplers
Fee: Starts at $650 for 2 assemblies, same day, same school. Block booing discounts available.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts
HAWAII
15 Julie Drive
Wrentham, MA 02093
(508) 384-1442
E Mail: lisamusic@comcast.net
Website: www.lisamanning.com
Lisa Manning of *Lisa & Friends* has entertained thousands of people over the decades in many venues. Music helps keep children's
attention, and when it's coupled with puppets and interactive games, learning becomes more enjoyable and memorable. Below are program offerings and descriptions:
Spirit of America This program offers a general scope of American history from the plight of the pilgrims and the courage of the pioneers to modern eras. The show touches on the Revolutionary War, Civil War, WW1 and WW2, and the reasons they happened. Topics such as immigration, reconstruction, and the railroad are also discussed. Interactive games and the musical puppets heighten awareness.
The Fabulous Fifties This show reflects the simple, pleasant, and patriotic decade when people realized the American Dream of home ownership. Lisa narrates the great advancements made in the decade: in medicine (polio vaccine), social conflicts (racial segregation was ruled unconstitional), and technology (television and outer space missions). Lisa wears a poodle skirt and joins Elvis, Mickey, and others, singing songs of the era. There's an audience discussion on family values and conflict resolution as well as interactive games that include a hula hoop contest.
Cruise Jubilee This journey takes the assembly from the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal to Mexico, and over to Hawaii (an interesting stretch of the imagination). The Cruise Director gives an informative travelogue on what to do and see at each port. The information includes a discussion on dialects, a bit of Spanish, foods, and traditions. Delightful calypso music, sung by Lisa and her puppet friends, keeps the show lively as well as educational. Interactive games include a limbo contest.
Hooray for Hollywood Ever wonder how Hollywood became the moving picture capital of the world? This program begins with 3 minutes of mime, depicting the silent movies, accompanied by vintage music. It continues on to feature film favorites including Shirley Temple, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, and Mickey Mouse! The show talks about social events such as the Depression, WW2, and the advent of TV, and how these events impacted on the movie industry. This extravaganza involves 15 large puppets, (and multiple props) singing movie favorites from the talkies of 1927 through today. Children volunteer to dress as movie stars on Oscar night as well as other interactive games.
Old Fashioned Christmas All the Christmas favorites, plus puppets, to make the season bright! Highlights include "O Tannenbaum" sung by a lit Tree, Matilda sings "Mary's Boy Child". Susie sings "Jingle Bells", and the Dog howls!! With help from the kids, we keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas (a magic trick!). Kids play clackers to "Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree ", prance with Rudolph, and dance as angels while everyone sings carols (lyric sheets furnished).
Program Titles: Spirit of America; The Fabulous Fifties; Cruise Jubilee; Hoorary for Hollywood;Old Fashioned Christmas
Grade Level Suitability: K - 6th
Audience Limit: 300/assembly
Fee: $350/assembly, plus travel; additional programs on same day 1/2 price
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, Local Cultural Councils
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ALASKA
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NOW VOYAGER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS |
Carol Cohen
23 Pine Grove Ave.
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-5197
E Mail: carolcohen@verizon.net
Website: www.nved.com
For over 12 years Now Voyager has been informing students and teachers about the world – it’s history, geography and culture in the most
creative ways. We now offer nine programs, all aligned with state curriculum frameworks which we refer to as “IN SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS”.
No busses, no waiting, just learning and fun. Programs include: Hands on Geography: Welcome to the World, Pioneers and the Westward movement, Ancient China, Ancient Greece, Digging up Ancient Civilizations, Voyage of Columbus , Alaska the Last Frontier and African Adventure. Residencies and Teacher Workshops are available as well.
Carol Cohen, the company’s creator, has many years experience working in the field of education. She is on the faculty of Lesley University Graduate School
of Education where she teaches Social Studies Methods. She holds three Massachusetts teaching certifications and is an approved Massachusetts Professional
Development Provider. In addition, Carol is a published historian having authored the Oregon Trail Jackdaw for Golden Owl Publishing in New York.
A brief description of some of our most popular programs:
Ancient China: Living history program that transports students to Ancient China during the Bronze age. At this hands on workshop in a recreated Chinese home, students visit the kitchen for food tasting, step into the shop where they can put on clothing and accessories of the time, visit the music room where they will participate in a wonderful ancient Chinese folktale and spend time at the school room to practice calligraphy. ( Individual classes – 1 hour )
The Oregon Trail Our program about the movement west begins with a play called Journey to Oregon. (one hour - up to 100 students ) The play is followed by Ft. Laramie, a hands on pioneer workshop complete with general store.
( Individual classes –one hour )
Hands On Geography: Welcome to the World - Interactive geography presentation using a oversized world map. Hands on activities and storytelling. Individual classes attend. Appropriate for all elementary and middle school grade levels as either an introduction or review. Program for each grade varies with tie to framework. i. e 4th grade - focus on the worlds physical features and the geography of North America.
Digging Up Civlizations - Multimedia two part workshop introducing the science of archeology and six ancient civilizations. Combination of storytelling, hands on archeology and an oversized board game activity.) Part one up to 50 students attend for one hour. Part two individual classes attend for one hour )
Ancient Greece - Living history program which is designed to introduce students to daily life in Athens during it’s Golden Age 442 B.C. through a hands on approach to history. We will transform your school gym into Ancient Athens for the day complete with a marketplace, school, home, theatre and pottery shop. ( Individual classes- 1 hour )
Voyage of Columbus - Join Columbus and his first mate in this interactive living history program. Each student will join the crew of the Santa Maria and help Columbus outfit his ship for his second voyage. Geared for grades K-2. ( Individual classes 1 hour )
Colonial School Days - Living History Program - Prudence Gray – owner of a dame school in Colonial America invites students in for lessons and recess. ( Individual classes – 1 hour ).
Please contact us or view our website for more complete information about our programs.
Program Titles: Hands on Geography: Welcome to the World; Pioneers and the Westward movement; Ancient China; Ancient Greece; Digging up Ancient Civilizations; Voyage of Columbus; Alaska the Last Frontier; and African Adventure.
Audience Limit: 100
Special Requirements: Area (not necessarily a stage) for large covered wagon & scenery; setup
Fees: Prices range from $150.00 for individual class workshops to $500.00 for larger group performances.
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