(See Also AMERICAN HISTORY- IMMIGRATION)

General
Asia
Africa
Latin America
Caribbean
Brazil
China
El Salvador
Haiti
Ireland
Japan
Mexico
Russia
Scandinavia
Scotland
Sweden

GENERAL/MULTICULTURAL

ABIGAIL   "IFATOLA"   JEFFERSON P.O. Box 176 Peacedale, RI 02883 (401) 932-6565 or (401) 783-4982 EMail: abijef@cox.net Website: www.abigailjefferson.com Abigail "Ifatola" Jefferson, storyteller, dancer and arts educator, performs and conducts workshops nationally. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, Abigail brings to life traditional stories from around the globe. Her performance presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing. Abigail has conducted workshops and performed in schools, churches, prisons, shelters, theatres, festivals and libraries. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.F.A. in theatre, and holds a M.Ed. from Lesley University. Currently, Abigail is an adjunct professor for Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning Program, and the co-director of Celebration of Culture, a program designed to increase students' and educators' appreciation of diversity. She has traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Cuba to study cultural traditions. Program Title: Dance, Drum, Story or Celebration of Culture Audience Limit: 200 Fee: $500 plus travel Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils.

PAUL KAPLAN 203 Heatherstone Road Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 253-9484 E Mail: phkaplan@yahoo.com Website: www.paulkaplanmusic.com Paul Kaplan believes that music is unique in its ability to cross the boundaries of time and place, opening minds and hearts along the way. His programs include "Songs Around the World," adaptable to include music from cultures of your choice, "American Folksong Singalong," "Songs of the Sea," "Immigration Songs," "Songs for the Earth," and three interactive seasonal shows for young people: "Fall Frolic," "Wonders of Winter," and "Sing for Spring." Also, with bagpiper Larry Cole, "Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland)," and "The World of Bagpipes." All shows feature many opportunities for audience participation. Program Title: Songs Around the World, Folk Singalong, Songs of the Sea, Songs for the Earth, Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland), Fall Frolic, Wonders of Winter, Sing for Spring Audience Size: 350 Fee: $300 for one show; $450 for two; travel negotiable Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council (event)

STEVE SCHUCH Night Heron Music 267 Center Road Hillsboro, NH 03244 (800) 785-9678 E Mail: info@nightheron.com Website: http://www.NightHeron.com Join award-winning musician, author, and storyteller STEVE SCHUCH on a voyage of discovery. Striking pieces for violin and whales... magical tales of from around the world... lively singing, fun with languages, and the science of sound... all are part of Steve’s wide-ranging repertoire. Music and story selections are grade level appropriate, exemplifying arts education at its best. All programs include a free set of Books, CD’s and Educator Prep Materials. Steve offers encouragement for young writers and musicians as well. Honors include Artist Fellowships, composer awards and five fiddling championships. Steve’s musical story, A Symphony of Whales, received five national book awards, and his children’s recording, Trees of Life, a Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Schools often include an Author Book/CD Signing with a portion of the proceeds going back to the school. Details at: www.NightHeron.com. "Warmth and storytelling magic." –Los Angeles Times "Exceptionally fine... Schuch brings as much skill and intelligence to folk music as he does to classical." –The Boston Globe Sample Program: A Symphony of Whales Learn about whales, their songs and their encounters with humans. Listen to a true tale of arctic rescue and hear Steve’s unforgettable“Whale Trilogy” –– a solo violin piece played with these mysterious songs of the deep. Weaving together science and performance, this program includes material from Steve’s travels, CD’s and award-winning book, A Symphony of Whales. “Riveting indeed.” –Smithsonian Program Titles: A Symphony of Whales; The Author’s Story; Songs & Tales Around the World; Music & Tales of Ireland; Songs & Tales of the Earth; Life in a Third World Village (music & slide program); Roots of Rhythm & Harmony; Fiddler on the Loose; Imagination & the Art of Storytelling; The Writer's Workshop; Parent/Educator Workshops; Family Concerts; Artist Residencies. Audience Limit: 250/assembly; 30/workshop; call to discuss Family Concerts and Artist Residencies Fee: Contact artist for details. Funding Sources: Title II Grants, New England Foundation for the Arts, New Hampshire Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 495-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts

ROGER  TINCKNELL 78 Pratt Corner Road Shutesbury, MA 01072 (413) 259-1146 E-Mail: roger@rogertincknell.com Website: www.rogertincknell.com Two-time Parents’ Choice Award-winning recording artist, Roger Tincknell offers participatory, curriculum-based music assemblies and workshops. As a former classroom teacher and music specialist, Roger provides enriching multi-cultural, historical, and environmental programs. His repertoire includes international folk-songs sung in a variety of languages as well as songs and dances from Native, African, European and Asian- American traditions. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, ukulele, Irish bozouki, Incan charango, Russian balalaika, Puerto Rican cuatro, harmonica, Native American flutes, African drums and Latin percussion. His programs include: Across the Americas, a musical journey from Canada to South America; Earth Rhythms, an environmental program, Children's Songs and Singing Games, a participatory multicultural program for younger grades. Roger also offers songwriting workshops and hands-on programs for special needs and very young children. Comprehensive study guides are provided. Program Titles: Across the Americas (can be tailored to include: Colonial America to the Revolution, Immigration and Industrial America; From Slavery to Civil Rights; Cowboys, Yodeling and Western Expansion; Latin American Songs, Dances and Instruments; Songs of the Sea.); Earth Rhythms (Celebrates and teaches environmental awareness); Children's Songs and Singing Games; Holidays from Around the World (Winter Solstice Celebration, Martin Luther King Jr., St. Patrick's Day, Halloween and others); Under One Sky: A Multicultural Musical Journey around the World Audience Limit: 40/class; 400/assembly Fee: $350-$400 (plus travel) sliding scale for one show with additional programs on same day 1/2 price. Funding Source: MCC, Local Cultural Councils and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Very Special Arts, BOCES (NY), SCLC (CT) Special Requirements: table and access to electricity

TROUBADOUR Victor Cockburn or Judith Steinbergh 126 Payson Road Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3272 (617) 327-8965 Fax: (617) 327-7473 E Mail: Info@Troubadour.org Website: www.Troubadour.org Presenting original and traditional material, Troubadour artists expose students and teachers to a wide range of lively and inspiring poetry and folksongs from diverse cultures. With poems and songs about issues close to their lives and classroom curriculum, the audience is exposed to works from a diverse collection of writers both adult and children. Troubadour recordings and material have received awards such as Entertainer of the Year from the Boston Parents Paper, as well as Parents Choice Silver and Gold, and Early Childhood Awards. Troubadour artists have 30 years of experience teaching and developing curriculum. Programs directly relate to MA Curriculum Frameworks Guidelines. Curriculum support materials are available. In the classroom, through a combination of multi-visit, writing workshops for students, professional development workshops for teachers, and providing curriculum resources, Troubadour’s Artist Educators emphasize the use of literary arts in the writing process. We provide continued support for teachers and students by establishing personal and professional long-term relationships with schools. In this way, we can better effect a successful and lasting, systemic change in education, while encouraging a love of literature, writing, and music. Fee: $400.00, $1,000.00 Possible Funding: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local cultural councils, Very Special Arts MA, Troubadour Educational Outreach Grant.

MARK   BINDER Pembroke Villa PO Box 2462 Providence, RI 02906 (401) 272-8707 Email: mark@markbinder.com Website: www.markbinder.com Mark Binder is the author of the Everything Bedtime Story Book and It Ate My Sister. and has had hundreds of short stories published in newspapers and magazines like The Family, Hadassah, and Cricket. He is a professional storyteller and recording artist, with five storytelling CDs, including the hits, A Holiday Present!, It was a Dark and Stormy Night... and the award-winning Classic Stories for Boys and Girls. Mark graduated from the Trinity Rep Theater Conservatory, earned a BA from Columbia University, an MA from Rhode Island College, and has taught as an adjunct professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is a Rhode Island Artist Educator, and on the New England Foundation for the Arts Touring Roster. He is a founder of the American Story Theater and has served on the board of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling. His programs have received grant funding from the United States Department of Education, the Rhode Island Department of Education, the City of Providence, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, National Storytelling Network, and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. He travels around the world collecting, writing and telling serious and silly stories for the young, old and in-between. He holds a third degree black belt in Aikido, the martial art for peace. He has run for United States Congress. Program Title: Tales for Peace, Eureka! Science and Math Stories; Tall Tales and Whoppers; The Instant Short Story; Silly Stories; Tales of Chelm; Holiday Stories and Songs; Spooky Stories; Tales from the Outdoors; Telling and Reading Stories with Children... Audience Limit: 250/assembly Fee: $750 half day, $1000 full day Possible Funding Sources: RI State Council on the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

JUDITH BLACK Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com With a degree in education and twenty years of experience, Judith uses storytelling in both performance and workshop with all grade levels. Her original performance material has been featured at festivals and conferences throughout the continent from the Montreal Comedy Festival to the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. She has keynoted conferences on the uses of storytelling in education and received commissions to create original works for organizations as wide ranging as the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Program Titles: History Alive - America's Unsung Heroes and Heroines; The Long Journey - Stories of Immigration; Pinching the Giants - Tricksters of the World; Glad to Be Who I Am - Tales To Bolster Self-Image; Rainbow Race - World Folk Tales; many more. Audience Limit: 25/class; 200/assembly Fee: Begin at $500 for the first performance, $300 for each thereafter same day/same location. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York), New Hampshire Humanities Council

KATE   CARNEY'S   HEROIC   WOMEN   YOU   CAN   TALK   TO Kate Carney 51 Pettee Street Newton, MA 02464 (617) 244-0209 Fax: (617) 926-7273 E Mail: carneyk@earthlink.net Web site: www.katecarney.net Travel back in time with Kate as she tells stories, in costume and character, from the lives of some extraordinary American women. These interactive historical programs will give your group a moving, thought-provoking and humorous chance to explore history as if they were there. Mrs. Larcom, Lowell Mills Boardinghouse Keeper. Things are going downhill fast at the Lowell mills; the mill girls are speaking up. Should she…? (Grade 5-up) Paul Revere's Mother-in-law, Mrs. Rachel Walker, draws us into the chaos of the Revolutionary War with her gossipy innkeeper’s scuttlebutt. (Grades 5 -12) Annie Sullivan, Teacher, insists that she’s no "miracle worker" and shows how deaf-blind-mutes like Helen Keller can learn. (Grades 5-12) The First Woman Doctor in the West, Bethenia Owens-Adair, MD reveals her secret of survival on the Oregon Trail & frontier: Don’t take no for an answer. (Grades 5-12) Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of the Girl Scouts of America. Who knew a madcap scatterbrain who cared for nature could change girls’ lives all over the country? Grades 4-up Mary Antin, Russian Immigrant, and “The Promised Land” author, celebrates her "American Dream" success and laments its price to her family. (Grades 5-12) Mary Lyon of Mount Holyoke, founder of the first female seminary, wonders at student Emily Dickinson and America's fear of "female greatness". (Grades 7-12) for Younger Children Living History Stories in costume and character, about the American Revolution, the Frontier, Immigration, the Girl Scouts and Helen Keller’s World. (Grades 2-4) Greek Myths and Aesop’s Fables: Children act out Aesop’s talking animal fables, and hear thrilling, funny misadventures of heroes, gods and goddesses. (Grades 2-6) Mother Nature's Myths: enchanting, interactive "why" and "how" stories about why odd things in nature came to be as they are. (Grades K-4) Mother Earth Multicultural Tales: interactive folk stories, which build understanding and appreciation of other cultures as they span the globe. (Grades K-4) Study Guides are available for all of Kate's 45-minute programs. She offers workshops in Role-playing, Storytelling and Creative Drama. Program Titles: For Grades 5-12: Paul Revere's Mother-in-law, Rachel Walker; Mrs. Larcom, Lowell Mills Boardinghouse Keeper; Annie Sullivan, Teacher; First Woman Doctor in the West: Bethenia Owens-Adair, MD; Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America; Mary Antin, Russian Immigrant and Mary Lyon of Mount Holyoke. For Grades 2-6: Living History Stories, Greek Myths and Aesop’s Fables. For K-4: Mother Nature's Myths and Mother Earth's Multicultural Tales. Audience Limits: 200/assembly depending on show Fees: For groups up to 60: $280 plus $.48/mile. Size of group determines fee. Discounts available for Performance/Workshop combos, co-sponsorship and block bookings. Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts (www.nefa.org) Requirements: A music or speaker’s stand (for visual aids).

KAREN   CHACE 97 Chipaway Road East Freetown, MA 02717 (508) 763-8565 E Mail: storybug@aol.com Website: www.storybug.net Since 2000 Karen has presented her enthusiastic, interactive, and participatory programs at libraries, conferences and schools around the country. She is also the founder and director of a student storytelling program and since 2002 she has mentored over 200 student storytellers. She is a contributing author to the National Storytelling Network's recent publications, A Beginner’s Guide to Storytelling and Telling Stories to Children and writes a regular column for Storytelling Magazine and offers a free bi-monthly storytelling/education newsletter at http://storybugnewsletter.blogspot.com. Her conference presentations include the National Storytelling Conference, Youth, Educators and Storytelling (YES), Sharing the Fire, and the Northland’s Storytelling Network. With a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature, she combines her passion for literacy and storytelling in delightful programs of stories from around the world. Karen believes that storytelling inspires students, offering them opportunities to succeed in ways they never imagined! “Karen catches the children and never lets them go.” Karen Allen, New Bedford Whaling Museum, MA Residencies Story by Story - Building A Student Storytelling Troupe An experienced educator, Karen combines her teaching skills with her vast knowledge of storytelling to create a School Storytelling Club. During school hours or after school, Karen will work with your students on the dynamics of storytelling. From the page to the stage, students will learn the anatomy of a story, research skills, story selection, and story presentation. The residency culminates in a student Story Festival. In addition, Karen can tailor the residency to include individual student coaching. Program Titles: Jaws, Claws and Paws: Animal Stories From Around the World; Tales With Scales: Fish Stories From Around the World; The Trickster Tour; The Treasure Chest; Book A Trip Around the World; Winter Wonderland; Spooktacular Stories; The Spirit of the Season; Pathways to Peace; Dragon Tales Workshop/Residencies: Storytelling With Ease; Story by Story – Building a School Storytelling Club; S.T.A.R. (Stories Teach and Reach); Researching Stories on the Internet Audience Limit: 25/class; 200/assembly Fee: $250 plus travel; Block Booking rates available. Residencies, Teacher's In-services and Conferences vary and are negotiable Possible Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council

SARA DEBEER 1378 Boulevard West Hartford, CT 06119 (860) 561-5905 E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net Since 1978, Sara deBeer has delighted audiences of all ages with her repertoire of international folktales. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara frequently designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies of science and social studies. When working with individual classes, Sara often combines performing with writing or storytelling exercises which permit students to explore the events and characters of the stories they just heard. (Sara is a fellow of the 2005 Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT.) Sara also offers workshops for teachers and assembly programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Program Titles: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic; Folktales from the Many Cultures of Africa; Tales of Women Wise and Wondrous; Jewish Tales for Young and Old; Legends of King Arthur; Hand- Collected Irish Yarns Fee: $250-$500

DIANE  EDGECOMB PO Box 300016 Boston, MA 02130 (617) 522-4335 E Mail: dedge@livingmyth.com Website: www.livingmyth.com For over twenty years, Diane has been bringing top quality storytelling assemblies to schools and educational institutions. Her gifts as a storyteller, educator and communicator make her as appreciated by teachers as she is by students with many repeat engagements requested. The effortless way Diane's programs bring educational information into an entertaining format inspire the most reluctant learners to open up their imaginations. From Nature and Science programming to performances representing unusual cultures, including Native American Nature Myths and the Kurds of the Middle East, each performance is the result of careful and thorough research. Visit her website or look below through the Seasonal, Cultural, and Nature offerings for programs like Insect Comedy, Digging Dinosaurs, Tales for the Earth, Welcome in the Spring, Rainforest Legends and more to bring an entertaining assembly to your school with Diane Edgecomb one of New England’s favorite storytellers. Different material and stories are told depending on whether the assembly is for K-2 or 3-6th grade. Each performance comes with an extensive curriculum package, which includes both science-based and language-based activities. Dear Diane: I was just putting away my files for this year's enrichment programs at Steward School and I wanted to mention that you had an overwhelmingly positive response from the teachers here. Their comments included, "She kept 5 classes mesmerized!" "She was masterful at knowing when the students needed a motor break" and "She really engaged them with her stories!" One teacher suggested that you give workshops to teachers on how to tell a story! Should you ever need a reference, please don't hesitate to have someone contact me. We hope to have you back to Steward again in the future!" Julie Sullivan, Enrichment Chair, Topsfield Elementary Schools, MA "I would like to thank you for your terrific performance this afternoon. The students were completely captivated and thoroughly enjoyed your lively delivery, great expressions, interactive style and story content. Several of the teachers stopped me during the day to add their complements and enthusiasm about your program." Ellen Kassaraba, Wellington School PTO, Belmont, MA Program Titles: For complete program descriptions, see http://www.livingmyth.com Celebrate the Season Tall Fall Tales: brings alive the autumn world of nature with original stories and songs sure to delight. Perfect for just starting out the school year. This performance centers on the star in the apple, fall colors and a young girl who just cannot sit still in class! Once Upon a Wintertime: Warm your hearts and your imaginations with this performance of tales from long ago. These stories of wintertime magic and fun are drawn from many cultures ranging from the lyrical Grimms’ tale of Snow White and Rose Red to tales of folksy New England escapades. Welcome in the Spring: Welcome in the spring with talking earthworms, nesting birds and kite flying adventures. The perfect accompaniment to this joyful season. Summer Escapades: celebrates family fun with participatory stories chosen from Diane's best-loved family tales. Including a favorite story about a monkey who takes a wild ride on the back of a shark! Once Upon a Halloween: This fun-filled Halloween event has a huge cauldron bubbling over with fog for the last dramatic story. All tales are appropriate for family audiences ages four to forever and contain a well-rounded blend of suspense and humor. Explore Cultural Riches Native American Nature Tales explores tribal myths and legends of the animals and birds of North America. Ranging from the humorous to the heart-felt, these stories celebrate native culture and its strong links to the natural world. Diane was given permission to tell these tales by many prominent Native authors. European Tales of Enchantment: Enter the world of fairy tales where magic is only a moment away, and lessons about how to live are expressed through vivid symbols. Classic fairytales as well as unusual versions of familiar stories. Fit for a King’s Ear: Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Margot Chamberlain on Celtic harp. This Medieval program is filled with tales of unusual princesses and Arthurian Knights. A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Folktales: Based on Diane's new book of Kurdish folktales, this program introduces students and families to this pivotal Middle Eastern culture. A map, anecdotes of her collecting experience and traditional dress and dance round out our exploration of this little known culture. Irish Shenanigans: There is plenty of laughter and delight in this animated retelling of Ireland's best-loved gems. This performance is also available with Margot Chamberlain accompanying the program on Celtic harp. Enter Nature’s Realm Digging Dinosaurs: These popular dinosaur adventures complement their scientific facts with a happy dose of humor. Based on current scientific discoveries, this piece educates as it entertains. Rainforest Legends: From the banks of the Amazon River to the heart of the West African jungle, Rainforest Legends brings to life favorite folktales and songs about the animals and plants of these lands. Tales for the Earth: A Celebration of Nature and all the simple things we can do to help. What shines through the entire presentation is a love and respect for our place in nature; with many ideas communicated about how we can create a difference. Insect Comedy: Insect Comedy takes a delightful look at our Six-legged friends. Diane's hilarious interpretations of Mr. Mosquito, Mr. Gnat, Old King Lampyradie Beetle keep us laughing as we take a closer look at the world of insects. Night Lights: In Night Lights, unusual star myths take us on a multi-cultural voyage across the heavens. Listen in wonder as tales from Greece, Estonia, Native America, Kurdistan and Korea celebrate the magic of the night sky. Audience Limit: Suggested maximum 250 Fee (including travel): $525 first show, $300 per additional show. Additional block booking rates available. Workshops $65 each when booked with a companion performance. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, Local Massachusetts Cultural Councils

ABIGAIL   "IFATOLA"   JEFFERSON P.O. Box 176 Peacedale, RI 02883 (401) 932-6565 or (401) 783-4982 EMail: abijef@cox.net Website: www.abigailjefferson.com Abigail "Ifatola" Jefferson, storyteller, dancer and arts educator, performs and conducts workshops nationally. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, Abigail brings to life traditional stories from around the globe. Her performance presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing. Abigail has conducted workshops and performed in schools, churches, prisons, shelters, theatres, festivals and libraries. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.F.A. in theatre, and holds a M.Ed. from Lesley University. Currently, Abigail is an adjunct professor for Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning Program, and the co-director of Celebration of Culture, a program designed to increase students' and educators' appreciation of diversity. She has traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Cuba to study cultural traditions. Program Title: Dance, Drum, Story or Celebration of Culture Audience Limit: 200 Fee: $500 plus travel Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils.

JENNINGS   &   PONDER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder present their stories in two intertwining and overlapping voices, and, between tales, play music on harp and concertina. Their live-performance storytelling CD, "World Tales," won a 1999 American Library Association Notable Children's Recording award. Their two music recordings have been acquired by the Irish traditional Music Archive in Dublin. Recent performances have included Vermont Public Television, Club Passim, and the Saturday night event of the UK Society for Storytelling Annual Gathering, at the National Folk Life Museum in Wales. "This is the best tandem storytelling I have ever heard"-- 2nd Story Review, Ontario. "If you don't believe storytelling can be absolutely fascinating, try this duo; they are brilliant!" -- FolkWorld Magazine, Germany. Audience Limits: up tp 300 Fee: $750 for one performance; $1,350 for a double, same day, same place. Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Vermont Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

MARY   JO   MAICHACK   MINSTREL/STORYTELLER Maichack Arts 93 Homestead Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 532-3667 Fax (413) 538-6023 E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/ Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun. Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time. Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects, dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency, NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study. "Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum. Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.” Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any Fee: $395 and up Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other

SUMNER   McCLAIN Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (617) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com A respected and sought-after storyteller, Sumner's message is Yes! You can be anything you want to be. Appreciating differences and self-esteem are two topics close to his heart and ones that are frequently requested. In addition, he has in his repertoire many stories from folk literature as well as the African-American experience. His original story about Martin Luther King, Jr., "Daddy King" is heavily booked each year. Workshops for students and teachers are also available. Audience Limit: 25/workshop; 200/assembly Fee: $500 for the first performance, $300 for each thereafter same day/same location. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

DIANE   POSTOIAN 130 Wentworth Ave. Cranston, RI 02905 (401) 461-1322 E Mail: dianepostoian@verizon.net Website: www.dianepostoian.com Diane dramatizes contemporary books on a child's reading level, so she can say to her audience, "If you liked this story, you can read it." Her energetic, comical classroom workshops include many of the language arts standards. And her personal stories for adolescents put humor back into growing pains. Diane is determined to raise the standard of entertainment for young people. As former director of Looking Glass Theatre, Diane received grants nationwide for her innovative work in education and performance. In 2006, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Rhode Island College. Program Titles: Storytheatre - one woman shows with multiple characters; Earth Stories (Grades K-2); Folk Tales with participation for 5 students (Grades 3 - 6). Workshops: Acting Naturally About Reading; Ask Olga! - stand up comedy and mental health awareness (Grades 5 - 12) Audience Limit: Shows: 150 students; Workshops - classroom size Special Requirements: open space Fee: $375 - $725 plus travel Possible Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, State Arts Councils, VSA Arts, Titles One and Four

MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 495-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts

TIM VAN EGMOND Folksinger & Storyteller 118 E. Chestnut Hill Road Montague, MA 01351-9541 (413) 367-9304 E-mail: timve@rcn.com Website: www.timvanegmond.com Blog: timvanegmond.blogspot.com Tim Van Egmond waves together tales, tunes, and songs -- from the rib- tickling to the spine-tingling to the heart-warming. Music flows in and around his stories through his singing and playing on a wide variety of traditional instruments (including limberjack, hammered and mountain dulcimer, mouth bow, guitar, conga drum, and pennywhistle). His dynamic style incorporates dramatic movement, voice, and facial expression to make stories come alive. His gift of encouraging participation makes for high-spirited and engaging programs. Each program is tailored to meet special needs and interests of sponsors and participants. Teacher and Student Workshops also available. Residencies in Massachusetts for special needs classes and inclusion that adapt music and storytelling to build academic, developmental, and social skills can be arranged through VSA Arts of Massachusetts. Program Titles: Building Bridges - A Celebration of Multicultural Diversity and Understanding; Hearing Nature's Voice; You're (Not) So Different From Me - Disability Awareness; Sun and Moon and Stars; The Story Bag; Sing, Jump, Say, Clap! - Language and Literacy Readiness Activities for Early Childhood; Young Fogies & Old Whippersnappers - intergenerational programs with students and seniors. Audience Limit: 50/class; 200/assembly (Extra charges for classes over 50 or assemblies over 200) Fee: 1 show- $400 + travel; 2 shows - $600; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program. For schools in New England states outside of Massachusetts that include a public performance, the New England States Touring Program (NEST)

DEBBIE   O'CARROLL   MAGICAL  THEATRE   FOR   CHILDREN Debbie O'Carroll 51 Olive Street Newburyport, MA 01950 (978) 462-9954 Fax: (978) 462-9954 Email: debbie@debbieocarroll.com Website: www.debbieocarroll.com Debbie O'Carroll is a 'one of a kind' performer. She combines stage magic, theatre, and dance with lots of audience participation. Her appealing props, delightful costumes, enchanting magic and lively stage movement both educate and entertain. Program Titles: Addacadabra (math): The Flower Power Magic Show (science and social Studies): Celebrate the December Holidays (diversity); The Irish Magic Show (children's literature); The Amazing America Animals Magic Show (history): The Railroad Magic Show (geography of the U.S.); The Magic of Exercise (physical fitness); Tall Tales from a Small World (world geography); The Planets Magic Show (science) Grade Level Suitability: Pre-K through 6 Audience Size Limit: None. Fee: $300 - $400; Block Booking rates for two or more performances. Discounts for after school programs. Funding Source: NEST, New England Foundation for the Arts, BOCES, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local cultural councils.

ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read. Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream. Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)

GOULD and STEARNS Bonnie Stearns, Managing Director 44 Hillcrest Terrace Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-8355 Fax: same email: stearns@sover.net Web: www.sover.net/~stearns OR Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns are madcap performers and master teachers who have been offering school programs and residencies for over 20 years. Their performances are clever, often zany, and always heart-warming. In their work as workshop and discussion leaders, often in conjunction with a performance, they give students a can-do message about managing problems and opportunities with the help of humor. Programs include: Secrets: Peter and Stephen use stories of their own growing up to look, with humor, at real kid issues - peer pressure, self esteem, and choice-making. (grades 4-6, 7-8) Fee Fie Fo Fun! involves the audience in re-creating the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk with Peter and Stephen - and gives insight into the art forms of mime, theatre and comedy. This new look at an old favorite is a perfect way to introduce young students to storytelling as a living art form. (grades preK-5) A Peasant of El Salvador - about which teachers have said - "The best social studies lesson my students will have all year... The most moving, meaningful play I have ever seen... Taught more about Latin American culture in one hour than I do in three years teaching." (grades 9-12) Simple Gifts - a special holiday program for December - highlights stories from a variety of cultures and traditions, and reminds us that the simple gifts of ourselves are the best sources of warmth and comfort we can offer one another. Laughing Matters teaches students basic illusions and mime techniques and creative use of language while it takes them on a journey of the imagination - from a whaling ship of the 1800s to the vaudeville stage, and into the future! (grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12). Program Titles: Secrets, Fee Fie Fo Fun!, A Peasant of El Salvador, Simple Gifts, Laughing Matters Audience limit: 24/class, usually 300-350 /assembly, up to 650 or more in suitable auditorium. Fee: $500-$800/performance Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts

GERWICK   PUPPETS 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 $750.00, 2 performances $1,100, 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.

NAPPY'S   PUPPETS Jim Napolitano 53 Waterbury Road North Haven, CT 06473 (203) 824-0615 E-Mail: nappy@nappyspuppets.com Website: www.nappyspuppets For thousands of years, man has manipulated puppets for a variety of reasons; religion, education, therapy and entertainment. Of all the forms of puppetry, the most magical and cinematic is shadow puppetry. Seen on the award-winning PBS show, Between the Lions, Jim Napolitano is available to perform for your audience. Presenting his unique one-man show shadow puppet shows, Jim is sure to delight and amaze your group. Title: Jack and the Beanstalk, Father Goose's Tales, Sing-a-Long with Nappy's Puppets Audience Limit: 350/assembly Special Requirements: Indoors with access to electricity Fee: Shows start at $400.00.

NAN   RUMPF Storytelling Arts 847 Washington Street Wellesley, MA 02482 (781) 237-6318 E Mail: nanrumpf@gmail.com Website: www.nanrumpf.com Storytelling Arts: After listening to an international folk tale, children work together in their classroom to develop a variety of artistic creations for dramatic storytelling--puppets, masks, and scenery--representing the characters in the chosen folk tale. Nan Rumpf provides all art materials and tools. Children then experiment with expressive movement, gesture, puppet manipulation, positioning, timing, taking turns, and listening for cues. They work together to present their dramatic interpretation of the tale accompanied by sound effects and live music for an audience of parents and schoolmates. (For Grades K-2.) There are several workshop stories to choose from. The international folk tales are from Africa, Japan, China, Mexico and Finland. There is also a Native American tale from the Seneca people. Program Title: Storytelling Arts Fee: Two day workshops: $350/class; $550/two classes on same project Special Requirements: Need gym or auditorium or large room for rehearsal of folktale ASIA (See Also CAMBODIA, CHINA and JAPAN) MUSIC || THEATER THEATER   ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read. Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream. Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage) AFRICA MUSIC/DANCE || STORYTELLING || THEATER || PUPPETRY    ART   OF   BLACK   MUSIC   &   DANCE, INC. De Ama Battle, Director 32 Cameron Avenue Somerville, MA 02144 (617) 666-1859 E Mail: deamabattle@yahoo.com Website: www.abdm.net ABDM's 35 year history continues to support its mission to preserve African-rooted heritage through instruction and performance, and to bring to the classroom the diverse cultures of the African Diaspora. The dynamic ensemble of professional educators and performing artists deliver works from a rich repertoire to audiences of all ages. ABDM's success is its artistic and educational flexibility, its high powered performances and its unique audience participation. ABDM's Founder/Director De Ama Battle has studied, taught and/or performed throughout West Africa, New England, Jamaica, and Brazil. Program Titles: Our African Heritage Fee: $600 - $900 Special Requirements: 30 minute set-up required   ABIGAIL   "IFATOLA"   JEFFERSON P.O. Box 176 Peacedale, RI 02883 (401) 932-6565 or (401) 783-4982 EMail: abijef@cox.net Website: www.abigailjefferson.com Abigail "Ifatola" Jefferson, storyteller, dancer and arts educator, performs and conducts workshops nationally. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, Abigail brings to life traditional stories from around the globe. Her performance presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing. Abigail has conducted workshops and performed in schools, churches, prisons, shelters, theatres, festivals and libraries. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.F.A. in theatre, and holds a M.Ed. from Lesley University. Currently, Abigail is an adjunct professor for Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning Program, and the co-director of Celebration of Culture, a program designed to increase students' and educators' appreciation of diversity. She has traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Cuba to study cultural traditions. Program Title: Dance, Drum, Story or Celebration of Culture Audience Limit: 200 Fee: $500 plus travel Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils.    MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 495-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts THEATER   ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read. Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream. Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage) STORYTELLING   ABIGAIL   "IFATOLA"   JEFFERSON P.O. Box 176 Peacedale, RI 02883 (401) 932-6565 or (401) 783-4982 EMail: abijef@cox.net Website: www.abigailjefferson.com Abigail "Ifatola" Jefferson, storyteller, dancer and arts educator, performs and conducts workshops nationally. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, Abigail brings to life traditional stories from around the globe. Her performance presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing. Abigail has conducted workshops and performed in schools, churches, prisons, shelters, theatres, festivals and libraries. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.F.A. in theatre, and holds a M.Ed. from Lesley University. Currently, Abigail is an adjunct professor for Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning Program, and the co-director of Celebration of Culture, a program designed to increase students' and educators' appreciation of diversity. She has traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Cuba to study cultural traditions. Program Title: Dance, Drum, Story or Celebration of Culture Audience Limit: 200 Fee: $500 plus travel Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils.    MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 95-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts PUPPETRY    CRABGRASS   PUPPET   THEATRE Encore Performing Arts, Inc Roberta Wolinsky PO Box 630 Melville, NY 11747 (800) 669-9850 Fax: (631) 423-1795 Email: puppets@encoreperforming.com Website: http://www.crabgrasspuppets.com/ Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents quality puppet theatre featuring a variety of intricate and unusual puppets, colorful scenery, music, and expert manipulation. Programs available include: "Anansi, Spiderman of Africa" is a side-splitting selection of famous folktales from Africa starring Anansi the spider, whose appetite always overrules his intellect. The show is a dynamic blend of traditional African design, infectious music and fabulous puppetry. “The Bremen Town Musicians” is an enchanting Brothers Grimm folktale. Thrown off their farms because they are too old to work, a donkey, a cat and a rooster form a singing group and set off for the big city to make it in show biz. Along the way they meet a nasty bunch of robbers, and it’s up to the animals to get rid of them. In doing so, they discover that everyone has a special talent and that only by working together can they achieve their dreams. "Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol" is a lighthearted adaptation of Dickens' holiday classic, starring Mr. Punch as Scrooge. "The Last Dragon on Earth" is a modern fairytale about learning to live together in peace. It tells the story of a Princess that does not need to be rescued from a misunderstood dragon who happens to be the very last one on earth. "The Last Dragon on Earth" is a modern fairytale about learning to live together in peace. It tells the story of a Princess that does not need to be rescued from a misunderstood dragon who happens to be the very last one on earth. “Haiku Hiphop and Hotdogs”: Puppets Do Poetry Imagine a symphony composed entirely by goldfish! Thrill to the adventures of “Fearless Flying Hotdogs!” Dance with the “Funky Snowman!” This exciting new fusion of poetry and puppetry includes Jack Prelutsky’s “The Goblin” (these goblins just want to have fun!) as well as poems by Nikki Giovanni, David McCord, Calef Brown and others. Remember to “Keep a Poem in Your Pocket,” and – above all – “Do Not Approach an Emu!” “Jabberwocky” One of the best-known poems in children’s literature springs to life with wit and whimsy, stunning puppets, and fantastical scenery. Explore the magical world of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass, where you’ll meet wondrous creatures like the mimsy borogrove and the frumious bandersnatch. This fabulous and funny adventure is a true celebration of the imagination! “The Day It Snowed Tortillas” Creative thinking is the key ingredient that helps a poor couple outwit a gang of bullies in this delightful folktale from Mexico about luck, love and lunch. A woodcutter and his wife have the chance to become rich. All they have to do is make it snow – in July – in Mexico! Perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo! Program Titles: Anansi, Spiderman of Africa; The Bremen Town Musicians; Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol; The Last Dragon on Earth; Haiku Hiphop and Hotdogs; Jabberwocky; The Day It Snowed Tortillas Special Requirements: 9 ft. ceiling clearance Fee: $875-1000 for 1; $1150-1300 for 2 back-to-back Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, VT Council on the Arts LATIN AMERICA MUSIC/DANCE || THEATER || STORYTELLING MUSIC/DANCE   STEVE SCHUCH Night Heron Music 267 Center Road Hillsboro, NH 03244 (800) 785-9678 E Mail: info@nightheron.com Website: http://www.NightHeron.com Join award-winning musician, author, and storyteller STEVE SCHUCH on a voyage of discovery. Striking pieces for violin and whales... magical tales of from around the world... lively singing, fun with languages, and the science of sound... all are part of Steve’s wide-ranging repertoire. Music and story selections are grade level appropriate, exemplifying arts education at its best. All programs include a free set of Books, CD’s and Educator Prep Materials. Steve offers encouragement for young writers and musicians as well. Honors include Artist Fellowships, composer awards and five fiddling championships. Steve’s musical story, A Symphony of Whales, received five national book awards, and his children’s recording, Trees of Life, a Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Schools often include an Author Book/CD Signing with a portion of the proceeds going back to the school. Details at: www.NightHeron.com. "Warmth and storytelling magic." –Los Angeles Times "Exceptionally fine... Schuch brings as much skill and intelligence to folk music as he does to classical." –The Boston Globe Sample Program: A Symphony of Whales Learn about whales, their songs and their encounters with humans. Listen to a true tale of arctic rescue and hear Steve’s unforgettable“Whale Trilogy” –– a solo violin piece played with these mysterious songs of the deep. Weaving together science and performance, this program includes material from Steve’s travels, CD’s and award-winning book, A Symphony of Whales. “Riveting indeed.” –Smithsonian Program Titles: A Symphony of Whales; The Author’s Story; Songs & Tales Around the World; Music & Tales of Ireland; Songs & Tales of the Earth; Life in a Third World Village (music & slide program); Roots of Rhythm & Harmony; Fiddler on the Loose; Imagination & the Art of Storytelling; The Writer's Workshop; Parent/Educator Workshops; Family Concerts; Artist Residencies. Audience Limit: 250/assembly; 30/workshop; call to discuss Family Concerts and Artist Residencies Fee: Contact artist for details. Funding Sources: Title II Grants, New England Foundation for the Arts, New Hampshire Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)   TAINO Encore Performing Arts, Inc Roberta Wolinsky PO Box 630 Melville, NY 11747 (800) 669-9850 Fax: (631) 423-1795 Email: taino@encoreperforming.com Website: http://encoreperforming.com/ta.htm After a five year journey through Central and South America and the Caribbean, Sana and Papo returned to their homes in New England and Puerto Rico and created TAINO (pronounced tah-ee-noe) and for the past 15 years have toured the Eastern Seaboard enchanting audiences with their unique brand of worldclass, Caribbean-flavored music, with storytelling relating their on-going adventures in both cultures. TAINO is available in the U.S.A. from mid-May through mid-December; during the remaining 5 months TAINO resides on their mountain farm in Puerto Rico, conducting inter-cultural exchange programs. TAINO has two recordings of Caribbean World music for all ages. Complimentary copies with all 2001 bookings. PROGRAMS: The Journey: TAINO retraces their journey through Latin America & the Caribbean through story & song. Authentic music with student participation. Bilingual adventure. Calypso Jam-O-Rama: The sparkle of the steel drum adds to TAINO's diverse ensemble of instruments. In a highly participatory performance, Sana & Papo explore Mento, Calypso, and Reggae roots in the Afro-Latin culture of the islands. Caribbean Holiday: A music journey of the Caribbean celebrating the joyful and festive holiday season in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guadalupe, and Jamaica. Discovering Columbus: Through story, song, theater, and audience pariticpation TAINO explores the world that Columbus encountered, and the transformation of that world with the meeting of the Native American, european, and African peoples. Rainforest: Travel along the equator visitng the endangered tropical forest regions through music & stories inspired by the sounds & flavors of South America, Africa, and Asia. Caribbean Carnaval: A new end of the school year show; a festive variety of Caribbean music featuring Sana's dazzling keyboard & emphasizing audinece and "on-stage" student participation. Wow! Gracias A La Vida: Thanksgiving Around the World: Masks, dance, and audience participation combine with songs, ethnic instruments, and stories to celebrate the harvest time in the British Isles, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Program Titles: Calypso Jam-O-Rama; The Journey; Rainforest; Caribbean Holiday; Discovering Columbus; Caribbean Carnaval; Gracias A La Vida: Thanksgiving Around the World Audience Limit: 300/assembly Fee: $800/single; $1,050 per double show in same location. Travel fees are variable. Block booking discounts. Residencies available. Funding Source: Vermont Arts Council Special Requirements: Tech Rider will be provided with contract    ROGER  TINCKNELL 78 Pratt Corner Road Shutesbury, MA 01072 (413) 259-1146 E-Mail: roger@rogertincknell.com Website: www.rogertincknell.com Two-time Parents’ Choice Award-winning recording artist, Roger Tincknell offers participatory, curriculum-based music assemblies and workshops. As a former classroom teacher and music specialist, Roger provides enriching multi-cultural, historical, and environmental programs. His repertoire includes international folk-songs sung in a variety of languages as well as songs and dances from Native, African, European and Asian- American traditions. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, ukulele, Irish bozouki, Incan charango, Russian balalaika, Puerto Rican cuatro, harmonica, Native American flutes, African drums and Latin percussion. His programs include: Across the Americas, a musical journey from Canada to South America; Earth Rhythms, an environmental program, Children's Songs and Singing Games, a participatory multicultural program for younger grades. Roger also offers songwriting workshops and hands-on programs for special needs and very young children. Comprehensive study guides are provided. Program Titles: Across the Americas (can be tailored to include: Colonial America to the Revolution, Immigration and Industrial America; From Slavery to Civil Rights; Cowboys, Yodeling and Western Expansion; Latin American Songs, Dances and Instruments; Songs of the Sea.); Earth Rhythms (Celebrates and teaches environmental awareness); Children's Songs and Singing Games; Holidays from Around the World (Winter Solstice Celebration, Martin Luther King Jr., St. Patrick's Day, Halloween and others); Under One Sky: A Multicultural Musical Journey around the World Audience Limit: 40/class; 400/assembly Fee: $350-$400 (plus travel) sliding scale for one show with additional programs on same day 1/2 price. Funding Source: MCC, Local Cultural Councils and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Very Special Arts, BOCES (NY), SCLC (CT) Special Requirements: table and access to electricity THEATER   ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read. Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream. Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council,    GOULD and STEARNS Bonnie Stearns, Managing Director 44 Hillcrest Terrace Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-8355 Fax: same email: stearns@sover.net Web: www.sover.net/~stearns OR Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns are madcap performers and master teachers who have been offering school programs and residencies for over 20 years. Their performances are clever, often zany, and always heart-warming. In their work as workshop and discussion leaders, often in conjunction with a performance, they give students a can-do message about managing problems and opportunities with the help of humor. Programs include: Secrets: Peter and Stephen use stories of their own growing up to look, with humor, at real kid issues - peer pressure, self esteem, and choice-making. (grades 4-6, 7-8) Fee Fie Fo Fun! involves the audience in re-creating the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk with Peter and Stephen - and gives insight into the art forms of mime, theatre and comedy. This new look at an old favorite is a perfect way to introduce young students to storytelling as a living art form. (grades preK-5) A Peasant of El Salvador - about which teachers have said - "The best social studies lesson my students will have all year... The most moving, meaningful play I have ever seen... Taught more about Latin American culture in one hour than I do in three years teaching." (grades 9-12) Simple Gifts - a special holiday program for December - highlights stories from a variety of cultures and traditions, and reminds us that the simple gifts of ourselves are the best sources of warmth and comfort we can offer one another. Laughing Matters teaches students basic illusions and mime techniques and creative use of language while it takes them on a journey of the imagination - from a whaling ship of the 1800s to the vaudeville stage, and into the future! (grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12). Program Titles: Secrets, Fee Fie Fo Fun!, A Peasant of El Salvador, Simple Gifts, Laughing Matters Audience limit: 24/class, usually 300-350 /assembly, up to 650 or more in suitable auditorium. Fee: $500-$800/performance Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts STORYTELLING    LEENY   DEL SEAMONDS Master Story Performer PO Box 1268 Westford, MA 01886 Phone/Fax: 978-692-3961 E-mail: leeny@LeenyDelSeamonds.com Website: www.LeenyDelSeamonds.com With a face and voice that launched a thousand characters, Leeny Del Seamonds, Master Story Performer™, is a multi award-winning, internationally acclaimed master performer of Hispanic/Latino, original and multicultural stories spiced with exquisite mime, a cornucopia of voices, and love of people. With a twinkle in her eye and fire in her heart, Leeny breathes life into her stories, as she masterfully and effortlessly springs from one story character to another. A dedicated Teaching Artist, Leeny encourages listeners to feel positive about themselves and rejoice in human and cultural diversity, inviting them to share in her Latin/Cuban-American sense of humor and love of performing. Leeny Del Seamonds has over 30 years of stage, film and directing experience in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Leeny graduated magna cum laude from Rowan University and holds a BA in Speech & Theatre/Performing Arts (with a minor in Stage Directing). In New York City, she was trained by and has performed with The Richard Morse Mime Theatre, The Herbert Bergdorf Studio, The Purple Craft Theatre and The Mercer Ballet Company. Since moving to New England in 1978, Leeny has worked as an actor, director, coach, teacher, and Master Story Performer™. Although she loves all aspects of theatre, Leeny's happiest when performing a tale, for she is best able to utilize mime, acting, singing, writing and teaching talents. From 1991 to present, Leeny has devoted all of her passion and energies to full-time, professional story performing. Awarded the title 2002 National Storyteller of the Year®, Leeny is on the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Creative Schools Program roster, the MA Touring Program, the New England Foundation for the Arts roster, Young Audiences of Massachusetts artist roster, BOCES NY arts-in-education roster, the Connecticut Storytelling Center’s School Programs roster, is a member of the National Storytelling Network and is a past Board Member of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling (LANES) and is a frequent contributor to their Museletter. Leeny has also been published in Storytelling Magazine; Tale Trader; Ahhhh! A Tribute to Brother Blue; Holy Headshots!; Hearsay and on the web site of Parents' Choice Foundation. Leeny is a regular presenter at the Sharing the Fire Northeast Storytelling Conference, and in March 1996, was their featured Opening Keynote performer. Leeny is a former Board Member of Three Apples Storytelling Festival, a Charter Member of The Sky's The Unlimited, Ltd., a Boston theatrical production company, and a member of Theatre Unlimited Stage Company. She holds memberships with the International Order of E.A.R.S., Inc.; Boston Cultural Network; Massachusetts Alliance for Arts Education; Massachusetts Business Association; Connecticut Storytelling Center; and Folk Arts Network. She has taught numerous courses in acting, improvisation, storytelling, voice, mime and movement in community theatres, community centers, national conferences, festivals, schools, universities, and privately. Additionally, Leeny has performed and presented workshops/residencies in hundreds of school systems and libraries internationally. Leeny is a Department of Education Professional Development Provider for New Jersey and Massachusetts. Leeny was Keynote and workshop presenter for “ˇHola! Heading Out to Latin America” at Foxcroft School in Virginia, at the 7th Annual Conference on Storytelling for Children, Keene State, NH, and at the 2004 Conference for the Massachusetts Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. She has performed and presented at National Storytelling Conferences in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Providence, Denver, Bellingham, Pittsburgh, Gatlinburg and L.A. In 2002, Leeny was one of seven national tellers in the NSN Conference General Session "Bienvenidos a la Fiesta: The Latino Experience." Leeny has twice been headliner at the National Storytelling Festival and Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center, both in Jonesborough, TN, as well as headliner at "Gimistory," The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival, BWI; Mesa Storytelling Festival, AZ; Mariposa Storytelling Festival, CA; Weber State U. Festival, UT; St. Louis Festival, MO; Open Hand Theatre, NY; Patchwork Tales Festival, SC; Riverway Storytelling Festival, NY; Multi-Cultural Storytelling Festival in OR; NC Storyfest (twice); Nebraska Storytelling Festival (twice); Kansas City Storytelling Celebration; Virginia Storytelling Alliance Gathering, VA; Tcha Tee Man Wi Storytelling Festival, OR; Three Apples Storytelling Festival, MA (three times); Prairie Center for the Arts Storytelling Festival, IL; and Smoky Hill River Festival in Kansas (twice). She has been featured at dozens of national festivals including Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival, NY; Connecticut Storytelling Festival; Granite State Storytelling Festival, NH; and Corn Island Storytelling Festival, KY. In September 2006, Leeny was a featured delegate and master teller in China as part of the Nu Wa Storytelling and Cultural Exchange tour. Leeny Del Seamonds has been a featured performer at eight First Night Boston and five First Night Worcester celebrations; and in September 2004 was headliner at the Baltimore Book Festival (sponsored by Parents' Choice Foundation) and the City of Jacksonville's "Celebration of Women." Leeny stars in the international Television and DVD series Ribert & Robert's WonderWorld, a multi award-winning children's program, whose most recent award is the 2006 iParenting Media Award Winner. In the series, Leeny plays ‘Leeny the Story Performer’ and writes and performs her own segments. Her highly acclaimed recording, "ˇAy Caramba! ˇAy Ay Ay! Cuentos y Canciónes (Latino Stories & Songs)," takes listeners on a journey through Leeny's rich Latino heritage and won a 2003 Parents' Choice Silver Award. Leeny's musical CD, "CelloTales: The Melding of Music, Myth & Memories," created and performed with cellist Gideon Freudmann, won a 2004 Parents' Choice Gold Award and a 2005 Storytelling World Winner Award. Both CD's received favorable endorsements from Booklist and School Library Journal. September 2009 marks the release of two new recordings created, produced and performed by Leeny Del Seamonds geared for seasoned listeners. “It Takes Two to Tango – Ties that Bind Us” is an alluring, witty and insightful look at the triumphs and tribulations of relationships and “Shadows in the Woods – Spine-Tingling Tales” is a compilation of Leeny’s original scary stories guaranteed to shiver and chill all who lend an ear. Her renowned CDs are also featured on www.Tales2Go.com. Leeny’s celebrated repertoire of nineteen story programs and eight sought-after workshops reflects her desire to embrace life to its fullest. With passion, fire and wit, Leeny’s one-woman performances and renowned workshops headline festivals, concerts and events worldwide. For additional information and schedule of Leeny’s upcoming performances, visit www.LeenyDelSeamonds.com (or call the office at 978-692-3961). Audience Limit: 200/school performance; 25/ school workshop Fee: $500/one school daytime performance; $775/two; $925/three. $125/school workshop. For all other performances/workshops, call for quote. Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Storytelling Center School Programs CARIBBEAN (See Also CUBA, HAITI, PUERTO RICO) MUSIC/DANCE || STORYTELLING MUSIC    ART   OF   BLACK   MUSIC   &   DANCE, INC. De Ama Battle, Director 32 Cameron Avenue Somerville, MA 02144 (617) 666-1859 E Mail: deamabattle@yahoo.com Website: www.abdm.net ABDM's 35 year history continues to support its mission to preserve African-rooted heritage through instruction and performance, and to bring to the classroom the diverse cultures of the African Diaspora. The dynamic ensemble of professional educators and performing artists deliver works from a rich repertoire to audiences of all ages. ABDM's success is its artistic and educational flexibility, its high powered performances and its unique audience participation. ABDM's Founder/Director De Ama Battle has studied, taught and/or performed throughout West Africa, New England, Jamaica, and Brazil. Program Titles: Our African Heritage Fee: $600 - $900 Special Requirements: 30 minute set-up required    MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 495-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts   TAINO Encore Performing Arts, Inc Roberta Wolinsky PO Box 630 Melville, NY 11747 (800) 669-9850 Fax: (631) 423-1795 Email: taino@encoreperforming.com Website: http://encoreperforming.com/ta.htm After a five year journey through Central and South America and the Caribbean, Sana and Papo returned to their homes in New England and Puerto Rico and created TAINO (pronounced tah-ee-noe) and for the past 15 years have toured the Eastern Seaboard enchanting audiences with their unique brand of worldclass, Caribbean-flavored music, with storytelling relating their on-going adventures in both cultures. TAINO is available in the U.S.A. from mid-May through mid-December; during the remaining 5 months TAINO resides on their mountain farm in Puerto Rico, conducting inter-cultural exchange programs. TAINO has two recordings of Caribbean World music for all ages. Complimentary copies with all 2001 bookings. PROGRAMS: The Journey: TAINO retraces their journey through Latin America & the Caribbean through story & song. Authentic music with student participation. Bilingual adventure. Calypso Jam-O-Rama: The sparkle of the steel drum adds to TAINO's diverse ensemble of instruments. In a highly participatory performance, Sana & Papo explore Mento, Calypso, and Reggae roots in the Afro-Latin culture of the islands. Caribbean Holiday: A music journey of the Caribbean celebrating the joyful and festive holiday season in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guadalupe, and Jamaica. Discovering Columbus: Through story, song, theater, and audience pariticpation TAINO explores the world that Columbus encountered, and the transformation of that world with the meeting of the Native American, european, and African peoples. Rainforest: Travel along the equator visitng the endangered tropical forest regions through music & stories inspired by the sounds & flavors of South America, Africa, and Asia. Caribbean Carnaval: A new end of the school year show; a festive variety of Caribbean music featuring Sana's dazzling keyboard & emphasizing audinece and "on-stage" student participation. Wow! Gracias A La Vida: Thanksgiving Around the World: Masks, dance, and audience participation combine with songs, ethnic instruments, and stories to celebrate the harvest time in the British Isles, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Program Titles: Calypso Jam-O-Rama; The Journey; Rainforest; Caribbean Holiday; Discovering Columbus; Caribbean Carnaval; Gracias A La Vida: Thanksgiving Around the World Audience Limit: 300/assembly Fee: $800/single; $1,050 per double show in same location. Travel fees are variable. Block booking discounts. Residencies available. Funding Source: Vermont Arts Council Special Requirements: Tech Rider will be provided with contract STORYTELLING    MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 495-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts BRAZIL    ART   OF   BLACK   MUSIC   &   DANCE, INC. De Ama Battle, Director 32 Cameron Avenue Somerville, MA 02144 (617) 666-1859 E Mail: deamabattle@yahoo.com Website: www.abdm.net ABDM's 35 year history continues to support its mission to preserve African-rooted heritage through instruction and performance, and to bring to the classroom the diverse cultures of the African Diaspora. The dynamic ensemble of professional educators and performing artists deliver works from a rich repertoire to audiences of all ages. ABDM's success is its artistic and educational flexibility, its high powered performances and its unique audience participation. ABDM's Founder/Director De Ama Battle has studied, taught and/or performed throughout West Africa, New England, Jamaica, and Brazil. Program Titles: Our African Heritage Fee: $600 - $900 Special Requirements: 30 minute set-up required CHINA    GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER Margaret Moody 78 Varnum Street Arlington, MA 02174 (781) 643-1228 Email: galapagospuppets.com Galapagos performs folk, history and gentle fantasy stories with expressive hand puppets. Using traditional Chinese puppets and choreography we present three episodes of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. "The Golem" and "Trolls in the Kitchen" offer entertaining introductions to Jewish and Scandinavian folktales. In "Esther's Story," a life-sized puppet shares the Holocaust diaries of the teenaged Esther Cohn. Galapagos has toured the East Coast since 1987, and has extensive experience in schools, libraries and museums. Program Titles: For large groups: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Esther's Story; The Golwm. For smaller groups: Trolls in the Kitchen; Monkey Wreaks Havoc in Heaven; Badger Meets the Fairies; The Trolls and the Tree. Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group Fee: Most shows: $600 single performance; $900 two performances on same day Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $250 Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened    YOU   and   ME   PUPPETS Judith O'Hare (781) 944-0965 E Mail: jaohare@gmail.com Website: www.youandmepuppets.com Judith O'Hare developed the You and Me Puppets in 1977 to provide a way for children to be expressive through the art of puppetry. Her style of participatory puppetry is unique and her work in puppetry in education has been recognized by the Puppeteers of America through a leadership award in 1994, and most recently she has been named a national education consultant. She oversees a yearly "Puppets: Education Magic" teacher training project, speaks at educational conferences and provides on-site teacher training for schools. She also works in partnership with teachers to develop classroom puppet plays from conception to performance. Student workshops are also available in a variety of subject matter. Program Titles: Memories of a Chinese Grandmother (Grades K - 8); The Selfish Giant (Grades K - 6); Jessica's Friends (preK - 4); Hansel and Gretel (K - 6), Tales from Greek Mythology (Grades 5-8; Petite Puppet Plays (preK-4) Audience Limit: 25/workshop/class; 200/assembly Fee: Start at $350, reduction for same performance/same day/same location. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York) Special Requirements: assistance for loading and unloading, electricity, space approx. 15X20 EL SALVADOR    GOULD and STEARNS Bonnie Stearns, Managing Director 44 Hillcrest Terrace Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-8355 Fax: same email: stearns@sover.net Web: www.sover.net/~stearns OR Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns are madcap performers and master teachers who have been offering school programs and residencies for over 20 years. Their performances are clever, often zany, and always heart-warming. In their work as workshop and discussion leaders, often in conjunction with a performance, they give students a can-do message about managing problems and opportunities with the help of humor. Programs include: Secrets: Peter and Stephen use stories of their own growing up to look, with humor, at real kid issues - peer pressure, self esteem, and choice-making. (grades 4-6, 7-8) Fee Fie Fo Fun! involves the audience in re-creating the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk with Peter and Stephen - and gives insight into the art forms of mime, theatre and comedy. This new look at an old favorite is a perfect way to introduce young students to storytelling as a living art form. (grades preK-5) A Peasant of El Salvador - about which teachers have said - "The best social studies lesson my students will have all year... The most moving, meaningful play I have ever seen... Taught more about Latin American culture in one hour than I do in three years teaching." (grades 9-12) Simple Gifts - a special holiday program for December - highlights stories from a variety of cultures and traditions, and reminds us that the simple gifts of ourselves are the best sources of warmth and comfort we can offer one another. Laughing Matters teaches students basic illusions and mime techniques and creative use of language while it takes them on a journey of the imagination - from a whaling ship of the 1800s to the vaudeville stage, and into the future! (grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12). Program Titles: Secrets, Fee Fie Fo Fun!, A Peasant of El Salvador, Simple Gifts, Laughing Matters Audience limit: 24/class, usually 300-350 /assembly, up to 650 or more in suitable auditorium. Fee: $500-$800/performance Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts HAITI    MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 495-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts IRELAND MUSIC || STORYTELLING || HISTORICAL CHARACTER || THEATER MUSIC    TOM   CALLINAN   and   ANN   SHAPIRO c/o Crackerbarrel Entertainments 55 East Town Street Norwich, CT 06360-2345 Phone and Fax: (860) 889-6648 E-Mail: tom.c@crackerbarrel-ents.com Website: http://www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/tomann01.htm For over 30 years, the husband and wife team of Tom Callinan and Ann Shapiro has 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 were among the Featured Tellers at the National Storytelling Festival (1999), and "Tellers-In-Residence" at the International Storytelling Center (2003). Their stories are told 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 Culture and Tourism. Tom, a former junior high school teacher with a B.S. in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University, and a M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan University, has written over 100 songs about Connecticut – more than anyone in history. Via legislation passed by the Connecticut General Assembly, and signed by then-Governor Lowell P. Weicker, Jr., Tom was designated Connecticut's first "Official State Troubadour" in 1991. His credits include: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; "Good Morning America"; "Shining Time Station"; among many others. Honors include: composing songs included in Emmy Award-winning documentaries and co-writing songs on Parents Choice Gold Award recordings, among others. In addition to her work as a creative and performing artist, Ann also serves as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Storytelling Center, in-residence at Connecticut College. Ann is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including: The National Storytelling Network’s 2005 ORACLE Leadership and Service Award For The Northeastern United States; the 2008 Brother Blue and Ruth Hill Award from LANES (The League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling); and the 2009 Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship Recipient from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Tom and Ann have produced over a dozen recordings on CD and cassette (see website: www.Crackerbarrel-Ents.com). A downloadable order form is available at www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/Catalog/Order%20Form.htm, and printed study-guides pertaining to their Arts-In-Education programs are available on request. Information about teacher-training, consulting services, and custom songwriting are available as well. Program Titles: Environmental Hootenanny; From Sea to Shining Sea; Brother Against Brother; Young America; Come On & Sing-Along; 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, Tunes, and Tales; Getting Along; Holiday Hodge-Podge, and more. Audience Limit: 30/class; 300/assembly Fees: Assembly- $500/solo [1st show. 2nd show @ $300]; $750/duo [1st show. 2nd show @ $450]; Classroom- $500 per day/4 classes-solo. Travel is included within Connecticut. Out of state: 55˘ per mile, round-trip from Norwich, CT. 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    TOM   CALLINAN   and   DON   SINETI c/o Crackerbarrel Entertainments 55 East Town Street Norwich, CT 06360-2345 Phone and Fax: (860)-889-6648 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; $.55 per mile, round trip from Norwich, CT 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    PAUL KAPLAN 203 Heatherstone Road Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 253-9484 E Mail: phkaplan@yahoo.com Website: www.paulkaplanmusic.com Paul Kaplan believes that music is unique in its ability to cross the boundaries of time and place, opening minds and hearts along the way. His programs include "Songs Around the World," adaptable to include music from cultures of your choice, "American Folksong Singalong," "Songs of the Sea," "Immigration Songs," "Songs for the Earth," and three interactive seasonal shows for young people: "Fall Frolic," "Wonders of Winter," and "Sing for Spring." Also, with bagpiper Larry Cole, "Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland)," and "The World of Bagpipes." All shows feature many opportunities for audience participation. Program Title: Songs Around the World, Folk Singalong, Songs of the Sea, Songs for the Earth, Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland), Fall Frolic, Wonders of Winter, Sing for Spring Audience Size: 350 Fee: $300 for one show; $450 for two; travel negotiable Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council (event)    THOMAS   O'CARROLL'S   IRISH   PROGRAMS    FOR   HIGH   SCHOOLS Thomas O'Carroll 51 Olive Street Newburyport, MA 01950 Phone and Fax: (978) 462-9954 E mail: tom ocarroll Website: www.tomocarroll.com Irish-born Tom O'Carroll is a historian, folklorist, singer and instrumentalist. Tom has been singing the songs and playing the tunes of Ireland for over 30 years. He enlivens all his programs with his trademark humor and incredible stock of stories and anecdotes. Tom taught school in Dublin before emigrating to the U.S. He also offers teacher training workshops and school residency programs. Program Titles: The Irish Famine: Anatomy of a Disaster; From Tribe to Nation: A Musical Journey through the History of Ireland; Irish Travellers: Our Domestic Nomads; Songs and Stories from Dublin; The Irish Diaspora; Irish Songs and Poetry Audience Suitability: High School Special Requirements: Electrical outlet Fees: $400+ Possible Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council STORYTELLING    SARA DEBEER 1378 Boulevard West Hartford, CT 06119 (860) 561-5905 E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net Since 1978, Sara deBeer has delighted audiences of all ages with her repertoire of international folktales. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara frequently designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies of science and social studies. When working with individual classes, Sara often combines performing with writing or storytelling exercises which permit students to explore the events and characters of the stories they just heard. (Sara is a fellow of the 2005 Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT.) Sara also offers workshops for teachers and assembly programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Program Titles: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic; Folktales from the Many Cultures of Africa; Tales of Women Wise and Wondrous; Jewish Tales for Young and Old; Legends of King Arthur; Hand- Collected Irish Yarns Fee: $250-$500    JENNINGS   &   PONDER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder present their stories in two intertwining and overlapping voices, and, between tales, play music on harp and concertina. Their live-performance storytelling CD, "World Tales," won a 1999 American Library Association Notable Children's Recording award. Their two music recordings have been acquired by the Irish traditional Music Archive in Dublin. Recent performances have included Vermont Public Television, Club Passim, and the Saturday night event of the UK Society for Storytelling Annual Gathering, at the National Folk Life Museum in Wales. "This is the best tandem storytelling I have ever heard"-- 2nd Story Review, Ontario. "If you don't believe storytelling can be absolutely fascinating, try this duo; they are brilliant!" -- FolkWorld Magazine, Germany. Audience Limits: up tp 300 Fee: $750 for one performance; $1,350 for a double, same day, same place. Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Vermont Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)    MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory 589 Chapel Street, #3 New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 495-8808 E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com Website: http://www.DrumSongStory.com Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills. Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape Audience Limit: 350/assembly Fees: Negotiable Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts HISTORICAL CHARACTERS THEATER    DEBBIE   O'CARROLL   MAGICAL  THEATRE   FOR   CHILDREN Debbie O'Carroll 51 Olive Street Newburyport, MA 01950 (978) 462-9954 Fax: (978) 462-9954 Email: debbie@debbieocarroll.com Website: www.debbieocarroll.com Debbie O'Carroll is a 'one of a kind' performer. She combines stage magic, theatre, and dance with lots of audience participation. Her appealing props, delightful costumes, enchanting magic and lively stage movement both educate and entertain. Program Titles: Addacadabra (math): The Flower Power Magic Show (science and social Studies): Celebrate the December Holidays (diversity); The Irish Magic Show (children's literature); The Amazing America Animals Magic Show (history): The Railroad Magic Show (geography of the U.S.); The Magic of Exercise (physical fitness); Tall Tales from a Small World (world geography); The Planets Magic Show (science) Grade Level Suitability: Pre-K through 6 Audience Size Limit: None. Fee: $300 - $400; Block Booking rates for two or more performances. Discounts for after school programs. Funding Source: NEST, New England Foundation for the Arts, BOCES, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local cultural councils. JAPAN   ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read. Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream. Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage) MEXICO    NAN   RUMPF Storytelling Arts 847 Washington Street Wellesley, MA 02482 (781) 237-6318 E Mail: nanrumpf@gmail.com Website: www.nanrumpf.com Storytelling Arts: After listening to an international folk tale, children work together in their classroom to develop a variety of artistic creations for dramatic storytelling--puppets, masks, and scenery--representing the characters in the chosen folk tale. Nan Rumpf provides all art materials and tools. Children then experiment with expressive movement, gesture, puppet manipulation, positioning, timing, taking turns, and listening for cues. They work together to present their dramatic interpretation of the tale accompanied by sound effects and live music for an audience of parents and schoolmates. (For Grades K-2.) There are several workshop stories to choose from. The international folk tales are from Africa, Japan, China, Mexico and Finland. There is also a Native American tale from the Seneca people. Program Title: Storytelling Arts Fee: Two day workshops: $350/class; $550/two classes on same project Special Requirements: Need gym or auditorium or large room for rehearsal of folktale    MICHAEL   ZERPHY Ellen Weiner, Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 Fax: (781) 784-5393 E Mail: elweiner@att.net Website: www.elweiner.com Michael Zerphy, with his zany style and participatory humor, has captivated audiences across the United States and Europe. Michael offers a school performance, "Don't Do That!" for grades K-6 that focuses on problems, conflicts and a peaceful approach to solving them. We all experience problems - how we react to them is what sets us apart, and therein lies the tale. Physical comedy, stories and humor set the stage for a look at personal conflict. "Don't Do That!" encourages students to deal with conflict in a positive, creative way instead of reacting negatively. Study Guide available. Zany Acts is a show for general audiences - a family concert of clowning and fun for all. Michael creates a world that continually surprises both Zany, the clown, and the audience - a world in which the ordinary becomes magical and failure is turned into success. Music, juggling, a wide variety of props, and even the audience are included in this versatile show which is appropriate for all ages. Recent appearances, in addition to schools, include the New York International Festival of Clown Theater, the New England Vaudeville Festival and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Program Titles: Don't Do That!; Zany Acts; $600 (1), $950 (2), travel extra Fee: $525 for a single performance, reductions for multiples and blook booking. Funding Sources: Vermont Cultural Council, New Hampshire Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.(New York) RUSSIA   ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net Website: www.elweiner.com Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read. Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream. Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage) SCANDINAVIA    GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER Margaret Moody 78 Varnum Street Arlington, MA 02174 (781) 643-1228 Email: galapagospuppets.com Galapagos performs folk, history and gentle fantasy stories with expressive hand puppets. Using traditional Chinese puppets and choreography we present three episodes of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. "The Golem" and "Trolls in the Kitchen" offer entertaining introductions to Jewish and Scandinavian folktales. In "Esther's Story," a life-sized puppet shares the Holocaust diaries of the teenaged Esther Cohn. Galapagos has toured the East Coast since 1987, and has extensive experience in schools, libraries and museums. Program Titles: For large groups: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Esther's Story; The Golwm. For smaller groups: Trolls in the Kitchen; Monkey Wreaks Havoc in Heaven; Badger Meets the Fairies; The Trolls and the Tree. Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group Fee: Most shows: $600 single performance; $900 two performances on same day Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $250 Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened SCOTLAND    TOM   CALLINAN   and   ANN   SHAPIRO c/o Crackerbarrel Entertainments 55 East Town Street Norwich, CT 06360-2345 Phone and Fax: (860) 889-6648 E-Mail: tom.c@crackerbarrel-ents.com Website: http://www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/tomann01.htm For over 30 years, the husband and wife team of Tom Callinan and Ann Shapiro has 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 were among the Featured Tellers at the National Storytelling Festival (1999), and "Tellers-In-Residence" at the International Storytelling Center (2003). Their stories are told 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 Culture and Tourism. Tom, a former junior high school teacher with a B.S. in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University, and a M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan University, has written over 100 songs about Connecticut – more than anyone in history. Via legislation passed by the Connecticut General Assembly, and signed by then-Governor Lowell P. Weicker, Jr., Tom was designated Connecticut's first "Official State Troubadour" in 1991. His credits include: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; "Good Morning America"; "Shining Time Station"; among many others. Honors include: composing songs included in Emmy Award-winning documentaries and co-writing songs on Parents Choice Gold Award recordings, among others. In addition to her work as a creative and performing artist, Ann also serves as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Storytelling Center, in-residence at Connecticut College. Ann is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including: The National Storytelling Network’s 2005 ORACLE Leadership and Service Award For The Northeastern United States; the 2008 Brother Blue and Ruth Hill Award from LANES (The League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling); and the 2009 Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship Recipient from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Tom and Ann have produced over a dozen recordings on CD and cassette (see website: www.Crackerbarrel-Ents.com). A downloadable order form is available at www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/Catalog/Order%20Form.htm, and printed study-guides pertaining to their Arts-In-Education programs are available on request. Information about teacher-training, consulting services, and custom songwriting are available as well. Program Titles: Environmental Hootenanny; From Sea to Shining Sea; Brother Against Brother; Young America; Come On & Sing-Along; 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, Tunes, and Tales; Getting Along; Holiday Hodge-Podge, and more. Audience Limit: 30/class; 300/assembly Fees: Assembly- $500/solo [1st show. 2nd show @ $300]; $750/duo [1st show. 2nd show @ $450]; Classroom- $500 per day/4 classes-solo. Travel is included within Connecticut. Out of state: 55˘ per mile, round-trip from Norwich, CT. 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    PAUL KAPLAN 203 Heatherstone Road Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 253-9484 E Mail: phkaplan@yahoo.com Website: www.paulkaplanmusic.com Paul Kaplan believes that music is unique in its ability to cross the boundaries of time and place, opening minds and hearts along the way. His programs include "Songs Around the World," adaptable to include music from cultures of your choice, "American Folksong Singalong," "Songs of the Sea," "Immigration Songs," "Songs for the Earth," and three interactive seasonal shows for young people: "Fall Frolic," "Wonders of Winter," and "Sing for Spring." Also, with bagpiper Larry Cole, "Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland)," and "The World of Bagpipes." All shows feature many opportunities for audience participation. Program Title: Songs Around the World, Folk Singalong, Songs of the Sea, Songs for the Earth, Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland), Fall Frolic, Wonders of Winter, Sing for Spring Audience Size: 350 Fee: $300 for one show; $450 for two; travel negotiable Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council (event) SWEDEN    GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER Margaret Moody 78 Varnum Street Arlington, MA 02174 (781) 643-1228 Email: mmoody9867@gmail.com Website: www.galapagospuppets.com/index.htm Galapagos performs folk and history tales of Chinese, Jewish and Scandinavian cultures with expressive hand puppets. Using traditional Chinese puppets and choreography we present three episodes of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. "The Golem" and "Trolls in the Kitchen" offer entertaining introductions to Jewish and Scandinavian folktales. In "Esther's Story," a life-sized puppet shares the Holocaust diaries of the teenaged Esther Cohn. Galapagos has toured the East Coast since 1987, and has extensive experience in schools, libraries and museums. Program Titles: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Monkey Wreaks Havoc; Esther's Story; Trolls in the Kitchen; The Golem Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group Fee: Most shows: $500 single performance; $800 two performances on same day Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $200 Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened RETURN TO SOCIAL STUDIES GO TO HOME PAGE