VRPA PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE

VRPA
PERFORMANCE
SHOWCASE
November 15, 2007
American Legion Post #26
White River Junction, VT
Sponsored by the
Vermont
Recreation and Parks
Association
Welcome to the 3rd Annual
Vermont Performance Showcase!
2007 Showcase Committee Members
Carol Lolatte - Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department
Ray Sapp - Hartland Recreation Department
Betsy Terry Orselet - VRPA Executive Director
Special thanks to Patty Button and the American Legion Post #26 for the use of their
facility and the food preparation, to Todd Wellington for his continued support and
efforts as Master of Ceremonies, to Dave Rowe for making the trek from Maine to
provide the sound engineering throughout the day, to Jenni Johnson for her thoughtful
suggestions on how to make this the best showcase yet, and to Allisyn Houghton of the
Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department for the booklet design and layout.
Throughout the day several door prizes will be drawn. Certificates good toward the
booking of a show by any performer listed in this program directory will be chosen at
the end of the day.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a sample of New England’s finest performers!
HELPFUL TIPS
• Rain Dates & Guarantees
If you are using an outdoor space, ask the artist about rain dates and guaranteed fees.
During the summer months many artists work almost everyday and will not give up a
possible booking to hold a rain date. Some artists will guarantee a mutually, agreeable,
date in the future. Still others have a no cancellation clause in their contracts. Be sure
to ask in advance what the artists policies are regarding rain dates. It is best to arrange
for an alternate rain site in advance, and advertise the location in your publicity. This
avoids confusion for the audience, and the need for last minute decisions.
• Make The Artist Feel Welcome
You have invited a guest to perform for your agency. You can help the artist do their
best by following these simple steps:
• Make sure someone is designated to meet the artist upon his or her arrival.
• Make sure the performance area is clear and clean.
• Keep the audience out of the performance area until the show starts.
• Check with the artist prior to the show for any last minute needs the artist may
have.
• If the performer is to be paid the day of the performance please make sure a
check is cut; remember, this is their paycheck and everyone likes their check
when it is expected.
• Read the contract if one is provided and know what is expected from both parties.
Taking these steps will help make the performance a more pleasurable experience for the
audience, the artist, and you.
• Save With Block Booking
Did you know that when you hire an artist for a 45-minute show, it could take him/her
the better part of a day to fulfill that contract? An artist must pack up the show, travel
both ways, set up, break down, and also pack and unpack when they arrive home. Block
booking affords the artist the opportunity to do many of these nonperformance duties
only once for multiple shows. By coordinating your booking schedule with neighboring
towns, an artist can often discount the performance fee which saves you money and saves
the artist time and energy.
• Indoors or Outdoors
As a general rule, most performers would prefer to work indoors. Some will not work
outdoors, so be sure to mention where the performance will take place at the time of the
booking. Factors like wind, bugs, sun and noise are variables that are sometimes hard to
deal with and can compromise the quality of a performance. If you are using an outdoor
space, make sure you have a flat area designated for the artist. Many performers also
require electricity, so be sure there is ample electricity at the performance site if
necessary.
2007 VRPA Performance Showcase
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
9:00
9:10
9:20
9:30
9:40
9:50
10:00
10:10
Drumming About You
FUSION
Kids on the Block – VT
Les Julian
Dan Butterworth Marionettes
Alex the Jester
BJ Hickman Magic Show
New England Foundation for the Arts
10:20-10:40
BREAK
10:40
10:50
11:00
11:10
11:20
11:30
11:40
Jen Kula Dance & Drum Theater
T-Bone
Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures
Tim Jennings & Leanne Ponder
Sammie Haynes
Vic & Sticks
The Luneaus Basketball Family
12:00-1:00
LUNCH
1:00
1:10
1:20
1:30
1:40
Dave Rowe Trio
The Half Moon Jug Band
Dan Walker
Gordon Stone Band
Chad Hollister Band
1:50-2:10
BREAK
2:10
2:20
2:30
2:40
2:50
Artsforte “Beat the Heat”
John Curran & Michael Le Strange
Gypsy Reel
Peter Miles
Katie Clark & the Green River Band
When You Need To Book Entertainment
Support the entertainers who participated in this
2007 VRPA Showcase by booking them when
Entertainment is required in your Town.
Remember they are assisting in making
This event a success! Stop by and
Book an entertainer or two
Today or call them later!
But please, please
Use this book!
Performer/Company Name:
Alex the Jester
Contact Name:
Alex
Mailing Address:
80 Rogers Avenue, Somerville MA, 02144
Telephone:
617-591-8161
Email:
alex@alexthejester.com
Website:
alex@alexthejester.com
Fees:
$575-900
Description: Alexander, King of Jesters, has performed his one-man physical comedy show on
Showtime, The Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, World Performance Festival in
Japan, The Singapore Arts Festival and international festivals on four continents. He speaks a
magical sounding gibberish called Grammelot that connects with parents, kids, and grandparents.
His dialect, costuming, music, charisma, and wildly imaginative spirit transport you back to the
days of the Medieval Fool. Your funny bone will never forget it!
Performer/Company Name: Artsforte “Beat the Heat”
Contact Name:
Kendra Gratton
Mailing Address:
176 Cove Rd, Bristol VT, 05443
Telephone:
802-453-5585
Email:
artsforte@gmavt.net
Fees:
$600-$1500 per performance
Description: Beat the Heat is a fast paced and upbeat
EcoCabaret focusing on the issue of Climate Change. Its
timely message is presented with humor, original music,
colorful costumes and zany characters. The heart of Beat the
Heat is a solution-based look at the very real crisis our world
faces. Family friendly and packed with catchy music, Beat the
Heat teaches, encourages, entertains all ages, and urges
positive action to save the planet; one person, one household,
and one community at a time.
Performer/Company Name:
BJ Hickman Magic Shows
Contact Name:
BJ Hickman
Mailing Address:
623 Sixth St, Dover NH, 03820
Telephone:
603-742-4010
Email:
BJ@BJHickman.com
Website:
BJ@BJHickman.com
Fees: $425 + travel Æ magic show fee, $225 Æ weekday child care shows and beginner magic
workshops, *Block booking discounts are available
Description: BJ Hickman provides comedy, audience participation magic shows for family
audiences. A favorite New England entertainer, BJ Hickman’s programs can range from a
“General Fun Magic Show,” to educational programs on reading, conflict resolution, and
recycling. He also conducts hang-on beginner magic classes, in-services for educators, and other
programs for adults who work with children. Everyone loves a BJ Hickman Magic Show packed
with clever deceptions, silly surprises, mind reading miracles and humor. Hickman performs
throughout New England and occasionally in other parts of the U.S. including Hollywood’s
Magic Castle.
Performer/Company Name:
Chad Hollister Band
Contact Name:
Chad Hollister
Mailing Address:
58 Hampshire Hill Rd, Worcester VT, 05682
Telephone:
802-229-1962
Email:
ChadHollister@eartlink.net
Website:
www.chadmusic.com
Fees:
$500-$3000
Description: Chad Hollister has been performing across the country for the past decade. His
high energy original music weaves soulful lyrics with a positive message along with an honest
voice that you will remember. Whether solo on acoustic guitar or with his full six piece band,
Chad’s show will leave you and your family with a newfound appreciation for life and mother
earth. His rhythmic guitar style will make you get up and dance- Catch him in your home town!
Performer/Company Name:
Dan Butterworth Marionettes
Contact Name:
Richard Smith
Mailing Address:
95 High St, Portsmouth NH, 03801
Telephone:
603-436-8596
Email:
Richard@cuzinrichard.com
Website:
www.cuzinrichard.com
Fees:
$750-$2500
Description: Butterworth Productions has two parts: performances and educational residencies.
Performances are geared to each audience. Sophisticated, carved marionettes move on the
intricate staging through the air and right out into the audience, both in collaboration with other
musicians and performers and with Dan’s own Carnival. This show has delighted crowds, whole
communities and even small groups. They create and perform events geared to the age of the
desired subjects.
Company/Performer Name:
Dan Walker
Contact Name:
Richard Smith
Mailing Address:
93 High St #1, Portsmouth NH, 03801
Telephone:
603-436-8596
Email:
Richard@cuzinrichard.com
Website:
www.cuzinrichard.com
Fees:
$300-$500
Description: Dan Walker is a singer/songwriter/guitarist from New England. He performs in
festivals, cafes, summer music series, restaurants and private parties across the country. Dan has
just recently released his third CD. He is widely known to bring the most energetic, outstanding
performances to the stage. He plays over fifty shows a year and tours with his band during the
summer. A Dan Walker show is an astonishing array of original Folk, Rock and Blues all
wrapped up in one Americana sound.
Company /Performers Name:
David Rowe Trio
Contact:
David Rowe
Address:
112 Mountain Rd., Raymond, ME 04071
Phone:
207-655-7171
Email:
dave@daverowe.org
Fee:
$750 - $3500 depending upon event and travel
Description: The Dave Rowe Trio, a new folk group from Maine, is the continuation of a Maine
musical legacy starting with Schooner Fare, the band Dave’s late father and bandmate, Tom,
founded with Steve and Chuck Romanoff. When his dad passed in January, 2004, Dave asked
fiddler Edward Howe and bassist Kevin O’Reilly to join him in the Dave Rowe Trio. They are
the best folk/bluegrass/celtic/roots power trio you will ever hear. Powerful, compelling vocals
and blazing instrumentals—they have to be heard to be believed!
Company/Performer Name:
Drumming About You
Contact Name:
Bob Bloom
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 436, Storrs CT, 06268
Telephone:
860-429-9280
Email:
bb@drumming-about-you.com
Website:
www.drumming-about-you.com
Fees:
$600-$1500
Description: “It was magical how you completely capture the audience’s attention. I expected
the children the participate, but persuading the adults to play was amazing.” - Karen Reynolds,
Big Brothers Big Sisters
“Your ability to do interactive music with the children is outstanding, and the parents were
raving!” -Jennifer Roth, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.
“How could anyone not have a wonderful time with those great instruments to play, and with
your energy and enthusiasm encouraging them.” - Patricia Link, Northborough Free Library
Company/Performing Name:
Fusion
Contact Name:
Jason Tardy
Mailing Address:
143 Ford Farm Rd, Milton NH, 03851
Telephone:
866-584-4532
Email:
info@atypicalentertainment.com
Website:
www.whoisfusion.com
Fees:
$500-$2000 + travel
Description: Fusion mixes all elements of theater from side-splitting comedy to awe inspired
beauty, from precision choreography to total collapses. Fusion is juggling, improvisation, theater,
comedy, darkness, light, music, and more melded together to create a performance that leaves
audiences breathless! Fusion is made up to Jason Tardy, Michael Miclon and Matthew Tardy.
This all-star cast has performed shows in Switzerland, the Bahamas and even the White House…
TWICE!
Performer/Company Name:
Gordon Stone Band
Contact Person:
Gordon Stone
Mailing Address:
418 Blackberry Lane, Waterbury VT, 05676
Telephone:
802-578-0934
Email:
Gordon@gordonstone.com
Fees:
$900-$1500
Description: The Gordon Stone Band plays original music focusing on composition, interaction
and improvisation. They combine bluegrass and jazz, blended with Latin, world beat and funk in
tunes ranging from laid back grooves to high energy musical excursions. “This is music with
enough energy to appeal to rock and jam-band fans, as well as acoustic music lovers, new grass
fans and jazz lovers, all with enough danceable energy to move entire festival sites into dancing
frenzies.” The music will lift you up.
Performer/Company Name:
Green Mountain Chorus
Contact Person:
Gerald “Jerry” Huetz
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 11, Burlington VT, 05402
Telephone:
802-879-3105
Email:
g_huetz@hotmail.com
Fees:
$800 for a 90-minute show
Description: The Green Mountain Chorus of Burlington, Vermont, was founded over fifty-nine
years ago and has entertained audiences all over the state. This musical art form, barbershop
harmony, like jazz, is an American original and has been perpetuated by the Barbershop
Harmony Society, of which the Burlington chapter is a member. Since 1947, the Green Mountain
Chorus has performed at a high level, ranking within the top five choruses in the District of
sixty-five choruses most years. The Green Mountain Chorus’ appearances in the various “opera
houses” of Vermont, include Barre, Enosburg Falls, Derby Line, Hyde Park, Vergennes, as well
as the Vermont Heritage Festival. First Night in Rutland and Bennington and many more venues
are noteworthy. A typical show consists of several songs from the Chorus repertoire which can
be show songs, comedy numbers, ballads and uptunes from Irving Berlin to John Philip Sousa to
the Beatles. In addition, chapter quartets perform to add variety, but the object for both the
Chorus and the quartets is the same; ringing those barbershop harmony chords.
Performer/Company Name:
Green Mountain Cloggers
Contact Person:
Pamela Lord
Mailing Address:
761 Bishop Road, Shelburne VT, 05482
Telephone:
802-985-2407
Email:
pam@cvuhs.org
Fees: $350 within Chittenden Country Æ Performances outside the area would be adjusted due
to travel costs
Description: The Green Mountain Cloggers present the Appalachian-style of clogging which is
an energetic, rhythmic dance-form that is typically performed to old-time or bluegrass music.
Although it is called clogging, dancers wear tap shoes rather than actual clogs. The Green
Mountain Cloggers are available to perform at festivals, special events, fairs, senior citizen
homes, and even weddings or birthday parties!
Performer/Company Name:
Gypsy Reel
Contact Name:
Graham Parker
Mailing Address:
1 Rock Drive, Ludlow VT, 05149
Telephone:
802-228-7967
Email:
gramille@tds.net
Website:
www.gypsyreel.com
Fees:
$500-$2000
Description: The Gypsy Reel Act is Celtic influenced, original and traditional music performed
on the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and upright bass featuring a two or three part vocal
harmony.
Performer/Company Name:
Half Moon Jug Band
Contact Name:
Troy R. Bennett
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 10461, Portland ME, 04104
Telephone:
207-650-7867
Email:
vangoghsbanjo@halfmoonjugband.com
Website:
www.halfmoonjugband.com
Fees:
$900-$1500
Description: The Half Moon Jug Band is a four-headed monster of folk music whose live show
resembles a runaway freight train plowing straight through a rubber chicken factory. They play
banjos, guitars and mandolins, but don’t confuse them with a bluegrass band because they have
also got a drummer and electric bass. They thrive on interaction with their audiences. They do
whatever it takes to put on a show, studding every performance with jokes, stories, and
mandatory sing-alongs. No one gets out without singing. No one.
Performer/Company Name:
Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater
Contact Name:
Autumn Bangoura & Zyck Baggettor
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 8574, Burlington VT, 05402
Telephone:
802-859-1802
Email:
jehkulu@yahoo.com
Website:
www.jehkulu.org
Fees:
$500-$1500 Æ application for fee reduction is available
Description: Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater, founded in 1993, is a non-profit educational
and performance ensemble based in Burlington, Vermont. We offer performances, residencies,
and workshops in traditional rhythms and dances from Guinea, Senegal and Mali, West Africa.
Our Master Artists and highly trained U.S. American Artists joyfully demonstrate the complex
polyrthyms played on traditional instruments accompanied by exciting choreography. Powered
by the irrepressible spirit of West African dance and drumming, our educational and
performance programs are sure to entertain and inspire.
Performer/Company Name:
John Curran & Michael Le Strange
Contact Name:
Michael Le Strange
Mailing Address:
96 Butler Dr, South Burlington VT, 05403
Telephone:
802-865-6717
Email:
dmlestrange@msn.com
Fees:
$500-$1500 Æ depending on event, travel, and band set
Description: John Curran and Michael Le Strange perform acoustic folk/rock, rockabilly and
pop favorites on guitar and bass, with emphasis on tight vocal harmonies and original
arrangements. Cast your mind back and sing along to great memories and enjoy contemporary
classics in a family friendly presentation. A full six to seven piece band including saxophone and
keyboards for larger events is also available.
Performer/Company Name:
Katie Clark and the Green River Band
Contact Name:
Katie or Charlie
Mailing Address:
101 Whately Road, Conway MA, 01341
Telephone:
413-369-4471
Email:
katwadd@yahoo.com
Website:
www.myspace.com/katieclarkandthegreenriverband
Fees:
$450-$1500
Description: Katie and her band have been wowing audiences all over New England with their
crisp and eclectic mix of American roots music. Heavenly vocal harmonies and the crack dobro
and mandolin work of her cohorts sets Katie Clark and her Green River Band apart, as does their
repertoire of original material mixed with of fine and often little known songs of the old time
country and bluegrass genre. They appeal to many audiences from young hipster twentysomethings to older folks who grew up with Patsy Kline and Hank Williams.
Performer/Company Name:
Kids on the Block- Vermont
Contact Name:
Adam Courville
Mailing Address:
294 North Winooski Ave, Burlington VT, 05401
Telephone:
802-860-3349
Email:
adam@kidsontheblockvermont.org
Website:
www.kidsontheblockvermont.org
Fees:
$150-$750
Description: Kids on Block- Vermont is a special troupe of puppets who teach children about
disabilities, cultural diversity, children’s mental health, social and safety issues, substance abuse,
healthy bodies and AIDS. The puppets discuss the topics portrayed in a clear, non-threatening
manner dispelling myths through accurate information allowing children to accept individual
differences and feel positive about themselves. The puppetry is so powerful that audiences
readily express their feelings and concerns to the puppets during the question and answer session
that follows each skit.
Performer/Company Name:
Les Julian
Contact Name:
Les Julian
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 3488, New Haven CT, 06515
Telephone:
203-393-5862
Email:
les@lesjulian.com
Website:
www.lesjulian.com
Fees:
$450-$650
Description: “LJ writes songs to make you laugh and think. His audience laughed… heads
bobbed… it was like magic!” - The New York Times. LJ sings and plays guitar for one purpose,
to connect with his audience regardless of age. Performed songs are ones that foster participation
and goodwill, thought, emotion and FUN. Using classical and electric guitars, percussion
instruments and background tracks, this showcase will show you why The New York Times said
one of his performances “was like magic!”.
Performer/Company Name:
Luneaus Basketball Family
Contact Name:
Ilze Luneau
Mailing Address:
105 Guilford Road, Syracuse NY, 13224
Telephone:
315-446-6393
Email:
theluneaus@earthlink.net
Fees:
$600-$800
Description: The show is a motivational basketball entertainment presentation with a character
education message. Ilze Luneau will dribble, juggle and spin three to six basketballs and give a
message on getting goals, working hard, having fun, never giving up, living in balance and not
using drugs and alcohol. Up to thirty volunteers can be involved in the show.
Performer/Company Name:
Motion 360 Dance Theatre
Contact Name:
Tim Latta
Mailing Address:
66 Cherniske Road, New Milford CT, 06776
Telephone:
860-355-8180
Email:
info@motion360.info
Website:
info@motion360.info
Fees:
$750-$1500 Æ Travel negotiable
Description: “A one-man tour-de-force in ‘new’ dance theater.” In Motion 360, Tim Latta
(former Pilobolus, Momix, Faustwork) uses stilts, masks, rollerblades and found objects to create
dances and music that both entertain and enlighten. He demonstates how we can, literally,
stumble over everyday objects to unlock our creativity. Motion 360 inspires people to explore
their own potential and, in turn, to help them see the potential in others. “Tim’s commitment to
teaching and nurturing creativity in young people is obvious and infectious.”
Performer/Company Name:
New England Foundation for the Arts: Matchbook.org
Contact Name:
Erin Kunze
Mailing Address:
145 Tremont Street Floor 7, Boston MA, 02113
Telephone:
617-951-0010 ex. 529
Email:
ekunze@nefa.org
Website Address:
www.nefa.org / www.matchbook.org
Description: Matchbook.org is an online cultural marketplace that brings together New
England’s performing artists and the people and organization who present them. This free
website feature an easy-to-search directory of artists, performance spaces and presenting
organizations, designed to MATCH artists with presents that BOOK them to perform.
Matchbook.org is a public service provided by New England Foundation for the Arts and the
Massachusetts Cultural Council, in partnership with the state arts agencies of Connecticut,
Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For more information, contact
info@mathbook.org.
Performer/Company Name:
Peter Miles, Milessongs
Contact Name:
Miles
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1912, West Dover VT, 05356
Telephone:
802-464-2322
Email:
music8miles@yahoo.com
Website:
www.myspace/milessongs
Fees:
$150-$300
Description: Miles plays folk-rock and adult contemporary music utilizing his extraordinary
vocal range and extreme proficiency on the guitar. Miles performs throughout New England in
support of his new CD, “LiveLifeLive”, playing original songs and well known songs by James
Taylor, The Beatles, Van Morrison and many more.
Performer/Company Name:
Sam & Lenny- The Wright Bros. Two
Contact Name:
Sam Kilbourn
Mailing Address:
584 Main St, South Portland ME, 04106
Telephone:
207-773-9955
Email:
scvk@maine.rr.com
Fees:
$750-$1500
Description: Spun off from the acclaimed Wright Bros vaudeville company, Sam Kilbourn and
Lenny Zarcone present a whirling dervish of visual hilarity. Virtuosity in mime, acrobatics, and
improvisation is layered with music, song, juggling and preposterous posturing in performances
adaptable to any audience. Both have extensive backgrounds in working with children, people of
special needs, families, schools and corporate audiences; including hands-on workshops and
residencies. They “make you say ‘wow!’, creating a comic momentum that sweeps the full house
off its feet.”
Performer/Company Name:
Sammie Haynes
Contact Name:
Sammie Haynes
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 464, South Berwick ME, 03908
Telephone:
207-384-3234
Email:
Sammiekids@aol.com
Website:
www.sammiehaynes.com
Fees:
$300-$750
Description: Sammie Haynes is an award-winning children’s musician who performs at
festivals, concerts, schools, and directs songwriting workshops and choruses. Her second CD,
“Nature’s ABC’s”, received a Parent’s Choice Award, a NAPPA (National Parenting
Publications), a Children’s Music Web Award and the Film Advisory Board’s Award of
Excellence! It has also been reviewed in ALA’s Booklist and the School Library Journal.
“Sammie is a wonderful entertainer and those who are fortunate enough to view her
performances or listen to her work are truly enriched.” MSAD 35
Performer/Company Name:
T-Bone
Contact Name:
T-Bone (Tom Stankus)
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2405, Bristol CT, 06011
Telephone:
860-585-7487
Email:
t-bone.stankus@juno.com
Website:
www.t-bonemusic.com
Fees:
$600-$800 + travel
Description: T-Bone (America’s Pied Piper), has been sharing his special blend of music and
mayhem with Vermont recreation departments for years. With T-Bone as their leader, the
children will sing, dance, wear costumes and play games that include beach balls, hula hoops,
limbo sticks and more. The kids are the show with T-Bone as their instigator! T-Bone offers
special theme shows: “T-Bone’s Camp Mucalucka“, “Tropical Adventure”, “Family Sing-along”, and his all new T-Bone’s “Retro Party”. This is full contact entertainment at its best!!!
Performer/Company Name:
Tim Jennings & Leanne Ponder
Contact Name:
Tim Jennings
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 522, Montpelier VT, 05601
Telephone:
802-223-9103
Email:
tim@folktale.net
Website:
http://folktale.net
Fees:
$300-$600
Description: Master Storytellers Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder have delighted generations of
Vermonters and have been featured at major festivals across North America, including Jonesborough,
Clearwater, and the Seattle and Toronto Storytelling Festivals. Their CD’s have won Parent’s Choice and
American Library Association awards. Adults, children and teens eagerly listen as the accent handeddown tale take on new life in an irresistible flow of word and music, humor, and soul.
Performer/Company Name:
Todd Wellington
Contact:
Cuzin’ Richard Smith
Address:
PO Box 4585, Portsmouth, NH 03802-4585
Phone:
603-436-8596
E-Mail:
richard@cuzinrichard.com
Website:
www.kingofsilly.com
Fee:
$350 - 500
Description: Cuzin’ Richard Entertainment presents The Professional Silly Person – and his
unique blend of Juggling, Unicycling, Balloons, Magic and Physical Comedy. There’s a Charlie
Chaplin-esque clowning for the little kids, wild unicycling for the teens and the silliest balloon
creations ever. Todd Wellington – The Professional Silly Person, has been a fixture on the New
England family entertainment scene since 1988. His performance credits include Fenway Park
for the Boston Red Sox, the Champlain Valley Fair and the Boston Children’s Museum.
Performer/Company Name:
Tommy James
Contact Name:
Tommy James
Mailing Address:
11 Sharon Ave, Norfolk MA, 02056
Telephone:
508-384-2625
Email:
Tommytricks@verizon.net
Website:
www.alloccasionmagic.com
Fees:
$350-$1500
Description: Tommy James is New England’s School Show Professional, providing New
England with quality magic entertainment, from educational shows for schools and libraries to
the very best in comedy magic for the family audience. His Read to Achieve show is designed
for schools and libraries and is second to none, backed up with Tommy’s “Guaranteed to Please”
slogan. His Magic Wonder Show is a roller coaster ride of comedy magic perfect for Fairs or
Festivals, camping associations, or any place there is an audience willing to laugh.
Performer/Company:
Vic and Sticks
Contact Name:
Vicki Ethier
Mailing Address:
303 River St, Leicester MA, 01524
Telephone:
508-892-1913
Email:
vicandstic@aol.com
Website:
www.vicandsticks.com
Fees:
$450-$650
Description: Vicki and Rick Ethier are not only husband and wife, but are also “musical
storytellers” who take their audience back in time with their “Vic and Sticks” show. Mixed with
old fashioned vaudeville theatrics, this show will surely entertain kids of all ages!
Performer/Company Name:
Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures LLC
Contact Name:
Troy Wunderle
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 638, Saxtons River VT, 05154
Telephone:
802-869-1046
Email:
troy@bigtopadventures.com
Website:
www.bigtopadventures.com
Fees:
$500-$1200
Description: Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures provides: Circus Shows, comically presented
feats of skill. Big top Workshops, flexible circus training in juggling, plate spinning, devil sticks,
diablos, feathers, hula hoops, pogo sticks, unicycles, rolling globes, rola bolas, stilts, clowning
workshops and more. Strolling Entertainment includes stilt walking, juggling unicycling, clown
car antics and much more. WBT also offers School Residencies. We take great pride in
providing safe and intriguing circus entertainment for all ages. Our programs are fun, interactive
and flexible. WBTA aspires to spread joy, create memories and inspire dreams!
We wish to take this opportunity to thank the many individuals that have given their
time and energy to this Vermont Recreation & Parks Association Showcase. This event
could not take place without each and every one of you and your tireless hours
dedicated to insure its success. This event is a fund-raiser for VRPA; however, it is also
a necessary event that assists many of us with our annual need to secure engagements
with quality entertainers.
If any of you attending or working this event, know of entertainers that would benefit
by being a participant at this Showcase, please pass on contact information to them.
We want this Showcase to be fresh and exciting and to be able to sustain itself each
and every year. In order to accomplish this we need two things. First, we need new
quality entertainers. We are always looking for new and exciting acts. Secondly, we
would like to fill every seat in the house. So, if you know someone who books
entertainment and you did not see them at the Showcase, spread the word of this
event, share this booklet with them, then next year have them attend and experience
this event in person.
Thank You – We Can’t Do This Without You
For more info, contact Betsy Terry Orselet, VRPA Executive Director
At (802) 878-2077 or betsy@vrpa.org .