Smarty Pants – The Big Balloon Show

Description - Smarty Pants and the Lovely Miss Dena present the Big Balloon Show! Called “simply amazing” by WGN-TV, the Big Balloon Show combines magic, slapstick comedy and the world’s biggest balloon props in a laugh out loud, one of a kind production! Inspired by classic vaudeville, the Big Balloon Show has been performed across Chicago in schools, libraries, community centers, and even as a featured presentation at the 2008 Taste of Chicago festival. More than just “kids” entertainment, Smarty Pants’ eye-popping balloons and wacky comedy truly captivates audience members of all ages. There is truly nothing else like it in Chicago!

For 2009, Smarty Pants has created an all-new edition of the Big Balloon Show entitled, “Wild About Reading.” This show takes young audiences on a worldwide tour featuring some of the world’s craziest and most unusual balloon animals, from the tiny penguins of the Antarctic to a hungry shark of the deep Pacific, to a tropical volcano that really erupts at the show’s end!

In addition to the Big Balloon Show, Smarty also offers the Smarty Pants Balloon School, a workshop that teaches kids how to make their own balloon creations. Fun and educational, this balloon workshop leaves kids empowered and saying, “Yes, I can make my own balloon sculptures too!”

Availability - Year Round

Credits - We have performed at hundreds of schools, libraries, community centers and theatres across Illinois. Please inquire for a lengthy list of references.

“The Most Spectacular Balloons Ever Seen on Television!” – WGN-TV

“Smarty Pants and Miss Dena put on a fantastic show full of balloons, confetti, and non-stop laughing kids - This program attracted one of the largest program attendance numbers in our history!” -Susie Gutenberger, Head of Youth Services
Melrose Park Library

Audience - Show suitable for family audiences. Workshop best suited to ages six and up.

Fees - Show books for $499 for 35 minute program. Travel fees may apply. Inquire about balloon workshop fees.

Equipment - We bring all needed equipment including professional sound system and backdrop.

Contact - Smarty Pants

Address - PO BOX 25426, Chicago IL 60625

Phone - (773) 562-6789

Email - smarty@smartypantsworld.com

Website - SmartyPantsWorld.com

Sandy Lucas - Everyday Music

Sing Me A Story, Read Me A Song

Description - Sandy Lucas is an award winning artist and educator, recipient of the prestigious Golden Apple Award For Excellence in Teaching. Her lively, interactive programs invite children and their parents in on the fun of singing, playing, and moving along. Her warmth and sincerity make her a favorite in the world of children's music. A specialist in arts integration, Sandy's programs promote literacy through the arts. Each program uses a repertoire of songs and children's literature based on a specific theme, or simply music and stories for any time. Themes include, but are not limited to: Earth Day (Spring), Mardi Gras, Chicago Sights and Sounds, Week Of The Young Child, Festival Of Lights (winter/winter holidays), Halloween, Fall Celebration, Summer Waves! Intrumentation includes guitar, ukulele, and a unique variety of percussion instruments. Jam packed full of fun!

Other - Sandy can custom design a program to meet your special theme or celebration. Workshops for educators in the area of arts integration. Family Reading Nights. Preschool through elementary school programs. Festivals.

Audience - Family audiences, all ages. Everyone joins in on the fun!

Availability - Year-round

Equipment - ample floor space to gather in a semi-circle. (sound provided when needed)

Fees - $300.00 for a one hour solo performance. Will vary for band and/or number of sets.

Credits - Sandy has been entertaining children and family audiences since 1992. Chicago Public Libraries, Chicago and suburban Public and Private Schools, Navy Pier, Taste of Chicago, Chicago Children's Museum, Suburban Children's Museums, Chicago and suburban Neighborhood Festivals, Zoo Lights, Lincoln Park Zoo, Oz Fest, Old Town School of Folk Music, First Night, Evanston, Chicago Folk & Roots Fest, Children's radio. Educator - educational conferences presenter, speaker, and workshop leader, Chicago Public School Fine Arts teacher Pre K - 6th grade. Recording artist, "Everyday Music", and "Keep A Song In Your Heart."

Contact - Sandy Lucas

Address - 655 W. Irving Park Rd. #4615, Chicago, IL 60613

Phone - (773)935-2722

Email - sandy-lucas@sbcglobal.net

Website - www.sandylucasmusic.com

Phil Passen - Old Time Hammered Dulcimer

Description - Few musicians play the hammered dulcimer. Fewer still sing while accompanying themselves on this fascinating instrument. Phil Passen does both, offering traditional American and Celtic music. With rhythmic playing on fast tunes and sensitive playing on slow numbers, Phil’s music often elicits the word “soothing.” And though it may seem contradictory, listeners also dub the music “happy” and “bouncy” as they tap their feet to the beat. Phil frequently performs for the Chicago Department of Aviation’s tourist programs at O’Hare Airport, where travelers often thank him for providing pleasure on a stressful day. Library patrons and staff alike react with delight and enthusiasm to the mix of music and information in these programs. Afterwards, members of the audience, young and old, musicians and non-musicians, come up to take a closer look at the dulcimer and try their hand at it. He is included in LACONI’s Best of the Best.

Programs - Old-Time American Music - American roots music shines in this program of songs and tunes running the gamut from fast and lively, to slow and lovely, to haunting and plaintive. The beautiful sound and versatility of the dulcimer shine in this captivating performance.

Old-Time and Celtic Music - The lively songs and tunes in this program illustrate the relationship between traditional Irish and old-time North American music. A highly entertaining performance.

St. Patrick’s Day Program - This program of traditional Irish tunes and songs draws on O’Neill’s Music of Ireland, compiled and published in 1903, when Francis O’Neill was Chicago chief of police. The music ranges from beautiful slow airs to rousing reels and jigs. This is not just for St. Patrick’s Day. Audiences love Irish music any time of the year!

Winter Holidays - The beautiful sound of the dulcimer is showcased in this program with traditional and modern melodies and songs celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and the winter solstice. A wonderful and exciting way to hear familiar and not-so familiar holiday music.

Songs from Carl Sandburg's American Songbag - All the songs in this program are from Carl Sandburg’s collection of 255 American folk songs.. This is a great program any time, but especially appropriate in January (the month of Sandburg’s birth) and April (National Poetry month).

The Music of Thomas Hardy – Most lovers of English literature have no idea that Thomas Hardy was a lover of English country dance and an accomplished fiddler. Included in this program are tunes from the tune books Hardy transcribed; descriptions of tunes from his novels; songs relevant to Hardy and his work; and The Convergence of the Twain, his great poem about the sinking of the Titanic. This program is particularly timely in April (National Poetry Month) and June (the month of Hardy’s birth).

Availability - Year-round

Audience - Adults, teens, and families

Fees - $250 solo, $400 with accompanist (guitarist or banjoist)

Equipment - Phil provides sound equipment when necessary

Contact - Phil Passen

Address - P.O. Box 617913, Chicago, IL 60661-7913

Phone - 312-715-0414

Email - phil@philpassen.com

Website - www.philpassen.com

Ken Rothacker, Acoustic/Classical Guitarist

Description – Ken Rothacker’s acoustic guitar performances, featuring classical pieces, jazz, pop tunes, Brazilian melodies, Beatles hits, original compositions, and more have thrilled audiences at hundreds of corporate events, weddings, and occasions in the upper Midwest over the past 25 years. Ken’s commitment to Engage, Entertain, and Educate his audiences always leaves them wanting to hear more. Performing on amplified solo acoustic guitar, but using state of the art technology such as looping, allows Ken to deliver the full sound of a complete ensemble. Whether it is playing the National Anthem at Wrigley Field, as Ken has done a number of times, or providing an entertaining concert (either indoors or outside), for a smaller audience, Ken has the experience and ability to deliver a satisfying performance.

Other –School programs, senior programs

Availability -Year-round

Audience – School age and up

Fees – Starting at $375 per concert. Mileage fee may apply for longer distances.

Equipment – Ken provides the necessary audio equipment. Access to electrical outlet required. Standard performance area of 8’ x 10’ preferred.

Contact – Ken Rothacker

Address – 3621 Killarney Court, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Phone – 847-826-9000

Email – ken@kenrothacker.com

Website – www.kenrothacker.com

BANNA Vocal Duo

Description - BANNA’s music will transport you to places both majestic and magical. With a blend of rich vocals, guitars and keyboard, BANNA features an enchanting mix of both hauntingly lovely Irish ballads and rollicking sing-a-long songs, complimented by solid American Pop/Rock/Country favorites. BANNA is your choice for year-round parties, reunions, senior luncheons - any function where fun, a good time and great musical entertainment is desired for all. BANNA is truly a party for your ears!

Other – Cultural or Heritage Festivals, school programs, senior programs

Availability -Year-round

Audience - This duo is a perfect for all ages!

Fees - $400 per show. (Mileage fee may apply for longer distances)

Equipment - We provide all equipment. Access to electrical outlet required. Standard performance area of 8’ x 10’ preferred.

Credits - Ela Township Library, Freemont Township Library, Dundee Township Library, Dundee Township Senior Center, Dundee Township Park District, Vernon Area Library, Vernon Area Senior Centers, Oak Park Park District, Norridge Park District, Mickey Finn’s, Emmett’s Brewery, Colletti’s Banquets, Borders Books, Del Webb Celtic Society, St. Thomas Villanova Fundraising Auction, Elgin Ladies Club

Contact – Mary Barrett Rimm

Address – 614 Liberty Street, West Dundee, IL 60118

Phone - (847) 844-9388

Email - mbarrettrimm@sbcglobal.net

Roberts Marionettes

Description - Solo puppeteer operates hand-carved marionettes and creates live voices for all characters. Story changes every year; always a folktale. Descriptive flyer available on request.

Other - 2007-2008 The Lass that Couldn’t Be Frightened
2008-2009 The Secret Garden

Availability - Any time

Audience - School age and up

Fees - $325 – $490

Equipment - Table and one electrical outlet.

Credits - Bridgeview, Bensenville, Villa Park, Niles, Glenview, Winnetka, Highland Park, Alsip-Marionette Park, Calumet City, Fountaindale, Green Hills, Helen Plum (Lombard), Indian Trails, Oak Lawn, Prospect Heights, Chicago (Thomas Hughes) & other public libraries.

Contact - Ms. Linda Roberts

Address - 11731 87th Street, Burr Ridge, IL 60527

Phone - (630) 323-7493

Email - RobertsMarionettes@prodigy.net

Website - www.robertsmarionettes.com

Polkadot Puppets

Description - Rumpelstiltskin – Updated and clever retelling of this classic tale.
Enjoying this show just might help the children learn the importance of telling the “truth”.

Other - Puss and Boots – The Cat Caper
Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
The Fifth Witch
The Christmas Stowaway
Fairytale productions include Jack & the Giant, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood. See website or brochure for additional offerings.

Availability - Year round.

Audience - All ages.

Fees - $250 and up.

Equipment - Electrical outlet, plus a 6’ x 7’ performance space.

Credits - Carol Stream Public Library, Bartlett Public Library, Fox Lake Public Library, Indian Trails Public Library in Wheeling.

Contact - Donna Casey, Polkadot Puppets

Address - 831 Jefferson Dr., Lindenhurst, IL 60046-7842

Phone - (847) 356-0328

Email - polkadotpuppets@comcast.net

Website - polkadotpuppets.com