Our Family Tree of Participating Organic Arts Artists
These links connect you to information for individual artists
Please contact the artist directly to arrange events!
School Assemblies, Workshops/ In-Service, Residencies, Concert, Festival, Library,and Community performances
All Organic Arts Lead Artists listed here have an average of twenty years experience each performing and teaching in schools and are active participants in the Organic Arts philosophy and programs.
*Milwaukee Public Schools approved Artist/Educators
visit http://milwaukeeartseducationdirectory.org/ for information
*David HB Drake
Folksinger / Historian / Character Performer
Heritage Music of the Heartland
”Parents’ Choice” and WAMI “Family Music Artist of the Year” awards
David HB Drake has toured the Midwest for 25 years presenting
educational and entertaining programs for all ages.
David performs on a variety of instruments including
guitar, handmade banjo, dulcimer, concertina, and Native American courting flute.
David’s multimedia programs of Wisconsin and Illinois history (Wiscon-Sing and Heartland),
immigration (Gather by the Waters) and children’s books (The Illustrated Song)
are accompanied by slides that bring the music to life and provide sing-along words.
David’s sing-along show for little kids (Kidstuff),
environmental program (What a Wonderful World)
and evening community concert (Potluck)
present a patchwork quilt of good old American music.
Listen to (and order) David’s many CDs at www.cdbaby.com/artist/DavidHBDrake
414–702–6053
david@davidhbdrake.com
www.davidhbdrake.com
See videos of David on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrDHBD
*Jean Andrew
Storyteller
Storylore
Jean-Andrew recharges folktales with lively characterizations, finds new meaning in life adventures, delivers value tales with subtle magic, and creates original stories when need or inspiration requires something fresh. She creates “designed-for-you” storytelling programs that match needs, themes, and audiences. She presents animated, participatory storytelling for any age, group size, or setting. Presentations are available at libraries, schools, festivals, retirement centers, parks, churches, conferences, and special events since 1982. Jean-Andrew is the Co-founder of Milwaukee Area Story Tellers (M.A.S.T.), which has met monthly since 1985.
414–962–4425
jean-andrew@storylore.net
www.storylore.net
*Dr. Sky Schultz,Ph.D.
Inspirational Speaker - Amazing Scientist
Genius Lessons
Dr. Sky Schultz shares his world-wide wisdom in lighthearted ways. His Genius Lessons present the wit and wisdom of some of histoy’s greatest poets, philosophers, and writers.
www.skyschultz.com
414–964–5962
Amazing Science with Professor Oops!
“Professor Oops!” is a gentle jester, and an explorer who communicates important ideas about ecology, psychology, art, creativity and science with wit and whimsy. He is the “World’s Greatest Authority on Misteaks” and has given his keynotes, performances and “Genius Lessons” to over 1000 organizations nationally and internationally. He uses humor, magic, juggling, wacky inventions, slides and his award-winning films to empower all ages to use their curiosity and creativity to the fullest. Besides his school, nature and science programs, he has a repertoire of adult and family programs
414–964–5962
profoops@gmail.com
www.professoroops.com
Krista Wildflower
Storyteller / Plantlorist / Costumed Entertainer
Wildflower /Costumed storyteller, parties, events
Wildflower is a storyteller and actress presenting facts, folklore, and fantasy about the nature of plants and people. She offers dozens of themed characters and presentations of stories, science, and silliness each beautifully costumed for schools, seminars, conferences, camps, and celebrations. Her characters include Ivy the Elf, Pepper the Pirate, Lilly the Wood Nymph, Razzberry the Clown, and many more!
Wildflower also presides at weddings and can design the entire look and costuming of your unique event!
920–207–8709
kristine@aboutwildflower.com
www.aboutwildflower.com
Michael Drake
Jazz musician and Children’s Author
He’ll read and show his poems out loud, then play some music for the wonderful crowd. The time will fly by in a blink of an eye but the feelings will last long after goodbye! Michael “Papa” Drake A.K.A. “Pickles” has a unique 1 on 1 to 100 bubbling personality and style that connects and reflects a spirited, fun-filled, heartfelt life with a captivating smile!
Pickles explodes through a very unique animated reading of his whimsical children’s books, “The Growing Books.” The kids gather around Pickles the Pied Piper for the impromptu concert as they hear the golden flourishing trumpet sounds reaching for the sky from his incredible gold plated Trumpet! Pickles’ overt character draws the kids in to hang around as he reads from oversized versions of his books! The on-the-spot shows also include sing-alongs, hula hoops, percussion, and other spontaneous people-friendly activities.
See videos of Michael on YouTube at:
www.youtube.com/michaeldrakemusic
Michael Drake
(414) 769–2001
michael@drakemusic.com
www.drakemusic.com
Dangerous Folk
1960′s Folk Music Cover Trio
Dangerous Folk – David HB Drake, Cap Lee, and Julie Thompson
Dangerous Folk present a sing-along concert of those favorite songs that we all remember from Peter, Paul, and Mary, The Kingston Trio, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan,John Denver,and the Weavers. From the days of “Make Love, Not War”, the best of love songs and peace songs remind us of the powerful anthems and “dangerous songs” from when the times they were a’changing that spans the generations!
View the Dangerous Folk “Sampler Video” on You Tube! Go to: www.youtube.com/dangerousfolk
414–702–6053
david@davidhbdrake.com
www.dangerousfolk.com
Pickin’ Up Speed
Bluegrass Band
Pickin’ Up Speed, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin based Bluegrass band, has been around since 1982, giving its first public appearance at Milwaukee’s Guest House (a homeless shelter) at Christmas that year. Most of the audience came, looking for a warm place to be. Since that fateful day, Pickin’ Up Speed has grown and morphed into a band that is requested at venues in Wisconsin and the surrounding states.
Pickin’ Up Speed plays traditional Bluegrass, in the style made popular by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys. Bluegrass music appeals to audiences of all ages, and is the perfect music for your festival or event.
In addition to group performances, Linda Sandersen performs solo or as the duo “Libra” with Poul Sandersen for schools, libraries, elders, and events.
Pickin’ Up Speed Bluegrass Band YouTube “Sampler Video” link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa2ABRPmXnM
414–961–0660
lsandersen@wi.rr.com
http://www.pickinupspeed.com
Julie Thompson
Vocalist, Jazz and Folk musician
Seriously….. Fun! -Julie Thompson
Singer, author, educator, and performer Julie Thompson has been performing for kids and grown-ups alike with her programs for her school and community. Now living in Wisconsin, she toured for 10 years on the East Coast with “Julie and Brownie” to audiences who thrilled to her voice and songs. A consumate vocalist, Julie performs with the jazz group “Night and Day”, does blues with the South End Blues Band, and is a member of Dangerous Folk in addition to her solo work with churches, elders, and children. She is the co-author of “A Pirate’s Life for Me”, an Amazon.Com bestseller. Miss Julie presents programs for kids about respect for others, community and caring. Julie is also a very accomplished jazz vocalist who visits elder care centers. She has two CDs available of her work!
207–233–6155
Julievoice@gmail.com
www.JulieVoice.com
See Julie’s YouTube video “Child In Me Again” at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80asZIbjKr0&feature=share
From Julie Thompson’s album REVERIE, a tune about reconnecting with the inner child.
Side-By-Side
Sandy Lewis and Diane Bloom - Life-long Memories Music
Sandy and Diane have been singing Side-by-Side for kids and general audiences and for Senior and Elder Care facilities for many years through Artlink.
Sandy was an original founder of ARTREACH in Milwaukee,
serving disenfranchised audiences with the arts in their facilities.
This is good old sing along, laugh along music that cures what ails you!
414–961–2135
sjlewis1katz@gmail.com
*Mama Nomusa
Storyteller/ Educational Consutant
Storyteller- Educational Consultant -Mama Nomusa
(Note: Mama Nomusa is currently in Africa promoting her new book!)
Nomusa Xaba, Mama Nomusa, performs her popular assembly program I Am Young and I am Positive annually for thousands of children in the Milwaukee and Chicago area schools. Her fast-paced program combines storytelling, songs, games, raps, and African percussion. It will get and keep the attention of your students. Her interactive teaching style also makes her a highly sought workshop and teacher in-service presenter. She facilitates an interactive, creative writing workshop for youth and adults that uses music, songs, and instruments. Invite her to present an assembly program on character building and self-awareness. Her extensive travels and experiences living abroad give her presentations a unique, refreshing perspective.
Mama Nomusa has just published the story of her journey from Africa to America
It’s been a Long Time Coming….
Visit her website for book readings and signings, a YouTube interview, and book orders.
414–460–8285
mamanomusa@gmail.com
www.mamanomusa.com
*Mark McKillip
Master Puppeteer/Storyteller
Solo Puppet Artist / Storyteller / Arts Educator
(Note: Mark is currently on Medical Leave)
Mark McKillip is a solo puppet artist, storyteller, and arts educator who is the past two term president of The Puppetry Guild of Greater New York and an educational consultant with Puppetools, an international arts education company. For almost 30 years, he has been presenting his popular classic puppet and storytelling programs for children and adults at schools, libraries, festivals, museums, pre-schools, churches, and parks in the East and Midwest. Mark is also available to present workshops in puppet theatre,drama,
storytelling, mask, and educational puppet workshops through Puppetools (www.puppetools.com).
414–282–3282 (24 hr.voice mail)
www.milwpuppetartist.com
mark@milwpuppetartist.com
wisconsinstoryteller@gmail.com
Our artists are also listed in the following Artist Directories:
‘’‘Milwaukee Arts Education Directory
http://milwaukeeartseducationdirectory.org/
Library Program Directory
http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/perfah.html
Wisconsin Humanities Council Speakers Bureau
http://www.wisconsinhumanities.org/speakers.html
WIStory Directory of Storytellers in Wisconsin
http://www.wistory.org/tellers/
