ElderReach ~ Programs for Seniors
Artists sharing a lifetime of songs, stories, and life-long wisdom
for Senior Residences, Elder Care Facilities, and Multigenerational Family Events
Many of the Artists of Organic Arts present programs for our Seniors at community centers and at independent living and care facilities.
(L-R)
Jean-Andrew, Storyteller/BookBard
Julie Thompson, Jazz, Blues, and Classic Standards
Diane Bloom and Sandy Lewis, “Side-by-Side” Sing-Along Music
David HB Drake, Generations of Folk Music and Stories
Wildflower, Storyteller and Plantlore
Dr. Sky Schultz, Wonders Unlimited
Not shown:
Cap Lee of “Dangerous Folk” folk trio
Michael Drake Jazz for all ages
Poul and Linda Sandersen of Lybra Americana duo
David HB Drake
David’s concerts are a feast of familiar old folk songs with a strong family message and a grass roots portrait of the Midwest. David performs songs, poems, and stories on many different instruments including banjo, dulcimer, concertina, Native American Flute, and of course, guitar. Folks of all ages are welcome to sing along with a patchwork quilt of songs that are as warm as the back porch on a summer night. Let’s “Gather the Family” and sing together like we did in the good old days!
Programs especially for adults and seniors:
• Potluck…A Feast of Songs for Seniors any time of year!
• Gather the Family…Intergenerational songs for when the kids visit
• Let There be Light… Folk Songs for the Christmas season
• Wish I Had a Troubadour…Irish/Celtic Songs for St Patrick’s Day
• Wiscon-Sing…Songs of Wisconsin
• Gather by the Waters…Song of Immigration
• Grand Old Flag…Songs for the Fourth of July and America
Please see David’s website and call for further information:
David HB Drake
c/o Organic Arts
PO Box 070646
Milwaukee WI 53207
414–702–6053
david@davidhbdrake.com
www.davidhbdrake.com
For David’s Webpage within the Organic Arts website see:Cooperating Artists
Further Information
My POTLUCK program is good any time of year! It presents a feast of folk songs about families, love, growing older, and familiar folk songs and stories. The songs change with the seasons and can include special themes. It’s as warm and gentle as Grandma’s patchwork quilt and about as diversified. GATHER THE FAMILY is similar, with multi-generational sing-along songs to help kids, parents, and grandparents to all sing together.
For the Christmas season, my LET THERE BE LIGHT presents a different look as the music of the season. Rather than the same old worn out tunes heard on the radio every December, I sing interesting and touching songs of the Christmas season that are less often heard, played on a variety of instruments including banjo, concertina, dulcimer, Native flute, and of course, guitar. Songs like the Moon of Wintertime, the first carol sung in North America, and “Oh Joseph”, a conversation with Mary’s husband, bring a fresh insight into the meaning of Christmas.
For St. Patrick’s Day, WISH I HAD A TROUBADOUR combines familiar Irish songs with lesser known songs from the emerald isle and songs written
here in America .
My history programs, WISCON-SING and GATHER BY THE WATERS present the histories of the state of Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee using a combination of slides, stories, and folk songs to present the heritage of this area. Special “sing-along” slides help the audience join in on the chorus. GRAND OLD FLAG is a celebration of America (this show does not use slides).
For more information about David
Please see his website: www.davidhbdrake.com
Sky Schultz, Ph.D.
has presented thousands of programs nationally for four decades as a serious speaker and as a humorous entertainer. He leads audiences of all ages on creative adventures in science, the world of nature, spirituality, and the poetic and visual arts.
Programs especially for adults and seniors:
· The power of Gratitude to change your life.
· My Search for Wisdom… and the best I have found.
· Profound and funny teaching stories… parables from around the world
· Telling the important stories in your life…a workshop.
· The Art of Seeing… or how to be rich with out money.
Custom presentations and workshops available.
Please see Sky’s website and call for further information:
Sky Schultz (aka Professor Oops!)
3343 North Gordon Place Milwaukee, WI 53212
414–964–5962
profoops@gmail.com
www.professoroops.com
For Sky’s Webpage within the Organic Arts website see:Cooperating Artists
Further Information
My search for wisdom…Since life is way too short to figure it all out by ourselves, so I made it my work to read and hang out with the wisest persons I could find. Although I was trained as a research clinical psychologist, I did not find, by and large, that it was the scientists who had the best answers, but the poets. I would like to surprise you with what I have found, thus far, with the best…and funniest.
Gratitude, it seems is not just a nice thing, but as Cicero (54 B.C. Roman author, orator, & politician) said: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” If you would like to learn why, hear what other wise folks have to say, and perhaps tell what you are grateful for, come.
Teaching stories: All the great teachers used stories to communicate things that go beyond words. I have collected over decades some of the most wonderful “teaching stories” and parables from around the world. They are profound and sometimes funny and certainly worth sharing. If you wish, bring one of your favorites.
The Art of Seeing…or how to be rich with out money This program is about how our brain, mind, and heart work together to help us see. It is presented by Sky Schultz, Ph.D. who is a psychologist, an award winning artist, photographer and filmmaker, and an “entertaining educator” who does programs nationwide and internationally. This multi-media program demonstrates what the camera can see that which we cannot see with our eyes, and how we can learn to see (not just look). The program includes a brief history of photography, shows advances in micro, astral, and computer enhanced photography, but we will also explore the simplicity and joy of pencil drawing. Sky uses magic and hands-on experiences to illustrate his points. The program is both fun and educational.
For more information about Sky and Professor Oops!
Please see his website: www.professoroops.com
Jean-Andrew of STORYLORE
Jean-Andrew has practiced the art of storytelling for over 20 years. Her lively style of telling has engaged both children and adults. A good story can rejuvenate spirits and carry one off on imagination set free. And in case you wondered, storytelling isn’t just for children anymore. In fact, it never was!
Programs especially for adults and seniors:
· Moments of Memory – learn to TELL your own life experience
· Themed Programs – tales with a special or seasonal focus
· Animal Adventures – true stories & invitation to share
· Seasonal Stories – turn of the year & holiday tales
· A Time to Laugh – exercise your funny bone
· Mix It Up – intergenerational stories
Please see Jean-Andrew’s website and call for further information:
Jean-Andrew
c/o Organic Arts
PO Box 070646
Milwaukee WI 53207
(414) 962–4425
jean-andrew@storylore.net
www.storylore.net
For Jean-Andrew’s Webpage within the Organic Arts website see:Cooperating Artists
Further Information
Moments of Memory – We all have lived experiences that are worth remembering, retelling and passing onto others. Participants will be guided in storytelling activities that will help craft personal and family anecdotes into tellable tales. Background on the art of storytelling, as well as demonstrations will round out this workshop.
Themed Programs – If you have a special theme that is the focus of your event. There are stories for just about anything. Drawing from a large repertoire I will work with you to create a storytelling program that fits your needs.
Animal Adventures – Animal encounters, both wild and tame, are related in storytelling style. Then the audience is invited to share some of their own experiences. This can spill over into group storytelling with possibilities for recording and/or writing favorite animal memories.
Seasonal Programs – Autumn Harvest, Halloween, Winter Wonders, Christmas, Spring Delights, St. Pat’s Day, and perhaps other options with enough lead time to prepare.
A Time to Laugh – If laughter is the best medicine, take a big dose of these tickling tales and pop a few guffaws. This program raises storytelling to the rafters and entertains with comic timing and sly twists of the tongue. Sit back and enjoy.
Mix It Up – If you have access to groups of children (any age) or want to plan a family activity that will entertain all ages at the same time… let one of my intergenerational storytelling programs capture your whole audience.
For more information about Jean-Andrew
Please see her website: www.storylore.net
Wildflower
“In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own.” Alice Walker
Kristia Wildflower is an entertainer and educator full of energy and enthusiasm. She began to perform for elders when she was a teen in the 70′s. She can step onto a stage or into your living room with equal ease. Kristia constructs quality costumes to create colorful characters and combines them with an animated and dramatic style. She shares the secrets and wisdom held within the world of flowers. Plants and people have much in common: the beauty of diversity, the challenges of growth, the need for sunshine.Wildflower will go beyond the simple scientific identity, opening up the flower’s personality.
Programs especially for adults and seniors:
· Ivy the English Elf -Folklore of festive Holiday flora.
· Gypsy Rosa -the lore and love of roses.
· Patti O’Clover -The magic of the shamrock and other Irish blarney.
Please see Wildflower’s’s website and call for further information:
Wildflower
915 Reed St
Plymouth WI 53073
920–207–8709
aboutwildflower@yahoo.com
www.aboutwildflower.com
For Wildflower’s Webpage within the Organic Arts website see:Cooperating Artists
Further Information
Ivy the English Elf is elegant. Yule be entwined with her tales in The Folklore of Festive Flora. A holiday theme overgrown with mythology that will give you something to mull over.
Gypsy Rosa Rosa has wandered the world wide to collect cultural legends celebrating the lore and love of roses. All will be entranced by this colorful fun & flamboyant character who will share insights on the ways of the Rom, or Gypsy people.
Patti O’Clover Going Green Patti O’ Clover will bring luck for sure as this leperchaun leads you to a rainbow of diversity. She’ll share her pot o’gold and teach the meaning and magic of the shamrock and other Irish blarney.
“Everyone enjoyed your program a lot, even the 80 some year olds! It’s rare when an entertainer can please people of all ages, and you certainly did that! I can’t help but think that the stories you told and the gentle advice you gave in each one gave all of those present something to seriously consider in our own lives. Thank you so much for enriching us in a fun way! Be assured, we will hire you again!”
Jan Jacobs
ComeUnity Comm.
For more information about Wildflower
Please see her website: www.aboutwildflower.com
Side-By-Side
SIDE BY SIDE - Diane and Sandy - Believe music is best enjoyed through participation. Because we offer active rather than passive performances, our audiences become part of the process.
Sing along - clap - dance if you wish. We will bring a duffel full of “instruments.” Play with us. Bang a tambourine; shake a maraca! Simply listen, if that is your choice.
Choice…
This gives each person a feeling of belonging, no matter their age or individual challenges.
We keep programs flexible, which allows us to adjust our presentation to best serve the needs of our audience. Our repertoire includes folk songs, show tunes, music from movies (Bing Crosby/Bob Hope films are favorites!); we offer hymns, Ethnic songs, original music and love audience requests.
We can do special programs: Holiday music, Patriotic songs, International programs and more.
People love the warmth and fun we bring to each show.
Please see Side-By-Side’s listing under “Cooperating Artists”
on this website and call for further information
Sandy Lewis, Side-By-Side
414–961–2135
sjlewis1katz@gmail.com
Julie Thompson
Julie sings in various groups and styles. Jazz (Julie Thompson’s High Standards), Motown Trio (Night & Day with Bobby Jiles), Folk Trio (Dangerous Folk), Blues band (Southend Blues Band), and as a guest singer for church services.
Julie Thompson
c/o Organic Arts
PO Box 070646
Milwaukee WI 53207–0646
207–233–6155
www.julievoice.com
For Julie’s Webpage within the Organic Arts website see:Cooperating Artists
“Julie Thompson sings with a style that is silky and soulful. Her lyrical voice bypasses the mind and goes straight to the heart. Her honesty, gentleness, and musical literacy are hallmarks of her engaging performances.”
Joe Jencks – Singer Songwriter, Chicago, IL
For more information about Julie
Please see her website: www.julievoice.com
Dangerous Folk
“The best of all the performances we’ve had here!” ~ Eastgate Manor, Algonquin IL~
David HB Drake, Julie Thompson and Cap Lee lead those good old songs we grew up on. These anthems from the days of ”make love, not war “ still resonate today.
“Dangerous Folk” is a “mighty wind” of classic folk music memories for the over 50 “boomer” audience. These are not “protest songs”…
rather it is music that affirms the positive message that shaped our lives. The power and honesty of these songs span the generations.
Programs especially for adults and seniors:
· Blowing in the Wind - Classic folk music of the 50s and 60s.
· Meeting here Tonight- Songs of Faith and the Spirit
Please see the Dangerous Folk website and call for further information:
Eldon “Cap” Lee
3037 W Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee WI 53208
414–852–3044
caplee@wi.rr.com
www.dangerousfolk.com
Michael Drake
(This entry is under construction)
Michael has an uncanny ability to make everyone happy and have a good time! Michael is just what the doctor ordered. He is devoted to greeting listeners and inviting them to sing along. Indeed, it’s easy with all the fun radiating from him and his original music and poems.
Please see Michael Drake’s website and call for further information:
414–769–2001
michael@drakemusic.com
www.drakemusic.com
Lybra ~
Linda and Poul Sandersen
LINDA SANDERSEN is Lead Singer and founder of Pickin’ Up Speed. Besides playing rhythm guitar for the band, she is also known as one of the premiere Autoharp and Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players in the state of Wisconsin.
POUL SANDERSEN- Poul is a man of many talents. He is Pickin’ Up Speed’s bass player, laying down the foundation of the music. His accomplished song writing and talented harmonica playing can be heard on Pickin’ Up Speed’s popular recordings.
Please see Pickin’ up Speed’s website and call for further information:
414–961–0660
lsandersen@wi.rr.com
http://www.pickinupspeed.com
