The Jim Widner Big Band is a 17 piece Jazz Orchestra playing music in the styles of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, and Maynard Ferguson, yet with a distinct sound and style all of their own. The band is comprised of former members from the bands of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson and others. It has recorded six critically acclaimed CD’s some of which can be heard digitally on Spotify, Pandora and You Tube. They have also performed with artists such as Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Buddy DeFranco, John Pizzarelli, Marilyn Maye, Steve Lippia, and Lou Marini. The band’s recording of “CARAVAN” served as a catalyst to the movie “WHIPLASH“. Celebrating their 33rd anniversary, The Jim Widner Big Band has established itself in an educational setting, presenting concerts, clinics, festivals and summer jazz camps.
Available on request
Jeff Miller’s programs are “Laughter Guaranteed!” An award-winning poet, performance artist, and storyteller, he is featured nationally at poetry, storytelling, music, and folk-life festivals. His performances are highly-original, filled with unusual oral histories he has personally collected, jokes and stories embellished and turned into narrative poems, and outrageous and inspirational gems (sometimes within the same story!) birthed from his vivid imagination or adventurous experiences. Workshops include “Tapping Your Creativity”, “Writing and Performing Poems”, and “Creating Empathy through Storytelling”. His three books have been described as “much, much funnier than anything Stephen King has ever written.”
With meandering roots from the Missouri Ozarks all the way to Tubingen, Germany, Ironweed brings you only the finest in bluegrass, vintage country and good ol’ hillbilly twang. The band features champion, Kelly Jones on fiddle, Joe Wieneman on mandolin, Jane Accurso on guitar and lead vocals, Dierik Leonhard on banjo, and Matt Bossaller on upright, slap bass. From Jimmy Martin to Hazel Dickens, you can expect a bucketful of tunes about trains, moonshine, dirt, heartache, pigs and girls named Sophronie. Ironweed is available for festivals, sidewalk gigs, parades, dances, school events, workshops and just about any sort of celebration you’re itchin’ to do.
2 main speakers, 4 vocal mics, 3 instrument mics, 1 direct line, 2-4 stage monitors, 1 qualified sound tech, 1 long table.
The Intercultural Music Initiative is an innovative concert and educational outreach program featuring classical and contemporary works by composers of African, Hispanic and Asian-descent, along with standard repertoire. Our programs offer a unique concert experience and help integrate new musical works by lesser-known composers into existing performance repertoire. Concerts, Lectures, Lecture-recitals and short-term artist residencies are customized to fit your departmental budget.
Concert stage for chamber musicians. PA system with 2 speaking microphones.
The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company, the touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, invites teachers and their students to share all the wonder, poetry, wit, drama and excitement that only live theatre can bring. ITC’s high quality stage work will not only nurture love of the arts but will also enhance teachers’ educational programs. The literature-based productions honor and value a story well-told while supporting the Missouri Learning Standards. ITC’s specialty is taking audiences into a magic world that will spark the imagination.
Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats focus on swinging Americana roots music: blues, 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly, and medium tempo dance music (West Coast, Lindy Hop, Imperial, etc.) as well as many original songs written by founder and songwriter, Hudson Harkins. The band’s extensive experience and professionalism are reflected in their ability to adapt to any performing environment including festivals and concerts.
PA system appropriate to venue size, and sound tech, lighting if needed.
The Homestead Pickers from Sliver Dollar City in Branson, MO are a very special collection of four seasoned performers, musicians, comedians, actors, storytellers, and composers. They have many years of experience entertaining audiences both in Branson, Missouri and around the United States, as well as tours of Ireland through the Irish Arts Council. Since 1996 their performing home is the McHaffie Homestead cabin built in 1843 and located on the main street of Silver Dollar City. Their eclctic blend of fiddle, banjo, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and unique vocals depict the early days of American music, bluegrass, gospel, and folk tunes with humor unmatched by any other combination. Music and CD information on website.
Would need 1 hour setup if sound is provided by venue and 2 hour setup if our sound is used. All ascoustic band with possibility of direct input boxes for bass and guitar. Basic setup is four vocal on stands and 4 instrument microphones on stands unless DIBs are used on before mentioned instruments.
Helen Russell & Company are from Missouri and have recently returned from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where they were awarded “Best Small Band Variety Show” by the Valley Star Awards for the second year in a row! Their 2020 show “Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock & Roll” will entertain you with great vocals, scalding piano, hot licks on the banjo and jumpin’ bass guitar with a variety of Country, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Gospel and Classic Rock music of the 50’s to the 70’s, plus a tribute to our Veterans!
Comedy that will tickle your funny bone and impersonations of all your favorites such as Cher, Dolly, Little Richard, June Carter Cash, Waylon, Willie and many more! Please visit their website: helenrussell.net to see video of their recent tour of Branson, MO. This high energy show will leave you 100% entertained!
Electrical outlet with ground within 25 feet of performance area, a minium of 8 feet ceiling height. One hour set up time, 1/2 hour tear down time.
The Heartland Men’s Chorus is Kansas City’s 130+ voice gay men’s chorus. Under the direction of Shawn Cullen, the chorus presents 3 subscription concerts (Holiday, Spring and Summer) at Kansas City’s historic Folly Theater each year. Programs toured with the full chorus will generally be the concert currently in preparation or most recently performed. Smaller groups are also available. Selections chosen are tailored to the event.
Suitable stage area and choir risers to accommodate 120 (full chorus), a tuned acoustic piano, a modest sound reinforcement and lighting capabilities
The Heart of Missouri Chorus (HOM) volunteer musicians have inspired our communities for more than 40 years. They are a nonprofit Sweet Adelines International chapter and have won several a cappella competitions placing in the top five small choruses in the world. Women of all ages, backgrounds, and professions perform because they love singing and touching people’s hearts. The repertoire of this highly regarded and popular group includes Broadway favorites, ballads and gospel, holiday music, and barbershop classics. Performance-length options include a 10-15-minute event kick-off, a 45-60 minute program, or a full, two-hour performance in two acts. HOM has something for everyone.
HOM’s technical needs are minimal, other than a place to perform. Microphones are needed for theater and auditorium venues.