Programs and Performers

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

2012-02-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse creates educational creative programming for in-house and off-site locations throughout the Pittsburgh region.

PCCR offers Creative Reuse Programs that are specifically designed for your group. Participants are encouraged to use their imagination while exploring the large collection of reusable materials provided.

Also, each month PCCR provides up to 5 bags of Bulk items free-of-charge, to non-profits, organizations, or artists working on community-oriented projects or public workshops. If you have a project or an even for which you would like to have PCCR donate materials, submit the Material Donation Request form.

For more information and pricing information visit the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse website or email programs@pccr.org.

Snapology

2012-02-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

If you like Legos, you will love this!!

Snapology uses legos and building materials to teach mathematics, science, technology, and literary concepts through enrichment classes and programs for kids. During classes, children are guided by instructors through an interactive lesson using models and computers.

Created and run by two sisters, Laura Barrows and Lisa Coe, Snapology is a fun way to bring fun and learning into your library!

For more information, visit the Snapology website.

Email info@DiscoverSnapology.com or call 412-295-1545 for scheduling and price information.

Dream Big - Sing your heart out - Be a star!

2012-02-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

In this hour-long program, kids will have the opportunity to write, perform,produce, and record their own hit song. The song will be finished in an hour, at the end of which the audience will get to hear the "world premiere" of their very own hit song. They will even be able to purchase CD copies of the song.

Visit Bill Pate's website for more infomation.

Pricing varies and a travel surcharge may be included.

Contact Bill Pate at 724-544-9157.

Dan Kuniak

2012-01-26T09:27:00.001-08:00

Comedy magician/illusionist Dan Kuniak is a professional entertainer and motivational "edu-tainer"!

Dan performs various "squeaky-clean" shows that can be just for fun or include a serious educational message about reading, bullies, and even the environment.

All shows are 100% family friendly and are entirely self-contained. Performances generally run in the 40-45 minute range, and include hilarious comedy, tons of audience participation, and a LIVE bunny!

Special rates are given to libraries and multiple show performances, and Dan can be reached via http://dankuniak.com, or at 724-224-9170.

Fly Away With Me: Programs with the National Aviary

2012-01-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

The National Aviary offers a variety of bird-related conservation education programming for preschoolers through adults. Each 30-60 minute program includes at least one live bird. The most popular classes are Amazing Adaptations, Penguins, I Want to be a Vet, Mythbusters, and Owl Detectives. Birds that travel with the programs include a variety of parrots, owls, vultures, penguins, and more. Detailed information on our classes is can be found at the National Aviary Education website.

Each program is $250 at locations within 30 miles of the National Aviary.

For reservations and information please contact the Aviary's reservationist at (412) 323 - 7235, ext. 439.

The Groove Club

2012-01-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

The Groove Club is a one-of-a-kind collaborative with a mission to entertain preschool and early elementary age kids (and their families). We're a group of young, dynamic performers who tour nationwide with a goal of bringing smiles to young children, encouraging audience participation and getting kids dancing!

They offer live singing, a dj booth, and interactive dancing- and even bring along a life-size dancing bear or elephant! They are based in Nashville, but travel frequently. Booking and rates can be discussed with Stacy or Dave at (615) 537-6387, and more information can be found at the Groove Club's website.

Stacy Innerst

2011-12-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

Stacy Innerst, illustrator of Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea, a Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants (which received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Review, as well as being named a Publishers Weekly Best Book 2011) is offering amazing workshops, focusing on either painting on denim as he did for the book, or helping children develop their own vision.

Mr. Innerst has created a diverse body of work, ranging from painting commissioned helmets for star Steelers players, to creating mythological creatures for the Ringling Brothers circus.

His availability is flexible, and he works on a sliding scale in regards to fee arrangements. He has worked with the Mt. Lebanon Public Library in the past, and you can view his website, www.stacyinnerst.com for additional information.

Ed Pettersen

2011-10-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ed Pettersen's search for his roots has traveled in tandem with his various muses and inspirations, but that doesn't make his recent explorations of his family background, or his new music, merely metaphorical affairs. You can hear how the strength he's gained from his explorations of his Norwegian family background has suffused the recordings that make up his latest collection—I Curse the River of Time, which Ed recorded in Nashville with a hand picked band of stellar players. The songs themselves, as well as the songwriter's direct yet nuanced method of capturing their essence, come out of extraordinary years in his life.

http://www.edpettersen.com

Available June 2012.

Charlie Mosbrook

2011-10-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Songwriter Charlie Mosbrook, a two time Ironman triathlon finisher now living with a spinal cord injury, tells his story from the finish line of the worlds toughest endurance race to the first few steps out of a wheel chair. Through physical therapy and determination Charlie has learned how to live in a new body that doesn't do what it is accustomed to. With his family, friends, and community he draws on every strength to overcome his toughest challenge. Through his songs he finds the strength to move forward in the face of adversity. With the music of Woody Guthrie and other traditional songs, he demonstrates the power that music has always had to give us strength when we need it most.

www.charliemosbrook.com

Available June 12-17, 2012.

Spook Handy

2011-10-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Audiences can’t help but participate in Spook’s concerts. They laugh at his stories, sing along with his songs and can’t wait to chat with him after the show. In concert halls and people’s living rooms, Spook shares the pearls of everyday life and extraordinary experiences through songs that come from both the giants of folk music and his own ample supply of original compositions. He has been described as “a troubadour in the style of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs” (Jim Beckerman - The Bergen Record), and “a messenger of peace, hope and understanding.” His songs tell the story of contemporary America through the people he's met, places he's been and predicaments he’s found himself in - both in his own backyard and in his travels. His easy going manner invites people to step out of their own boxes, open their hearts, engage their imaginations and get involved.

http://www.spookhandy.com

Available

* Feb 14 - 15, 2012

* April 1 & 14, 2012

* Eastern PA year round

* Feb 14 - 15, 2012

* April 1 & 14, 2012

* Eastern PA year round

Charles Kiernan, Mark Twain Impersonator

2011-10-28T10:23:00.001-07:00

Storyteller Charles Kiernan, now retired from gainful employment, performs at theaters, listening clubs, schools, libraries, and arts festivals. He is also coordinator for the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild, Pennsylvania State Representative for the National Youth Storytelling Showcase and Pennsylvania State Liaison for the National Storytelling Network. He has, of late, been fobbing himself off as Mark Twain with some success. Twain is wont to ramble on about his boyhood memories, the newspaper publishing business, life on the Mississippi and frogs. Mostly, though, he likes to talk about the river. The intent of the show is to give the audience a bit of Twain's biography, his humor and his viewpoint. The subject for his talk is his evolving view on what is man.

http://www.lostdollar.net/

Available year-round Eastern PA.

Marc Black

2011-10-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

This past year Marc was named 'Folk Artist of the Year' on ABC Radio's Fame Games. He was a finalist in Kerrville's 'New Folk' competition. He was also a winner in the New Jersey Folk festival and the Austin Songwriter's Competition.

After moving to New York City, he won the American Library Association Award for Best Children’s Album when he produced 'American Children'.

Marc has recorded with an array of luminaries including Taj Mahal, Jack DeJonnette, Rick Danko, Peter Schikele (PDQ Bach), and Garth Hudson (keyboardist for the ´Band´). He collaborated with Richie Havens on the title cut of the award-winning, American children CD, and wrote the theme music for the New York Mets from 1987 till 1990.

As Paul Winter put it, "His songs are great and his singing is superb."

http://www.marcblack.com

Available December '11-March '12.

Driftwood Fire

2011-10-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Driftwood Fire is constantly bridging the gap between traditional roots music and contemporary pop. They are the First Place winner of the 2007 International Narrative Song Competition's category for original Historical music as well as a VH-1 Suggested Artist.

Like a beach-side bonfire celebrating the last days of summer, Driftwood Fire is at once invitingly lighthearted and poetically poignant. Lynn Scharf's vocals are thick with emotion, Charlotte Formichella's guitar and banjo parts are rootsy, inventive and pop-tastically ear-pleasing, making it nearly impossible to stay seated during songs like 'Blown Asunder' and 'Holes in the Sky,' while songs like 'Appalachian Hills' have a lyrical magnetism that leaves every room entirely focused on the performance at hand.

http://www.driftwoodfire.com

Available Nov. '11- Feb. '12.

Ken Waldman

2011-10-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Alaska's Fiddling Poet

Ken Waldman has drawn on his 25 years in Alaska to produce poems, stories, and fiddle tunes that combine into a performance uniquely his own.

He is also a popular visiting artist in classrooms. Employing both his fiddle and a repertoire of proven writing exercises, he has led workshops in over 180 schools in 31 states nationwide, and has been a guest writer at over 80 colleges and universities, including University of Tennessee, University of Alabama Birmingham, Knox College, Iowa State University, and San Diego State University.

Available Feb 4-9, 2012.

http://www.unboundbooking.com/artist/profile/52

The Zinghoppers

2011-07-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Zinghop-a-Pals Kids Club Big Fun Show combines live singing, fun music, comedy, storytelling, dance, audience participation, a little magic, and lots of smiles! Guaranteed to get your preschooler movin' and groovin'...and have the whole family zingin' along!

See website for details: www.zinghoppers.com
Also check out www.zinghoppers.com/booking_zinghopapals.html
You can watch the Zinghoppers in action on YouTube: www.youtube.com/OfficialZinghoppers

Contact

Email: info(at)zinghoppers(dot)com or terrah(dot)zinghop(at)gmail(dot)com
Phone: 1-800-970-0563 (Toll free)

Kahuna Balloona

2011-06-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

WE MAKE SMILES ONE TWIST AT A TIME.

Kahuna Balloona & Company LLC. creates amazing balloon creations that will make your next party, corporate event, or community gathering exciting and fun for all ages! We place our emphasis on being both family friendly and fun fun fun! We take the time to interact with your guests to provide that extra special memory.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL BALLOON ARTISTS AND DO NOT PROVIDE FACE PAINTING AND WE ABSOLUTELY ARE NOT DRESSING AS CLOWNS.

Please contact them directly for more info:

http://www.kahunaballoona.com/

Email: Kahunaballoona(at)Comcast(dot)net

Phone: 724-385-0750

Reference:

Shannon Stevenson- Children's Librarian Mt. Lebanon Public Library

(412) 531-1912

maughans(at)einetwork(dot)net

"That Guy with the Birds"

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

John Lege, better known as "That Guy with the Birds" is available to offer programs at your library this summer. His performances feature trained parrots, music, magic, educational facts, and encourage audience participation.

See his website, www.budwings.com or call 724-478-2016 or 724-859-7137 for more information.

Cost less than $200

Reference: Carolyn Rosenquest,

Crafton Library

412-922-6877

rosenquestc(at)einetwork(dot)net

Magician - Steve Haberman

2011-03-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

Take a trip around the world with magician Steve Haberman as he demonstrates magic from around the world. From England to China, from Egypt to Mexico, from country to country your children will

experience many cultures and magical traditions from every corner of the globe.

The "One World — Many Stories" Magic Show is a high energy, fun-filled, educational show that utilizes magic, comedy, storytelling, and lots of audience participation to teach kids all about using their imagination and the power of reading.

The goal of the program is to get kids excited about reading. I talk about all the different types of books that are available, and show the children how reading can be an adventure. The show teaches them that they can do anything in life if they are good readers.

The "One World — Many Stories" Magic Show is also motivational, inspirational, and helps to raise the children’s self-esteem. The show is appropriate for grades PreK – 6th.

Details:

You don’t have to do any work. I bring everything I need including my own table and sound system, so there is nothing you have to do and nothing you have to worry about. It’s easy.

Contact:

Steve Haberman

School Shows R US

684 Chapel Drive

Fombell, PA 16123

Phone: 412-260-9132

E-Mail: Steve(at)SchoolShows-R-US(dot)com

Website: www.Schoolshows-R-US.com

Reference:

Denise Plaskon

Andrew Bayne Memorial Library

Plaskond(at)einetwork(dot)net

412-766-7447

Baby Sign Langauge - Bravo Babies

2011-03-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Bravo Babies offers a unique “Bonding with Your Baby Program,” which teaches parents and caregivers to communicate and bond with their babies (even before they are able to speak) through Music and American Sign Language (ASL). Parents can introduce their babies to a world of fun through word associations, folk and classical music and multicultural perspectives, as seen on “A World of Signs DVD and heard on “A World of Music” CD, both available at www.bravobabies.org. This program is ideal for older siblings, too, who can participate with parents and their babies. The entire family can bond through playful interactions!

Bravo Babies founder Shirli Nikolsburg would love to do a workshop at your library. She would use the opportunity to share her program with families and promote her DVD and CD. She is very passionate and knowledgeable, and her DVD integrates music, American Sign Language, and multiculturalism.

Details:

You can check out samples on the webpage at www.bravobabies.org.

Read a review in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Contact:

Bravo Babies
5604 Solway St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
E-mail: mail (at) bravobabies (dot) org

Also on Facebook.

Alison Babusci - Professional Storyteller and Artist

2011-02-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

Alison K. Babusci is a Pittsburgh-born artist, professional storyteller, and educator. Her critically-acclaimed one woman show Deconstructing Barbie, premiered at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh in 1999, and went on to tour nationally. Alison maintains a repertoire of stories and folktales drawn from diverse cultures. She has performed as a storyteller for children and adults in museums, independent bookstores, schools, libraries, theatres, and festivals from Pittsburgh to New York City, often accompanied by her original puppets. As a storyteller, Alison has collaborated and held residencies with the Frick Art & Historical Center, Carnegie Museum of Art, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, First Night Pittsburgh, Attack Theatre, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Gateway to the Arts and the Mattress Factory. Alison has eighteen years of teaching experience in public, private and charter school settings. She currently teaches Art for Propel Charter Schools. Alison holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in the Arts from Bank Street College of Education and Parsons School of Design in New York City. She is certified to teach, Early Childhood, Art K-12 and yoga.

Details:
Visit Alison's website for more information on her programs.
Also, check out her art classroom.

Contact Information:
Alison Babusci
storyteller(at)alisonb(dot)com
412.512.8028

Reference:
Susan Herald
Lauri Ann West Memorial Library
heralds(at)einetwork(dot)net

The Dome Theater Mobile Planetarium

2011-01-20T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Dome Theater Mobile Planetarium was developed in association with NASA, Rice University, the Smithsonian Institute and the Huston Museum of Natural Science. This program brings an amazing immersive educational experience to your school and students for an entire day.
The Dome Theater is a completely self-contained, professionally staffed, disability accessible event, and it can accommodate up to 550 students in a day. Presentations cover PreK through 12th grade curriculum, and every classroom may see a different program. Subjects covered include history, biology, geology, earth science, space science and more. The programs are narrated by celebrities such as Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, Walter Cronkite, Robert Redford, and John Billingsley.

Details:

Price = $1675.00

Contact Information:

Mike Dickson
E-mail: miked(at)kramerintl(dot)com
Phone: 1.888.655.7263 Ext.244
Visit the Website!

Two of a Kind

2011-01-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Two of a Kind presents two "One World, Many Stories" special programs for Summer Reading 2011: All Over This World: a Musical Journey

Two interactive concerts are available:

Songs about diversity, international travel, reading & books
Songs and stories from around the world, including international languages and instruments

Other thematic programs are available. As with all Two of a Kind performances, there will be lots of
interaction and audience participation, including singing, movement and visual elements.

David has written an unofficial theme song for the "One World, Many Stories" theme, and it is a 4-part round. We are giving it away for free for a limited time here.

Details:

Two of a Kind offers special discounted rates for libraries: $300-400 range (plus travel, where applicable)

View the "All Over This World" summer reading flyer.

Contact Information:
David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans

(215) 782-8258

2ofakind(at)comcast(dot)net
www.twoofakind.com

Ray Owen Music

2010-11-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

Ray Owen is a Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter, and National Recording Artist – an entertainer whose engaging vocal style and infectious blend of good time music and humor continues to captivate audiences across the country. Check out his website for more information on past shows, as well as good reviews of his kids shows. Ray creates a program each year that connects with the summer reading theme.

Details:

Contact him for more information and details.

Contact:

717-334-8631

P.O. Box 3012,
Gettysburg, PA 17325
http://www.rayowenmusic.com/

Science Rocks with the Nutty Science Professor

2010-08-03T06:59:00.001-07:00

Gerry Lewis is the president of Science Rocks. As The Nutty Science Professor, he performs hands-on, inquiry based, educational "science shows" for schools and libraries. Each show is 60 minutes long and provides an opportunity for attendees to perform a hands-on experiment in front of their fellow students and/or parents. He has performed programs designed "by kids for kids" for boy scouts, girl scouts, schools, festivals and birthday parties in the city of Pittsburgh and the tri-state area. Gerry has over thirty years experience in the science field as a Chemical Technician Specialist for a fortune 500 company in Pittsburgh.

Details:

Price for shows are from $300 for 25 students or less. Plus $50 setup and tear-down fee. For larger crowds the price varies. Price changes on how hard access to the stage is and distant or location of the show (such as steps).

Contact:

Phone number is 412-638-4146.
Email is blpolymer(at)aol(dot)com.
Shows can be scheduled directly from the web site.

Bob The Juggler

2010-07-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Robert M. Spisak, Jr., otherwise known as Bob the Juggler will dazzle and delight library audiences with his juggling and magic show. This 45-minute show is highly interactive and combines juggling balls, clubs, Chinese yo-yos and even knives - all set to music. Bob is a member of the International Jugglers Association and an award-winning juggler.

Details: Call for a price quote.

Contact: 412-398-4784 or bob(at)bobthejuggler(dot)com

Story Theater- Victoria Goring

2010-05-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Join Victoria Goring as she shares with you a new and exciting storytime experience in Story Theater! Victoria creates live stories from the suggestions of children in the audience in this engaging and interactive experience. Story Theater is wholesome, intelligent entertainment that stimulates the imagination and inspires creativity. Please view their website for more complete information, and for a short bio on Victoria and her experience as a story teller!

Details:

Groups of more than 50 require a microphone.
Story Theater supplies its own backdrop.
Cost is $225 for one show, $315 for two.

Contact:

victoria(at)urbanspine(dot)com
412-364-6016

Gateway to the Arts: Passport to Reading Storytimes

2010-05-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Gateway to the Arts has programs available all year and each spring, creates special programs related to the Summer Reading Theme.

Open the world of books to children through creativity and interaction with Gateway StoryTime programs. Children use dance, dramatic play, music and visual art to explore and expand on ideas from favorite books. Our professional, experienced teaching artists read a familiar book and engage children in fun, participatory activities.

Details:

Programs are 30 minutes long and cost $80 each.

For ages 3-5. Some programs marked include a 15-minute art-making activity for an additional $25.

Contact:

Heidi Baldt-Matthews

heidib(at)gatewaytothearts(dot)org

412-362-6982

Official Flyer here

More Details:

DRAMATIC PLAY:

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

Betty Lee Dell

In this West African/Caribbean tale retold with puppets, Anansi the Spider uses a magic rock to trick the other animals so that he can steal their food. But Little Bush Deer sees Anansi's Wicked ways, and sets things right by turning the table on the greedy spider. By Eric A. Kimmel (DRAMATIC PLAY)

Down by the Cool of the Pool
Rebecca Covert
Did you know that farm animals LOVE to dance? Join Rebecca as we follow Frog's jumping feet down to the pond where the farm animals dance the day away. Creative movement, dramatic play and imaginative story ideas bring Tony Mitton's and Guy Parker-Lee's Down by the Cool of the Pool to life.

(DRAMATIC PLAY)

Mr. Gumpy's Outing
Barbara Russell
Mr. Gumpy is having a nice boat ride with some children and animals until the all misbehave! Actor-educator Barbara Russell will encourage children to dramatize this award-winning story by John Burningham using pictures, sound and movement. (DRAMATIC PLAY)

Rainbow Crow

Rebecca Covert

What would you do to help your friends? Rebecca Covert uses puppetry, music and movement in an interactive telling of this Native American folk tale about a brave bird that risks its renowned beauty to save forest friends from an approaching storm. Retold by Nancy Van Lann, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. (DRAMATIC PLAY)

So Say the Little Monkeys

Rebecca Covert

Pack your bags because we're traveling deep into the rainforest to meet some playful, yet easily distracted, monkeys! Storyteller Rebecca Covert will explore this vibrant and silly Brazilian tale using dramatic play and toe-tapping musical refrains. By Nancy Van Laan, pictures by Yumi Heo. (DRAMATIC PLAY)

Tacky the Penguin

Emily Harrp-Meulbroek
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger
Make friends with Tacky, a very unusual penguin. Em Harpp-Meulbroek takes you on a tour of Tacky's home with his companions as they fight off unwanted company. Children will love this interactive telling of a great story about being true to yourself as they chant, clap and make sound effects. (DRAMATIC PLAY)

Too Much Talk

Betty Lee Dell
This retelling of a folktale from Ghana, children take on the roles of a farmer, a fisherman, a weaver and a swimmer. Repetition and group responses make this story highly interactive! (DRAMATIC PLAY)

What do YOU see?
Barbara Russell
Pittsburgh actor/educator Barbara Russell introduces children to three classic books by Bill Martin, Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle ... Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?; Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?; and Panda, Panda, What Do You See? Barbara's interactive readings are full of images, movement and sound. (DRAMATIC PLAY)

The Wide-Mouth FrogBetty Lee Dell
Things are really jumping on the pond! Betty Dell's story time features counting, puppets, songs, and movement. Keith Faulkner's book, The Wide-Mouth Frog, is featured in an interactive story time that's sure to make a splash! (DRAMATIC PLAY)

Where the Wild Things Are
Rebecca Covert
Travel with mischievous Max through thick forests and stormy scenes to the tropical island where the Wild Things live! Rebecca uses dramatic play, creative movement and puppetry to explore Maurice Sendak's timeless picture book, Where the Wild Things Are. (DRAMATIC PLAY)

MUSIC:

Bee-bim Bop!

Jeff Berman
Everybody loves to eat! Musician Jeff Berman leads children through the rhymes and refrains of this fanciful book that captures the delight of a child as she helps her mother prepare a tasty traditional Korean dish- Bee-bim bop! Book by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Ho Baek Lee. (MUSIC)

Clickety Clack

Jeff Berman

Travel down the track with Driver Zach and his zany crew of “passengers”—yaks, ducks, acrobats and mice in this book by Rob and Amy Spence, with colorfully illustrations by Margaret Spengler. Jeff invites children to join the rhythm and rhyme in this familiar train storybook. (MUSIC)

Bring on The Beat

C.E. Pino

Jazz, man! What’s that beat? Can’t stop moving those crazy feet! In this story time with Bring on That Beat by Rachel Isadora, musician and storyteller C.E. Pino

uses rhythm, rhyme, and movement to capture the spirit of jazz.(MUSIC)

A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to speak, sing and shout

C.E. Pino

Take a musical trip to the beach with C.E. in A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to speak,

sing, and shout selected by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Chris Raschka. Hear the ocean in a shell or a drum, listen and dance to the music of the seas, and go sailing with The Owl and the Pussycat. (MUSIC)

John Henry
Amir Rashidd brings this legendary folk hero to life with railroad work songs of the era. This steel drivin' man was big, strong, fast, and fearless, but can he beat the railroad boss' steam drill using only his hammers and amazing strength? (MUSIC)

Osa’s Pride

Amir Rashidd

Young Osa is smart and proud, but can you be too proud? This interactive story time explores Ann Grifalconi’s Osa’s Pride using traditional African instruments and rhythms. (MUSIC)

Sing Me a Story: Song-and-dance tales from the Caribbean

C.E. Pino

Travel the globe as C.E. explores call-and-response chants from around the world in Sing Me a Story: Song-and-dance tales from the Caribbean by Grace Hallworth, and illustrated by John Clementson. See and hear the sounds of instruments from other countries with visits to Africa, New Zealand, Asia, and North and South America. Then join in the telling of "Dancing to the River," a folktale from Jamaica about a very clever turtle. (MUSIC)

The Sound That Jazz Makes

Amir Rashidd

Join storyteller and musician Amir Rashidd on this journey through the vivid sounds of jazz in this lively and exciting book by Carol Boston Weatherford, with illustrations by Eric Velasquez.(MUSIC)

VISUAL ART:

Arches to Zigzags: An Architecture ABC

Rikki Loop

Who knew the roof over your head could be so exciting! In this intriguing book with fun rhymes by Michael J. Crosbie and extraordinary photographs by Steve and Kit Rosenthal, visual artist Rikki Loop introduces architecture as an art form using movement and collage. Children use collage paper shapes to build their own architectural forms. (VISUAL ART)

El Mar*
Veronica Lopez

Artist Veronica Lopez will" dive" deep down the sea to discover the amazing creatures that live underwater while reading from the Spanish language book EI Mar by Jordi Busquests. Children create their own" Under the Sea" collage using a variety of papers. (VISUAL ART)

*En este libro la artista Veronica Lopez va a explorer todas las fantasticas criaturas
que viven en el mar. A continuacion los ninos tend ran la oportunidad de hacer
su propio collage" Abajo del Agua" usando una gran variedad de papeles.

When a Line Bends...a Shape Begins

Rikki Loop

This story corner explores the visual arts through line, shape, literacy, and song. Children are introduced to basic art concepts in the context of interactive story reading and simple movement activities. With Rikki’s help, children create their own artwork by bending lines to make shapes. (VISUAL ART)

When Pigasso Met Mootisse

Rikki Loop

Rikki explores the art and friendship of painters Pablo Picasso (Pigasso) and Henri Matisse (Mootisse). Learn shape, pattern, and art vocabulary while enjoying Nina Laden’s colorful and humorous book. Children will have the opportunity to make a collage in the style of Matisse.(VISUAL ART)

The Great Kapok Tree*
Alison Zapata
Take a trip with Alison Zapata to the Amazon Rainforest as she tells the tale of this beautiful fable of
interdependence in the rain forest. During this story time session, we will learn about this ecosystem as it comes alive with a hissing snake, chattering monkeys and squawking birds. Children will make animals of The
Great Kapok Tree come alive with their very own handmade rain forest puppets!(VISUAL ART)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Alison Zapata

Celebrate this classic by Eric Carle. Alison will help the children make beautiful butterfly wings and create a fluttery butterfly parade! (VISUAL ART)

What Makes a Rainbow?

Alison Zapata

Artist Alison Zapata will lead children in a celebration of color in What Makes a Rainbow? by Betty Ann Schwartz, illustrated by Dona Turner.(VISUAL ART)

SHOWTIME! PROGRAMS:
ShowTime! programs are designed specifically for pre-school children ages 3-6. Our performing artists lead
interactive, entertaining sessions tat provide critical early exposure to the performing arts. Each 30-minute
session can accommodate 40 program. Each child will receive a Take Home with prompts for parental
engagement.

Call Heidi at 412.362.6982 or email heidib(at)gatewaytothearts(dot)org to schedule your ShowTime! program or to discuss which ones are right for your library.

A World of Stories
Joann Kielar
Puppeteer/storyteller Joann Kielar's program presents three classic tales from different corners of the world. Young children experience basic components of story structure while creating sound effects and predicting outcomes and possibilities. Come along! Let's open the door to a world of stories.
COST: $200

Bubbe Tells a Tale
Barbara Russell & Janice Coppola
In Bubbe Tells a Tale, Grandma Bubbe and klezmer musician Janice Coppola share the Yiddish folktale It Could Be Worse. As the house fills with animals, students join in my making animal sounds, clapping, dancing, and learning some Yiddish words.
COST: $250

Listen Closely!
Jeff Berman
Percussionist Jeff Berman creates an interactive program using fascinating and unusual instruments from different corners of the world. Children explore the relationships of the rhythm and sound in our "language of words" to those in the "language of music" and discover that you can hear it all if you listen closely!
COST: $215

Carrie Kennedy

2010-04-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh resident Carrie Kennedy is the author of Panorama: An Introduction to Classical Mythology. She holds a Master’s in Education and taught in classrooms for ten years before turning her attention to educational writing and curriculum development. In addition to marketing her book, she lectures at schools, libraries, and museums, and also teaches through C-MITES and Pitt’s Osher Life Long Learning Institute.

Carrie’s engaging presentations focus on how mythology, particularly classical mythology, continues to influence the world around us—our astronomy, vocabulary, art, stories, movies, and popular culture. Carrie has also tailored programs to introduce students to the pantheon of classical deities, to focus on just one subject (such as science and myth), to include crafts or other take-aways, or to reference key points from Rick Riordan’s popular Percy Jackson series.

Details:

Please visit Clew Publishing’s website for more information on programs.

Contact:

Call for information and pricing: 724-443-2968.

Matt Sigler, Magician

2010-04-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Matt Sigler is a local magician who has often performed at the Shaler North Hills Library. Very creative, Matt's performances have been described as fun, interactive, and highly entertaining!

Details:

Visit Matt's website for more details -- www.themagicofmattsigler.com

Contact information:

Matt Sigler

724-309-6826

Reference:

Karen Hathaway @ Shaler North Hills Library

Department of Theater Arts, University of Pittsburgh - Shakespeare-in-the-Schools Outreach Program

2010-04-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare-in-the-Schools (SITS), is the educational outreach arm of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Pittsburgh. This program brings theatre into Western Pennsylvania schools and communities, helping young people, parents, and teachers forge connections with the world around them. Last year, SITS' programming reached over 8,000 students and families in the area.

As part of the Young Audience Series, SITS’ programming has enjoyed bringing the story of Rachel Carson to life for people of all ages. We are pleased to announce that the Heinz Endowment Youth EcoArt Initiative has funded us to create a re-imagining Rachel Carson’s story as a puppet-theatre piece for younger audiences (K-3). The new production will be highly portable, featuring local favorite, Elena Alexandratos, and a slew of exciting puppets designed in collaboration with Pittsburgh artists Cheryl Capezutti and Kellee Van Aken.

Details:

Visit Shakespeare-in-the-Schools website for more information.

Contact:

Laura McCarthy
lam95(at)pitt(dot)edu
412-624-1953

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

2010-04-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

As you schedule your library's activities, please remember that the Carnegie Museum of Natural History can bring programs to you all year long.

Enhance your library programs by scheduling a Traveling Classroom presentation. Arrange to have 45 minute presentations at your library using specimens, visual aids, and touchable materials along with a craft or activity.

Details:

Price is $100 for up to 30 children; for larger groups, schedule the same program on the same day (same topic) for $50.
Requirements: There may be mileage charged for locations outside of Allegheny County.

Contact:

Lenore Adler
adlerl(at)carnegiemnh(dot)org
412-688-8786
to book a program or obtain a catalog

We also offer:

Science on Stage! If you are looking for a larger group program, consider Science on Stage. These touring productions offer a variety of natural history topics for the education and entertainment of audiences of all ages! (maximum 200 attendees). Contact Michael List, listm(at)carnegiemnh(dot)org or call 412-622-3283
Education Loan Collection: You can also enhance your summer library displaces by borrowing materials from the Educational Load Collection. The outreach program provides you with unique objects, background information, and activities and in some cases audio-visual materials. Contact Patrick McShea, mcsheap(at)carnegienmh(dot)org or call 412-622-3292.
Video Conferencing: If your library has video conferencing capabilities, contact Sue McJunkin, 412-622-3235, for program information and technology requirements.
Discovery Dome: For a special discovery dome visit, contact Kerry Handron, handronk(at)carnegiemnh(dot)org or call 412-578-2580.

Yurtfolk

2010-03-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

Yurtfolk, LuAnne Harley and Brian Kruschwitz, live in a Yurt (a dwelling that originates from Mongolia), and have created many exciting and fun programs for kids focusing on different cultures from around the world. Their programs include singing, interactive experiments, and storytimes.

They currently live in North Manchester, Indiana, but can travel to Pittsburgh and would love to book a program to have at your library!

Details:

Please contact for price.

Contact:

LuAnne Hurley
Email: yurtfolk(at)gmail(dot)com
Call: 260-982-2539 (home) or 260-568-4958 (cell)

Wondergy-Fueling Curiosity

2010-01-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

All of our presenters have science degrees and are not afraid to follow patrons' ideas and questions. Because the action is all driven by our guests, sessions naturally run longer and with wider age ranges than you might expect from a more traditional show. We have a rockin' good time for 60-90 minutes per program, if your schedule allows for it, but we can fit into any time block. We love what we do, and there is no extra cost for extra time and questions in a program!

Details: Check out the website! Wondergy-Fueling Curiosity

Contact: Toll-Free: 86-MOLECULE (866-653-2853)

Eli Baird

2010-01-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

Eli writes and sings original children's songs and perform with an acoustic guitar. He sings about animals, friendship, seasonal and silly songs. He can also create songs based upon various requested themes. About half of the songs involve movement and group singing.

Details:

Age range: 4-10
Cost: $50-75
Length of program: 10-30 minutes.

Contact:

Email: Eli4thgrade(at)hotmail(dot)com
Phone: 724-448-0834

Library Reference:
Avalon Public library 412-761-2288

Wild Goose Chase Theater

2009-12-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

Matt is a puppeteer from Nashville, TN, and he tours nationally with an entertaining and educational program called Poet's Cafe, designed to teach young people poetry and literary awareness through a series of short, interactive puppetry skits. Hisshow, which he has performed to high acclaim in libraries, schools, and childrens museums across the country, promotes literary awareness and excitement, and it ties in well with summer reading programs. Visit his website for more information.

Details:

Age Range: "Poet's Cafe" is appropriate for all ages, Pre-K through 5th grade
Program Length: approximately 45 minutes
Audience Size: This program can accommodate up to 350 people
Pricing: 1 performance - $300 Half-day (2-3 performances) - $550 Full-day (3-6 performances) - $800
Routing rates apply for libraries further than 60 miles from Nashville, TN

Contact:
Matt Sandbank
Wild Goose Chase Theater
(505) 816-8379

If you feel the urge, don't be afraid to go on a wild goose chase. What do you think wild geese are for, anyway? ~Will Rogers

Author Visits and Workshops: Annie Mouse Books

2009-12-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

Author Visits and workshops by Author Anne M. Slanina, Annie Mouse Books Bibliotherapy Series

Invite Annie Mouse Books author, Anne M. Slanina, Ph.D. to entertain your group by reading from Adventures of Annie Mouse series. She also engages children in dulcimer music and/or craft activities, while addressing the more serious topics of bullying, anger management and conflict resolution. You may also choose a creative writing workshop. Parent/teacher workshops are also available.

Anne M. Slanina, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and author of The Adventures of Annie Mouse Series is available for:
School Visits, Bookstores/Giftshop/Hospital Appearances, Parent/Teacher Workshops.

Details: Check the website for more info!

Contact:
Annie Mouse Books
P.O. Box 142
Harrisville, PA 16038
724-735-4033
anniemousebooks(at)yahoo(dot)com

Riverquest

2009-12-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Riverquest

Educational programs related to Pittsburgh’s three rivers and bridges, hands-on activities and lessons for school age children.

Details: Call for pricing.

Contact:
Chris Statzer
1501 Reedsdale Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2310

Phone: 412-231-2712 ext. 13

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo

Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

Rachel Carson Homestead

2009-12-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

Program Description: Grades 2-8, watershed/wetlands demonstration, water quality testing, aquatic animals, microscope testing. Find out more at Rachel Carson Homestead website.

Details: Fee as charged

Contact:
613 Marion Avenue
Springdale, PA 15144-1242
Contact Patricia DeMarco
Phone: 412-708-9277

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo

Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

Making Science Make Sense

2009-12-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

Making Science Make Sense

Program Description: Bayer provides a variety of hands-on inquiry based science programs

Contact:
Bayer Co.
Contact: Debbie Wallace
Phone: 412-777-2779

Details: Fee as charged

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo
Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

Jennings Environmental Center

2009-12-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

Jennings Environmental Center

Program Description: Watershed Education: Participants assess water quality of local streams and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems.

Contact:
Will Taylor
Phone: 724-794-6011
Slippery Rock, PA

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo

Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

Heinz History Center

2009-12-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

Program Description: Educational programs surrounding the history of Pittsburgh, able to provide interactive programs and activities relating to a variety of topics. Visit the website for more details!

Details: Fee as charged.

Contact:
Danni Hale
Phone: 412.454.6373
Email: ddhale(at)hswp(dot)org

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo

Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

Frick Environmental Center

2009-12-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

Program Description: Provides a variety of environmental interpretive programs for all ages. Including topics on watersheds and aquatic ecosystems. Visit the website for more details!

Details: Fee as charged.

Contact:
2005 Beechwood Blvd., Frick Park

Phone: 412-422-6538

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo

Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

Everybody Loves Puppets: Beth Ison

2009-12-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

Why not turn your next gathering into a truly memorable and engaging occasion for your audience or classroom? We perform behind a professional puppet theater and offer a variety of 40 minute musicals that can include a hands-on puppetry workshop. We use many different puppets, such as people, monsters, and animals, to enhance our show. Some of our shows include: "Learning as we Grow," "Let's Sing about Spring," "Friends around the World," and many others; special programs can be written for a specific event.

Details:

Our regular rate for a 40 minute program is $200.00.
Please ask about our combined group rate for multiple performances!
Requirements: 6 ft long, 6 ft wide, 8 ft high area for stage; room that can be partially darkened

Contact:
Beth Ison at everybodylovespuppets(at)verizon(dot)net
533 11th Street 412-894-3777
Oakmont, PA 15139

Dovie Thomason

2009-12-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

The following is an excerpt from Dovie Thomason's website.

Dovie Thomason is an award-winning storyteller, recording artist, and author, recognized internationally for her ability to take listeners to the timeless place that she first "vistited" as a child, hearing old Indian stories from her Kiowa Apache and Lakota relatives, especially her grandmother Dovie and her Dad. From their voices, she first hear the voices of the Animal People and began to learn the lesson they had to teach her. For those were teaching stories that took the place of punishment or scolding, showing her the values that her people respect and wanted to pass on to her.

Her love of stories and culture set her on a path to listen and learn and share the stories--to give people a clearer understanding of the often misunderstood, often invisible, cultures of the First Nations of North America. The product of a "mixed" background that is urban Chicago and rural Texas, Internet and ancient teachers, elders' teaching and university classrooms--Dovie began telling stories "publicly" while teaching literature and writing at an urban high school in Cleveland. So, she began telling those first-heard old Indian stories --stories about making choices--stories that could become a blueprint for a personal value system."

Contact: Click here to visit website for further information.

Library Reference: Mary Morgan Smith, Northland Public Library, 412-366-8100

Fern Hollow Nature Center

2009-12-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

Program Description: Environmental education programs including the study of various habitats, wildlife and ecosystems.

Details: Fee as charged

Contact:
1901 Glen Mitchell Road
Sewickley, PA 15143-8856
Phone: (412) 741-6136
Visit the website for more information.

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo

Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

Regional Environmental Education Center

2009-12-08T09:05:00.002-08:00

REEC Library Programs are 45-minute festivities packed with interesting facts and fun activities to our natural world. Programs are ideal for students in grades K-3 but can be adapted for any age.

Outdoor Programs require an outdoor space:

Animal Detectives — Study the wildlife of western PA and the signs they leave behind.
Nature’s Recycling — Learn about nature’s recyclers and find some of your own.
Animal Olympics — Compare your skills to our “Animal Olympians”!
Creek Critters — Identify nature’s “mini-beasts” and learn about their importance in nature.
My Tree — Learn the important characteristics of trees and use tools to identify a tree.

Indoor/Outdoor Programs do not require an outdoor space:

Bird Beaks — Study the basics behind bird identification.
Senses — Use your senses and compare them to many amazing animal senses.
Fierce Flyers — Learn about our many flying friends and their differences
Tricky Tracks — Study the basics behind track ID and make some tracks of your own
Crafty Critter — Learn the basics of food chains while creating a recycled work of art

Contact:

Jessica Stombaugh at jessicaS(at)regionaleec(dot)org

Program Manager

412-838-0064

Library Referral:

Adaena Tray, Green Tree Library, 412-921-9292

Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

2009-12-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Visit website for more information!

Contact information: Phone: (412) 665-3640

Library Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo
Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
412-622-8821

PA Resources Council

2009-12-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Program Description : Recycling and conservation, options include a worm compost bin demonstration and watershed demonstration. Visit website for more info!

Contact:
Lauren Seiple
Phone: 412-431-4449 ext. 325
Email : laurens(at)ccicenter(dot)org

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

2009-12-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

Reuse-a-palooza!

Programs for Fairs, Festivals and Public Events:

The Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse’s (PCCR) Reuse-a-palooza! events are fun and engaging activities for all ages, perfect for large public events such as fairs, festivals and community days. This program provides hands-on exploratory creative activities for participants of all ages. Explore and create with a large selection of re-usable materials. We can tailor themes to your specific event. This activity can accommodate thousands of people during one event, and up to 100 participants at a time, space permitting.

Rates:

Small Event- $150 first hour, $90 each additional hour

Large Event-$150-$200/hr, depending on size

Customizable to suit your event’s needs. Extra Customization Fee may apply.

Creative Reuse Workshops

Basic Workshop:

PCCR’s hands on creative workshops are fun, educational, and inspiring for all ages. A brief talk about resource conservation is followed by a hands-on activity led by one of our staff. Participants are encouraged to use their imagination while exploring the large selection of reusable materials we provide. Specific themes are available upon request.

Team Building Workshops:

Our team building workshops are a fun and interactive way to bring individuals together as a group to share and build upon their strengths. Similar to our basic workshops but with an emphasis on teamwork, a brief educational talk about resource conservation is followed by a hands-on group activity using the large selection of reusable materials provided. Participants have the opportunity to share their individual strengths with each other and create a collaborative project using the collective strengths of the group. Exploration, imagination and group interaction are key to these dynamic workshops. A perfect teambuilding activity for businesses and colleges, or as an icebreaker for a group event.

Rates:

Small Workshop (up to 25 participants) $120 first hour, $75 each additional hour

Large Workshop (26-50 participants) $150 first hour, $90 each additional hour

Small Teambuilding Workshop: $150/hr
Large Teambuilding Workshop: $175/hr

Places We've Been:

First Night Pittsburgh

Three Rivers Arts Festival
Kidapalooza
The Mall at Robinson’s Earth Day
East End Food Coop’s Art Harvest
Whole Foods In-Store Activities

Places We Go:
School Programs
Community Centers
Clubs and Troops
Field Days
Summer Camps
Colleges and Universities
Libraries
Bookstores
Museums
Zoos

Contact information:

Address: 180 49th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 412-202-4036
Email : programs(at)creativereusepittsburgh(dot)org
Click here for Blog

Alison Zapata

2009-12-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Alison Zapata is a visual artist and certified art educator who has created many exciting programs for our libraries.

Children's Art Workshops:

Altered Book Collage Family Fun Children: will have fun creating whimsical works of art beginning with an old book! We'll turn photos into fun, personalized, altered book collages using acrylic paint, stamps, colored foils, tissue paper, fabric, melted crayons and more! Children bring in photos of loved ones and small other items to collage into their own personalized work of art. Children can xerox photos to preserve originals. Space needs: room with 3 long tables, access to electrical outlets. Max Participation: 12 students plus 12 adults, Rates: $160, Class length: 2 hours; ages 8-13 years with an adult

Polymer Clay Jewelry Jam Children: in this workshop, we will learn to work with colorful polymer based clay that bakes in the toaster oven. We'll marbelize and assemble flower pattern canes to create a set of beads. We'll assemble an original pair of earrings and a necklace. Adults welcome too! Space needs: room with 1 long table and place to plug in a toaster oven. Max Participation: 15 students; Rates: $160; Class length: one hour and fifteen minutes, ages 5-13 years

Mister Seahorse: in this interactive presentation, children will be delighted with the interactive storytelling of Eric Carle's Mister Seahorse. Through art-making and movement, children will make personal connections to Eric Carle's books by creating their own seahorse using tissue paper, stamping, shapes and color. Space needs: circle time/carpet reading area, and a table for stamping and/or painting. Max Participation: 12 students Rates: $120; Class length: one hour, Pre-K with an adult

Pictures of Me! From Jack Be Nimble to Little Bo Peep, children will delight in hearing Mother Goose Rhymes with an urban twist. Experience storytelling through hands-on art-making, singing, and body movement to inspire art and reading fun! Children will make personal connections to The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews by creating their own life-size self-portrait using stamps, tissues paper, markers and much more! This is an exciting class not to miss! Space needs: circle time/carpet reading area and space to create. Max Participation: 12 students; Rates: $120; Class length: one hour, Pre-K with an adult

Watercolor Wonderlands: Magenta, lavender, turquoise, seafoam green... these are just a few of the colors we will be using to create whimsical watercolor landscape paintings. Using a simple methods and tools, children will easily learn how to blend color and create depth to scenes with hillsides, trees, and shadows. There is no limitation to the beauty of creating the most colorful sunset of your dreams in your own work of art! The result will be a stunning watercolor landscape suitable for framing.
Space needs: tables, access to water; Max participation: 20 students; Rates: $120; Class length: one hour, 5-13 years

Contact: Alison Zapata at alisonzapata(at)gmail(dot)com 412-656-1114

Carnegie Science Center

2009-12-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Program Description: Provides hands-on science activities for children of all agesCarnegie Science Center

Details: Fee as charged

Contact Information:

Marie King

Address: 1 Allegheny AvePittsburgh, PA 15212
Email: kingm(at)carnegiesciencecenter(dot)org
Phone: 412-237-1677
website

Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo
CLP, 412-622-8821

ASWP Beechwood Nature Center

2009-12-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Program Description:
Programs for children K-5 on watersheds, pond life, habitats, birds of prey, conservation and ecology

From website:
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve is the headquarters of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. ASWP manages and operates the five miles of trails and 134 acres of sanctuary at Beechwood Farms under a lease agreement with property holder, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Its facilities include Educational Classrooms, the Audubon Nature Store, the Teacher Resource Center, a Natural History Library, the Evans Nature Center auditorium. The newest addition to Beechwood is the Audubon Center for Native Plants. Beechwood is also the site of our unique Outdoor Discovery field trip programs for school children.
*Please see education page for tons of great information on environmental education programs and related programming!

Contact information: website
Phone: 412-963-6100

Reference:
Georgene DeFilippo,
CLP, 412-622-8821

*Fee as charged

Music Together, The Joy of Family Music

2009-12-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

Many different programs are offered. Please click here to go to website with detailed information on great programs.

*Lessons for Youth, Adults, Special Needs: please see contact page on website for program-specific email addresses

Contact Information:
website
Lisa Rae Music Studios,
LLC P.O. Box 142 Crescent, PA 15046-0142
(800)728-2692

DLW Storyteller

2009-12-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

Program Description:

From Donna Washington's website: Donna has performed at thousands of schools & libraries and numerous storytelling festivals throughout the country. She has also been featured at numerous storytelling festivals including the 2004 National Storytelling Festival, The Illinois Storytelling Festival, The Three Rivers Festival, The St. Louis Storytelling Festival, The NC StoryFest, The Corn Island and Cave Run Festivals in KY, and the Broward County Children's & Ocala Storytelling Festivals in FL- just to name a few. She also offers worshops in storytelling, writing, education, and creative drama for librarians and educators as well. These days you can find her traveling the country at festivals, conferences, schools, & libraries telling stories & giving workshops for anyone who is willing to listen to her.

Ages: All ages

*Please see website for additional details on costs, programs, etc.

Contact Information:
Donna L. Washington
2 Haggis Court
Durham, North Carolina USA 27705
website
Qbot5(at)aol(dot)com

Reference:
Mary Morgan Smith, Northland Public Library, 412-366-8100

Aimee and Larry '2' Twisted Balloon Company

2009-12-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

Program Description:
Information from Gigmasters.com profile:
Hi we are Aimee and Larry of 2 Twisted Balloon Co. We are balloon artists that do parties, fairs, festivals, corporate events, picnics, retail openings, any event where you need some added fun. We can do anything from the casual picnic to the cocktail charity event. We have a professional look to match any event. We can make your childs birthday party their most memorable. Each child can go home from your party with their own personal balloon creation.
Don't hire a One Twist Wonder...Hire a talented Balloon Artist, you won't be sorry.
We are fully insured so you can feel comfortable having us at your event.

Ages: all ages

Cost: $75-$100 per hour

Reference:
Susan Waldo, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Knoxville
412.381.6543

Airheads

2009-12-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

Program type: balloon art
Program Description:"From the Airheads' website: Airheads, as we have come to be known, is Pittsburgh’s largest, full service balloon company. Since our inception in 1999, we have strived to be innovative in design, aware of the latest industry trends, exceptional in customer service and fair in our pricing, all the while having fun in what we do.
Whether your event is in your backyard or in front of a national spotlight, our staff of balloon professionals knows that your event is important and we strive to exceed your expectations both in balloon results and service.
*Please see website for additional details.

Contact information:
322 Mall Blvd. Suite 191
Pittsburgh, PA 15146-2229
website
contactus(at)airheadsballoonart(dot)com
412-793-7144; toll free @ 1-866-4 Airheads

Act!vated Storytellers

2009-12-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Program Description:
The Act!vated Storytellers present 45 minute multicultural theatrical productions, full of nonstop action, American Sign Language, acrobatic tricks, physical comedy, slapstick, audience participation, imaginative props and a gigantic oversized book. At the end of library performances the performers encourage the audience to find and check out books related to the show.

Additional Information:

**Special Requirements: Indoor location of about 12x12.
Length of Program: 45 minutes

Cost: $445 for the first show, discounts for multiple bookings

Contact information:
827 N. Hollywood Way #375, Burbank, CA 91505
Website
Kimberly Goza-
kimberly(at)activated-storytellers(dot)com

(800) 429-6576 / (818) 720-3061

Buddy Nutt

2009-12-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Program type: musical performance and instrument making

Program Descriptions:

Make and Play Your Own Didgeridoo
The Didgeridoo is among the oldest instruments in the world from the aboriginal people of Australia. This workshop would total 90 minutes in length and would be appropriate for families. It would include a 20-30 minute “lecture/concert” featuring a variety of traditional eucalyptus and non-traditional didgeridoos and a historical discussion and technical discussion including playing methods from the basic buzz, to using multi-phonics and circular breathing to imitate sounds and rhythms found in nature. The rest of the program will consist of hands-on building a didgeridoo from PVC pipes, filing and sanding a mouthpiece, and playing with one-on-one wondering instruction from the presenter. The program will end with a brief explanation of more advanced building and playing techniques including how to fashion a beeswax mouthpiece and painting techniques. Each participant will go home with a didgeridoo.

Additional Requirements:
Program would require one eight foot table, one hour set-up time and 30 minutes cleanup. Sweeping or vacuuming may be required.
Rates: $200, max participants 20 students

How to Play the Musical Straw
Coaxing music from the blade of a carpenter’s handsaw is a tradition with strong roots from the American folk music of Appalachia to European Impressionist composers. The saw is held between the knees and bent in such a way that specific pitches and melodies can be played either by bowing the blade with a violin bow or striking it with a mallet. The workshop would last 90 minutes and be appropriate for families with children 8 and up. It would include a 20-30 minute “lecture/concert” featuring Buddy Nutt’s traveling exhibit of musical saws and musical saw artifacts from around the world. The rest of the program will consist of hands-on and playing and practice with mallets and bows with one-on-one wondering instruction from the presenter. The program would conclude with a “Chorus of Saws” and distribution of materials detailing where to find and buy one’s own musical saw and how to make your own bow.
Program would require armless chairs for the participants, two eight foot tables, one hour set-up time and 30 minutes cleanup. If contracted for multiple presentations of this performance I could expand my collection of saws to accommodate more participants.

Additional Requirements:
Availability: few or nor restrictions
Rates: $200
Max Participants: 10 students

Contact information:
Website
buddy.nutt(at)gmail(dot)com
607-423-1805
Reference: used for summer reading 2009

Pittsburgh Artists Registry

2009-12-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

Program Information:
Who We Are: The Pittsburgh Artist Registry is a project of The Office of Public Art. The Office of Public Art is a partnership between the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning with funding provided by The Heinz Endowments. The Pittsburgh Artist Registry is funded in part by a grant from the National Endowments for the Arts.

Purpose: We allow selected artists (“Artists”) in a variety of disciplines to post their art and/or representations of their art (“Artist Worksamples”) on this website (“Website”). We permit Users who agree to these Terms of Use to view such Artist Worksamples on this Website. Users may also contact the Artists directly to purchase artwork or art-related services. Any communications or transactions between Users and Artists are handled between the Users and the Artists and we are not involved and take no responsibility whatsoever in connection with those activities.

Contact information:

Pittsburgh Artists Registry
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
707 Penn Avenue, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412.391.2060 x233
Website

Cindy Speck

2009-12-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Program Description: Although Cindy has never received any formal training in ventriloquism, she has attended the International Ventriloquist Convention. Performing nearly 150 times a year, she has used her talents to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages.Ventriloquist Convention.

Ages: all ages
Length of Program: 45 min
Cost: $195.00

Contact information:
Website
Spruce Street Zelienople, PA 16063
speckfamily4(at)aol(dot)com
724-452-5889

Noise Guy--Charlie Williams

2009-12-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

A quick description from website: "Charlie Williams is the Noise Guy! An author, vocal sound impressionist, and kids comedian living in Issaquah, Washington."

The Noise Guy offers many different interactive programs and performances available. Website has tons of details. Please click here to view site.

Reference: Noise Guy may be used for Summer Reading 2010 training!

Pittsburgh Glass Center

2009-12-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Program Description:
Witness a Pittsburgh Glass Center artist at the torch creating gravity defying intricate works of art such as beads or small sculpture with a heart stopping demonstration. A glass artist will come to your library to demo glass blowing techniques. This involves FIRE and is always a huge hit! This is for all ages!

Availability: Only 2 artists from the Glass Center do these demos.
Some restrictions, such as a two hour minimum
No max audience
Cost: 35.00 + mileage

Contact information:
Phone: 412-365-2145 ext. 201
5472 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15206
pgcinfo(at)pittsburghglasscenter(dot)org
website

or contact artist directly

Mike Mangiafico at figstudios(at)verizon(dot)net

Reference: used for summer reading 2009

Olivia Kissel

2009-12-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

Program information:
*various interactive workshops and programs are available

Availability: some restrictions

Kennywood’s Open 3-D Art Project
In this 1-hour workshop, participants make roller coasters and amusement part rides using recycled materials and colorful sticky tape. There are three versions of this program for different ages (5-7; 7-9; and 9-12)

We start each session with a book or artwork that relates to amusement parks and roller coasters. Then participants will use recycled material, glue and colorful sticky tape to create an amusement park ride on a cardboard base. They will name their ride, explain its theme and be able to describe what makes their ride unique. Intermediate level groups will have opportunities to build moving parts on their ride. We will temporarily display all of the individual rides together to make one large amusement park. We will need tables for the participants, plus one table for material and one table for supplementary materials including books and artwork.

Max Participants: 16-20

Rates: $190

Mommy and Me Yoga and World Dance Workshop:
Parents and children will love this fun and interactive 1-hour workshop in which participants will use yoga postures and breathing exercises to warm up their bodies, then learn basic steps from West African, Northern Indian and European folk dance traditions. This workshop has two versions: one is for parents with children under 5, and a second is for parents and children ages 5 – 7 years old. Many yoga postures are inspired by the forms of different animals and plants; including downward stretching dogs, frogs, and even trees! We will start each session with a short series of yoga postures in which parent and child can playfully interact and use their imaginations to embody these various plants and animals. We will then listen to music from Africa, India and Europe; learning basic dance steps from these regions. There will be special attention to dances where participants interact, holding hands and forming circles or lines. Please wear comfortable clothing (preferably no jeans) and water. Participants can bring a yoga or exercise mat if they have one. We will need an open space to dance and do yoga.

Max Participants: 16-20

Rates: $160

World Dance Workshop:
Participants will listen to music and learn basic dance combinations inspired by folk dances from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Northern India. This 1-hour - 1 1/2 hour workshop is has two versions: one is for participants from 7 – 9 years of age, and the other is for 9 – 12 year olds. Each workshop will begin by watching a short video clip of a dance performance from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Northern India. The instructor will lead a short open-ended discussion about each of these performances in which she will guide the participants in sharing their observations and comparing and contrasting the different styles of music and dance. We will then begin our dance portion with a warm-up. After the general warm up we will learn some basic dance movements inspired by the folk dances we watched and discussed.

Max Participants: 16-20

Rates: $160

Contact information: Oliviakissel(at)gmail(dot)com

Reference: used for summer reading 2009

Kid's Music Experience

2009-12-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

"The Music Experience" (major musical fun!!)
Peter Moses has been a singer-songwriter and recording artist for children and families for nearly 20 years. He offers an upbeat, funny and highly interactive music & movement performance! There is a wonderful combination of original and traditional songs along with guitar accompaniment, rhythm reading books and hands-on, rhythm instrumentation for kids ages 2-to-8 years old. There is always lots of joyful singing, silliness and dancing! Average length per performance is 50 minutes.

Rates: $250, with a minimum of 6 library or other performances scheduled over a two-day period required to cover time & travel costs from Philadelphia.
Contact: Peter Moses, 1-800-350-9504

Mauren Antkowski

2009-12-02T08:25:00.003-08:00

Mauren Antkowski offers the following art workshops for children:

The Sun (age range: 8-10 years old): We will learn all about light, and how different ancient and modern civilizations that use the sun as an important resource and inspiration for their livelihood, as well as for artistic purposes. Each participant will create his or her own designs, which they will use to create a sunlight-box, that becomes illuminated when placed in front of a light source.

3 Saturdays; 2 hours each = 6 hours total Max Participants: 10 students

Rates: $300 (can be negotiated if there are fewer students)

Recycling Revolution (age range: 6-9 years old): We all know the importance of recycling, and this program will show how it is easy and fun! In addition to learning about local recycling programs, we will learn how different people around the world recycle, and what becomes of that useless plastic bottle or cardboard box. We will recycle clean materials by making them into pieces of art, as well as tools and materials for art-making.

1 evening week; 4 weeks = 4 hours total

Max participants: 10 students

Rates: $140

In Your Neighborhood (age range: 6-9 years old): *This program is only offered in the summer* This is a neighborhood-specific program where kids will learn a little history of their library's neighborhood, using the internet and/or books from the library's collection. We will take short walks around the neighborhood to explore landmarks as well as little-known places.

Each participant will create his or her own "guide book" that illustrates their own perspective of their neighborhood, with photos, drawings and maps to show others the place they call home.

3 Saturdays, 2 hours each = 6 hours total Max Participants: 10 students

Rates: $300 total (can be negotiated if there are fewer students)

***Mauren is only available the last 2 weeks in June, all July, and the 1st OR 2nd week in August. Please contact her for more information and the availability of specific dates.

Contact:

Mauren Antkowski

mauren(dot)a(dot)a(at)gmail(dot)com

412-606-3907

Joy Ike

2009-12-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

Joy Ike's music is an indie-infused mix of jazz, pop, and neo-soul, and has often been compared to the likes of Fiona Apple, Corrinne Bailey Rae, and Norah Jones. The Pittsburgh-grown, Nigerian singer/songwriter has only been writing and performing for 4 years but in that short amount of time has garnered much success in the independent music scene and was voted “Best Artist” and "Best Solo Artists" by readers of the Pittsburgh City Paper in 2008. Now as a full-time artist, Joy Ike has had the privilege of opening for a handful of national recording acts and has worked with established organizations such as The Pittsburgh Public Theater, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, WYEP, The Carnegie International Museum, and The August Wilson Center among a few.

Joy offers the following class:

The Creative Process of Songwriting: The pop culture music that students are currently exposed to is not only demoralizing, but in most cases devoid of creativity. Students will introduce themselves with a 3-4 line descriptive poem. We’ll have a 15-25 minute discussion about the music young people are currently listening to. We’ll talk about similarities in lyrical content and compare “radio-friendly” songs to avant-garde music that might not readily be accepted on mainstream radio. Ex: Katy Perry (very popular) vs. Theresa Andersson (not very popular). I can submit all music to be used ahead of time if there is concern of lyrical content. Children will pair off and share a story of something extraordinary that has happened to them recently. Each child will create a descriptive song based on their partner’s story. Children will be asked to write another short song about a common theme without mentioning any obvious, cliché, or commonly used words or phrases. Ex: Theme: “Grandma’s Blueberry Pie”. Off-limit words: eat, dinner, family, grandma, dessert, food, bake. Class is 2 hours long

Requirements: A wide space that will allow children to break off into partners and share stories. 10-16 participants maximum. This is not a music composition class, so students should not expect to learn how to compose or write music on an instrument. However they may bring portable instruments (i.e. guitar, hand drum, tambourine, egg shaker) if they are already well-versed in the instrument and would like to accompany their songs with music or percussive instruments.

Rates: $250

Contact: Joy Ike -- joy(at)joyike(dot)com

Bobbie Williams

2009-12-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Bobbie Williams is an actor who offers various acting classes. The goal of the acting class is for students to have a better understanding of acting and ensemble (working together in a group.) Intro Acting is also a great way to build confidence while having fun. The class is about 2 hours. We start with simple stretches and vocal exersises for 20 minutes. We then play ensemble games. These games are structured for students to learn the dynamics of group work and last 40 minutes. In improvisation and storytelling, students build a story together for 40 minutes. We end the class with more ensemble games.

Availability: Afternoons and Weekdays, flexible

Requirements: 20 participants max, an assistant will be needed if the class is over 20. We can work in a performance space or out doors on the grass.I live in East Pittsburgh I prefer to work in neighborhoods close to me or in Squirrel Hill Oakland, South Side, and Lawrenceville areas. Students must wear something they can move in.

Rates: please contact for details

Contact:

Bobbie Williams
bobbimedia(at)gmail(dot)com
646-251-2867

South Wind Duo: Curt Cooper & Annie Trimble, along with Roanoke the Duck puppet!

2009-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Since 1999, Curt and Annie have performed Celtic, Appalachian, traditional and contemporary folk music. Their duo appears with Roanoke, their singing duck. They combine their vocal talents and acoustic instruments, guitar, mandolin, banjo, flute and fiddle to create “South Wind.”

Rates:

$175.00 for a 1 hour performance set and $100.00 for each additional set for the same venue

Contact:

Curt Cooper

curtisrcooper(at)earthlink(dot)net

412-343-0498

Library Referral:

Kathy Maron-Wood, CLP Main, 412-622-3122

Verna McGinley

2009-12-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Verna McGinley of "Creative Environmental Education" provides programming with some live animal presentations. Programs include Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians, Animals of PA, and Endangered Species. Half hour Pre-School and Kindergarten programs include Mother Natures Diner, with live bird, Who’s Who of Hibernation, animals of PA, includes live animals, Creature Counting, focuses on numbers, and Dinosaur Romp, about rocks, fossils and dinosaurs. Programs usually last 45 minutes.

Rate: $25.00

Contact:
Verna McGinley (no email)
412-343-8653

Library Referral:
Judy Sutton, Mt. Lebanon, 412-531-1912; Kristin Burniston, Whitehall, 412-882-6622