Get Along Little Dogies
A special one-hour program on the Old West with
fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica, singing and yodeling:
The cowboy has long been the great mythical character of American folklore, an
image shaped mostly by popular fiction and the “silver screen”. The real
cowboy’s job was difficult, dirty and dangerous.
In this show you’ll hear his songs of work and tragedy as well as sampling his
wit and frivolity. Songs about bad horses, outlaws, trail drives and love
affairs will be spiced with old time tunes from ranch dances and stories of the
mountains and plains.
This is a program that brings the history and fun of the Old West to the entire
family.
Long Steel Rails
There was no greater force in the development of
the United States, and the West in particular, than the railroads. The trains
brought immigrants and the products of civilization to the frontier. In turn,
they transported to market the treasures produced by that land: minerals,
lumber, livestock, grain and produce.
Songs, stories and lore about the "long steel rails" and the "iron horse" tell
the true story of the trains, but they also reveal the mythology, the
larger-than-life image that has thrilled us and filled us with dreams for a
century and a half.
This program for all ages presents songs and stories about the famous trains,
rail workers. hobos, train wrecks and train robbers. Casey Jones, The Wabash
Cannonball & John Henry are as vital and expressive as any pieces of
American folklore. Get on board!
Children's Music Program
Bob and Gail use a variety of instruments to
explore our American folk music heritage. Children will hear fiddle, banjo,
guitar, harmonica and autoharp, on traditional songs such as The Old Chisholm
Trail, Skip to My Lou, & Turkey in the Straw. And, there's always a lot of
audience participation.
Photo by Andrea Royce
Children's Dance Program
"Swing that pretty gal round and round,
Any old way but upside down."
Squares, circles, reels and "play party games", designed to fit your age group.
We'll teach you each move, and then dance to live music.
Comments about Bob and Gail's children's programs:
"We have so enjoyed your performances and they give
young children an
introduction to a type of music that they otherwise might not have the
opportunity to enjoy. We'll be looking forward to having you perform again this
fall."
Vicki Ernster
Children’s Librarian, Rochester, MN Public Library
"Greetings from your friends in South
Dakota! My kids greatly enjoyed your visit to our school. Thank you once again
for making that week in October a special and memorable one."
Greg Schmitz
Teacher, Sioux Falls, SD Public Schools