Elder Audience » Storytellers

Ray Brown, “A Son of Liberty”–US History Presenter

pam — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:25:08 +0000

As a retired history teacher, I give presentations on the Declaration of Independence, forming of the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights while dressed in period-correct colonial attire. In addition, I recently completed a cross-country walk from Florence, Oregon to Atlantic City to help raise an awareness for the importance of studying American history and the Constitution. This tale is a popular story of patriotism, hope, and perseverance.

Although I am based in Eugene, I travel widely!

Words of praise for Ray Brown: “We invited Mr. Brown to speak about his Walk Across America. His presentation was polished and professional. As a former teacher, Ray has no trouble with public speaking. His material is interesting and entertaining with a touch of humor. Our residents were very glad they attended and had lots of questions. I use the Elderaudience site often to look for entertainment for our facility and I feel that Ray Brown would be an excellent fit for the site. I recommend him highly.” Sincerely, J. Baker, Activities Director, Eugene Abbey

“The residents of Sheldon Oaks thoroughly enjoyed Ray Brown’s presentation of his Walk Across America. Ray is an engaging speaker and had many great visuals including the slideshow, maps, flags and costume. The presentation
tied together his passion for history, his physical & emotion journey and the stories of the kindnesses of people he met along the way. It was an extremely moving and interesting presentation. Immediately after, I had residents asking when we were going to have him back to speak. We plan on having Ray back very soon. ” Sarah C., Enrichment Coordinator, Sheldon Oaks

Phone: (541)684-9792

Email : sonoflibertywalk@gmail.com

Website: sonoflibertywalk.blogspot.com

Samples from presentations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXsuqKPKDGY (recitation Declaration of Independence)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhntHGred8 (presentation re: walking across America)

Dezy Walls-The Pianobike Kid!

pam — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:43:35 +0000

Dezy Walls: Entertainer, singer, comedian, motivator, playwright, piano man, people magnet and stress busting superhero! From Kinsale, Ireland to Portland, OR (in a round the world sort of way) Dezy entertains with his warm, witty and hilarious insights into life, Irish style. He gets under the skin of life and it’s funny – songs eked out of life’s experiences – true stories disguised as lies. His repertoire spans 20th century to ’70s plus his own. Shows tailored to suit the occasion with/without his PIANOBIKE. Now based in Carlton, Oregon he will travel to your facility or event venue in the Portland/Vancouver area or Mid-Willamette Valley.

NO SET CHARGE, DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED!

Phone: (239)404-9944

Email : dezy@pianobikekid.com

Website : www.pianobikekid.com

Music sample: http://www.pianobikekid.com/musicmp3/waiting.mp3

Praise for Dezy, The Pianobike Kid:

“I know after all these years that there is only one very authentic performer where nobody will stay on his chair when he starts to perform and that’s you Des.” Ron W. Belgium, December 2008

“Dezy I am visiting with my 86 year old mom in NJ. she has Alzheimers, is so very confused at all times, doesn’t believe me when I tell her I am her daughter… but here is the point to my story. tonite I took her to dinner and on the way home I played your CD for her. anyway, this old lady who can barely remember her own name laughed hysterically during the anger management song and absolutely loved Irish catholic boy. your music gave me back my mom for a few precious moments. Thank you, Dezy! ” Lisa B. – State College, PA – 04/29/11

Angelica “Angel” Pilato, Author of “Angel’s Truck Stop”, a Memoir

pam — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:52:36 +0000

Angelica “Angel” Pilato is the author of “Angel’s Truck Stop: A Woman’s Love, Laughter, and Loss During the Vietnam War”, an engaging memoir recounting her time as the manager of an Air Force officers club in Thailand. Hilarious and at times, heart-wrenching, the book reveals a woman’s struggle to fit into a man’s world–The young Captain Pilato was warned her assignment was in a war zone “unfit for a woman.” After leaving active duty she joined the Reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Angel earned her PhD, and held executive positions at corporations and in academia. She now resides in Lake Oswego.

Invite Angel to share stories and reflections of her time in Southeast Asia and at “Angel’s Truck Stop”. She is based in the Portland area, but will travel beyond the Portland/Vancouver area (travel expenses apply).

Contact: Angelica “Angel” Pilato

Phone: (503)754-7334

Email: angelpilato@yahoo.com

Website: angels-truckstop.com

Nora Martin Janik–My Early Years in Hollywood as an Actress and Singer!

pam — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 21:11:15 +0000

Invite me to share my recollections of early life in Hollywood before and during WWII. I was “discovered” by Eddie Cantor, made movies with Roy Rogers and Gene Autrey, and sang with some of the most well known orchestras of the time–Paul Whitman, David Rose, Mark Warner, etc. I also sang with the great Les Paul, and helped raise millions of dollars in War Bonds. I am now 90, and though I no longer sing, I do love to speak about those early days, show you photos and memorabilia, and let you hear recordings of my songs that have been made into a CD! My program is free, but if you would like to purchase a CD, all proceeds will go to scholarships for women through the P.E.O., a philanthropic organization providing scholarships, grants, awards, and loans to motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. http://www.peooregon.org/

I am available to visit your facility or event in the Portland/Vancouver area.

Contact: Marie Forrester (Nora’s friend and fellow P.E.O. member)

Phone: (503)516-9439

Joy Corcoran–”Chronically Inspired”: Stories and Workshops to Rise Above Physical Limitations!

pam — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:49:12 +0000

Joy Corcoran holds workshops at facilities in the PORTLAND/VANCOUVER AREA to help deal with pain, and tells stories that celebrate the beauty in all stages of life.

Chronically Inspired Workshop: “Chronically Inspired” is a dynamic hour long workshop on using the arts and creativity to rise above chronic conditions including pain, fatigue and changes in ability. Joy developed a neurological disorder at age 16 and learned early on to use the power of writing, art and music to live fully. Now at age 50, she has developed a class to share the techniques she has used throughout her life to rise above medical diagnoses. She is a writer, storyteller and fabric artist whose work emphasizes the power inherent in life changes. She will share her story and the stories of others who have overcome life-altering physical conditions through creative living and provide exercises to: Refocus thoughts in a creative direction when pain, depression or fatigue seem to dominate; Build a “creative bank” of inner resources through reading,writing, viewing art and listening to music; Overcome fear and embrace creative expression;Move from a productive ethic to a creative flow; and help you recognize life itself as an art! These exercises go beyond visualizations to strengthen creative thoughts even in the midst of crises. The workshop will teach participants to lighten their hearts and jumpstart the natural power of inspiration to rise above physical limitations. Program will be followed by a question and answer session. **Joy also offers online follow up support through her website and personal email contact.

Storytelling: Joy Corcoran’s storytelling programs are about the sublime in the ordinary. She shares tales for the seasons and holidays that feature everyday people and elder heroes. Her program called “The Wonder Chair” features updated folktales and personal stories on adjusting to mobility difficulties and physical challenges. “Whistling in the Dark” is a program designed as an anti-depressant for people suffering with clinical depression or just mired in the blues – it’s great for the rainy season! Joy’s stories give people a fresh perspective on their situations and provide inspiration for living a full life no matter what the circumstances. “There’s always hidden treasure in your stories,” a listener commented on her stories. People often are moved to share their own stories after her tellings and she always provides a time for sharing in her program.

**Joy also offers a workshop that helps people tell their own stories!

Contact: Joy Corcoran

Phone: (503)927-8199

Email: joyzmailbox@gmail.com

Websites: http://www.chronicallyinspired.com and http://www.joycorcoranstudio.com

Listen to Joy being interviewed on the Adult Placement Network’s Aging Resourcefully Radio Blog: http://www.adultplacementnetwork.com/content/apns-btr-4112011-joy-corcoran-chronically-inspired

Gloria Stiger Linkey,Historian–Stories of the Lewis & Clark Journey and Native American Women

pam — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:06:38 +0000

I recount tales of the Lewis & Clark Journey, by portraying Molly Bridget Sullivan, a St. Louis boarding house keeper in 1806. Three of the men from the journey are staying at the house and Molly shares stories that they have told her. Presented in period costume with Irish wit! I also have a second speech, on the lives of 3 Native American Women who Changed History: Sacagawea, Watkuese and Marie Dorion. Watkuese saved the lives of Lewis & Clark and all the men; and Marie Dorion was the 2nd woman to cross the United States. Invite me to bring my historical tales to your facility or event! I reside in Seaside, so I am available on the Oregon coast, as well as the Portland/Vancouver area (TRAVEL EXPENSES APPLY)

Phone: (503)738-8045 or (503)440-7142

Email: GloriaLinkey@aol.com

Steve Holgate as Abraham Lincoln

pam — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 04:32:12 +0000

“What American wouldn’t love to have a conversation with Abraham Lincoln?” Steve Holgate, one of the country’s leading Lincoln portrayers, makes a 30-minute presentation on Lincoln’s life and presidency in the form of a press conference. The audience takes on the role of journalists and asks him questions. Hear Holgate, who bears a remarkable resemblance to our 16th President, discuss the dark years of the Civil War and the momentous decisions Lincoln made.

Steve Holgate has appeared as Lincoln in Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho as well as overseas, earning praise from the Portland Oregonian, Corvallis Gazette-Times, Albany Herald and Vancouver Daily Columbian, among others. Holgate and his program have also been featured on television.

Praise for Steve Holgate as Lincoln:
“Steve Holgate is the best Lincoln in America.”
David Leroy
Former Member, Board of Governors
National Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

“Steve Holgate truly brings Lincoln to life. His portrayal calls on all the wisdom, humor, and lore of our 16th President, as one would imagine him, and as Lincoln was in real life.”
Mike Burton, Chairman
Oregon Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

Invite Steve Holgate to bring his Lincoln portrayal to your facility or event! Although he is based in Portland, he is available to travel widely.

Phone: (503)296-0194

Email : holgatefamily@hotmail.com

Website : lincolntownhall.com

video link: http://lincolntownhall.com/videos.html

“Illinois” Doug Tracy–Liberty & Union Presidential Campaign songs of the 1860 & 1864 elections

pam — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:33:49 +0000

Music was a main form of campaigning used by Presidential candidates in the 1860′s. These songs give us an insight to the candidates’ positions and how divided Americans were at the time. This music was written by the people in response to the events unfolding around them and about the political characters of the day. This is the music “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Discover how music helped to shape what were, probably, the most crucial Presidential elections our nation has ever held!

“Illinois” Doug Tracy is a musician, folklorist, and troubadour. He’s part of a long tradition of entertainers who share encyclopedic collections of American songs with their audiences. As a member of the Oregon Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (OLBC) he became interested in the songs of Lincoln’s two campaigns —1860 & 1864. For the 2009 Bicentennial he developed a repertoire that represents the campaigns of Lincoln with each of his opponent’s, and featuring other political characters of the day. The melodies used were those of popular songs of the day so everyone could sing along. Some songs may seem familiar still, but many have been long forgotten. “Illinois ” Doug Tracy brings these forgotten songs back to life!

Invite “Illinois” Doug Tracy to present this fascinating program of songs and history at your facility or event! He is Portland-based but travels widely!

Contact: : “Illinois” Doug Tracy

Phone: (971) 322-4936

Email: illinoisdoug@peak.org

Website: www.illinoisdoug.com

Music samples: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/illinoisdougtracy

Cynthia Schwell–”Family Stories & Other Guests”

pam — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 06:38:20 +0000

I hope you’ll invite me to present my ONE WOMAN SHOW, “Family Stories & Other Guests”, featuring plenty of audience interaction, storytelling, various characters & special requests. You’ll enjoy my humorous, human interest style! I am a professional actress with many years experience performing live theatre in Boston. Also, I have been a teacher for 30 years and currently teach acting at colleges and schools in the Portland area.

Read what other activity directors have said about me: “We enjoyed your performance so very much & look forward to having you return!”Laurie M. and Residents at Courtyard at Mt. Tabor

“I think it was a conversation starter for several residents” Peggy W., The Heights at Columbia Knoll

“This show really helped to bring our stories to life. I feel it will support the residents to break out of their shell & share more with each other daily. We would love for Cynthia to come perform for us more often & continue to bring her positive message.” Shirley D., Resident & Hollie M., Activities Director, Menlo Park Health Care

I am available to travel within the Portland area.

Phone: (503)661-3945

Email: actschwell@gmail.com

Robert Richter and Jessica Hitchborn-Guitar,Fiddle,Vocals and Stories!

pam — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:20:47 +0000

We are a duo who sing and play guitar and fiddle! We perform Folk, Blues, Celtic, and all kinds of seasonal music. We are excellent communicators who tell stories and encourage audience participation. Jessica is a two-time Oregon State Fiddler champion and competed for the National Title! We play with a lot of energy and enjoy entertaining mature audiences.

We travel throughout the Northwest!

In addition to senior facility programs, think of us for special anniversaries, birthdays and other family celebrations!

*Robert is also available for solo guitar and vocal performance.

Testimonial: “Robert-Thank you so much for coming and performing for us! They all loved your show and especially Jessica on the fiddle. You two are wonderful! “ Cindy–Cindy L. Bishop, MBA Programs & Services Coordinator at Arthritis Foundation – Great West Region, Inc., Oregon Office

Check out our websites, listen to the samples there, and contact us to arrange for a fun program at your facility or event!

Phone: (503)515-3825

Email: newpaisley@yahoo.com

Websites: www.sonicbids.com/robertrichter

http://www.reverbnation.com/robertrichter

Sample: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/4249329