
February 2021
VIDEO ON DEMAND
B2wins (Pronounced B-Twins… short for Brazilian Twins)
This high energy entertainment group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique sound and engaging live show that targets the masses. Led by charismatic Twin brothers from Rio de Janeiro, they combine a plethora of genres into a live show that is equal parts rock concert, jam session, dance party and house party. Fans describe it like seeing your new best friends in concert.
Growing up in the violent, slums of Brazil, the Twins began playing classical music on violins their father made by hand. They used music as an escape from their reality and began teaching others in their neighborhood. After being featured on National Public Radio, the Twins were invited to the US on full ride music scholarships.
After performing 153 shows across 14 states in 2019, B2wins continue to cultivate a loyal fan base wherever they perform. From hip-hop heads to jazz aficionados, rockers to reggae fans, all find common ground at a B2wins show. The Twins are on a mission to change the world, one smile at a time.
Engaging & Relatable
By utilizing music, humor, audience interaction and participation, Walter & Wagner are able to connect with audiences in never before seen ways. Their magnetic personalities and sincerity, coupled with engaging showmanship, create a dynamite package that is equal parts fun and life changing. Using their story of overcoming extreme adversity through positivity, the Twins have inspired thousands of all ages and backgrounds around the world.
FREE VIRTUAL BINGO!
Advanced registration required by contacting ElderCircle
(218) 999-9233 ext. 279
ecircle@eldercircle.org
The Power of Good Manners!
Educates. Inspires. Entertains.
Kenny Ahern has performed for thousands of school children worldwide!
The POWER of Good Manners! A 45-minute K-5 edutainment presentation, that heralds the importance of good manners in school and life! Character virtues are not just words—they are a call to action!
“I’m all about creating an honest message and a fun, relevant presentation.”
This presentation was developed through consultation with educational professionals. Students learn the main points of Kenny's show: Respect for All; The Importance of Asking for Help; Making Good Choices; and Pleases & Thank Yous are Important.
TESTIMONIALS
“ Your emphasis on pleases, thank yous, and the ability to ask for help was a natural progression for development of the "B.O.A.T. Rules" The teachers from Pre-K through 5th grade have each expressed admiration for the quality of your skills, ability to interact with the students, and the near magical manner that you communicate with a participant . You are, indeed, a teacher at heart!”
Craig Oliver, Teacher
Brandon Elementary School
"The kids were very engaged in the program, and understood the importance of good manners by the end of the show. The kids absolutely loved the way you got them involved with the show. Three weeks after the show, I am still hearing students talk about "The Power of Good Manners."
Chris Sadler, Principal
Humke Elementary School
"Kenny Ahern is a wonderful performer and really engaged our students Kindergarten through grade 6 in his performance. His program may well be the best I’ve personally seen. It would be nice if all lyceums were as educational, fun and entertaining as this was."
Dennis Geissler, Principal
Colfax Elementary School
“Kenny absolutely tops my list of favorites. He's professional and easy to work with, and most importantly, the kids think he's a blast. He just knows exactly what to do to make them laugh. I always look forward to his visits!"
Shelly–Collins Fuerbringer, Childrens Director
LE Phillips Memorial Public Library
"Your performance captivated the audience, students and teachers alike, Your positive message made a deep impression on the students. Thank you for your generosity, It was greatly appreciated by all of us.”
Joyce A Olson, Principal
Moundview Elementary School
March 2021
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
STUDY GUIDE
Courtesy of the Yehuda Amir Institute for the Advancement of Social Integration, Bar-Ilan University
INSTRUMENT GUIDE
Courtesy of the Minnesota Orchestra
The Reif Arts Council presents A Reif Education production of Peter and the Wolf. The video is available on-demand through May 31 at reifcenter.org.
Recorded in February 2020 at the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids, this all-ages, educational performance is based on Sergei Prokofiev’s classic composition, and features the Itasca Orchestra. It is great for classrooms and virtual learners.
Written in 1936, Peter & the Wolf is performed with a narrator and the musical work is as an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Each character in the story is personified by its own instruments and melody.
Study guides are available to help viewers make connections with their classroom learning and creating opportunities for active listening and related creative activities. In addition to learning to identify instruments by sight and sound, they learn that stories and emotion can be communicated through music.
The performance is directed by Itasca Strings Program director of string instruction Pedro Oviedo. Guest musician Evgeny Zvonnikov has performed this famous piece as concertmaster in orchestras in his native Russia and performs as concertmaster of the Grand Rapids based community orchestra. Steve Jaeger narrates. Technical direction and audio/video production by the Reif Arts Council.
Running time of the performance is 37 minutes. For more information, email the Reif Box Office boxoffice@reifcenter.org.
The presentation is made possible by generous sponsor The Loggy Dome.
Reif Dance Company is made up of the most dedicated and talented dancers who commit to extra rehearsal time for a place in the company, or for younger students, the Jr. Company. The Company Show brings together original, classical, contemporary, and modern dance, presenting works by professional choreographers as well as student choreography. It also features solos from our senior students who have been with us many years and are going off to college next year.
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Christopher David Hanson is an artist who transcends mediums. As a musician: Old Rock & Roll, Kickin' Country, Swing & Soul sums up his style. His music has a long list of notable accomplishments including 5 songs placed in Motion Pictures, numerous PBS TV specials, and a host of opening slots with some of nations top groups including; Gin Blossoms, Black Oak Arkansas, Live, Kid Rock's Shannon Curfman, Cory Chisel, Sister Hazel, and more. Hanson is also a Nashville recording artist that has worked with many members of Wynonna Judd's band, and Carrie Underwood's group.
April 2021
VIDEO ON-DEMAND THROUGH MAY 31
Hello, my name is Larry Yazzie a proud member of the Meskwaki Nation near Tama, Iowa. We are of the Algonquin speaking dialect of the eastern woodland region. We are centrally located in the great state of Iowa. Back in 1857 our forefathers snuck up to Iowa from Oklahoma and Kansas and purchased our first 80 acres. With the help of local farmers and the Governor of Iowa at the time granted us the Meskwaki citizens of Iowa
I’m honored to share my stories and culture with you through music and dance. We are made up of several tribes and promise to bring you the best experience possible!
As I play my flute I play in prayer for all who are going through hard times especially during this pandemic we will get through this together. We all need to pray together I too have experienced hardships in my life, especially in my community on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement near Tama, Iowa. Earlier this summer we were hit with a Derecho storm a land hurricane with winds up to 130 mph with devastation everywhere! But we prevailed and came together through prayers and help pouring in from everywhere! So thank you! ...”
THIS EVENT IS FREE, TICKETS ARE NOT REQUIRED.
Face coverings and social distancing required.
Featuring a Q&A with Benny the Cabdriver, Mel Johnson Jr.
Johnson will be performing a one-person production called Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery at the Reif on Friday, April 16.
Mel Johnson Jr.
MEL JOHNSON JR. - Actor | Director | Producer - Though easily recognizable from his TOTAL RECALL co-starring role opposite ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Mel is equally comfortable these days discussing the production of his new one man show "Frederick Douglass In The Shadow Of Slavery" which recently had its extremely successful world premiere in California at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, and he is discussing his work with such companies as Goldman Sachs, American Express and Credit Suisse as a corporate councilor.
While living in Los Angeles, Mel was the Executive Producer of Shadow Entertainment's Urban Horror label "Big City Pictures," he produced four feature films "Ragdoll," "The Horrible Dr. Bones," "Killjoy" and "The Vault" - All of which can be found on video. Mel was also the Artistic Director of The Imagination Workshop, a group of actors, writers, and directors who work within the psychiatric community and with kids at risk. He's extremely proud of the fact that during his tenure as Artistic Director, The Imagination workshop won the first Ovation Award given to a company for "Outstanding Community Outreach."
Mel has countless credits from a resume that reflects his work on stage, screen and television. As a theater director, his work is best embodied by the award-winning "Give'em Hell Harry" starring JASON ALEXANDER, "Oscar To Oscar," "The Me Nobody Knows," "The Ballad of Lizard Gulch" and the critically acclaimed "The Last White Man in the World." Most recently, he directed the World Premiere of Tom Dugan's one man show "Robert E Lee, Shades of Gray" at the Carpenter Center in Richmond, Virginia.
When his acting career is mentioned, Mel finds it difficult to point to his most significant work, but can quickly identify the roles that gave him the most pleasure. In addition to his film work, the list includes Broadway stints in "On The Twentieth Century," "Eubie!" with Maurice and Gregory Hines, "The Rink" with Liza Minnelli, and Chita Rivera. Bob Fosse's "Big Deal," Mufasa in "The Lion King" and most recently starring in the new Earth, Wind and Fire musical, "Hot Feet!" Mel would be remiss if he didn't mention his long-standing relationship with The New York Shakespeare Festival, where he most recently starred in the revival of the musical "Two Gentleman Of Verona" for the festival's, Shakespeare In The Park. On television, he was a regular on David Lynch's "On The Air" and guest starred on numerous other T.V. shows from "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" to "The Pratice."
Mel has always found it extremely rewarding sharing with others what he has learned from his education, at the High School of Performing Arts and Hofstra University and his vast life experience. He has taught classes in both New York and Los Angeles, coached individually and spoken with numerous schools, colleges and community organizations around the country. MEL JOHNSON JR. is as excited about his future as he is proud of his past accomplishments.
Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery
Available on-demand through May, 31 2021
Starring: Mel Johnson Jr. | Written & Directed by: Tom Dugan
Running time 1.5 hours
Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery is a one-man theatrical journey that chronicles Douglass' remarkable life; from his childhood in slavery to his perilous escape to freedom, from his intense friendships with Susan B. Anthony, John Brown, and Abraham Lincoln to his crucial work on behalf of former slaves following the Civil War. Incorporating gripping plantation songs, lush lighting and sound design, the story of Frederick Douglass' struggle for African American freedom, as performed by Mel Johnson, Jr., star of Broadway and film, is a fascinating evening of theatre that will inspire, educate and entertain.
MEL JOHNSON JR. - Actor | Director | Producer - Though easily recognizable from his TOTAL RECALL co-starring role opposite ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Mel is equally comfortable these days discussing the production of his new one man show "Frederick Douglass In The Shadow Of Slavery" which recently had its extremely successful world premiere in California at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, and he is discussing his work with such companies as Goldman Sachs, American Express and Credit Suisse as a corporate councilor.
While living in Los Angeles, Mel was the Executive Producer of Shadow Entertainment's Urban Horror label "Big City Pictures," he produced four feature films "Ragdoll," "The Horrible Dr. Bones," "Killjoy" and "The Vault" - All of which can be found on video. Mel was also the Artistic Director of The Imagination Workshop, a group of actors, writers, and directors who work within the psychiatric community and with kids at risk. He's extremely proud of the fact that during his tenure as Artistic Director, The Imagination workshop won the first Ovation Award given to a company for "Outstanding Community Outreach."
Mel has countless credits from a resume that reflects his work on stage, screen and television. As a theater director, his work is best embodied by the award-winning "Give'em Hell Harry" starring JASON ALEXANDER, "Oscar To Oscar," "The Me Nobody Knows," "The Ballad of Lizard Gulch" and the critically acclaimed "The Last White Man in the World." Most recently, he directed the World Premiere of Tom Dugan's one man show "Robert E Lee, Shades of Gray" at the Carpenter Center in Richmond, Virginia.
When his acting career is mentioned, Mel finds it difficult to point to his most significant work, but can quickly identify the roles that gave him the most pleasure. In addition to his film work, the list includes Broadway stints in "On The Twentieth Century," "Eubie!" with Maurice and Gregory Hines, "The Rink" with Liza Minnelli, and Chita Rivera. Bob Fosse's "Big Deal," Mufasa in "The Lion King" and most recently starring in the new Earth, Wind and Fire musical, "Hot Feet!" Mel would be remiss if he didn't mention his long-standing relationship with The New York Shakespeare Festival, where he most recently starred in the revival of the musical "Two Gentleman Of Verona" for the festival's, Shakespeare In The Park. On television, he was a regular on David Lynch's "On The Air" and guest starred on numerous other T.V. shows from "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" to "The Pratice."
Mel has always found it extremely rewarding sharing with others what he has learned from his education, at the High School of Performing Arts and Hofstra University and his vast life experience. He has taught classes in both New York and Los Angeles, coached individually and spoken with numerous schools, colleges and community organizations around the country. MEL JOHNSON JR. is as excited about his future as he is proud of his past accomplishments.
. . . Being a celebration of the Life, the acts
and the exuberant excellence of THEODORE ROOSEVELT!
The Man In The Arena is a celebration of Theodore Roosevelt – the essential American. Owen Wister, who knew him well, called him “the most American American who ever lived!”
He is famous for what was supposedly his favorite saying: “Speak softly and carry a Big Stick!” In fact, his favorite saying was “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” He loved power, and he used power like no president before or since, not even Lincoln in wartime – but always with a profound sense of responsibility. He fought hard for regular people, he held out for high ideals, and he never preached anything he didn’t practice. That was the example he left us with. His courage, his honesty, his character, his energy and his profound vision for America are beacons shining through the ages. At his best, he showed us what we can be at our best, and taught us what it means to be Americans.
Our debt to him in this is almost beyond calculation. But even more than that, his attraction lasts as one of the most interesting men who ever lived – a man who was interesting because he was interested. There is no subject about which he did not thirst for knowledge: history, politics, philosophy, nature, linguistics, taxidermy, poetry – the list is endless. He loved books – he read in seven languages, including Portuguese. He wrote books – thirty-six books in all on a bewildering variety of subjects. He was a man who loved to talk philology with Harvard professors and bug collections with six-year-olds. His colossal and kaleidoscopic passion for life and learning is just another of the many layers of his personality and another cause for our admiration.
In the words of Derek Evans, who so aptly portrays President Theodore Roosevelt, To bring this astonishing man alive…is the purpose of The Man In The Arena.
Derek Evans is a professional actor and scholar who has spent a career of almost 40 years engaged in educational presentations for schools, colleges, museums and libraries. He has conservatory training at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and at New York University and holds bachelors and masters degrees from Northwestern University. He is a veteran of over 40 stage productions in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco.
In addition to his legitimate theatre career, from 1969 to 1988 he wrote, produced and performed in educational programs in association with Chicago’s Urban Gateways. These totaled almost seven thousand performances for more than two million students over a period of twenty years and included Shakespeare, opera and American and British literary adaptations.
Since 1995 he has concentrated on living history presentations on Theodore Roosevelt, which have now totaled over 500 performances.