“Exciting, Vibrant, Colorful. . . from the moment Ms. Botsford enters the performing area, the air is charged with electricity.” – Pawtucket Elementary, Charlotte, NC

COLLABORATORS

Beverly Botsford Percussionist Beverly Botsford creates soundscapes for Louise’s stories using bells, chimes, drums, gongs, rattles, and shakers from around the world. This is a high energy collaboration, well suited to school assembly programs, festivals, conferences and special events.

Beverly is part of jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon's touring ensemble, was part of the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble for 15 years, has been on the faculty of the American Dance Festival since 1988, was a member of Jazz Ensemble Group Sax from 1980-1993. She also collaborates with singer Elise Whitt and Musician/Storyteller Paula Larke. Visit Beverly's website.

Jef the mime begins the entertainment before folks have even found their seats, with a "pre-show" clown/ mime/juggling act that causes kids AND teachers to ROAR with laughter. And then, we begin with Stories and Mime! Jef becomes a rooster prince, a poetry reciting toad, and a BAD WORD! Louise becomes a basilisk, a grumpy frog, and all the characters at an elegant garden party! Together they tell the stories with zany humor, animated movement, and bold fun!

Mike Hamer Musician and wheelchair dancer Mike Hamer plays hammered dulcimer, harmonica and synthesizer along with Louise’s stories. Songs and stories swap off as Mike sings (and gets us ALL SINGING!) folk songs and his own original tunes. Visit Mikes website.

“People are still talking about you and Mike. Everyone comments about how the group was drawn together by Mike’s sing-alongs and how warm and happy it all felt.” – Lynn Houser, Fairhope Alabama Public Library