Believe it or not, Mike Schneider's Pint Size Polkas 2025 summer schedule is already starting to fill up!  At this point, he has just three open weeks remaining, including the week of June 30, when he’ll be making his way north back home from shows in New Mexico. Would you be interested in booking the Pint Size Polkas family program the week of June 30, 2025? Mike I will also likely have some additional availability in August.

Including expenses, Mike aims to keep his fee in the $350 to $425 range per program. The more libraries he's able to book along a contiguous route, the lower the price he's able to offer. Please feel free to pass the good word along to your fellow librarians!

For descriptions of the programs he's offering for the CSLP and iREAD themes next summer, please visit PintSizePolkas.com/hire.

Here's how you can contact Mike/Pint Size Polkas

Mike Schneider
(414) 431-4683
P.O. Box 126
Clinton, WI 53525
www.pintsizepolkas.com
Six-Time Polka Hall of Fame Inductee

David HB Drake has been performing for Wisconsin Libraries for over 40 years, each summer presenting a new program for the year's theme.

This year the theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat,” and it is about saving our Mother Earth.
 
Check out this flier presenting David's "What a Wonderful World" program.

"What a Wonderful World" presents songs for building a better earth, of other cultures, peace between people, and "recycled" singalongs.

The 2024 summer reading program, “Read, Renew, Repeat,” is about Conservation as a movement, focusing on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity.

David sings songs for better tomorrows gathered over 40 years as a performer and environmental musician. He performs on guitar, concertina and handmade banjo, dulcimer, and tells stories using Native American flute.

David performed at the very first Earth Day in 1970 for Gaylord Nelson and every Earth Day since. He has been resident musician and educator for the Wisconsin Flagship “Denis Sullivan” and has served aboard the environmental ship CLEARWATER with Pete Seeger. He has performed for many nature centers and environmental organizations including Greenpeace and the World Sing-out for Peace.

Contact:

• www.davidhbddrake.com
• 414-702-6053
• [email protected] 

David participated in the WLA Virtual YSS Performers Showcase on Friday, December 8th and the video can be seen on their website. Registered members can sign into the Showcase app through the end of February 2024. (For assistance, email [email protected].)

Would you be interested in booking my Pint Size Polkas show next year? I have details posted now at www.pintsizepolkas.com/library for the theme-fitting programs I’m offering in 2024. I’d love the chance to bring to your patrons a one-of-a-kind experience that librarians across the country have praised for its quality, uniqueness, and memorability!

This past summer, I was able to keep pricing in the $350 to $400 range per program, including expenses. The more libraries I’m able to book on a given trip, the lower my price, so please spread the good word to your colleagues! If you are interested in booking, please let me know so I can make some additional contacts, as well.

I have already received interest for programs in Park Falls, Altoona, Marathon, and Spencer on Monday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 9. Would you be interested in booking the week of July 8?  I have a few openings remaining on July 8 and 9 as well as the rest of the week. I have additional availability the week of May 27; July 5-6; plus numerous openings in August and throughout the rest of the year. Looking forward to spreading the joy of polka music and family-friendly entertainment throughout Wisconsin again during my 2024 summer reading adventures!

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear back from you soon!

Mike Schneider
(414) 431-4683
P.O. Box 126
Clinton, WI 53525
www.pintsizepolkas.com
Six-Time Polka Hall of Fame Inductee

But, Mike's program is so much more than music. It's theme-fitting magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to friendship, from great friends like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, to the theme song from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special friends-don't-get-friends-wet magic trick that will result in two dry adults on stage against all odds!

​Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2023. It's tons of fun for all your family and friends!

Guest post from Marci Glaus at PBS Wisconsin Education

Whether you are preparing for Oceans of Possibilities this summer or looking to bolster early learning and youth services programming, PBS Wisconsin Education provides both Wisconsin-specific and nationally-curated content you can use as a springboard or central component to educational programming.

PBS LearningMedia is a free digital learning website created to support the distribution of compelling Pre-K-12 educational media resources. PBS LearningMedia’s robust and contextualized digital resources are designed to supplement educational experiences with video segments from award-winning PBS documentaries and series, PBS KIDS properties, station-produced programs, and original video and interactive resources!

Collaborative Summer Library Program
Examples below highlight some ideas from PBS LearningMedia that pair well with preparation for Oceans of Possibilities summer programming:

• Kick off storytime with the “Search for the Flying Fish” video from PBS KIDS Wild Kratts, to get children excited about creatures living in the ocean! Go deeper into activities with free/downloadable printables in English and Spanish. (Grades K-2)
• Use Follow the Water, a brief video (available in English and Spanish) from PLUM LANDING™ PBS KIDS aimed at tracking water from melting snow all the way to the ocean, including pollution and trash the water picks up along the way. Tie the video to books, games, or activities on the ocean/s or pollution. (Grades K-5)
• Dive into “Sharks and Shorelines” from EARTH A New Wild, to learn about social networks and coastal ecosystems including shark populations (Available in English and Spanish). Then choose any one of the other educational videos or supplemental materials to extend the learning while tying to books and other materials available in the library. (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)

PBS Wisconsin Education
Beyond summer library programming, pbswisconsineducation.org offers seven different Wisconsin-focused collections for grades 3-12 with cross-curricular connections in American Indian Studies, English Language Arts, Environmental Education, Music, Social Studies, and Science. Collections include videos, student interactives, games, educator guides, and more. All of these resources are made with Wisconsin educators, and are completely free to use in any learning space!

If you have any questions or would like to talk further, please contact Marci Glaus: [email protected].

David HB Drake has been touring the Midwest for over 35 years presenting original and heritage music and folklore of the Great Lakes region at performing schools, festivals, concert stages and libraries.

"Wisconsin's vibrant past comes to life in Wiscon-Sing, a multi-media performance of  music and images featuring educator and folksinger David HB Drake.  David has performed Wiscon-Sing for 30 years and counting live in state schools and libraries.

David engages audiences of all ages in an authentic immersion into history, performing on handmade and historic instruments: mountain banjo, dulcimer, concertina, Native American flute, and guitar.

Stories of Native Americans, French explorers, European immigrants, Great Lakes sailors, lumberjacks and farmers are further enhanced with over 150 historic and scenic images and sing-along captioned lyrics. It was performed over 300 times statewide during the 1998 Wisconsin Sesquicentennial and over a thousand times over the years." Review David's Wiscon-Sing flyer here.

"Many popular folk songs have been illustrated as children's books. Taking the concept full circle, David sings folk songs such as This Land is your Land, This Little Light of Mine, The Marvelous Toy, and I've been working on the Railroad while the pages of the corresponding children's books are projected.

It’s like having a giant book that everyone can read the words and see the pictures while the illustrated songs are performed live so everyone can sing along!

​David plays authentic folk instruments including banjo, dulcimer, concertina, and guitar. This multimedia program was created with the help of the John Stewig Collection at the Center for Children's Literature, Hedberg Library of Carthage College in Kenosha WI."

Folksinger David HB Drake was there…

He played for Gaylord Nelson at the very first Earth Day in 1970, marched the streets of Madison in 1969 and has sung alongside Pete Seeger on the Clearwater. He remembers the era when folk music was shared across the country because he was there. “Blowing in the Wind” is a concert of those mighty times.

The classic music of David’s mentors - Peter, Paul and Mary; Pete Seeger; Tom Paxton; Phil Ochs; Bob Dylan; Woody Guthrie; Joni Mitchell; the Kingston Trio; John Denver and more echo down the years sung by someone who lived it and never stopped singing the songs.

David's program is presented with a PowerPoint panorama complete with sing-along slides and a history of the 60's folk era. 60 and 90 minute (full concert) and duo / trio versions are available!

For a wealth of information on David’s rainbow of performances for all ages, visit www.davidhbdrake.com and David HB Drake on YouTube.

Contact David at:
[email protected]
414-702-6053

Mike Schneider is available to perform his Pint Size Polkas program year-round! Please view the introductory video below for the programs he's offering in 2022. Whether you’ll be back with in-person programming or are in need of virtual programming, Mike will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to your patrons that librarians across the country have praised for its quality, uniqueness, and memorability!

Mike tries to keep per program pricing around $350, including all expenses. The farther he travels, the more shows he needs to book to be able to make that happen, so please spread the good word to your colleagues! If you are interested in booking, please let Mike know so he can get to work making additional contacts. Mike looks forward to sharing his passion for polka music and family-friendly entertainment with your patrons in the near future! 

​Mike's contact information is:

To celebrate the Summer 2021 Reading Program, “Tails and Tales”, David is “Going to the Zoo” to visit “My Rhinoceros” and go “Waltzing with Bears” at “The Animal Faire”. Magical beasts like “Puff the Magic Dragon” play with “Jennifer’s Rabbit” in songs performed on guitar, concertina, banjo, dulcimer, and Native American flute.

David HB Drake has been called “the real thing” – a musician and historian with 40 year of experience performing throughout the Midwest.

Contact Organic Arts at [email protected] (preferred) or call 414-702-6053.

Libraries over 100 miles from Milwaukee – please be “green” and  try to work with other area libraries to schedule more than one show a day and/or on adjacent days to save travel costs.

Programs can be done outdoors or in large rooms if COVID restrictions are still in place. David also has programs for the community, Library Week, and Seniors year-round.

For a wealth of information on David’s rainbow of performances for all ages, visit www.davidhbdrake.com and David HB Drake on YouTube.
--
David HB Drake
Creative Director, Organic Arts Ltd.
414-702-6053 / [email protected]

Dear Library Staff,
​
Right now, we need ways to connect, and nothing does that like music – even on-line!

​​My name is Dan Robinson, and I've performed music for communities of all kinds for over 25 years. I would love to share music that inspires and brings people together with your library community.

After a recent on-line performance of my program, "Touring the Badger State," Wendy Rosenow at the Shawano County Library wrote:

“Dan transported us around our state from lakes to rivers and towns in between. He beautifully chose music from many artists to portray his stories. Humorous and poignant snippets of Wisconsin lore and history was relayed to our viewers in a one-hour concert that flew by!”

If you’re interested in talking with me about a performance, please click the link below, which will take you to my website where you'll find information on a variety of programs I offer, including the “Touring the Badger State” performance mentioned above. Or you can email me at [email protected] with any questions you might have.

I know times are tough for library budgets, so I want to make these performances as affordable as possible. My suggested costs are $65 for a 30 minute program and $90 for a 60-minute program, but let me know if that’s a financial strain and we’ll work something out.  

Thanks for considering this, and I hope we get a chance to connect. Until then, stay safe!
Peace,
Dan Robinson

See Also: Dan Robinson: Musician, Educator & Writer

Check out the latest form Mike Schneider of Pint Size Polkas:


I hope you had a great summer despite the unusual circumstances!

If you are in need of a fun off-season program any time between now and April 30, 2021, I’m offering a standardized version of my prerecorded virtual show for just $50 per library for reservations made between now and September 30, 2020! If you’d like to host a live stream or in-person event, please contact me for a free quote. My shows are filled with polka music, magic and comedy, making a great fit in September and October for Oktoberfest season; January for National Polka Month; or any time some spirit-lifting fun is in order.

If you’re looking ahead to summer 2021, I have some big excitement in store for the “Tales and Tails” reading theme. We’ll have some musical fun with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox; talk a little bit about chickens and do the ever-popular “Chicken Dance;” and learn about Able and Baker, the first monkeys to successfully return to Earth after spaceflight. Whether you need an in-person show (inside or out) or will be going all virtual in 2021, I would be thrilled to bring some musical joy back to the good people of Green Bay! Please visit www.pintsizepolkas.com/library for details and a brief showcase video.

Would you be interested in including my Pint Size Polkas show in your 2020-21 programming plans? Please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Thank you as always for your consideration, and wishing you all the best in these turbulent times.

P.S. Check out my “Scrub, Scrub, Scrub (COVID-19 Edition)” MP3 song and music video (below).
If your young patrons need a little extra encouragement in the hand washing department, hopefully this will help. Thank you!

Mike Schneider
(414) 431-4683
P.O. Box 126
Clinton, WI 53525
www.pintsizepolkas.com
Six-Time Polka Hall of Fame Inductee

Hi!  Does the library get into any fall outdoor concerts for your community / patrons? 
 
18 year old Fond du Lac resident Christian Strutz has had some recent interest and success with bringing live guitar/singing music to libraries this summer, and is making LIVE MUSIC a possibility by offering outdoor concerts for libraries at an affordable price.  Outdoor concerts are the perfect alternative to working around COVID concerns, we have found.
 
Some examples of August library concerts he has coming up include performances in the library courtyard/lawn, another right on the town’s Main Street, and yet one more in a city park (Baylis Park in Council Bluffs, IA) that is open to the entire city!  All great opportunities to offer these in-person programs while still allowing social distancing features for the audience by being outdoors.
 
Christian is a wonderful songwriter, singer, and guitar player.  He reached recent local “fame” with a song he wrote for graduating seniors entitled “Class of 2020,” that featured a heart-wrenching song about struggling through his senior year in quarantine.  It caught the attention of area newspapers, as well as CBS and NBC news channels in Green Bay who both did news pieces on his song/work.  These news clips can be seen on his www.christianstrutz.com web site.

Pint Size Polkas is available for virtual programming this summer, whether you’re looking for a live stream event or something that’s prerecorded and personalized for your patrons.  Mike would be glad to take questions and answer them during the course of my presentation. People are often very curious about the accordion and polka music, two important parts of our Wisconsin musical story!

For your adult patrons, Pint Size Polkas offers an educational and entertaining program on the History of Polka Music, and would be very happy to answer any questions they might have, as well.

As an itinerant storyteller and folksinger, Adam Miller has performed live concerts in more than 2,000 libraries in 48 states. In April, he received the Storytelling World Resource Award for his non-fiction story, Woody Guthrie: When the World’s on Fire.
 
Adam is coming out our way this spring. Please let him know if you’d be interested in scheduling a program at your library while he's in town. Adam has a popular program of Folksongs of the Great Lakes. And he have a program of Folksongs of the First World War for the Memorial Day holiday.
 
For a complete list of Adam Miller's many programs for libraries, please visit his website at
https://www.folksinging.org/concerts/programs/.

Adam's fee is $450 for one 60 - 90 minute sing-along program. There are no additional costs. He brings his own sound system. Click here for his brochure.

Debra Morningstar is an enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Indians of WI–Turtle Clan. As a professional storyteller and cultural presenter for the past 26 years, she has performed in schools, libraries, festivals and conferences across the US and Canada.

Her collection of Native American stories called “Tales From the Lodge” was nominated for a NAMA award in 2009.

Debra artfully weaves Native flute, drum, and song into her entertaining and thought-provoking performances. She is available for Keynotes, Festivals, Museums, Libraries & Conferences.

Looking for a fun, musical and magical way to celebrate our universe in 2019? Uncle Mike's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to such classics as the "Chicken Dance" and "The Happy Wanderer," and learning exciting new songs like "The Flying Machine Polka," all of which tie into 2019's Universe of Stories theme.