Madcat Kids' Shows
PETER MADCAT RUTH Presents:
Folk Music, Blues, Jazz, and World Music with an underlying theme of Cultural Diversity and World Brotherhood performed on harmonica, guitar, kalimba, penny-whistle, jaw-harp and other folk instruments from around the world.
"For the past twenty five years I have had the pleasure of playing blues, jazz, folk music, and world music for school assemblies throughout the United States. In my assembly programs I use harmonicas, guitars, penny-whistles, jaw-harps, ukulele, kalimba, and other folk instruments from around the world to demonstrate a variety of musical styles. The students are encouraged to ask questions and to participate in the program by clapping out rhythms, composing blues lyrics, and by singing along."
"My assembly programs run about fifty minutes in length. When I perform at a school I bring with me a portable sound reinforcement system (P.A.), and a large assortment of musical instruments. It usually takes me about an hour to unload my equipment, set it up, and tune my instruments. Then it takes another hour to pack it up and reload it into my van. For this reason I can do no more than two assembly programs per day. I usually charge $350.00 for an isolated assembly program, $425.00 for two shows in the same location, and $275.00 per school if I perform in two schools in one day, or schools in the same area on consecutive days. I like to book my engagements a few months in advance."
Madcat's experience is extensive. He has been playing harmonica and guitar for over 40 years. He's been a professional touring and recording musician since 1970. He's played in rock bands, blues bands, and folk groups, and for three years he toured worldwide with renowned jazz pianist Dave Brubeck.
Madcat has performed in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Cayman Islands, England, Germany, Holland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, and Spain, and in just about every state in the Union. His harmonica can be heard on over 50 CD's and LP's.
In 1980 Madcat started performing concerts for children. His kids' concerts are "kid tested and approved."
In 1997 Madcat was named Harmonica Player of the Year by the Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH). National television and radio appearances, movie soundtrack recordings, symphony orchestra performances, and blues harmonica workshops all attest to Madcat's reputation as one of the best and most versatile harmonica players in the world.
Madcat's expertise on the harmonica amazes audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Performance Magazine refers to him as "A harmonica virtuoso who is rapidly approaching legend status." Each performance by Madcat includes his rare spark and drive. He has such a good time playing music that people naturally respond to him. His enthusiasm is unpretentious and contagious. As Dave Brubeck said in an interview in International Musician "Madcat's got that magical quality... Audiences here and overseas go with him all the way."
SOME QUOTES ABOUT MADCAT'S KIDS' CONCERTS
Madcat is a supremely gifted musician and an inspirational performer."
Irene Bender
Supervisor, Gifted Programs
West Chester Area School District
West Chester, Pennsylvania
"Your ability to play a wide variety of instruments was amazing. You captivated the audience, to say the least."
Ivan Compagner
Principal, Lakeview School
Holland, Michigan
"The teachers and staff were impressed with your ability to communicate with the children in an interesting, friendly and informative manner."
Sister Jayne Daly
Principal, Resurrection School
Chicago, Illinois
"Your performances in Grand Rapids last week were enthusiastically received by both teachers and students. Many teachers commented on your excellent rapport with the audience."
Cindy Clair
Council of Performing Arts for Children
Grand Rapids, Michigan
"The integration of historical background with the music added another dimension, providing the children with exposure to music from other lands and times. It was great!! Thanks so much!"
Dennis Van Haitsma
Principal, Holland Heights School
Holland, Michigan
"I'm sure you will not be disappointed with the quality and relevance of Madcat's performance"
John J. Stempek
Housemaster, Lincoln Elementary School
Rutland, Vermont
For booking information contact:
Peter Madcat Ruth
email: madcat@madcatmusic.net
P.O. Box 4211
Ann Arbor MI 48106
USA