Presenter's Approach:
The Berbaums natural warmth, charm and enthusiasm are evident in every program they offer.  While they are happy to make appearances for a single program, they can also combine several of the programs they provide into a gala event of song, dance and learning.  Ed and Geraldine invite and encourage audience participation in everything they do and many hands-on opportunities are provided.  

Create your own program from these wonderful interactive components, 
always tailored to and appropriate for the age of the audience:

• Assembly Programs

• Stage Shows

• Strolling Minstrel Shows

• Square Dance Workshops

• Family Night Hoedown

• Lecture / Demonstrations

Assembly Programs:  Early American Song & Dance, a Living History
     Length:  45 min. to 1 hour
     Price:  $475 for one assembly,  $275 for each additional program
     Requirements:  Stage area a minimum of 12' x 16'  (raised stage is optimum)
                            1 large table and 4 chairs

These highly musical yet educational programs introduce our musical heritage, a living history in song and dance.  Ed and Geraldine provide inspiration and joy as children become part of the show, playing rhythm instruments and square dancing on stage.  A variety of ethnic and American folk songs are introduced and interwoven on fiddle, guitar, saxophone, tin whistle, mandolin, mountain dulcimer and banjo and the children eagerly join in the singing.  Geraldine demonstrates foot stomping clog dancing, explaining the national origin of several of her dance steps.  She also demonstrates the art of storytelling and the audience takes part in telling a specially selected story.  "Ed and Gerry" encourage the choosing of "happy" music and dance in our lives and the same time offer an appreciation of our musical heritage which continues to be enjoyed today.


Stage Shows
     Length:  1 hour
                  Full day - up to four 45 minute shows or three 1 hour shows per day
     Price:  $475 for one show
                Full day - $650 to $850, depending upon location
                Two days - $1350
                Three or more days - $450 per day
     Requirements:  Stage area a minimum of 12' x 16'  (raised stage is optimum)
                            1 large table and 4 chairs
                            Ample room for audience seating

Ed and Geraldine combine traditional fiddle tunes, folk song and old time country music to create a variety show the whole family can enjoy.  Audiences are entertained by their many instruments as the two play fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, tin whistle, alto saxophone and mountain dulcimer.  Stories of the old days and of how the Berbaums have worked to preserve traditional fiddle music through the Library of Congress are shared.  Children become part of the show whenever possible with rhythm instruments and dances as Ed and Gerry weave participation and heart-warming fun into a musical buffet of many styles of traditional American music.  Good foot-stompin' clogging by Geraldine adds an exciting flavor.  This is a show the whole family can enjoy!

The Barnyard Bandwagon is a colorful mobile cart which is self-contained, battery amplified and can be wheeled into any area for an interactive musical show indoors or out.  Children quickly recognize by the big cow relief on front that this is for them!  This carefully presented musical act helps children become comfortable, have confidence and quickly be motivated to participate.  Ed and Geraldine provide rhythm instruments, blankets, stools, live music and an invitation for families and children to "be in the band".  The "patty-whack dancing puppets" delight everyone as children provide rhythm with these popular instruments.  Parents and on-lookers enjoy watching the kids in the band and the old time melodies will bring smiles to faces, start feet tapping and hands clapping!   


Square Dance Workshops
     Length:  30-40 min.
     Price: $125 each, following an assembly or before a Family Night Hoedown
               $225 each, without assembly or Hoedown  (minimum - 2 workshops)
     Requirements:  Minimum participants - 8,  Maximum - 32
                            Large open room, gym or all purpose wood floors preferred

Participants soon forget any anxieties or concerns about dancing in a group and often ask for more as they quickly begin to succeed.  Students are taught basic "calls" for the traditional square dance, our national dance.  Groups of eight students each learn to do-si-do and elbow swing, promenade and dance main calls to easy to learn dances.  Group cooperation, team spirit, and the joy of accomplishment through interactive dance are key learning experiences.  These workshops usually follow assemblies and make for a more successful Family Night Hoedown should one be included.


Family Night Hoedown
     Length:  1-2 hours  (most popular program is 90 min. in the evening)
     Price:  $475 when scheduled with an assembly
               $640 when no assemblies are scheduled
     Requirements:  Min. # participants - 24,  Max. - limited only to facility capacity
                            Large area for dance - gym, cafeteria, barn, or level outdoor area
                            1 large table

Here is a wonderful opportunity for all family members, school staff and possibly community members to come together for an evening of old-fashioned music and dance.  Parents and students quickly learn to circle dance, square dance and enjoy the traditional line dance, the Virginia Reel.  Students are afforded the opportunity to decorate the gym or dance area and PTA's often help to sponsor and decorate as well.  This can be a fun-raiser, refreshments served, spectacular evening to remember!   A detailed description of "How to Make Your Family Night Hoedown a Great Success!" is available on request.  Most often, the hoedown follows a school or community assembly program, but can be presented without a prior assembly.


Lecture / Demonstrations
     Length:  1 hour
                  Full day - up to four 45 min. programs or three 1 hr. programs per day
     Price:  $475 for one program
                Full day - $650 to $850, depending upon location
                Two days - $1350
                Three or more days - $450 per day
     Requirements: 

For more mature audiences, these programs reveal the beauty, history and lifestyles that created America's traditional fiddling.  For either a formal or informal setting, Ed and Geraldine will unfold the story of years of researching old-style fiddlers for the American Folk Life Center of The Library of Congress.  The two have compiled and share slides, stories, musical presentations and available field recordings with particular emphasis on the Berbaum's teacher and world champion fiddler, the late Jehile B. Kirkhuff.  Savor this first hand view into the traditional folk music and melodies brought to this country by early settlers.

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About the Presenter:
Ed and Geraldine Berbaum, musicians and homesteaders, are field representatives to the American Folk Life Center of The Library of Congress and Directors of the Jehile Kirkhuff Old-Time Music Fund.  They are involved in preserving, recording and teaching authentic folk music played by the early settler and passed down through generations.  The two have been featured in a PBS documentary entitled "A Journey to the Endless Mountains", which aired throughout the US and have also been on numerous other television programs across the country.

Both New Jersey natives, Ed and Geraldine left behind their respective careers of banker and elementary school teacher in order to pursue their music and a self-sufficient lifestyle.  Shortly after their move to Northeastern PA, they met Jehile Kirkhuff, a local musician and World Champion Fiddler who introduced the Berbaums to the area's traditional old-time fiddle music and became their teacher and inspiration.

In 1979, Kirkhuff and the Berbaums used the proceeds from a benefit concert to start the Jehile Kirkhuff Old-Time Music Fund, a foundation to "perpetuate and disseminate authentic old-time music".  Before Kirkhuff's death the Berbaums were able to tape 445 of his songs and they have continued to record old-time fiddle music.  

The Berbaums' involvement with old-time music is multifaceted;  for over 20 years they have been entertainers, teachers and historians.  They produce recordings and publicize the work of the Music Fund, which is housed in their South Montrose home.  Their home also serves as a public listening center for the tapes they have collected for the Library of Congress.  

For half of each year, Ed and Geraldine "tour" via mobile home appearing at scheduled schools, fairs and festivals from New York to Florida.  The Berbaums' presentations combine performance of the music they love with information about its history, the people who play it, how it is created and what distinguishes it form other types of music.  They also enjoy sharing their country lifestyle which they feel contributes to and in turn is enriched by their musical lives.

What People Are Saying:
"We want to thank you so much for the wonderful two day program you provided for our school. Our whole school enjoyed the assemblies with your educational and entertaining presentation. The workshops were especially helpful for the children to get involved with the dancing. They started out reluctantly but quickly got into the spirit of it. The best part, of course, was our "Hoedown"! It was a huge success from the point of view of students, staff and parents! It really mad e fun family might for our school. Your expertise and friendly style really pulled if off. Everyone felt comfortable and included whether they were dancing or not. The instruments (and your generosity with sharing them) were a big hit with the children of all ages!"
~ Kristopher Bayer, Principal, Palm View Elementary School

"We loved having you... every time I say you, you were busy with a very happy group of children!" ~ International Children's Theatre Festival

"Whether you are giving a straightforward concert or an exposition on the history and use of the music, the role of the instruments and the techniques they require - whether you are roving or joining in with others - whether your audience is a "captive" one or is milling about your competence, musical accomplishment, sense of ease and air of reliable professionalism are always evident."
~ Clarion University Festival of the Arts

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For more information or to request this program, contact Kim at:
Dynamic Demos, Speakers & Seminars
51 Comstock Rd Tunkhannock PA 18657
Phone:  (570) 241-6807    Email:  kim@dydemos.com
     

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