Contact us if would like to speak with a reference, to get info about our fees, or if you need anything else.
LADYBUG ONE
Equipped with a hula hoop, a ukulele, some face paint, and a suitcase full
of simple props and instruments, The Harmonica Pocket explores a world of
bugs and nature in their program Ladybug One. Children (and their adults)
are invited to be a tree on a windy day in One Tree Said, and to
sing along to gentle acoustic songs like Firefly, Spiders in
my Breakfast, the super catchy Ladybug 123, or the fingerplays
of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Music, Dance, and Imagination Games are mixed up into a gigglish program that gets the audience singing and moving in their seats. Books like One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish are brought to life by setting the texts to original music and singing them with the group.
"Highly recommended!! Proof that you don't need to be loud and crazy to hold a child's attention. It truly is one of the best programs I have seen."
-Monica Sands, Children's Librarian (Black Diamond, WA)
SINGING THANKSGIVING
Equipped with some hula hoops, a ukulele, and a suitcase full of simple
props, The Harmonica Pocket celebrates the holidays with their program:
"Singing Thanksgiving."
This interactive 50-minute set gets young and old alike singing American Folk tunes including Over the River and Through the Woods, Turkey in the Straw, and She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain. Audience members are invited to co-create and improvise lyrics on a Harmonica Pocket original song Give Thanks and sing names of harvest fruits and vegetables on Apple Apple. Dance, fingerplays, a waltz with a pumpkin, and zany skits tie this program up into a thoughtful, playful package.
"Amazing and electric...a magical world of color, song, and dance.
They had the whole room singing. If you didn't book them this year by all
means book them next year! One of the best children's shows I've ever attended."
-Carole Watson, Timberland Regional Library System
GET LOOSE WITH SEUSS
Dr. Seuss, born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield Massachusetts, is an American
Icon. Through setting a handful of his famous and lesser-known books to
music, we get to know Theodor Seuss Geisel. Audiences are invited to sing
the words to Dr. Seuss's ABCs, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, and
to help save the Whos on a giant speck of dust. Using theater, we learn
the history behind the creation of Horton Hatches The Egg. And of course,
to properly celebrate any centenarian's birthday, we sing Happy Birthday
Dr. Seuss.
Contact us for specific dates and availability.
"I truly loved Get Loose with Seuss. It was great watching the faces of both kids and grownups light up during this magical program. This is a program to be enjoyed by every age! The creative combination of music and movement, featuring the books and words of Dr. Seuss captured the imaginative spirit in all of us."
-Ellen Duffy, Youth Services Coordinator (Timberland Regional Library)
WOODY'S DREAM
Born July 14th, 1912, Woody Guthrie had a dream -- to give people a voice through songs. Through music, theater, and dance, The Harmonica Pocket celebrates the Centennial Anniversary of Woody Guthrie's birth with their sing-a-along program "Woody's Dream."
Woody's Dream features beloved folk songs like "This Land Is Your Land" alongside some of Woody's lesser-known children's songs like "Little Saka Sugar" and the counting song "12345678." The 50 minute program is a mix of songs and autobiographical stories by Woody Guthrie, classic American folk tunes, and a few Harmonica Pocket originals.
Woody referred to his music as "People's Songs," and he wanted us to sing along. Join us as we honor Woody's Dream by ushering folk music into the hearts and mouths of the next generation.
"I don't want the kids to be grownup. I want to see the grown up folks be kids." -Woody Guthrie
.
PAJAMA PARTY
Grab your pillow and a toothbrush, you're invited to a Pajama Party!
Equipped with a hula hoop, a ukulele, and a suitcase of props, The Harmonica Pocket proves that PJs are perfectly acceptable any hour of the day with their program "Pajama Party."
Before bed, we unwind by stepping outside to look up at the nighttime sky. Children (and grownups, too!) are invited to hunt for fireflies, to sing along with the bi-lingual lullaby "La Luna," and learn the simple fingerplays of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Music, Dance, and Imagination Games are mixed up into a gigglish, interactive show that gets the audience singing and moving in their seats. We hear a bedtime story from Dr. Seuss, as well as Woodie Guthrie, who turns 100 years old this year! Even a dreamy Beatles song makes an appearance, before we brush our teeth and head for our pillowcases.
For this program, no matter what time of day it is, the audience is encouraged to wear their pajamas---a prize will be awarded for wackiest PJs!
"Uniquely thoughtful lyrics that fall so easily on the heart and ears alike. Sheer delight. Smiles all 'round."
-Pat Timko, Children's Librarian (Marysville, WA)
HANDS-ON HULAHOOP WORKSHOP
Hula Hooping isn't only fun, it's good for you too. Hooping improves coordination,
flexibility, and concentration, and anyone can learn to hula hoop, young
and old. This workshop is suitable for all ages, all levels, and all movement
styles. Come prepared to sweat and have some good times.
INTRO TO HULAHOOPING:
Part I (optional*): We begin in the first hour with participants building
hoops of different sizes. This is very hands-on with students cutting, joining,
and taping PVC sprinkler hose into loops of various lengths. Our cutting
tool is very safe, but needs supervision for extra small people. (*Part
I is optional and the materials fee described in "Requirements"
below will apply. As an alternative, we can provide rental hoops for
this workshop, however students do not get to keep their hoops.)
Part II: We get down to learning the basics of hooping, including beginner tricks. Depending on group size, age, and ability, we play a handful of hulahoop games. This is med-high energy cardiovascular activity.
ADVANCED HULAHOOPING:
For students aged 12 and up, we build on previous skills, introduce advanced
tricks, stalls, and illusions using our hoops. Students begin linking moves
together into an improvised dance. We discuss and practice making up original
dance moves and "choreographed" sequences. We finish the class
with an open-play session where students can freely explore working with
their hoops.
* REQUIREMENTS:
1/ Large, open, indoor space with sufficient room to move. In warm
weather a dry, grassy outdoor space can work.
2/ Ideal group size is around 12 students. Maximum group size is 30 students.
3/ A materials fee will apply to cover PVC rolls, joiners, and tape (approximately
$6.50 per hoop). Alternatively we can provide hoops for the duration of
the class. If we are making hoops with students we also need access to hot
water (~180 degrees) for the hoop joining process, or electricity to run
an electric teapot.
4/ For school and library groups, additional support of at least one supervising adult.
Here is the extended play version of testimonials. If you'd like to read about our recorded music, check out the reviews page.
"Imagine a beatnik Mr. Rogers who plays beguiling, Dr. Seuss-ian songs while a female Cirque du Soleil escapee hula hoops and mimes the story lines. The duo gently bridges the generations as their astute songcraft reminds adults that the reverie of their childhood is still close at hand. Their wide-eyed, wise and witty observations from a perch on the back steps of a new century, is cause for celebration: A fresh new family act has arrived!"
--Lisa Lepine
Booking Agent, Bite of Oregon (Portland, OR)
"Clever."
-Parenting Magazine
"It is our pleasure to recommend The Harmonica Pocket to anyone interested in excellent children's music programming. They are a fantastic group that mesmerizes their audience. We have observed with astonishment the ways they hold their audience without creating a hyper atmosphere."
-Diann Wiklund
Director of Cross and Crown Preschool (Renton, WA)
"The Harmonica Pocket is one of the best up and coming artists in the country. We highly recommend you consider The Harmonica Pocket for any opportunities you have. They have proven themselves as accomplished and developed performers."
--Josh Wendell, Director of Independent Artist Regristry
"Just when I was beginning to think that the world of potential library programmers had been reduced to storytellers, magicians, puppeteers and the occasional theatrical troupe, Harmonica Pocket breezed onto the stage and hula hooped their way into our hearts.
With uniquely refreshing combinations of whimsy, playful interaction and genuine enthusiasm, The Harmonica Pocket easily captivated and held spellbound two large audiences.
Dr. Seuss would be green with envy to hear his books so lovingly rendered and musically adapted. And Nala Walla may well be on her way to creating a whole new generation of hula hoopers!"
-Pat Timko
Children's Librarian (Marysville, WA)
"Magical! A perfect literacy program for libraries! Highly recommended for those looking for fresh new talent."
-Jean Tarascio
Youth Services Librarian (Port Townsend, WA)
"Wonderful to work with, we can't wait to have The Harmonica Pocket back."
-Jennifer Sullivan
Children's Librarian (Snohomish, WA)
"The Harmonica Pocket bewitched me the moment I first stumbled upon them: Keeth's warm, playful smile, his unstrained, pitch-perfect voice and impish delivery, his goofy clothes and fanciful facial hair. He played each instrument with panache and aplomb: the guitar, the ukulele, the didgeridoo. He was part elf, part kid-show host, part balladeer. He was confident and generous and inventive. The guy was good.
Meanwhile, Nala Walla mesmerized the young audience, and their adults, with acrobatics, contortionism, pantomime, and vibrant costumes. She even sang the ABC's on a Vietnamese jaw harp. I was an instant fan.
This is music for kids that strikes just the right note: cherubic without being cloying, silly without being insipid, accomplished and playful, direct and fresh, earnest and hopeful, concerned and cheerful. It's pluperfect music for the preschool set, and older."
--Patrick Jennings author of "Faith and the Electric Dogs" and other young adult titles
....We promise to contact you as soon as we get home from our picnic.
contact: Keeth Apgar
email: greenbanana
(at) harmonicapocket.com
phone: (206) 355-8239
web: harmonicapocket.com
