Ventriloquist James Wedgwood Involves Library Audiences — Young and Old Alike

James Wedgwood had lots of fun performing at libraries across Minnesota this summer.  As you can see in these pictures taken at the Lake City Public Library, children and grownups alike enjoyed feeding his crazy prairie chicken “Bill the Bird” and watching leprechaun Patrick McWiggins ham it up for a photo.

James also performed several programs in Minnesota this summer for Great River Regional Libraries and toured the entire Northwest Regional Library System as the Kick-Off for the 2011 Summer Library Program where he appeared in seven libraries in three days.  Each program drew a mixture of both preschool and school age children with their parents and/or grandparents, as well as residents of senior citizen homes and area group homes.  Attendees commented how skilled James is in the art of ventriloquism and made references to specific characters that became their favorites.  They loved seeing each of them come alive and entertain the audience in the most unusual ways.  “One child commented that ‘he reminded me to use my imagination,’” and Northwest Regional Library Director Barbara Jauquet-Kalinoski said “Me too!”  “The program obviously drew people who haven’t used the library as they made comments such as ‘how fun library activities are,’ and ‘I didn’t realize how important library programs are for kids in the summer.’” 

Before becoming a popular corporate, college and fair entertainer, James started out performing at libraries in the ’80′s.  Being married to a librarian, he still enjoys performing at them immensely, always taking care to promote summer reading programs and their theme.

Over the years, he has performed at several Minnesota library regions including SELCO, MELSA, Plum Creek, and Arrowhead, and even the library system in St. Joseph, Missouri.  James and his wooden “associates” hope to carry on this tradition for many years to come. 

James also provides an innovative program “The History and Artistry of Ventriloquism,” which unlocks the history and development of this unique art form from its origins in ancient Egypt through Vaudeville and today’s resurgence in pop-culture.

Ventriloquist James Wedgwood Performs at Lake City Public Library

James Wedgwood and Bill the Bird Perform at Lake City Public Library