Their tour begins in February with shows sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System in northeastern Minnesota.  In May, they continue their tour with performances in the Pioneerland Library System in west central Minnesota and Kitchigami Regional Library in north central Minnesota.  Their summer tour will bring them to Lake Agassiz Regional Library in northwest Minnesota (Moorhead area) and Great River Regional Library in central Minnesota June and the tour wraps up with shows in the Northwest Regional Library in far northwest Minnesota in August. 

The shows, sponsored by the libraries as special events or part of their summer reading programs are funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Okee Dokee Brothers on their 2011 Mississippi River Tour

Check out The Okee Dokee Brothers tour in a city near you.

View The Okee Dokee Brothers – 2012 in a full screen map

Dates and times are scheduled as listed, but may be subject to change. Check with your local library for local details.

The Association’s Mission Statement reads as follows:

“It is the mission of the Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals to promote the educational and entertainment interest of a wide and varied audience and to encourage family, community and professional involvement for the betterment of the fair industry”.

Congratulations to Pete Poe, Executive Director of the MAFF and the Association’s Board of Directors for hosting another successful convention.

Members of the Vocal Group, Six Appeal, along with Entertainment consultant, Tim Stevens, visited with several folks at the convention's trade show following the group's showcase performance

In addition to the opening presentation, Judy also gave two break-out sessions on “Bringing out the Best in our Kids.” Participants appreciated her specific strategies and her positive message regarding children “at promise” rather than “at risk”.  As one attendee stated:  “Judy reminded us of the need to stay positive and build meaningful relationships with all our students.”

The day closed with Judy’s “Where You Were Meant to Be”—a short, humorous discussion of how stress affects our lives.  Judy Foust once again proved that laughter can be a great motivator, regardless of the situation!

Kudos (taken from written evaluation forms)

“Judy was awesome.”

“I loved Judy Foust.  She was funny and a great speaker.  So positive.”

“I would not change one thing about Judy Foust.  She was absolutely fabulous!”

“Judy’s closing address was genuine and timely!  Excellent!”

“Judy reminded me that what is really important is helping kids know they have potential.”

Judy Foust, featured speaker at 23rd Annual Paraprofessional & Title I Conference

To successfully complete the requirements for the certificate, Gary had to complete approximately 40 hours of formal classroom work and a 10-page paper looking at all aspects of a festival.  Areas addressed in the class and paper included site selection, sponsorship, safety and security, marketing, managing volunteers, financing an event, legal aspects, and more. 

Gary worked as the personal manager of “The Memories” prior to starting G. L. Berg Entertainment, Performing Artists & Speakers in 1989. He has had the opportunity to do every job in the company at some time and has 25 years of experience working in the entertainment industry. He works with corporate, fair, college and theater clients in providing talent & performances. He also works in the area of finding and developing performers.  This certificate furthers his expertise in festival and event management.  Congratulations, Gary!

Gary Berg pauses for a photo at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds

Musical Tribute group Divas Through the Decades has been busy on tour, showcasing at the Association of Iowa Fairs Conference in December, the Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events in early January, and the Wisconsin Association of Fairs and Minnesota Federation of Fairs conventions in mid-January.  They are “having a blast” meeting new clients and connecting with returning clients.  After the Divas showcased at the Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events tradeshow, they had an opportunity to meet Miss Indiana State Fair 2012, Erika Elaine Burghardt.  Burghardt is the fourth representative of Tippecanoe County to reign as the Indiana State Fair Queen in the contest’s 54-year history.  She is a 10-year 4-H alumnus and was a National Youth Leadership Forum delegate.

Divas Through the Decades pose with Miss Indiana State Fair 2012 at the Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events Tradeshow

In another highlight of the Indiana convention, G. L. Berg was honored that Senior Talent Consultant Tim Stevens was awarded the “Associate of the Year,” recognizing his support of their association.  Tim has attended the convention since 1998 and has participated in several workshops as a speaker/presenter.  Congratulations, Tim! 

G. L. Berg Senior Talent Consultant Tim Stevens receives the "Associate of the Year" Award from INAFFE President Steve Ratcliff

Soon after the Indiana Convention, Tim, the Divas, and additional G. L. Berg acts traveled to the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention held in the Wisconsin Dells.  Comedian Roger Radley, award-winning family musicians The Okee Dokee Brothers, and Divas Through the Decades all showcased at the event, and G. L. Berg presented a Video Showcase of Terry DaVolt’s Hypno Show.  Terry, comic juggler Steve Russell, Gary Berg and Connie Stevens joined Tim and the showcasing acts at the convention where they enjoyed visiting with all the Wisconsin folks.  Tim Stevens served as emcee for the Wednesday night Awards Banquet and the Fairest of the Fair Finals, and a wonderful time was had by all!  Two long-time friends of G.L. Berg Entertainment were recognized for their service and contributions to their respective fairs.  Sally Kjorlien (Northern WI State Fair in Chippewa Falls) received the VIP Award  and Gayle Sullwold (St. Croix County Fair in Glenwood City) received the Association’s Hall of Fame Award.

Senior Talent Consultant Tim Stevens busy at his computer around Midnight on Tuesday following the Divas Through the Decades Showcase

Thanks to all the associations around the country who host the fairs, festivals and events we all enjoy each year.  We know it takes a lot of work by very dedicated and hard-working individuals, and we appreciate your efforts!

Roger’s show “takes the commonplace events of everyday life, puts his slant on it and makes it funny, because everything he says is so true.”  Roger portrayed the part of NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace in the movie Dare to Dream, has written and produced TV commercials for regional release, and continues to be called upon to be a well-received opening act at concert halls for major acts. Touring with Willie Nelson and talking backstage with the likes of B. B. King and the late Johnny Cash are fondly remembered by the one time farm boy who secretly dreamed of becoming a comedian after seeing Jonathan Winters improvise on The Tonight Show.

From left to right, Mike Engel, Beverly Mitchell, Roger Radley, Erica Keep

 

The January 14, 2012 StarTribune carried two articles on Olson’s legacy and the pilgrimage that 500 souls a year make to Burntside Lake near Ely to honor him.

The legacy of Sigurd Olson does continue through many of his followers, including Douglas Wood, who is featured in the StarTribune article.  Wood is best known as an author and has written 29 books with over two million copies sold.  Many of his works reflect his purpose:  to capture in words and meanings the natural environment, to gently guide his audience into the hidden heart of the wilderness, and perhaps into their own hearts as well.  Among his many honors and awards are the Christopher Medal, ABBY Award, International Reading Association Book of the Year, Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Publishers Association Book of the Year, Parent’s Choice Award, Barnes and Noble Star of the North, recognition from the Smithsonian Institute for one of the best children’s books for 2009, and the Story Telling World Award. In 2004 he was invited to the White House to read his books.

The Daily Telegraph featured a story on The Illusionists, featuring a photo of Dan Sperry on January 17.

Dan was featured on the Triple J blog with Tom and Alex, performing magic on Tom’s sunglasses. 

To experience a bit of his performance, enjoy this short video:

Jared returns to Indianapolis bringing a whole NEW show to the Winter Magic Festival. In “Deceiving an Audience,” Jared steps away from the larger illusions and production spectacle to offer audiences of all ages the opportunity to appreciate magic up close and personal as he seeks to amaze and amuse by first bewildering!  Check out the article in the INDYSTAR or purchase tickets at IndyFringe.

Jared is an illusionist, juggler, and emcee who grew up in Indiana and graduated with honors in Theater Entrepreneurship at Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN in 2011.  Jared has been featured on The Bob & Tom Show on radio, the Wall Street Journal Online, and MSN Money.com.

2nd Annual Winter Magic Festival features Jared Sherlock

2nd Annual Winter Magic Festival Schedule of Events

Dan Sperry (far right) is scheduled to perform as part of "The Illusionists"

At the age of four, Anti-Conjuror Dan Sperry went to see famed illusionist David Copperfield with his grandparents, and left the showroom changed forever.  The Copperfield performance stayed with him for many years and inspired him to try his own hand at magic.  Not only did he try his hand at magic, but he has achieved great success and has spent several years touring throughout Canada, Italy, and numerous other destinations.  Currently living in New York City, he stars in a magic show in the heart of the theater district of Times Square.  In addition to his travels to Australia in 2012, Dan will be touring in Singapore.