Duke Otherwise
Children's Music & Stories
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Using his clever songs and unique showmanship, Duke Otherwise effortlessly engages and inspires children (and adults) of all ages. From Madison, WI, he has been entertaining for many years with his guitar, tap shoes and distinct singing voice. His original songs will make you laugh, clap, dance and interact. Duke has performed all across the country, with some international touring as well; challenging his audiences to think outside the box with him while singing some of the wittiest and most fun tunes ever heard in a room full of kids!
For The Holidays:
"Ebenezer Duke" is a mini-musical, a 45-minute re-telling of "A Christmas Carol" told through original songs, storytelling/acting, dance, and audience participation. It's great for all ages and especially for families looking to do something fun and festive together during the holiday season.
>> Career Highlights
Duke Otherwise might not be Noah Riemer's real name, but this slightly of-kilter stage character Mr. Riemer has developed is very real to his audience members. His zany show features his clever and thoughtfully composed original songs, wild dancing, and storytelling which all highlight his of beat sense of humor�oft times catching children and adults unawares.
Performing family shows is Duke's forte'. "It's a delight to scan the crowd," says the Duke, "and see the children in uproar and really enjoying themselves. But it's just as gratifying to see the adults reacting the same way and the beautiful camaraderie between them and the kids. I love it when I see them exchange glances and smiles after a funny lyric or an unexpected twist in the song." Although Riemer began performing very early on as a child, putting on plays with his sisters and charging Grandpa and Grandma 50 cents to get into the shows, the realization that he had the potential to mesmerize a crowd came in high school when he was the unofficial halftime dance show at all the basketball games.
After high school, Noah started the nationally touring folk band, Ticklepenny Corner. Being the primary songwriter in the band, the tunes were wry and clever and won many critics' hearts. They saw moderate success and were able to share the stage with the likes of Andrew Bird, Victoria Williams, Over the Rhine and GRAMMY-winner Ashley Cleveland, among many others. Their hard work landed them a deal with Fundamental Records (Camper van Beethoven). After all the members - but Riemer - were getting married and having babies, the group disbanded, which eventually led him to a wonderful discovery: children's music!
"There has been nothing more rewarding to me in music than playing for children. When a room is filled with intrigued kids dancing and laughing, I thank God for this job I have!" Riemer began performing at schools, festivals and wherever kids congregated and was growing more passionate by the gig. Eventually, House of Mercy Recordings in St. Paul, MN took notice and offered a deal to Mr. Otherwise. The result was his debut album, "Creepy Crawly Love," of which NPR's Stefan Shepherd wrote "nifty, brainy lyrics...in a musical packaging that's like a slightly peppier Tom Waits. Definitely recommended."
Recent Performances Cedar Cultural Center - Minneapolis, MN High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI Chicago Botanical Garden - Chicago, IL Minnesota Public Radio's Rock the Cradle - Minneapolis, MN Music in the Park - Plymouth, MI Madison Public Library - Madison, WI International School - Walvis Bay, Namibia Schaumburg Township Library - Schaumburg, IL Lakeside Resort - Lakeside, OH Unity Music Festival - Muskegon, MI Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL Rhythm & Words Festival - Burnsville, MN
>> Testimonials
"Nifty, brainy lyrics - Definitely recommended."
-Stefan Shepherd, NPR Children�s Music Reviewer, Zooglobble.com
"The real sign that Duke is having an impact is to hear the students roaming the halls singing the songs and talking about the lessons inherent in them."
-Principal, Nashotah, WI
"I appreciate the fact that [your songs] are easy for children to relate to, but not dumbed down. You definitely have 2 new fans."
-Jennifer, Mom, Dubuque, IA
"Because of your song, I learned to love eating Brussels sprouts!"
-Boy, 7, Racine, WI
"The album will most tickle the fancies of kids ages 5 through 9. Clocking in at about 32 minutes in length, the twelve tracks breeze by. I am all for a broad range of kids music - straight-ahead celebratory pop, songs that explore emotional depths, and even though I don't always talk about it, even music that helps literally learn things. But part of that should also include imagination and skewed viewpoints that take the young listener out of the everyday. Beehives and Bedheads does that nearly perfectly. Highly recommended."
-zooglobble.com/blog
>> Basic Set-Up Needs
>> Sample Introduction
>> Pricing Information
Pricing for each act varies depending on a number of factors including: location of the event; popularity of the date; routing for each act; type of event; single or multiple day performances; length of show, etc. To get a specific and accurate quote for your event please contact our office by completing the form below or calling (612) 361-6002. We respond very quickly to answer all our clients' questions.