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NEED HELP PROMOTING A SHOW?
All the materials you need to spread the word!
TIPS TO BOOKING A SHOW
Making your event a success!
Estimate how many people you expect to attend your event. For smaller venues wanting a more "up-close and personal" show, we recommend a solo performance by Conductor Jack. If you expect larger crowds, consider a "dance party concert" by Conductor Jack And Friends. This is a full live band playing acoustic instruments like the fiddle, banjo, drums and string bass. Occasionally, characters from TV's "The Zinghoppers Show" are available as a bonus to this show.
Check the performance space. Conductor Jack's solo show is highly mobile and very adaptable meaning there are no specific stage needs. However, a stage at least 12' (wide) x 8' (deep) is required for a performance by Conductor Jack And Friends.
We'll play songs that will fit with your audience! Conductor Jack And Friends play "family music". We describe what we do as: "Vaudeville-Folk for Children and Families". This means that we are adaptable and will "read" an audience to select the best songs for the age group we are performing for. It's fun because no two shows are ever the same! We love playing shows for young children and encourage inviting childen of all ages as well as their families to our shows.
Don't worry - we will not add-on additional "travel fees". With gas prices going the way they are many acts ask for additional hidden fees such as mileage, gas or travel costs. We don't. We'll quote you an all-inclusive price so you don't have to worry about rising fuel or shifting airline costs. Thank goodness that Conductor Jack drives the Happy Train and it's powered exclusively by rockin' folk music.
We also provide sound equipment for free! We are happy to provide our own PA, sound equipment, microphones and a qualified sound technician - all at no extra cost to you. Or, if it easier for you, we are happy to use your equipment. Our set up is extremly easy and we can provide you with a detailed list of our equipment needs if you'd like us to use your sound system.
Our promise to you... We promise to be professional, prompt, caring and courteous. We promise to help promote your event - we want it to be a success. We promise to respect our young audience with a safe and fun show. We promise to engage your audience and play music that appeals to families and encourages audience participation: bringing families together in the fun!
Contact us today for a specific quote. We'd love to hear from you and promise to work with your budget and schedule to make your event a success! Call us at: 1-800-970-0563 or email: info@jacknorton.net. We sincerely appreciate your support of musical entertainment for children and families!
FREQUENTLY ASKED BOOKING QUESTIONS
Making your event a success!
What is a show by Conductor Jack And Friends like?
Who are the Zinghoppers?
Does Jack play all his shows with the Zinghoppers?
What if I want to hire just Jack...or what if I want Jack to appear with his band?
What kind of programs does Jack offer?
Do Jack's assembly programs fit with our curriculum?
What age range are Jack's programs suited for?
I'm a librarian...does Jack have a specific program for my summer reading program?
Jack is great with younger kids, but would he go over well with our 4th and 5th graders?
How long are the performances?
What kind of events is Jack available for?
What kind of material does Jack perform?
How much does a show cost?
Are your shows too expensive for my budget?
Why aren't your prices advertised on your website or in your promo kit?
Why do you quote all-inclusive prices?
Are discounts or free shows possible?
So, why should I hire your group?
How many shows can be scheduled in one day?
When and how do I pay Jack for his live show?
What if we need to cancel or reschedule?
Will Jack be promoting his CDs during our school assembly?
Is there a limit to how many students can attend one assembly?
Where is Jack located? Is he available to travel to...?
Can Jack do a program about...?
What are Jack's stage/technical requirements?
Do you have photos/logos/flyers that we can use?
Who writes all of Jack's songs?
How did Jack get into doing music for families and kids?
Can you perform (specific song from CD) at your show?
Where does Jack record his CDs and who produces them?
Who made Jack's album covers?
Who are the Mullet River Boys?
What did Jack do before his family music career?
Is Jack a "real" train engineer or conductor? Has he worked for a railroad company?
What is Jack's training or education background?
Why does Jack not accept friends on his Myspace page?
Many singer/songwriters and folk musicians do "house concerts", does Jack?
What is a show by Conductor Jack And Friends like?
Fun! Educational! Entertaining! Jack's gentle approach and genuine respect for young children make him popular with parents, educators and (most importantly) children.
Jack has been compared to Raffi in his folksy sound, and has been called "Mr. Rogers with a ukulele" by the Arizona Republic. At his solo shows Jack encourages sing-a-longs and dance by playing the guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica and kazoo. He also brings several hand puppets that add to the fun!
Jack also performs with a backup band, "Conductor Jack And Friends" and these shows are best described as "dance party concerts". If you'd like to read more about Jack's band, click here.
Who are the Zinghoppers?
The Zinghoppers are a band of animal friends made up of Penelope The Possum (bass), Olo The Donkey (guitar) and Coconuts The Kangaroo (drums). They often appear in their live stage show (with Conductor Jack acting as host and lead singer). They have appeared on television with their own special, "The Zinghoppers Show" which has aired on PBS, NBC and FOX stations in the United States.
Does Jack play all his shows with the Zinghoppers?
Jack plays a lot of shows each year with the Zinghoppers. However the majority of Jack's performances are either solo or with his band, "Conductor Jack And Friends". Jack enjoys performing both solo and with his band.
What if I want to hire just Jack...or what if I want Jack to appear with his band?
Just ask! Send us an email and we'll help you decide. Often times, Jack appears at venues with smaller performance areas; whereas Conductor Jack And Friends require more stage room and set up time. Call: 1-800-970-0563 and we'll help answer any questions you may have.
What kind of programs does Jack offer?
Conductor Jack offers a high energy show of original and classic family folk music. He can offer special programs based on your educational theme or curriculum. He does special shows with a positive Christian message for churches and VBS programs. Of course, he loves doing shows in December full of Holiday songs and Christmas spirit!
Jack has four educational and fun elementary school assembly programs: "Water Conservation", "Don't Be A Bully", "Recyclable Junk Band" and "Flags & Festivals". For information on Jack's school assemblies click here.
For preschools and early learning centers Jack has developed Jack has musical programs to meet your center?s curriculum, including: "The Sounds Instruments Make", "Shapes", "Nutrition", "Colors", "Swimming Pool & Sun Safety", "Books Are Fun", "Letters", "Numbers", "Recycling", "Dental Hygiene", "Animals", "Holidays". For more info, click here.
Do Jack's assembly programs fit with our curriculum?
If Conductor Jack's program listing does not include a subject that your school or event would like him to present, he may be able to create a program or augment an existing program to work for your needs. At least a month or more of advance notice would be helpful to develop the best program possible! Often, using songs he already knows, Jack may be able to at least address a certain theme within a segment of his regular show, if not for the whole performance.
What age range are Jack's programs suited for?
Jack's background is in Early Childhood Education and his speciality is performing music for preschoolers. However, his elementary school assembly programs are meant for K-6 students. With Jack's past experience playing bluegrass and dixieland music, Jack's shows are usually enjoyed by all ages - children, parents and grandparents!
I'm a librarian...does Jack have a specific program for my summer reading program?
Yes! Jack works with his wife Kitty and their team of experienced educators to design a specific show for your summer reading program. Visit our libraries page for recent show offerings.
Jack is great with younger kids, but would he go over well with our 4th and 5th graders?
Although Jack specializes in performing for preschool age children, he always makes adjustments to his material and presentation style for the older range of kids and works with our team of qualified educators to make sure his performance will be enjoyed by the targeted age group.
How long are the performances?
You name it: Jack can do it! We recommend a 30-45 minute show for preschoolers, 45-50 minute show for elementary age and 45-60 minutes for a public concert (such as at a fair, festival or theater). Jack loves playing multiple shows on the same day, and he can play up to four hours of music a day!
When appearing with the Zinghoppers, the live stage show is 45 minutes.
What kind of events is Jack available for?
Jack is happy to play anywhere that is safe and enjoyable for all ages. He avoids playing venues that promote smoking, serve alcoholic beverages, or do not provide a safe environment for children to enjoy the show.
That said, Jack has played: performing arts centers, theaters, fairs, festivals, churches, libraries, coffeehouses, preschools, elementary schools, bookstores, folk music and bluegrass listening rooms, family restaurants, farmers markets, barn dances, house concerts and birthday parties. He has even performed in a chicken coop...but that's a story for another day!
What kind of material does Jack perform?
At solo shows Jack plays 100% live, with no pre-recorded accompaniment tracks giving his music a more organic, upbeat and fresh feel. He plays the acoustic guitar, banjo and ukulele as well as additional instruments like the kazoo, harmonica and whistle. Most of Jack's songs are original tunes written with his wife Kitty, as well as many popular children's classics, familiar sing-a-longs, folk tunes and nursery rhymes. He also performs songs from the Zinghoppers Show. Jack loves taking requests from his audience too!
How much does a show cost?
Call us today: 1-800-970-0563 or send us an email for an exact quote. Be sure to mention the venue name, city and possible date you'd like to host a show.
Are your shows too expensive for my budget?
We strive to provide you with high-quality entertainment at a price that won't hurt your budget. This is a full-time professional career and we maintain a lower overhead that some touring bands because we do most of the business tasks ourselves. It's actually a system that works very well for us - we are our own management, booking agent, record label and publicist. The advantage for venues working directly with us is that it eliminates the middle man expenses.
Why aren't your prices advertised on your website or in your promo kit?
We don't list prices because there are a number of factors that affect the price quoted to a particular venue. We do have a base price that is ALL INCLUSIVE of travel and lodging costs. If you are flexible on a date and choose one during a time when we will already be in your geographical area, our price will go down. Also, our price can be affected by how much you want us to do during a visit - we are happy to play multiple sets throughout the day, conduct workshops, and make various personal appearances when we are in your town. There are also many circumstances when our group is available to perform a special "add-on" show at a local school or church for a reduced fee as well.
Why do you quote all-inclusive prices?
It is a lot easier for everyone. Venues like it because they know exactly what they will be spending up front, and aren't affected by shifting gas prices or airline costs. We like it because we can plan our own travel to suit our specific tour schedule. When you get a price from us, you don't get any surprises later. Rest assured that you will receive high-quality family-friendly entertainment...and you know exactly what the bottom line is.
Are discounts or free shows possible?
For school or library districts, multiple bookings on the same day can mean a discount for all appearances. Jack loves performing charitable events and fundraisers, but he does support his family fully from performing, so he has to limit his number of unpaid performances each year. Send us an email, and we'll see if we can help!
So, why should I hire your group?
Because we are one of the easiest - and most professional - acts you will ever work with. All of our shows are completely self-contained. We can provide our own PA and are happy to play indoors or outdoors. Also, we are VERY easy to promote to the local media. We will assist you with every step of marketing the show. We are very good at securing newspaper articles, sending press releases, working with local radio stations, spreading the word to area church communities, and will provide you with full color 11x17 posters, CDs, glossy photos and more. We want your show to be a success...it's just more fun for everybody!
How many shows can be scheduled in one day?
Conductor Jack can perform up to three hours of solo music a day. Conductor Jack And Friends are available to perform two 45-60 minute performances per day.
When and how do I pay Jack for his live show?
After we agree upon a date and discuss the terms of the performance, we have a very simple Performance Agreement Contract that we will send you to sign. We will also enclose an Invoice which details all payment instructions. Payment must be made via cash or check the day of the performance. We are able to accept credit card payments as well. Payment must be made the day of the performance, unless prior arrangements have been agreed upon!
What if we need to cancel or reschedule?
We will work with you as much as possible. We have a "cancellation clause" in our Performance Agreement Contract that we will gladly discuss with you when we discuss scheduling a show.
Will Jack be promoting his CDs during our school assembly?
Jack promotes his CDs during concert events, but he prefers not to mention them during school assemblies, which are meant to present an educational theme. However, students and parents would often like to have them, so if a school is willing to allow for pre or post event CD order forms to be distributed to parents, he certainly appreciates that. We also offer special discount pricing for educators. Call: 1-800-970-0563 to order albums by Conductor Jack and the Zinghoppers.
Is there a limit to how many students can attend one assembly?
As a general rule, if your school has more than 400 students total, Jack would prefer that you split them up into back-to-back assemblies, divided between grades K-2 and 3-5 (or K-3 and 4-6). Ideally, even a school with less than 400 students would still divide between those age ranges.
Older students tend to enjoy a program more when they're not so far back and can more easily participate. Also, some older kids feel awkward participating in the same ways that they see kindergartners participating, whereas the same kids will often participate enthusiastically in a group of grades 3-6 only.
Where is Jack located? Is he available to travel to...?
Jack and Kitty live in rural middle Tennessee - near Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Jack performs mostly within Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, Virginia, North and South Carolina. Jack loves to travel and performs worldwide, as his schedule permits.
Can Jack do a program about...?
If Jack's program listing does not include a subject that your school or event would like him to present, he may be able to create a program or augment an existing program to work for your needs. Jack may be able to at least address a certain theme within a segment of his regular show, if not for the whole performance, based upon material Jack already performs.
What are Jack's stage/technical requirements?
Jack can provide his own PA for many venues, in which case all he needs is an adequate power outlet (most regular outlets are fine). If sound is being provided for an event he will need a microphone for his vocals, and a microphone for his stringed instruments (one mic is used for all of Jack's instruments).
Depending on the venue, Jack doesn't necessarily need a "stage" (even when he has a stage he spends a lot of time off of it and down with the audience), but there should be a suitable space provided for him and his equipment. Ideal seating would include a large enough open space in front of Jack for kids to sit and dance (carpeted areas are prefered), with chairs around the back and outside for the adults.
Do you have photos/logos/flyers that we can use?
Yes send us an email with your specific request and we'll gladly help promote the upcoming event!
Who writes all of Jack's songs?
All of Jack's original songs were written by Jack and his wife Kitty. Jack has said that Kitty writes most of the lyrics and all of the music, and he contributes to the lyrics. All original songs by Conductor Jack and the Zinghoppers are sent to a team of educators that include early childhood education specialists and professors with the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.
How did Jack get into doing music for families and kids?
Jack toured for years as a bluegrass and folk musician. He noticed how much children enjoyed upbeat and honest songs. While in the midst of a busy tour with his band, Jack and his wife Kitty went back to school to earn their degrees in Early Childhood Education. Jack has said he feels a calling to exclusively perform music for young children and families. Jack's dedication to his craft, and his respect and honor of children, makes him one of today's foremost family-friendly entertainers.
Can you perform (specific song from CD) at your show?
Jack loves to take requests, even if it's a song he hasn't written or recorded...he'll try to play it at your show!
Where does Jack record his CDs and who produces them?
Jack records most of his CDs at Itty Bitty Ditty Studios, which is in Nashville. He has recorded tracks while on the road and worked at studios in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Los Angeles, New Orleans and New York City. Fortunately, living so close to Nashville, Jack is able to work with great studio musicians and record in fun studios. On the last album Jack released, he used Brian Setzer's microphone to record all the vocals!
Who makes Jack's album covers?
Jack's wife Kitty does all graphic design, photography and album artwork. She also is an amazing singer and songwriter!
Who are the Mullet River Boys?
That's the previous name of "Conductor Jack And Friends". Same band, just a different name to convey our goal of playing folk music that brings families and children together.
What did Jack do before his family music career?
Jack now exclusively devotes his time to perform for young children and families. For many years, Jack and his wife Kitty had a "vaudeville-bluegrass" band called The Mullet River Boys, which was very popular in the bluegrass and folk music world (members of that band now perform in our group, "Conductor Jack And Friends"). Jack also had a performance art troupe called The Wizard Oil Vaudeville Company and performed as a solo singer/songwriter as well. He has published numerous poems and short stories and wrote a piece published by Random House called "Interview With The Author" which won a PEN Award. He was a staff songwriter for Sony/BMG Music. In additional to his musical pursuits, Jack worked as a preschool teacher.
Is Jack a "real" train engineer or conductor? Has he worked for a railroad company?
Conductor Jack had a boyhood fascination with trains and spent much of his childhood playing with model trains and loving "real" ones! He also loves country music pioneer Jimmie Rodgers (who worked for railroads and was billed as "The Singing Brakeman"). Performing children's music as a friendly singing train engineer seemed like a natural choice for Jack. He drives The Happy Train for his friends The Zinghoppers and drives them to all of their shows.
Jack loves playing at train museums and depots and is able to play a show featuring exclusively songs about trains. He always performs wearing his trademark train engineer outfit - vintage overalls, railroad cap and red bandana.
What is Jack's training or education background?
Both Jack and his wife Kitty have a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota. Prior to that, Jack studied Biblical Theology and English at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota.
Why does Jack not accept friends on his Myspace page?
Our support team at Wonderiffic Entertainment are very committed to providing safe, entertaining and reliable content to families and children. We take this very seriously, especially as we expand our online presence. As entertainers of all ages (mostly young children, however), we recognize that parents and caregivers of children are concerned about appropriate content for youngsters online.
Although we have a Myspace page, we do not accept friend requests. This is due to the nature of Myspace (with its countless links and web of networking). We simply cannot control the content (pictures and language) of each "friend". Therefore, to offer a safe viewing experience for all, we are unable to accept "friend requests".
Many singer/songwriters and folk musicians do "house concerts", does Jack?
Yes, in most cases Jack is available for house concerts and loves doing them! All you need to host a house concert is a space for 30-35 people in your home (you'd be amazed how many folks can fit in your living room - even if it's cozy), enthusiasm for getting the word out to your friends/family/co-workers, and a desire for a wonderful, intimate, fun show! Jack can do performances for all ages in this setting. Email info@jacknorton.net for more information on hosting.
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Copyright 1996-2008 Wonderiffic, LLC
All shows by Conductor Jack And Friends are produced by the Zinghoppers in association with Wonderiffic, LLC.
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