Performances, Workshops, Residencies and Educational Programs
Performances | Workshops | Residencies | Educational Programs
Thad draws from a diverse background in musical styles, traditional .. folk .. old-time .. country blues .. roaring 20’s
A versatile instrumentalist performing with
ukulele, guitar, jaw harp, harmonica, washboard and limber jack.
Thad also showcases home-made instruments from his “Band in a Bucket” which often culminates in a trailblazing performance with audience members in an impromptu band.
Performances
Often described as a one-man band, Thad’s concerts are dynamic, with lots of opportunities for audience participation for all ages.
He weaves his storytelling throughout the performance with lyrics, witty one-liners, incidental memoirs about song topics, song creations and related narratives.
Thad’s live performances are musical treasures not to be missed!
Scroll to See Library & School Performances Below
Performances for all ages
Workshops
Thad develops and presents workshop programs for preschool through high school on topics related to literacy, life cycles, ecosystems, geography, history, ukulele and music.
He presents over 300 of these programs each school year to individual classrooms as well as for community events and festivals.
Workshops for small and large events
Residencies
Thad has led over 400 week-long songwriting residencies in school and communities in several states.
Thad is devoted to preserving the history, heritage and cultural aspects of rural areas through song.
He has developed works about nature, legends and folklore, railroads, fishing, literacy, dust bowl and dirty thirties and a wide variety of historical topics.
School residency culminating in a public performance at Homestead National Park for the 150th Anniversary of the Homestead Act.
Educational Programs
Thad develops and presents workshop programs for preschool, elementary, middle and through high school on topics related to literacy, life cycles, ecosystems, geography, history, ukulele and music.
He presents over 300 of these programs each school year to individual classrooms as well as for community events and festivals.
Library Performances
Thad’s 2025 Summer Reading Performance!
Join us for The Polka Dot Café, a dynamic program featuring a “colorful menu” of upbeat songs.
Kids (and adults) will be moving and grooving as they explore the vibrant sounds of harmonicas, limberjacks, strings, and percussion instruments.
Audiences will be encouraged to unleash their creativity, celebrating the vibrant world of music through rhythm, melody, and fun! Whether it’s the sweet sound of strings or the lively beat of a can drum, this program will spark joy, inspire imagination, and leave everyone clapping for more.
Perfect for library audiences, The Polka Dot Café is an unforgettable experience and colorful celebration of sound!
Thad always showcases a variety of instruments, such as ukulele, kazoo, bucket bass, can drums, harmonica and limberjack or perhaps a limber chicken or alien!
Always a great time with Thad’s musical expertise, humorous original songs and energetic performances!
Library Programs for Children and Adults
Available throughout the year
Railroad Performances
Original songs & Traditional Railroad tunes.
Climb aboard an imaginary train for a ride to Thad’s favorite destinations where you’ll see him showcase a variety of instruments, such as ukulele, kazoo, bucket bass, harmonica and limberjack.
Always a great time with Thad’s musical expertise, humorous original songs and energetic performances!
Library Programs for Children and Adults
Available throughout the year
The Best Family Entertainment
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Entertainment, workshops, residencies and educational programs for all of your events!
Writing a grant?
Thad is an approved artist on the following state & regional rosters:
Kansas Creative Arts and Industries Commission: Kansas Touring Artist Roster
Nebraska Arts Council: Artists in Schools and Communities Directory
South Carolina Arts Commission: Certified Artist Directory
Salina Arts and Humanities: Arts Infusion Directory
He has in the past been a participant in the following programs:
Mountain Arts Program (NC), United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, Iowa Arts Council., Kansas University Lied Center Art.Teach, Winfield Arts and Humanities, Wichita Arts Partners, WolfTrap Early Childhood Institute, Kansas WolfTrap, KU Lied Art.Teach
