Picture This, Imagine That!
created for the 2003 NYS Library Summer Reading Program
American history and culture for kids! Picture This .....You are a cowboy, riding the dusty trail from Texas up through the plains in the late 1800's....what song would you sing to pass the time? Imagine That....You are a "hoggee", that is, a child just a few years older than your average summer reader, working on the Erie Canal for five cents a day......what was your job, and what did the "educated" kids sing to you as you passed by their school buildings? Picture This......you lived in North America before Christopher Columbus ever sailed the ocean blue.....what did the songs of your people sound like?

"We all loved your performance....you sure do live up to all the great things people say about you!" Jamie Basiliere, Director, Child Care Council of the North Country, Plattsburgh NY

Songs from New York State!
Take a musical trip across New York State with songs and stories from various characters and places around the Empire State. You'll learn to sing a song in the Iroquois language, make animal sounds on an old song your grandparents’ grandparents probably sang (not Old McDonald!), laugh at the lyrics of authentic NY State children’s songs and rhymes, hoist the sails together with Dave while singing a Great Lakes chantey, learn of a circus owner who was the first to stick his head in a lion’s mouth, and much more...smiling, laughing, participating and learning as you go!

"A great hit with the children and adults" Ruth Cook, Children’s Services, New Hartford Public Library, New Hartford NY

The Native Americans of New York State!
Dave brings along his guitar and traditional Iroquois instruments for an informative session that’s also alot of fun! All ages will delight in learning about New York State’s early inhabitants while singing along (in English and Iroquois!), acting out songs and playing some authentic instruments.

"Swan Library highly recommends Dave Ruch. Fun, informative and crowd pleasing....he is tops in his field" Michelle Watt, Children’s Librarian, Swan Library, Albion NY

The Erie Canal!
A treasure trove of songs and stories that washed ashore with the workers, captains, passengers and crews of "Clinton’s Ditch", all presented with lots of audience participation. This engaging program will entertain and enlighten, and features a variety of stringed and other musical instruments from canal days.

"We were so impressed by your performance - we’ve been telling everyone we know how enjoyable it was. You kept the audience enthralled" Sandy Gillard & Amy Josyln, Children’s Services, Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia NY

Just for Fun!
Dave brings along his banjo, mandolin, guitar, jaw harp and washtub bass for a special program full of musical fun. Audience members will delight in seeing and learning a bit about these instruments up close while enjoying some great participatory songs performed on each. Expect singalongs, movement songs, laughter, guessing games, even a few cartoon themes.....some audience members may even be invited to come up on "stage" and play the washtub with Dave!

"Thank you for a great show. Your ability to involve both the children and adults in the audience made it a truly enjoyable night" Darren Miller, Program Director, Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, Blue Mountain Lake NY

Special Themed Programs
A wide variety of other program ideas can be explored with the artist, with themes including songs about reading, songwriting, music as a career, music of the settlers/pioneers, America’s multicultural musical heritage, rural America, Harvest Festivals, etc.

"It is so wonderful to see parents and children enjoying singing along together, and I think the opportunities to do so are so few and far between...thank you for making this happen for our families" Karen Dearing, Co-Director, Westminster Early Childhood Program, Buffalo NY