Pint Size Polkas

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See a listing of current program descriptions here!


Music & Magic Friendzy

At a time when the world seems to need it most, Mike Schneider will bring kindness and friendship to your library with his "Music & Magic Friendzy" program in 2023! Mike's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to songs that tie into 2023's All Together Now theme. But, Mike's program is so much more than music. It's theme-fitting magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to friendship, from great friends like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, to the theme song from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special friends-don't-get-friends-wet magic trick that will result in two dry adults on stage against all odds! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2023. It's tons of fun for all your family and friends!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Music & Magic from the Voice of Polka

In 2023, Mike's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, dancing, and, yes, even yodeling along to songs that tie into 2023's Find Your Voice theme. But, Mike's program is so much more than music. It's theme-fitting magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to people who have used their voices, from Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's famous river landing call, to Paul Bunyan's window-breaking laughter, to a special Broadway musical edition of Name that Tune. Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2023. Patrons of all ages will sing its praises!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Music & Magic from Sea to Shining Sea

Looking for a fun, musical and magical way to celebrate the world's oceans in 2022? Mike Schneider's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to songs that tie into 2022's Oceans of Possibilities theme. But, Mike's program is so much more than music. It's theme-fitting magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to large, well-known bodies of water, from Amelia Earhart's historic crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and Paul Bunyan's creation of the Great Lakes so his blue ox Babe could stay hydrated, to the theme song from a very popular movie series set in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special polar ice cap restoring magic trick that will turn water poured into a plastic cup into ice! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2022. It's oceans of fun for the whole family! Available virtually and in-person!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Music & Magic from Off the Beaten Path

Go beyond the beaten path with Pint Size Polkas in 2022! Mike Schneider's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to such favorites as the "Chicken Dance," and the all-time camping hit, "The Happy Wanderer." But, Mike's program is so much more than music. It's theme-fitting magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy live musical performance package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to the great outdoors, from Paul Bunyan's creation of the Grand Canyon, to a popular song from the Seven Dwarfs' mine camp. Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special weather-defying magic trick that will turn water into ice! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2022. Available virtually and in-person!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Music & Magic from the Animal Kingdom

Looking for a fun, musical and magical way to celebrate our friends in the animal kingdom? Mike Schneider's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to such favorites as the "Chicken Dance" while tying each experience neatly into 2021's Tails and Tales theme. But, Mike's program is so much more than music! It's magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate back to our furry - and sometimes not so furry - friends, from Babe the Blue Ox's use of the Great Lakes as his own personal watering hole, to the theme song from "Jurassic Park." Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special Babe the Blue Ox-mimicking magic trick that will make the water inside a plastic cup disappear! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2021. It's fun for the whole family! Available virtually and in-person!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Music & Magic in Polka Color

Let the sounds of polka bring some exciting musical color to your library in 2021! Mike Schneider's Pint Size Polkas program rolls magic, comedy, and education into one fluid, high-energy, live musical performance package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age and theme-appropriate trivia questions, magic tricks, and a special edition of name that tune will tie neatly into this summer's "Reading Colors Your World" theme, from Paul Bunyan's Blue Ox Babe, to making a red Solo cup float in complete defiance of gravity, to Darth Vader's theme song from the dark side. One lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special magic trick that will turn the water inside a plastic cup into colored cubes! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2021. It's tons of fun for the whole family! Available virtually and in-person!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Music & Magic from Polka Kingdom
Looking for a fun, musical and magical way to celebrate the classic stories of the past and present in 2020? Uncle Mike's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to such favorites as the "Chicken Dance" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad," while tying each experience neatly into 2020's Imagine Your Story theme. But, Uncle Mike's program is so much more than music! It's magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to fairy tales, mythology and fantasy, from Icarus' fateful trip toward the sun, to the iconic theme song from "Harry Potter." Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special Snow Queen-mimicking magic trick that will turn the water inside a plastic cup into ice! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2020. It's fun for the whole family!
Also available virtually!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Music & Magic You Can Dig
Dig the music and magic at your library this summer! Uncle Mike's Pint Size Polkas program rolls magic, comedy, and education into one fluid, high-energy, live musical performance package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age and theme-appropriate trivia questions and a special edition of name that tune will relate to digging, investigating and discovering, from the Wright Brothers' discovery of powered flight, to the theme songs from "The Flintstones" and "Jurassic Park." One lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special magic trick that will turn the water inside a plastic cup into rocks! Plus, Uncle Mike will demonstrate how he discovered how to play the accordion with a special flexibility-defying magic trick sure to amaze your patrons of all ages! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2020. It's tons of fun for the whole family!
Also available virtually!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

To Top


Music & Magic from the Polkaverse

Looking for a fun, musical and magical way to celebrate our universe in 2019? Uncle Mike's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to such classics as the "Chicken Dance" and "The Happy Wanderer," and learning exciting new songs like "The Flying Machine Polka," all of which tie into 2019's Universe of Stories theme. But, Uncle Mike's program is so much more than music. It's magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to space exploration, from Neil Armstrong's place in history as the first person to set foot on the moon, to Darth Vader's theme song from "Star Wars." Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special outer space-mimicking magic trick that will turn the water inside a plastic cup into ice! Uncle Mike will also demonstrate how a similar cup would float in space, courtesy of a very special gravity-defying magic trick. Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2019. It's out-of-this-world fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segment.

Additional Links

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Hocus Polkas

It's polka time at your library this summer! Uncle Mike's Pint Size Polkas program rolls magic, comedy, and education into one fluid, high-energy, live musical performance package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions and a special edition of name that tune will relate to different kinds of shows, from the Wright Brothers first air show, to the theme songs from popular children's TV shows. One lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special magic trick that will turn the water inside a plastic cup into ice! Plus, Uncle Mike will demonstrate how he plays the accordion with a special flexibility-defying magic trick sure to amaze your patrons of all ages! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2019. It's tons of fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; all ages, families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segment.

Additional Links

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The Library Rocks Polkas!
You want a rockin' good time at your library this summer? Look no further than Pint Size Polkas! Uncle Mike's music will have your patrons of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to such polka-fied classics as the "Chicken Dance," "I've Been Working on the Railroad," and "The Happy Wanderer!" But, Uncle Mike's program is so much more than just music. It's magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! As a fun play on the "Library Rocks" theme, age-appropriate trivia questions and a special edition of name that tune will relate back to rocks and stones, from the moon and Neil Armstrong's place in history as the first person to set foot on it, to the theme song from "the Flintstones" TV show. Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a spellbinding version of Oktoberfest's stein holding contest. Despite their best efforts not to drink the water inside, the water will magically disappear! Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2018. It's tons of fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segment.

Additional Links

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POLKA TAKES YOU EVERYWHERE!
Join Uncle Mike as he takes you on a musical, magical, and humorous journey around the world! Your young patrons will have ample opportunity to participate and volunteer, whether it's to help lead Germany's "Chicken Dance;" hold a hat similar to the one worn by heroic railroad engineer Casey Jones while the audience guesses the corresponding occupation; or answer theme and age-appropriate trivia questions covering such icons as Amelia Earhart, a pioneer in transcontinental flight. Everyone will have the chance to sing along to such theme-fitting tunes as "The Happy Wanderer" and the "Flying Machine Polka", and will be encouraged to check out books in related categories. Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a spellbinding version of Oktoberfest's stein holding contest. Despite their best efforts not to drink the water inside, the water will magically disappear! The reading theme is further reinforced by a globetrotting edition of Name that Tune, featuring three short songs from Ireland, Italy, and Mexico, during which the audience will be asked to identify the country of origin. Age and theme-appropriate jokes will be sprinkled in throughout the program, guaranteeing a good time for the whole family!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segment.

Additional Links

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Build A Better World Through Polka Music!
Help build a happier world through music and comedy with Uncle Mike's "Build a Better World Through Polka Music" show, perfect for 2017's CSLP and iRead summer reading themes! Your young patrons will be invited to display various hats while the audience guesses the jobs that go with them. Each occupation is related to a different design or building trade. The audience will have fun answering age and theme-appropriate trivia questions on various people and things that have helped make the world a better place, and will be encouraged to check out books on related subjects! They'll also no doubt get a kick out of Uncle Mike's jokes tailored to the reading theme! Catchy sing-along polka songs and a quick round of "Name that Tune" further complement the program theme, and of course no one goes home without doing the "Chicken Dance" and a special polka version of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." Participation opportunities abound in this show that's fun for all ages!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segment.

Additional Links

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Ready, Set, Polka!
Get up and move to the happy sounds of polka music with Uncle Mike's, "Ready, Set, Polka!" program, perfect for 2016's CSLP and iRead summer reading themes! Your patrons will have the chance to test their fitness with a multitude of dance opportunities, like special Pint Size Polkas versions of the "Hokey Pokey," the "Chicken Dance," and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." Young trivia buffs will enjoy a number of age-appropriate and theme-related questions designed to encourage further reading. This engaging and interactive program is rounded out by a special edition of Name That Tune featuring iconic sports theme songs from the worlds of professional football and the Olympics. Volunteer, participation and sing along opportunities abound in this winning program that promises to be fun for all ages!

Program Length
Approximately 40-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segment.

Additional Links

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REAL AMERICAN HEROES
Prepare yourself for a musical journey highlighting the accomplishments of legendary heroes like aviator Amelia Earhart, engineer Casey Jones, firefighter Molly Williams, and lumberjack Paul Bunyan with Uncle Mike's "Real American Heroes" show, a perfect fit for 2015's "Every Hero Has a Story" CSLP summer reading theme. Participation opportunities abound! Your young patrons will be invited to wear hats similar to those worn by the heroes listed above while the audience guesses the jobs that go with them. Everyone will have fun answering age and theme-appropriate trivia questions on the aforementioned heroes and will be encouraged to check out books that go with them! Catchy sing-along polka songs and a quick round of "Name that Tune" further complement the program theme, and of course, no one goes home without doing the "Chicken Dance" and a special polka version of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." Plenty of singing, dancing, and education make this show fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Approximately 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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READ TO THE RHYTHM OF POLKA MUSIC!
Participation opportunities abound in this "Read to the Rhythm of Polka Music!" show, a perfect fit for 2015's iREAD summer reading theme! Your young patrons will be invited to wear hats while the audience guesses the jobs that go with them. Each occupation is related to something that has rhythm, like a pilot's airplane engine, the chugga chugga of an engineer's steam train, or Paul Bunyan's crosscut saw! The audience will have fun answering age and theme-appropriate trivia questions on the aforementioned subject areas and will be encouraged to check out books that go with them! Catchy sing-along polka songs and a quick round of "Name that Tune" further complement the program theme, and of course, no one goes home without doing the "Chicken Dance" and a special polka version of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." An optional video segment will even teach your patrons how to do the polka in a minute and a half! Plenty of singing, dancing, and education make this show fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Approximately 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segment.

Additional Links

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pol-KABOOM!
Participation opportunities abound in this "Pol-KABOOM" show, perfect for 2014's "Fizz, Boom, Read!" CSLP summer reading theme! Your young patrons will be invited to wear hats while the audience guesses the jobs that go with them. Each occupation is related to something that goes fizz or boom, like a supersonic airplane that makes a sonic boom, a dump truck that dumps its load, a steam train that fizzes as it begins its departure, or Paul Bunyan, who made a boom with each step he took! The audience will have fun answering age and theme-appropriate trivia questions on the aforementioned subject areas and will be encouraged to check out books that go with them! Catchy sing-along polka songs and a quick round of "Name that Tune" further complement the program theme, and of course, no one goes home without doing the "Chicken Dance" and a special polka version of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." Plenty of singing, dancing, and education make this show fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Typically 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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Polkas & Paws, Just Because!
Looking for an interactive program that celebrates the feet of various creatures through the happy sounds of polka music? Then "Polkas & Paws, Just Because!" is a must-have for your "Paws to Read!" 2014 summer reading program lineup! Your young patrons will be invited to wear hats while the audience guesses the jobs that go with them. Each occupation segment will be followed up by an age-appropriate trivia question relating the job to an animal, such as monkeys and space exploration, Dalmatians and firefighting, and Bull Dogs and Mack Trucks. Uncle Mike will further encourage your young readers to check out books on related topics! Catchy sing-along polka songs complement the program theme, and of course, no one goes home without doing the "Chicken Dance" and a special polka version of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." Plenty of singing, dancing, and education make this show fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Typically 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.

Additional Links

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UNCLE MIKE'S POLKA MEETS WORLD PROGRAM
The Slovenian style of polka music, Bavarian Lederhosen attire, and brief lessons in German language and Swiss yodeling come together in this fun, interactive and educational "Polka Meets World" program, perfect for 2013's "Have Book - Will Travel!" iREAD summer reading theme! Volunteer opportunities include Uncle Mike's popular occupation segments, where your young patrons guess the travelling job - aviation, for example - that goes with the hat worn by one lucky volunteer from the audience. Several age-appropriate trivia questions will test the knowledge of your attendees on some of the world's busiest, oldest, and most mythical subjects. Or, try your luck with the Tourist Destination Edition of the Pint Size Polkas Geography Challenge, an optional video segment. Plus, your patrons will be encouraged to check out some fascinating books! See if you can guess the country associated with a brief song snippet during "Name That Tune," and get your work out on to such favorites as the "Chicken Dance" and a rollicking polka rendition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes!" Plenty of singing, dancing, and education make this show fun for the whole family!

Program Length
Typically 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Libraries; families, children in grades K through 5.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input for optional video segments.

Additional Links

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UNCLE MIKE'S BIG DREAMS SHOW
Participation opportunities abound in this "Big Dreams" show, perfect for 2012's "Dream Big - Read!" CSLP summer reading theme! Every child dreams of being a pilot, doctor, or firefighter when they grow up. Now your young patrons can volunteer to wear the hats that go with these jobs and many others while the audience guesses the corresponding occupations. In the process, everyone will enjoy learning about the alphabet and even a little bit of history, all while getting a great workout to Uncle Mike's happy polka music. The audience is invited to do the "Chicken Dance" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes"; play name that tune for polka versions of three children's classics; and sing along to all of Uncle Mike's catchy polka songs. Two optional video segments briefly quiz attendees on three "dream" vacation destinations, and teach the steps to the polka - Wisconsin's official state dance!

Program Length
Typically 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.

Best Suited For
Families, children of all ages.

Indoor / Outdoor
Either.

Technical Requirements

  • A performing area of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
  • Uninterrupted use of the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
  • Mike typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical outlet is required.
  • Mike requires a flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
  • A TV or LCD projector with a standard composite video input.

Additional Links

To Top

Contact
Mike Schneider
P.O. Box 126
Clinton, WI 53525

(414) 431-4683 |
 
Testimonials
"Thank you for a wonderful and FUN program! Everyone who attended had very positive comments. The music was great, and the multi-media content was fantastic, as well. You put on a top-notch show! Thanks for creating such a fun experience at the library for our patrons! I want to say 'You Rock,' but maybe I should say 'You Polka!'"
- Ann Hardginski, James J. Siebers Memorial Library

"Mike Schneider performed to a sell out crowd during our recent summer reading program. Although it was 100 degrees outside and as warm inside, 150 kids and families enthusiastically participated in this fast-paced interactive program. Mike has the ability to keep every participant involved with trivia, audience participation and of course foot stomping music to sing along with. He creates connections to books and the library at every turn. One parent stated her children (including a teenager) have become polka converts like their parents because of Mike's performance. I would highly recommend Mike Schneider and the Pint Size Polkas to any kind of group. This is a performer extraordinaire!"
- Julia Cartwright, Fond du Lac Public Library

"Let me tell you, he's awesome! Mike nailed it. If you want something really unique that will create long-lasting memories, bring Mike into your library. I'll sing his praises 'til the cows come home."
- Scott Routsong, Pelham Carnegie Library

"I wanted to take the time and say thank you so much for coming this year to the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair. We really enjoyed having you here, and you were a pleasure to work with. Your shows always went great, and the fairgoers loved having you there. Your performances were a lot of fun and it drew a huge crowd. I look forward to seeing you next year! Good luck with the rest of your year, and thank you again for participating with us at the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair!"
- Kristin Farina, Wisconsin State Fair

"Having the Pint Size Polkas party at our school was a great change of pace. Uncle Mike provided a very interesting and stimulating introduction to our students about the polka and the history of the accordion. Math, reading, and geography-related questions kept the audience participating in the presentation. The students just raved about the event. They even liked Uncle Mike’s costume. We’d surely have him back again!"
- Linda Walker, Garrett A. Morgan Elementary School

"Uncle Mike is a musical magnet for the pint-size crowd. Children are captivated by his polka music and friendly banter, and become active participants of his programs quickly and thoroughly! He's proof-positive that learning is fun when polka is involved."
- Joy Schnupp, Burlington Public Library

"Mike Schneider, a.k.a. Uncle Mike, and Pint Size Polkas are one of a kind! I introduced Uncle Mike by telling the young students that he plays music that is described as the happiest music there is. It didn’t take long for them to start believing it for themselves. Uncle Mike had them singing, dancing, clapping, smiling, and laughing. Kudos to Mike Schneider for introducing polka music to a new generation for a lifetime of fun."
- Craig Semingson, Eleva-Strum Elementary Schools

"Uncle Mike and his Pint Size Polkas program was a great hit at our library. Who would have known that important concepts like personal hygiene could be set to accordion music! The room was full of bouncing children and adults; you can't help but to move along to the beat. I was particularly impressed that he included not only music for audio listeners, but also video footage for those visual learners, too. From beginning to end, Mike was a pleasure to work with. For anyone looking for festive, family-friendly fun, I highly recommend Pint Size Polkas."
- Adaena Tray, Green Tree Public Library

"I have been a school superintendent for over 18 years and have witnessed numerous assemblies for our students. Mike Schneider’s 'Pint Size Polkas' far exceeded my expectations. Pint Size Polkas is not only entertaining and educational, but our K-6 students loved his program. Why? Because of Uncle Mike’s enthusiasm and how he involved the students. He even had them dancing the polka along with the staff members, several of whom told me how much they enjoyed the program. I would highly recommend the 'Pint Size Polkas' assembly."
- Darold Rounds, Colman-Egan School District

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