KIra’s Song; Discovering the Blues

The cast of Kira’s Song: Discovering the Blues

Kira Bird is having a bad time expressing her emotions about her bratty little bird brother. Where and why does she have these feelings that make her want to “explode?” With the help of her ‘Feathered Godmothers’ she discovers the power of music to let those feelings out. The Power of the Blues! Using the music and video of the true Queens of the Blues like Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton, Aretha Franklin and more, Kira learns to share her feelings in a positive way through creating her own Blues song that brings her family closer.

A touching, funny and interactive puppet show utilizing amazing music created throughout decades of famous female Blues singers and with original music by Dino O’Dell and Kadesh Flow. In collaboration with The National Blues Musuem and with support from The Mid America Arts Alliance. This show is cabaret mouth puppets moving around a three dimensional set and into the audience. A unique addition is a large scale “crankie” with original paintings and video projection.

Show Information

  • Written by: Heather Nisbett-Loewenstein

  • Original Music by: Dino O’Dell

  • Recorded Music used with permission supplied by The National Blues Museum

  • Video Editing by Arc Media, Audrey Chappell

  • Set design Laura Burkhart

  • Puppet Design Heather Loewenstein

  • Crankie Graphics painted by Geri Stewart

  • Run Time: 45 mins

  • Target Age: 1-5th grade

  • Maximum Audience: 800 dependent on seating and staging

  • Curriculum: Social Emotional Awareness, Music, Art, Theatre

WHAT WE NEED

  • Staging: minimum space of 24 x 20 x 9'h Show only

    • Show and Two Piece live band needs a minimum space of 35’wx 20’D and 9’H ( a gym floor or stage works great)

  • Electrical: Two standard outlets

  • Indoors only

  • Booking options include Live Blues musicians, light plot and technical rider for proscenium stage houses.

Pricing

Pricing depends on number of performances, season and travel expenses. Please contact us for more information and booking specials.

Limited funding is available to bring this show to Metropolitan Kansas City Schools in the Fall of 2024. Call now to reserve your performance. Brought to you by The Midwest Trust Center’s Arts Education program at Johnson County Community College.

Performance includes live video of the Queens of the Blues on a “Crankie”

 

Companion Workshop:

 Make your own Crankie like Kira!

Most appreciated by 2-5th grade.

45 minutes in your classroom

All materials supplied

               Join StoneLion’s teaching artists in creating your own simple moving crankie. Explore STEAM learning by making this simple machine based on the ancient art form. Learn about story lines and plot while craft your moving collage similar to Kira’s in StoneLion’s latest puppet show.

Additional fee required of $250/workshop