It wasn’t a circus but the entertainment was just about as varied when the Jefferson public library staff hosted the Iowa Performers’ Showcase at the Greene County Community Center last Friday.
More than 50 librarians were treated to previews by 17 performers and presenters all hoping to secure “gigs” for special events and summer reading programs. Acts ranged from David Fisher, aka The Rope Warrior, performing amazing jump rope tricks (including jumping rope while sitting, for which he holds a world record) to a dulcimer player, with juggling, mime, plenty of magic tricks and some ventriloquism in between.
Local movie historian Mike Piepel was there promoting his “Hollywood through Posters” program.
Other performers at the showcase who may be familiar to area residents were comedic magician Jonathan May, who has performed at county libraries and on the Plaza Stage at the Bell Tower Festival, and clown Toby KID Klauenberg, who has performed for the Rippey Lions Club.
Along with their abbreviated performances, the performers had booths with information, flyers, props, and more. Many of them offer a discount for libraries that book performances at the showcase.
Jefferson public library director Jane Millard said she and library staff have attended the showcase other years in other locations. “It’s always a nice event and we wanted to do it here. We’re excited to be able to host it,” she said.
Millard said she, children’s librarian Terry Clark, and other Greene County librarians planned to choose the 2017 summer reading program performers. Local staff was also looking for a performer for Children’s Book Week next May at Greene County Elementary. That program will be funded by the Jefferson Kiwanis Club.
Rick Brammer of Davenport, who is familiar to parents as the balloon artist at Toddler Fest in recent years, organizes the showcases. The showcase is in three different towns on consecutive days. Jefferson is one of the smaller towns to host, he said.
