Past-Ports
Wild West Medicine Show
Yee-Haw! Hold on to yer saddles for the most bodatious, one-of-a-kind, rip-snortin' one-man show anywhere! See juggling and throwing flaming tomahawks (up to four at a time- extremely rare!) knives, marksmanship, rope/ bull whip tricks, music and ballyhoo that may be one of the longest running one-man shows in existance. You'll witness "pitch doctor" and Wild West routines actually taken from the Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Shows. A brief fascinating and surprising history of the impact on America of the Medicine Show precedes the performance. Sets and fast-paced demonstrations (includes blind throws) Annie Oakley's famous trick shot backwards with a mirror; lasso stunts, music on several period instruments, buck dancing, lots of humor and even a tongue-in-cheek powder flash tin-type picture is taken! A real crowd pleaser for any event!
Our Nation Divided: A Civil War Expose'
You've only seen the half of it! In his outrageous half-Yank; half-Reb character, Lamar's remarkable jam-packed presentation will share the big picture helping you experience the life of the soldier from boredom to battle, prisons to hospitals, the articles they used, music, demonstrations and fascinating stories of the men and women, slave and free, the homefront and front lines unike anything you've ever seen. Very popular during the 150th commemoration of this most divisive crucible in our history!
The Frontier Circuit Rider
Saddle up for this surprising and inspiring look at the great perseverance, bravery and challenges that faced this unique breed of men and their families. Experience the life of the circuit rider as lawman, judge or preacher. Hear the rough-hewn beginning of Camp Meeting Revivals from Peter Cartwright, the amazing John Ashbury and the far-reaching impact upon wilderness villages of the expanding frontier and America's religious heritage.
Colonial Frontiersman and Minuteman
Revolutionary soldier Pvt. Plumb Martin shares from his biographical book as he speaks of his incredible life serving under Gen. George Washington from Valley Forge to Yorktown. Handle equipment and artifacts, veiw medical procedures, read primary documents penned by our nations founders and hear music played during this remarkable period of our nation's birth. OR: A Day-in-the-Life of of Pioneer… What would it have been like to be a settler, pioneer, soldier? This very elaborate rotational set stages “stations” by which an all-day moving audience of hundreds can step in or out at any time. The actual demonstrations are approx. 20-30 min. and can include: fence-rail splitting, log notching, shingle splitting, water brigades for fire, wood shaving bench making spokes and a three- leg milking stool, brace-n-bit, flint-n-steel fire, use of many authentic carpentry tools, always musical instruments, cooking, hunt with a flintlock musket, rope, hawk and knife throwing skills, etc. Topics include: social life, family life, religion, medicine, travel, work, education, tools,weapons and more!
Trailblazers and Mountain Men
Join some of the greatest explorers, expeditioners, trailblazers, mountain men and scouts of the westward movement! This courageous breed of path-finders used uncanny wilderness skills honed through incredible hardships and danger to open new gateways for the advancing waves of pioneers. In the early periods of the westward movement, when rules only existed as a man saw fit according to his own conscience, the path-finders demonstrated knowledge, physical and emotional stamina making them living legends. Experience their journeys under extreme conditions daily facing death through blazing desert heat, thirst, bitter cold, physical exhaustion, starvation, desperation and attack. Some literally faced such challenges naked, alone with only raw courage, determination and resourcefulness. Join Peirre Cruzatte with the Lewis and Clark expedition, Daniel Boone, Jededia Smith or others. Discover the Mountain Man Rendezvous. Presentations offer not only demonstrations on the flintlock or musket, tomahawk/knife throwing, use of accoutrements and survival skills but even performances on numerous musical instruments common to the frontiersmen of the period. A rare and enjoyable experience awaits you that's guaranteed to please!
Seafarers and Pirates
John Clarke- Plymouth sailor: Very unique and intriguing perspective of a common sailor in uncommon circumstances with courage and response to a pivotal exploration boat crisis as he saved a crew of leaders that otherwise would have changed history. Hear his observations of the Pilgrims. This program, as with the following one, has a number of objects used throughout the presentation. He later was involved with the landing of the Jamestown party. John Howard: Plymouth sailor Interesting story of this settlement and religious experiment from the viewpoint of a founding "Stranger" as he traces their journey from Europe to the New World. Similar to some of John Clarke’s story from a different erspective. Henry Spelman: Man of TwoCultures Experience this remarkable story of a young boy who was exchanged with Powhatan Indians to learn of thier cultures- but he was later considered unfit to live with the settlers due to influences upon him. This man-without-a-country has a heart-rending story to tell and full of adventure and challenge.
Joseph the Carpenter
Joseph the Carpenter: What would it have been like to speak with Jesus’ step-father? This portrayal is a very heartwarming and interesting view from a father’s heart in the carpenter’s shop while working with numerous actual tools and making items. (Lamar is a carpenter himself !) Wonderful anytime but great at Christmas and Easter, too.
Fishers of Men
St. John the Apostle: Moving story of strength, courage and love as told by “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. A heart-felt, moving and sometime humorous perspective of an insider’s view from Jesus’ “inner circle”.
The Shepherds
St. Nicolas: The legendary man of miracles, faith and courage brings you from a wealthy youth, the death of his parents to imprisonment and escape through his spiritual journey to become the youngest bishop of Church history. Additional historic background is traced on how his legend becomes the Santa Claus of our modern history. St. Patrick: Amazing and inspiring story of miracles, faith, courage and tender strength from riches to rags as a young prisoner to a pioneering priest in a harsh and hostile land. Be inspired and learn about some of the legends and myths surrounding our modern St. Patrick's Day. St. Francis of Assisi: Inspiring story told from a young wealthy Crusader who forsook everything to become a humble monk who shook the foundations of the church with love. A great Christmas story as the creator of the crèche or “living manger” idea. “Teach always and, if you must, use words!” A Shepherd’s View of The 23rd Psalm: Fascinating personal viewpoint of this psalm viewed from the life of a real shepherd as reflected in the scriptures. Numerous objects of the trade are used and demonstrated to reveal the surprising use of the shepherd’s life to illustrate this favorite psalm.
Merchants, Planters and Pioneers
Also see: "John Clarke: Plymouth Sailor" "John Howland: Plymouth Settler" "Henry Spelman: Man of Two Cultures- Jamestown" "The Shoemaker's Dream": (See Dynamic Programs)
Life of the Civil War Soldier: So. View
See: "Our Nation Divided"
Life of the Civil War Soldier: No. View
See: "Our Nation Divided"
Our Nation Divided Poster
See: "Our Nation Divided"
Our Nation Divided
History of Music
The History of Music: Reminiscent of a "Chautauqua" style event as a sometimes tongue-in-cheek presentation, this interesting and fast-paced program offers a musical walk-through history of almost 20 musical instruments, some made by Banister's own hand. You will hear surprizing stories of the development of instruments and their impact upon world cultures in a pleasant evening of entertainment.
Deck the Halls: History of Carols
This delightful holiday presen-tation, as told by a cheerful cockney-speaking street musician, uses up to 15 different instruments to tell the amazing stories behind the most famous Christmas carols reaching back to the first century. You will enjoy singing some of your favorites while being surprised and moved by the stories behind these beloved songs. Guaranteed to please any holiday crowd!
John "Appleseed" Chapman
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by this remarkable, quirky, humorous and spiritual man who will take you through his incredible and inspiring wilderness journey of hundreds of miles. He literally single-handedly sewed the seeds of love and the apple as a gift to the frontier families. Numerous artifacts of the period will be used and handled by the audience. Don't be surprised if you get to wear one of his many hats- he always gave away whatever he had!