Help Support Merrymakers Association!

The Merrymakers is pleased to offer the very best in professional entertainment for senior and elderly audiences. Each of our fourteen entertainers provide their own unique style of performance in order to suit a variety of musical preferences. Please contact Merrymakers at (402) 697-0205 and join us for a performance today!

     Born and raised in Omaha, Kim comes from a musical family. Inspired by her brother, Kim got a guitar at age 11. At 14, she was in a band playing locally for 3 years. Kim hit the road as a single act playing throughout the Midwest before settling down to play locally and raise a family. Kim did the John Kraft Chevrolet commercials for 16 years. She also did vocals for local and national radio jingles for several years. Kim cut her first CD in Tennessee in 2000.
     Kim loves a great variety of music. Consequently, she enjoys playing music that ranges from the last seven decades. After singing professionally for 33 years, Kim still loves performing and looks forward to the next 33 years!

www.KimEames.com

Contact Kim at:  (402) 573-9467

(402) 651-4598  : :  johnnyraygomez@cox.net

www.JohnnyRayGomez.com 

    In just 12 short years, (started singing in April of 1994) Joe has  gone from a store owner to a full time entertainer. Over 3,000 shows in 12 years and seven (7) CD's to his credit and he is still going strong. Not bad for a guy in his early 70's. His greatest joy is bringing back "memories" through song, that always seem to brings smiles and laughter to those who need them the most.

(402) 334-1694    : :   MrMemories@cox.net
www.myspace.com/mrmemories 
 

      Retired from United Airlines after 36 years of service in 2005, including 4 yrs as a "stewardess" ( I was before flight attendants!). I am very proud of my 2 grown children, Matthew who recently married my daughter-in-law Tracey, and is currently on his 13th year with UAL, and Sarah who is a trainer for personal bankers at 1st. Nat'l Bank of Omaha after 4 yrs.  I love singing and began performing in front of audiences in high school musicals many, many moons ago. My children became my audience and quickly tired of my performing in the living room, so I became a shower singer.
      In 1997 my girlfriends challenged me to sing at a Karaoke bar. I was smitten. I sang every chance I got. I got to sing several times on stage at Bushwackers Saloon when the original "Renegade" band performed. Then I became a regular at the Bluffs Run Casino Talent Show, where I had my share of wins and losses. That is where I met Mr. Entertainment himself, Joe Taylor. He suggested I audition for the Intergeneration Orchestra with Chuck Pennington, and I've been a member now for nearly 6 yrs.
      The "stage" has always been my calling, and after many years away from it I was offered a part in the musical "From Generation to Generation" in 2004 at the Jewish Community Center. Welllllll.....as they say I was hooked.
       My big dream, however, was to perform on stage at the Omaha Community Playhouse. That dream came true in May of 2005 when I played Mrs. Pugh in their production of "Annie". Rotater cuff surgery kept me from performing until I was introduced to Merrymakers in April of 2006. Cindy guided me through the initial steps of becoming an entertainer with my own program and I started my journey in June of 2006. I have had a ball ever since. I even was given another opportunity to perform at the Omaha Community Playhouse this past summer as Molly McGregor/Susan Hershey in "The Full Monty".
      I am looking forward to a fun and fulfilling future with Merrymakers and more opportunities to expand my experiences in the music field.

Contact Joyce at:  (402) 334-7020

Hailing from England, Michael developed a love for grand opera at an early age and embarked on a professional singing career in the mid 1980’s. Michael has performed at a number of prestigious venues, including his main stage debut at Carnegie Hall in 1998. He’s also performed at some not so prestigious places just for the money. Michael would still be singing the role of Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Boheme, had not the Cedar Rapids Grand Opera Society advised him that audiences would have to suspend a considerable amount of disbelief to imagine him as the svelte young poet. While opera was Michael’s first love, over time he has developed a taste for many kinds of music including a particular fondness for bluegrass.

What to expect when he sings? While Michael’s hairline and waistline have started to show the advance of time, his voice remains lustrous in everything from Broadway classics to Swing, with some pop, country, and a touch of opera thrown in to show off those gleaming high notes that are the vanity of the romantic tenor. More than anything though, Michael’s main goal is to reach into the hearts of Merrymaker audiences with beautiful music and a liberal sprinkling of good-natured humor.

Michael is the morning voice of Omaha Public Radio/NPR on 91.5 KIOS-FM every weekday morning from 5:00 to 10:00 a.m.

As if he didn’t have enough to do, when not singing, Michael and his wife, Kristin, make up one of Omaha’s most successful Realtor teams. They’re among a handful of Realtors in the area holding the coveted designation of Seniors Real Estate Specialists, helping seniors sell their homes and make informed decisions about housing choices.

Contact Michael at: 402-510-8703 
hiceez@cox.net

       Charlie Glasgow is a vocalist / multi-instrumentalist who has worked casinos, concerts, and corporate shows in 25 states and Canada. He has worked with such notables as The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Boys, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Bobby Vee, Danny & The Juniors, Styx, and The Classic Rock All Stars.

       He is versatile on guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards. He sings and plays with various Omaha bands, heads up The Diamond Buffett Band, and also performs his solo act.

       Charlie felt honored to be featured on a Rockabilly CD released in 2007 by the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. He performed the lead vocal and guitar tracks on the Buddy Holly song, “Oh Boy”.

       Charlie is known for his vocal impressions of Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Elvis, and more! Music is his life . . . from working in a music store to teaching guitar and drums to his students . . . from performing with numerous groups or just being alone on stage . . . his greatest joy is bringing a smile to the faces and joy to the hearts of the residents and staff members who attend his Merrymakers shows!

Charlie Glasgow "The Chaz Singer"
glasgowcharlie@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/chazzsinger
(402) 290-8429 for bookings and information.

This duet act is from the larger musical group, The AVI8ORS Ensemble. They sing the music of the World War II era in USO show style wearing period uniforms. They perform a wide range of patriotic and popular 1940’s songs to entertain and inspire a diverse audience, blending subtle choreography and dialog for a nostalgic feel. They have performed for countless concerts, reunions, and corporate events, and have shared the stage with Jimmy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo and Glenn Miller orchestras.

Bob Moser is a commercial pilot, teacher, flight instructor and mechanical engineer, but music has always been his passion. He is active in aviation education, teaches aviation at UNO, flies medical charter flights and offers flight instruction for area pilots. Bob is also a popular singer and actor, performing with many area groups including the Cross Chords Quartet, MasterSingers & Voices of Omaha. He has appeared in local and national television commercials, radio & print advertising. His stage credits include numerous Opera Omaha & Omaha Community Playhouse productions.

Ardeth Ohm lends her talents to The AVI8ORS as Artistic Director. Music and dance were an ever present influence in Ardeth’s life from childhood into adulthood and she has been a lifelong performer in the Omaha area. She received a BA in Performing Arts from Midland Lutheran College. You may recognize her talent from numerous television & radio commercials. She’s worked at the Firehouse Dinner Theatre, Upstairs Dinner Theatre & appeared in numerous shows. Ardeth has been the vocalist with The Swingtones big band since 1992 and sang many years with MasterSingers.

Bob Moser or Ardeth Ohm
www.avi8ors.com
bobandardeth@avi8ors.com
phone (402) 216-4847

This musical duo is part of the music and comedy group “THE LINKS”. For years “THE LINKS” were based out of Reno, Nevada and performed in prestigious showrooms in Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, like the MGM Grand and Harrah's Casino along with multiple cities throughout the Midwest. Mary and Diana started performing together in 1975. Since 2009 they have been working in the senior market sparking lots of memories and smiles with their music of years gone by. Their guitar and keyboard styles offer a unique and special blend to their vocals and harmonizing talents. Not only can you see these girls entertaining in the senior market you can catch them in the evening venues around the Omaha area. The LINKS DUO performs a variety of music with lots of excitement and interaction with their audiences and takes great pride in customizing their show for your entertainment needs. They are excited to be part of the Merrymakers association and look forward to playing your facility soon!

The Links
(402) 669-0117
thelinks@cox.net
www.thelinksmusic.com

Magic fills the air, as audiences embark on a lyrical journey hosted by Broadway star, Steve Fowler. Performing for nationalities around the world, Steve Fowler’s powerful voice and interactive musical comedy weave a tapestry of emotions, which touch the hearts of all ages. Steve exudes class and style. Yet his friendly, relaxed, and enthusiastic delivery of music and song can transform a room of strangers into friends within minutes by creating “concert in your living room” type atmosphere, which makes everyone feel like part of the family.

Since his two year run on Broadway as “Poppa” (the old stem engine) and the voice of “The Starlight Express” (god) in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s famed “Starlight Express” at the Gershwin Theatre, Steve has engineered several musical tracks and has picked up a train of fans along the way. Steve performed on the 41st Tony Awards and has toured the Catskill Mountains and worked in resorts nationwide. In addition he took his show to the high seas and has appeared on every major cruise line.

He has released two albums “Steve Fowler Remembers” and “Steve Fowler Live” which feature the music of Nat King Cole, Fran Sinatra, Fats Waller, Irving Berlin, Cab Callaway, Lou Rawls, Neil Diamond, Billy Eckstine and many others. Steve’s musical mastery of these notable artists’ tunes and his contagious smile leave his audiences wanting more.

Steve Fowler
402-451-0368
sflsamore@aol.com
 

Born in the hills of West Virginia and immersed in the world of Bluegrass music, Hal started his musical career at the age of 3. Joining the stage with his father’s bluegrass band he sang the gospel songs he learned at church and collected enough pocket change to buy his first instrument, a mandolin. He started playing professionally at 15 and since then he has performed at hundreds of bluegrass music festivals and venues throughout the country as well as appearing on the WSM radio’s Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree in Nashville and on Iowa Public TV. He is an accomplished singer, songwriter and instrumentalist playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass and Dobro and has won multiple competitions as well as being twice voted the SPBGMA Midwest Mandolin Performer of the Year and has been inducted in to the Midwest Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. He is in demand as a studio musician and has appeared on numerous CD projects including his own bands’ S & H Grass and Golden Harvest. Hal currently plays mandolin with Bull Harman and Bullseye who are the winners of the National Single Mike competition. His shows provide a powerful mix of classic country and bluegrass music. Hal is also a retired US Air Force Master Sergeant with a distinguished 24 year career.

Hillbilly Hal Cottrell
(402) 980-2131
WVHillbillyHal@aol.com
 www.hillbillyhal.com
 

For over 30 years, Paul Siebert’s quality blend of music all throughout the Midwest has delighted thousands with his unique style and a vast repertoire second to none! Along with wonderful vocals, Paul uses only acoustic instruments including the hammer dulcimer, banjo, guitar and button accordion.

Some of his musical credits include four self produced recordings, performing for the Ozarks Jubilee in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, opening shows for The Platters, Paul English, Marabeth Jordan. He has traveled all across the USA and recorded with several bands including Christian rock band “Reason To Play” and the western cowboy band “The Double D Wranglers”. His wide range of music includes: classical pieces on acoustic guitar and hammer dulcimer, 50’s and 60’s country favorites of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Roger Miller, Country Gospel, to 60’s & 70’s favorites from John Denver, James Taylor, and Simon & Garfunkle. Enjoy cowboy campfire favorites from Roy Rogers, The Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autry. His original material is full of heartfelt stories of family, childhood and growing up in the Midwest. Bringing the music close into the hearts and minds of individuals exemplifies his integrity and vision to reflect what he believes to be most important.

Paul Siebert
501 South R Rd   |   Aurora, NE 68818
(402) 366-8245
paul@paulsiebert.net
www.paulsiebert.net

Shermie was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. Piano became part of Shermie's life at the age of 8, taking lessons until the age of 16, followed by playing for tips in bars, playing in school bands and directing a few of his own.

After graduating from college, educated in Electronic Engineering Technology, Shermie was hired to work overseas as a Electronics Field Engineer at the Kwajalein Missile Range in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Following twenty-three years overseas, Shermie decided to relocate to Boston to work. There, he performed for clubs and restaurants, including the Old Timer, Concord's Colonial Inn along with performing for parties that included Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Dave Thomas and more.

In 2005, Shermie was relocated to Colorado Springs, CO by his employer and there Shermie began to entertain throughout the area, including performing weekly at the Broadmoor Hotel's "Golden Bee", their golf club and private functions, the Cliff House in Manitou Springs, CO and many retirement homes throughout the city and for many weddings, convention parties in the Denver/Colorado Springs area.

Shermie relocated to North Platte, NE in 2009 and has performed for NebraskaLand Days Parade and at Railfest. He performs weekly at the Anchor In and works for Union Pacific Railroad as an electrician. Shermie touches his audiences with a good variety of toe-tapping tunes, easy-listening, country, bluegrass, pop, 30s-90s, sing-a-long and more. Sit back and enjoy, Shermie pleases his audiences of all ages.

Shermie at the Piano
(308) 534-1801 or (719) 594-0678
shermie@wiehes.com
www.wiehes.com
 

        Barefoot Becky has been the leader of a polka/variety band since 1988. She has traveled the US playing for all kinds of events. She plays 15-20 gigs or more a month and within the last couple of years has given up the real job to do music full time! Sometimes it’s just her and her husband, Terry, or else it’s the full 5 piece band. In 2007 Becky & Terry became part of the Merrymakers Association and look forward to entertaining you!

Becky Livermore
1257 Ivanhoe Rd    |     Mt Vernon, IA 52314
(319) 848-7133        (877) 499-7133 Toll Free
polkabecky@aol.com
www.barefootbecky.com

        Bill Connet is a graduate of Harvard College and has a Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. He came to Iowa as a campus minister, and then worked in health care administration and health policy for fifteen years.

        He recorded and released a CD in 2000 titled “Until That Time”, and created a program with three grants from the Iowa Arts Council, entitled “Music in Healing”. Bill released CD/Songbooks entitled “Remembering the Old Songs”, and “Remembering the Old Hymns”.

        He has done hundreds of programs in nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, senior centers, day care programs, schools, medical schools, churches, and has sung at many funerals and memorial services. Bill is the Music Director at All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines, and Music Director for Saturday Night Worship at Plymouth Church in Des Moines.

Bill Connet
P.O. Box 31006   |      Des Moines, Iowa 50310
(515) 249-2186            Fax: (515) 255-2005
bill@billconnet.com
www.billconnet.com

Vocalist/Keyboard
Janey Hooper                                [Promotional Flyers] PDF

        Janey Hooper has been playing the piano and singing professionally for more than 30 years. Born and raised in Des Moines, IA, she has performed locally with area bands. Some highlights of her career: opened headlining acts such as Blues artists Robert Cray, Lonnie Brooks, Buckwheat Zideco and "60's" groups such as the Marveletts and Lou Christi to name a few.

        Recently, she accompanied Chuck Berry for the Iowa Caucus celebration. She has performed for parties given by Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, politicians, weddings, business functions, sang the National Anthem at an NBA basketball game, and sings for commercials. Her style of music is strongly influenced with jazz, blues, and R&B.

Janey Hooper
janeyhooper@yahoo.com
515-249-0342

Vocalist/Guitar
Julie Moss                                 [Promotional Flyers] PDF

Singing all of her life, Julie Moss excels at old-time gospel and classic country music, but her musical talents seem to know no bounds. She has honed her skills at yodeling and now includes that in her programs as well. Moss has become a popular performer at community events throughout Iowa, and her schedule fills up fast these days. She's performed more than 1,000 shows in the past decade for both public and private audiences and has a special connection with seniors.

Julie was born and raised in central Iowa and lives just a few miles from where she grew up near Elkhart. After 20+ years away from entertaining, she began singing for audiences again when her Grandmother moved to her hometown in the late 90's and it regenerated her love of music. She learned how to play the guitar to accompany herself and the rest is history. She now sings daily around town and loves it.

Julie joined Merrymakers in the fall of 2008 and has enjoyed meeting and singing for her MM audiences. She has an infectious smile and you can't help but smile back. Her strong vocals are laced with country and you'll hear a slight accent, which she says is from growing up on the "south side" of town.

In late December of 2009, Julie finished recording a country / bluegrass gospel album with musician Tim Crouch from Arkansas. It has 12 old-time favorites and includes one yodeling tune. You can listen to the songs and find out more on her website www.juliemossmusic.com. 

Julie Moss
P.O. Box 94   |  Elkhart, IA 50073
(515) 577-4197
info@juliemossmusic.com
www.juliemossmusic.com

Merrymakers Association  |  11213 Davenport St., Suite 201   |   Omaha, NE 68154   |   (402) 697-0205