Gerri Gribi: Concerts and Keynotes

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Gerri Gribi
Concerts & Keynotes

For colleges, conferences, meetings, performing arts series, corporate events, banquets, coffeehouses, libraries, schools, Women's History Month, leadership events and more!

2014: I've RETIRED from live performance after 30 years on the road!

But I'll leave this page up for historical purposes

- Listen/watch on YouTube!

- My CDs are still available for sale in my online catalog

- Download/Stream music from The Gerri Gribi Songbook

"On a scale of 1 to 5, your evaluations were always 5, usually with +++ written in!
The music was wonderful, your stage presence and rapport a delight to behold,
and the content - all your research and thoughtfulness in weaving it together - was so powerful."

Sr. Mary Jerome Buchert,
First American Convocation of Ursulines - Cincinnati, Ohio

Gerri Gribi is a unique musician, historian and storyteller. Raised in Ohio and Kentucky, she's toured North America for over 30 years, performing at colleges, coffeehouses, theaters, festivals, corporate banquets...even military bases and prisons.

Accompanying her clear soprano voice with autoharp, mountain dulcimer and guitar, she uses traditional and original songs to express a world view that's lively, fun, and (gasp!) even educational.

She's a frequent guest on TV and radio, and her original music has been heard in a variety of media outlets and projects, including ABC PrimeTime Live. She's released six recordings of traditional and contemporary folk music, and her latest CD, The Womansong Collection, has been enthusiastically reviewed both at home and abroad. Her infamous "Hunting Song" (aka "Animals Love Vegetarians") airs on alternative stations around the world each fall.

She has degrees in History, Education and Interdisciplinary Studies/African American Studies. Her many awards and recognitions include the 2004 Johnson Subvention Award, presented by the Society for American Music, the Write Women Back Into History Award from the National Women's History Project, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

1) Descriptions of Programs Offered, including Concerts & Keynotes, Small Group Sessions & Children's Programs. Listen to samples, too!

2) Download brochures as PDFs:

Women's History programs. (Adobe PDF )
Programs for General Audiences(Adobe PDF)

3) A very small sampling of past venues

4) Promotional Materials available online

Visit the Online Press Kit for photos you can download, reviews, sample press releases, biographical info and more.
View a concert demo online.
View Technical Requirements, or download a printable PDF version
View Gerri Gribi's Resume, or download a printable PDF version
Download a Concert Program for "A Musical Romp" (PDF )
Download a PDF of a suggested introduction for Musical Romp, or Yodel A Day
Download mp3s from iTunes and others

"She combines important history with lots of fun to create a memorable experience... one of the best programs I've seen."

Barbara J. Tavares, State Equity Coordinator, University of Hawaii

1) Concerts & Keynotes for Adults, Including:

A Musical Romp Through Women's History

A Yodel a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
Women Have Always Worked

Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here

The Hills of Home

The Coffeehouse Show

2) Small Group Sessions Including:

Classroom Conversation

Celebrate Women's History!

Home Made Jam

3) Children's Programs, Including:

Life In The Past Lane: What We Did Before Nintendo

Foremothers

Special Topics are also available by request

1) Concerts & Keynotes for Adults

A Musical Romp Through Women's History Read more about the history and rationale for my women's folk music programs
View a video demo of this program

An uplifting, high-spirited performance celebrating women's diverse heritage, from colonial times to the present. The full concert length is generally 75 minutes, though a shorter version (30-60 minutes) is available for keynotes and banquets. (Either way, it always includes a free yodeling lesson! )

In song and story, you'll "meet" a diverse cast of characters, including:

A young woman who disguises herself as a man to sneak into the navy.
A pioneer couple who swap chores for the day, with hilarious consequences.
A "crafty maid" who uses a bawdy double entendre to outwit an assailant...then steals his horse to boot!
Black women organizing to fight slavery and racism.
The suffragists who won the vote.
Native American women who inspired the Women's Rights Movement.
"Union maids" and reformers from cotton mills, factories and Appalachian coal mines.

"I would like others to know what a wonderful singer and performer Gerri Gribi is...Very personable and good in class as well, Gerri does a fine job of integrating folk music with accurate and pointed discussion of key periods in women's history."

Dr. Jane Olmsted
Western Kentucky University
(posted to WMST-L)

A Yodel a Day Keeps the Doctor Away! Hear "The Best of Friends"
Did you know that singing releases endorphins...and that yodeling just might be your key to stress management?? Warm up those vocal chords and join a lively sing-along of traditional and contemporary folk songs!

The perfect way to close a conference and send participants home on a high note.

"The audience is almost mesmerized by her voice and humor. And get out of the way if she invites an instant volunteer choir from the audience!"

Barbara L. Wait
Director-Healthcare Auxiliary Services
Healthcare Association of New York State

Women Have Always Worked Hear "Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be?"
The same spirit and format as "A Musical Romp" but with emphasis on women's work experiences. Using folk songs and stories, the program explores the lives of real women in both "non-traditional" and "traditional" occupations: women as sailors, soldiers, farmers, artists, mothers, reformers...even spies!

"She has a strong belief in music as therapy and a source of good. After hearing her, the audience was living proof of her theory."

Inmate Output Newsletter
Taycheedah Correctional Facility for Women.

Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here Hear "When I Was a Fair Maid" from this program
Highlights issues of self-esteem and self-reliance with songs and stories about women who
chose their own paths, and succeeded despite the odds.

"Without malice or 'bashing' of her male counterparts, Gerri challenges our concept of history, illuminating the lives and contributions of women in a way that enriches us all. A delightful evening!"

Dr. Michael Rosewall
St. Norbert College

The Hills of Home Hear "Oh Come Angel Band" from this program

Travel south and back in time for a program of roots music and gospel songs.

The Coffeehouse Show Hear "The Hunting Song" from this program
A mixture of all the above, plus original songs. Gerri "reads" and interacts with her audience, creating her set list as she goes along. Might be more appropriately called the Stream of Consciousness Show!

"She weaves her lyrical magic with even the most skeptical audiences. Before they realize it, they have crossed the threshold from listeners to participants.”

Dorothy Austin
The Milwaukee Journal

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2) Small Group Sessions

Classroom Conversation
A chance to "meet the artist" up close and personal! Gerri speaks with candor and humor about the pitfalls and pleasures of being an independent scholar and performer. While sharing the story of her own circuitous path in an intimate way, she provides valuable advice about coping with the anxieties of performing and self-employment in particular, and life in general, while staying true to one's beliefs and dreams.

"One of the students pulled me aside to say that this is the best program we have hosted during the two years that she has participated in the monthly meetings."

Dr. Dianne Bystrom, Director
Carrie Chapman Catt Center
Iowa State University

Topics in Women's Studies
With a B.A. in History and an M.A. in Interdiscipilnary Studies/African American Studies, Gerri is well qualified to speak on a wide variety of topics, to classes in arts, music, history, literature, theater and of course, Women's Studies. Each classroom presentation is tailored to your specific needs and interests.

"On a scale of 1 to 5, your evaluations were always 5, usually with +++ written in! The music was wonderful, your stage presence and rapport a delight to behold, and the content- all your research and thoughtfulness in weaving it together - was so powerful."

Sr. Mary Jerome Buchert
First American Convocation of Ursulines

Home Made Jam
Singing together is a great way to create a bond and build group spirit and cooperation. In this workshop you'll learn how to find, select, teach and lead songs with any group. (Maybe you'll even find all the lyrics to that
long-lost childhood favorite!)
Even if you just want to spend an enjoyable hour singing with others, this workshop is for you.

Back to Top

3) Children's Programs

Life in the Past Lane - For Preschool through Middle School
What we did before Nintendo! A lively presentation of folk songs, stories and games encouraging kids to create their own fun. Introduces three acoustic folk instruments: mountain dulcimer, autoharp and guitar.
Foremothers- For Grades Four and Older
A musical romp through U.S. women's history from colonial times to the present. Informative, positive, uplifting, fun, and Yes...it's for boys, too! Student worksheet (PDF) ||| Teacher's Answer key (PDF).
Sing a Song of Celebration
Positive, uplifting and fun folksongs. Perfect for family & community events

"It is a rare individual who can retain the joy and energy of youth and use it to entertain others. In this fast-paced world, Gerri reminds us we can still make our own fun!"

Pete Angilello - Youth Program Coordinator, Brown County Public Library

A VERY SMALL SAMPLING OF PAST VENUES

Keynotes & Banquets

Canadian Convocation of the Order of St. Ursula - London, Ontario
California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems Conference for Volunteers - Monterey CA
Health Care Association of New York State Auxiliary Services Conference - Cooperstown NY
State Farm Insurance Company - Madison WI
SC Johnson Wax - Kenosha WI
Elderhostel - UWC-Marinette WI

State Vocational Equity Conference - Honolulu HI
Women's Equality Day - Fort Bragg, NC
Women's History Month Celebration - Fort McCoy, WI
Federal Women's Program, West Virginia National Guard - Charleston, Buckhannon, & Martinsburg WV
Women's Business Expo, Indiana University Northwest - Gary IN
Federal Women's Program, NASA Langley Research Center - Hampton VA
Women's Equality Day, Federal Women's Program - Des Moinse, IA
Federal Women's Program, Department of the Treasury - Parkersburg WV

Office of Multicultural Programs - Valparaiso University IN
Leadership Council - Roger Williams University RI
Conference on the Advancement of Women in Higher Education - Texas Tech University TX
The Girl Scout Council of River Trails Annual Meeting - Rochester MN
Cultural Diversity Series , Southeast Community College System - Lincoln, NE
Statewide Vocational Equity Conference - Kearney, NE
Annual Conference on the Women of Appalachia, Ohio University-Zanesville OH

Concerts

Women's History Month Celebration, Fort Monroe, VA
Women's Center 25th Anniversary - Old Dominion University VA
Marquis Lecture & Performance Series - Coe College IA
A Celebration of Appalachian Women - Eastern Kentucky University KY
Banners Humanities Series, McNeese State Univeristy, LA
Batte Fine Arts Series, Wingate University NC
Center for Gender Studies, Radford University VA
Faculty Senate Artists & Lectures Series - University of Nebraska at Kearney NE
Words for Social Justice: Visiting Writer Series - Spalding University, KY
Women's Equality Day, Ironworld - Chisholm, MN

Coffeehouses & Festivals

Providence College - Providence RI
Northern Illinois University - DeKalb IL
Western Illinois University - Macomb IL
University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, WI
Western Kentucky University - Bowling Green, KY
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, CO
Brescia College - Owensboro, KY
Iowa State University - Ames, IA
University of Michigan - Flint, MI
Bowling Green State University - Bowling Green, OH
Wild Hog in the Woods - Madison, WI
Great River Folk Fest - La Crosse WI
St Cloud State University - St Cloud MN
University of North Carolina - Charlotte NC

Back to Top

*A Yodel a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!* Hear "The Best of Friends" Did you know that singing releases endorphins...and that yodeling just might be your key to stress management?? Warm up those vocal chords and join a lively sing-along of traditional and contemporary folk songs! The perfect way to close a conference and send participants home on a high note.	*"The audience is almost mesmerized by her voice and humor. And get out of the way if she invites an instant volunteer choir from the audience!"* Barbara L. Wait Director-Healthcare Auxiliary Services Healthcare Association of New York State
*Women Have Always Worked* Hear "Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be?" The same spirit and format as "A Musical Romp" but with emphasis on women's work experiences. Using folk songs and stories, the program explores the lives of real women in both "non-traditional" and "traditional" occupations: women as sailors, soldiers, farmers, artists, mothers, reformers...even spies!	*"She has a strong belief in music as therapy and a source of good. After hearing her, the audience was living proof of her theory."* Inmate Output Newsletter Taycheedah Correctional Facility for Women.
*Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here* Hear "When I Was a Fair Maid" from this program Highlights issues of self-esteem and self-reliance with songs and stories about women who chose their own paths, and succeeded despite the odds.	"Without malice or 'bashing' of her male counterparts, Gerri challenges our concept of history, illuminating the lives and contributions of women in a way that enriches us all. A delightful evening!" Dr. Michael Rosewall St. Norbert College
*The Hills of Home* Hear "Oh Come Angel Band" from this program Travel south and back in time for a program of roots music and gospel songs.
*The Coffeehouse Show* Hear "The Hunting Song" from this program A mixture of all the above, plus original songs. Gerri "reads" and interacts with her audience, creating her set list as she goes along. Might be more appropriately called the Stream of Consciousness Show!	*"She weaves her lyrical magic with even the most skeptical audiences. Before they realize it, they have crossed the threshold from listeners to participants.”* Dorothy Austin The Milwaukee Journal

*Classroom Conversation* A chance to "meet the artist" up close and personal! Gerri speaks with candor and humor about the pitfalls and pleasures of being an independent scholar and performer. While sharing the story of her own circuitous path in an intimate way, she provides valuable advice about coping with the anxieties of performing and self-employment in particular, and life in general, while staying true to one's beliefs and dreams.	*"One of the students pulled me aside to say that this is the best program we have hosted during the two years that she has participated in the monthly meetings."* Dr. Dianne Bystrom, Director Carrie Chapman Catt Center Iowa State University
*Topics in Women's Studies* With a B.A. in History and an M.A. in Interdiscipilnary Studies/African American Studies, Gerri is well qualified to speak on a wide variety of topics, to classes in arts, music, history, literature, theater and of course, Women's Studies. Each classroom presentation is tailored to your specific needs and interests.	"On a scale of 1 to 5, your evaluations were always 5, usually with +++ written in! The music was wonderful, your stage presence and rapport a delight to behold, and the content- all your research and thoughtfulness in weaving it together - was so powerful." Sr. Mary Jerome Buchert First American Convocation of Ursulines
*Home Made Jam* Singing together is a great way to create a bond and build group spirit and cooperation. In this workshop you'll learn how to find, select, teach and lead songs with any group. (Maybe you'll even find all the lyrics to that long-lost childhood favorite!) Even if you just want to spend an enjoyable hour singing with others, this workshop is for you.