SKIPPY AND DAVE PART OF LIBRARY
SUMMER PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
(Courtesy of Vilas County News Review)
Photos by Mark Walsh
The Eleanor Ellis library summer fun program brought
Dave & Skippy to the North Woods for another visit of fun, jokes,
and song.
Dave & Skippy is a ventriloquist act that has performed in Phelps
for at least 17 years, according to Dave. Dave has been perfecting
his act in Phelps since 1984, when he had a contract with the US Forest
Service to clean the campgrounds at Lac Vieux Desert camp. While up
here, he performed at the Minnow Bucket every Wednesday.
Determination and practice took the act from the Minnow Bucket to
tours around the country, where Dave and Skippy do their shows for
schools, libraries, and various community events. He has also served
as the opening act for David Copperfield in the Cleveland Playhouse.
The show features Skippy, Safety Dog, Claire and Cottonwood, who sung,
told jokes, and emphasized to the children to read and study in school.
The crowd in attendance was entertained and included in the show.
Children were invited on stage where Dave electronically manipulated
their voices, had them playing musical instruments, and had 10-year-old
Mike Gill acting as his dummy.
This program is a continuing part of the Eleanor Ellis library summer
fun programs, which has two more acts yet to come. Spinky & Co. will
entertain the children at the library with clowns, magic, and music
Friday, July 21. The Northwoods Wildlife Center will be at the library
Friday, August 4 with live animals for entertainment and education.
Ice cream and candy are served with the programs.
To contact Dave & Skippy for school or community events, visit their
Web site at www.skippyanddave.com.
