"HISTORICAL SHOWCASE THEATER" showcases Br. John as, Lt. Patrick Minor-one of the 1st African American, Civil War, commanding officers, John "Buck" O'Neil-the 1st African American MLB coach, Bob Marley, human rights activist/Reggae legend to David Page-Civil War vet/1st Black Business Leader in Olathe, KS to Tom Bass. TOP RIGHT: Br. John portrays-TOM BASS. Born into slavery-1859 in Boone County, MO. Tom rose to world wide status as a celebrated, horse whisperer, trainer, high school show horse performer and creator of the famed, "AMERICAN ROYAL HORSESHOW", gaining over 3,000 equestrian awards to his over 40 year career. "I can only give to someone what I'm first able to give and receive for myself." -Br. John Motivational Storyteller, Cultural Historian, Tribute Vocalist
"I Live & Learn to Know to Share!" -Br. John Note: Programs have general running time of 45-58 minutes and are adaptable to compliment age your special, program theme. *Br. John's AFRICAN FOLKTALES We'll explore basic, fast facts of the 2nd, largest continent, basic greeting and counting in several languages, practical life skills via interactive folktales, climax with an enthusiastic call and response song, "Harambee" (Coming together in Unity). *Br. John's BOOKS ARE MY FRIENDS SHOW A enthusiastic, interactive show full of music and script-in-hand theater, that not only illustrates how to make reading more fun. But, explores not only some of Br. John's beloved children's books. But celebrates one of his favorite places on earth-The Public Library! *HAPPY KWANZAA Not only Kwannza is one of the special celebrations of the "Holiday Season". But, we explore it's timeless, values that make 7 day, Family Friendly event, important for everyone. *MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. & The Legacy Of The Civil Rights Movement In this interactive concert/workshop session, we not only explore the life of the Noble Peace Prize winner. But, discover the "who, what and why's" of the American Civil Rights Movement. As well as the many friends and influence of Dr. King. HISTORICAL SHOWCASE THEATER 1st person portrayals of *Lt. Patrick H. Minor {1st KS. Colored Regiment, U.S. Colored Light Artillery} One of the 1st, African American, Civil War Commanding officers *Hiram Young-Former slave, entrepreneur, richest man in Jackson County, MO. *John "Buck" O'neil Jr.-Legendary Negro League Baseball player, manager. 1st black MLB coach *Tom Bass-Equestrian, Inventor, Saddlehorse champion rider, Creator of American Royal Horseshow. *********************************************** *TALES FROM THE BLACK WEST; The One Man Musical Exploring the real life & times of the American Cowboy. As well as celebrating the contributions of 7,000-10,000 Black Cowpunchers. *SECRET AGENTS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD An enthusiastic program exploring some of the many conductors & their clandestine ways and techniques that helped thousands of fugitives to their freedom during chattel-American slavery. *TOM BASS COMMENCEMENT Br. John portrays the legendary, horse trainer/whisperer, inventor & saddlehorse rider-Tom Bass, who is considered over a 40 year career, to be the "Jackie Robinson of this Equine sport". Explore what helped make Tom Bass a humbled, world class success from slavery, creator of the "American Royal Saddlehorse Show" to winner of over 3,000 show performance awards. *ARTILLERY OF FREEDOM; The Story of Lt. Patrick H. Minor Out of over 105 African American officers of the U.S. military, Lt. Patrick H. Minor was one of the first handful to command and lead troops in the Civil War. Br. John portrays Lt. Minor. We explore the story of this man's determined passion in the fight for equality from his contribution with the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Corps, to his command and experience with the U.S. Independent Colored Light Artillery unit in the famed, "Battle Of Westport" serving as the only African American army officer in the Civil War skirmish known as the "Gettysburg Of The West". ***************************************** HISTORICAL MUSICAL CONCERTS *WE BE JAMMIN!; The Tribute To Bob Marley *Br. John SINGS SAM COOKE; A Tribute To The Father Of Soul CLICK for show highlight pics ********** *Br. John's Sunny Side Of The Street A musical concert tribute to classic crooners from Sinatra to Nat King Cole & much more. *Br. John's Sunny Side Of Soul A musical concert tribute to classic Soul, R&B singers from the Motown, Reggae, Stax & Philly Soul Era -Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Bill Withers, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder 
BELOW: Br. John as Fashion designer "Monsieur Rogier" from the interactive story-LOOKING GOOOOD!
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(ABOVE) Partial Display and material used in interactive, workshop, concert "MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. & The Legacy Of The Civil Rights Movement". (RIGHT) From the, musical tribute show, "WE BE JAMMIN!" A tribute to human rights activist, composer & Reggae superstar-Bob Marley. 
PATRON/CLIENT COMMENTS "Great performance at black history program. He is both a great singer and storyteller!" -Jen T. "Br. John is a vocal chameleon." -Jerry Hooper (Leader of Brass Rewind Band) "When I heard your MLK Jr. speech, your voice sounded so much like Martin Luther King Jr. himself!" -Dr. Willa Battle (Pastor of Grace Deliverance Temple, Minneapolis, MN.) "Br. John you are a vocal, pied piper!" -Mike Parkinson (Trumpeter/Leader of Trinity Jazz Ensemble "I felt suicidal this week. But, you (Br. John) helped me out of my shell. I had great fun at your concert!" -Valerie B (Developmentally Adult Daycare resident) "A dynamic storyteller and true professional." -Sheila Arnold (Founder of Artists Standing Strong) "When are you coming back? I'm missing you already!" -Robert A. (Memory Care resident) "An honor seeing you perform. It looked like everyone was having a blast!" -Chas Bloch (Director of Student Outreach/Fieldtrips) Urban Youth Baseball Academy "Br. John went above and beyond his scheduled entertainment." -Debbie Topp 
CLICK to see "Br. John Duo" videos and more! *Join tribute vocalist-Br. John & guitarist-Rick Cole at the American Jazz Museum for "NEO SOUL on the Vine". Every second Friday of the month. 11:00AM American Jazz Musuem-1616 E. 18th Street, KCMO Admission: Free 
Above: Br. John in the mountain town of Dressekie (St. Mary's Parish) Jamaica, storytelling and engaging with a group of children.
CLICK Here to catch
Every 1st Friday, Catch the famed "Jazz Storytellers -Lisa Henry, Mike Warren, Tyrone Clark & Br. John @ the American Jazz Museum, 10:00AM It's Family, Friendly, Music, Education & Fun-Fun-FUN! **************************** For More Info/Tickets CLICK THIS LINK for the 21st Annual KC Fringe Fest-2025 
2025 St. Louis Fringe Festival presents
Aug. 15-17, 2025 
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