John Erickson

 

 

 

Author John Erickson presents:

Hank the Cowdog In Concert

Performance Schedules

For Booking Information Call: 

Phone: 806-435-7611

e-mail: 
programs@hankthecowdog.com

 

 

 
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Teachers and librarians who are trying to promote the joy of reading and encourage the reluctant reader have found their students respond well to Mr. Erickson's performances which include readings from the books and performing the songs that are contained throughout the series.

Details and Booking Information

The program: "Hank the Cowdog In Concert" is a 60 minute program of innocent fun and wholesome family entertainment. Through songs and readings, John R. Erickson brings to life the characters from his award-winning Hank the Cowdog series of books and audio books. He has performed for people of all ages and backgrounds, but the audience he has in mind is the ordinary elementary student. Teachers and librarians who are trying to promote the joy of reading and encourage the reluctant reader have found their students respond well to Mr. Erickson's performances which include readings from the books and performing the songs that are contained throughout the series. (From what we have heard from librarians, Hank books rarely stay on the shelf at the library following a school visit by Mr. Erickson.)

About the author: John R. Erickson is a fifth generation Texan, raised in the small Panhandle town of Perryton. He has a degree from the University of Texas, studied two years at Harvard Divinity School, and left Harvard three hours short of a master's degree in theology. After marrying Kristine Dykema in 1967, he spent 15 years writing in the early morning hours and working at odd jobs, including eight years as a ranch cowboy. After receiving hundreds of rejection slips from New York publishers, he started his own publishing company in his garage and self-published the first ten Hank the Cowdog stories. Hank the Cowdog is now a national character and his books and tapes have sold in the millions. Hank appeared in a thirty minute animated episode on "CBS Storybreak" and the stories on tape were named the best children's audio books of 1993 by the American Audiobook Sellers Association.

Fee Schedule for Schools: Mr. Erickson's fee is $3,000 for two programs plus travel and lodging expenses. If an additional program is required, the fee is increased by $700.

Expenses include airfare, mileage, hotel, and meals. Meals can be eaten at the school if that is what is convenient. The fee must be paid on the date of the performance. A 15% deposit is required 30 days prior to the performance.

Equipment: Mr. Erickson's needs are simple: two microphones on stands, placed at center stage; a small table; and a glass of drinking water and a table large enough to hold his banjo and a couple of books.

Travel: Mr. Erickson should be met at the airport by a local person. If that is not feasible, a rental car will be hired and directions to the site must be provided with the booking sheet.

Lodging: Mr. Erickson requires a hotel room. Many times local hotels/motels will be willing to offer complimentary rooms when they are aware that it is a school-sponsored event.

Book and Audio Sales: Maverick Books provides the books and tapes at substantial discounts to allow mark up for fundraising. If this is not convenient, local bookstores are usually willing to assist in setting up book sales.

Autographing: Autographing sessions must be pre-approved by the booking agent prior to the booking.

What Mr. Erickson will not do. . .

  • Jr. High performances that include 7th or 8th grade students. (Our experience is that the students of that age do not enjoy the performances and tend to be disruptive.)
     
  • Visit individual classrooms or groups of students.
     
  • Personalize any books nor will he sign programs, pieces of paper, or books brought from home.

Suggestions for making "Hank the Cowdog in Concert" a success:

Limit the audience for one show to three grade levels. (Ex. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd or 4th, 5th and 6th)

Have someone that is familiar with the Hank the Cowdog series introduce Mr. Erickson to the students.

If possible, have the shows in the morning and limit the time between shows to no more than one hour.

Make attendance at the show a reward. Let the children earn the privilege by reading a Hank book or some other method.

Familiarize all the children with the Hank the Cowdog series. A month before the show, make a special display in your school library for Hank the Cowdog books with a live-size cutout of Hank and posters announcing Mr. Erickson's appearance.

Get the community involved. Let everyone know that "Hank" is coming to town. Send the provided press release to the newspaper and television and radio stations. Let everyone know that your school is doing a great thing in promoting literacy and reading in the elementary level. Everyone wants to support an activity that is helping our students achieve their educational goals.

Use discretion with kindergarten or pre-k classes. Their natural inclinations manage to distract older kids who want to hear.


For Booking Information Call: 

Phone: 806-435-7611

e-mail: 
programs@hankthecowdog.com

If you want your students to enjoy a wonderful performance by one of the most popular children's authors, call us today and we will be glad to help arrange it.

Fall 2007 Touring Dates

10/08/2007 Allen, TX, Public Library
10/09/2007 Allen, TX, school programs
10/12/2007 Duncan, OK, school programs
10/13/2007 Burnet Cultural Arts Festival - Open to the Public
10/26/2007 Dalhart, TX, school programs
10/30/2007 Memphis TN, Live@9WREG.TV
  Memphis TN, morning school programs
  Memphis TN, evening community programs
11/12/2007 Purcellville, VA, Patrick Henry College programs
11/13/2007 Charlotte, NC, school programs
11/14/2007 Oklmulgee, OK, school programs
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

©Maverick Books, All rights reserved.
"Hank the Cowdog" is a registered trademark of John R. Erickson Illustrations by Gerald L. Holmes