Keep Growing, Keep Going, ZOBAPAGO! Inspired by our own children, ZOBAPAGO (zo-bop-a-go) presents a dynamic program leading the audience on a ride through the city of Zobapa-Dopolis, and throughout the World of ZOBAPAGO. Along the way, we combine an entertaining story with interactive, educational songs relating to topics of a child's everyday life, with a focus on health, hygiene, and science. We perform as a (smaller) "live band" or (larger) "theater stage" group at festivals, preschools, elementary schools, theaters and other private and public events. Fun for the family, we're a kid's band adults will dig, too.
Who's on the ride?
With his reasonably reliable navigational skills, TaxiMan Zan (Dr. Eric Jagar) guides you through the streets, bringing along his saxophone, guitar, and percussion toys. He has the help of Destination Dayzee, the dispatcher (thanks to modern technology and a projection screen), and his mechanic/musician garage band friends, the New-Matic-Crew. The crew is led by vocalist Zeta Pipes (Kim Salmons) who has sung throughout the country in the past, yet now has the opportunity to sing and exhibit her giant toothbrush twirl. Zippitylicks (Steve Heckel) is an accomplished musician who provides slick licks on lead guitar along the ride, while from the spare parts bag, keyboard and guitar riffs are added by Zag (Rob Eubank), local high-school educator and adminstrator. The driving groove is maintained by psychologist, professor and touring musician Zig (Dr. Anthony Sterns) on bass [and the occasional tire iron] along with Quick Sticks Zwick (Mike Zwick) and Zod (Scott Kopp) on drums and percussion. Additional percussion is provided by the audience.
Whom do you meet?
Along the way, we introduce a gaggle of characters who all live and work in Zobapa-Dopolis. Some of the characters include Mr. Mathematix the math teacher, Dr. Heltheebody the physician, Dr. Sparkelsmile the dentist, and Quizzical Lizzy who learns by asking questions. Professor Xplainnit answers her questions, and teaches us all about the world in which we live. Mr. Monday Mustache the reporter gives us the scoop in his news reports, and may be spotted flying in the Zobapa-Chopper news helicopter in the skies above Zobapa-Dopolis. When hunger hits and it's time to enjoy some healthy foods, we swing by the Zavory Cafe to see what Chef Zoodle Noodle is mixing up. Thanks to Destination Dayzee, we'll know where we are going, and when it is time to head back to the Zobapa-Garage.
The Show
Based in Akron, Ohio, ZOBAPAGO tours/performs a 45-60 minute dynamic program combining interactive songs with a storyline related to academic topics including biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, earth science/ecology, health & hygiene, and mathematics. For schools, the program relates to many Ohio Academic Content Standards Science Benchmarks for kindergarten through fifth grade - examples are listed here. An audio recording of the music is provided prior to the performance (as desired) that is intended to be used during music or other class time for students to become familiar with the music and interactive elements of the songs. Students and teachers may also consider utilizing art or other activity time to create their own hand percussion instruments (such as shakers) to be used during the performance, while exemplifying Science and Technology benchmarks relating to recycling/reuse and design.
On January 2010, ZOBAPAGO was featured on the cover of Enjoy Magazine along with a featured article. Check it out here.
To bring the World of ZOBAPAGO to your summer camp, school, preschool, party or other event, contact us.
Credits:
Created by: Dr. Eric Jagar
with the support of Dr. Anthony Sterns and Dr. Jennifer Woelker
Music Performed by the New-Matic-Crew:
Kim Salmons as Zeta Pipes – lead vocals
Dr. Eric Jagar as TaxiMan Zan – vocals, sax, percussion, guitar
Dr. Anthony Sterns as Zig - bass, backing vocals
Rob Eubank as Zag - acoustic guitar, keyboard, backing vocals
Steve Heckel as Zippitylicks - lead guitar, backing vocals
Mike Zwick as Quick Sticks Zwick - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Scott Kopp as Zod - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Illustrations by:
Bill Roberts (known to the Crew as Zunk)
Poems Written and Read by:
Walter Woelker (known to the Crew as Zoff)
Additional Musicians on the CD Living & Learning in Zobapa-Dopolis:
Eric Bassett - guitar, ukulele, keyboards
Rob Thompson - acoustic guitar
Dan Salmons - drums