Michael Cooper: Masked Marvels and Wondertales, is an eye-popping visual artist and virtuoso mime whose exquisite performances have dazzled audiences for almost thirty years. His one-man extravaganza combines his breathtaking handcrafted masks, original stories of courage and wonder, outlandish stilt dancing and a physical repertoire that ranges from the madcap to the sublime. The result is a “moving sculpture.”  And whether he’s high kicking on giant legs, animating one of his magical creations or quite literally “leaning on air,” the unending enthusiasm of this masked marvel captivates both young and old.

Some people have inner-kids. Andy Offutt Irwin has an outer-kid. With a manic Silly Putty voice, astonishing mouth noises, and hilarious stories, he is equal parts mischievous schoolboy and the Marx Brothers, peppered with a touch of the Southern balladeer. People are drawn to him like magnets to a refrigerator. And inside, it’s all Mountain Dew and Jolt Cola. A native of Covington, GA, Andy is a storyteller, humorist, singer, songwriter, musician, whistler, walking menagerie of sound effects and dialects, and so much more; some of his talents are hard to categorize.

“Think Spalding Gray and David Sedaris with a whole lot of audio and visual aids…” - The Aspen Times

“Smith cleverly employs technology to elevate the art of monologue.” – Vancouver Sun

“Every Job I’ve Ever Had is a funny, touching, and moving look at being a seeker and a wanderer in a world where one’s work defines one’s self.” - King’s River Life Magazine

“Smith’s delivery is fantastic – he’s quick, dryly comical, and most importantly, authentic.” – CBC Winnipeg

“Smith is an energetic and versatile raconteur whipsawing between calm explication and the fiery cadences of a Delta preacher as the situation demands.” – New York Magazine

A fine performer and artist-educator, Scott Ainslie came of age during the Civil Rights era in Virginia. His work reflects his reverence and affection for both African and American culture and music, and demonstrates how much we – as Americans - have in common. Scott is a Phi Beta Kappa and honor graduate of Washington & Lee University. His 5th CD called Thunder’s Mouth is just completed.