On behalf of the Festivals Ontario Board of Directors, I would like to personally thank you for your participation in Showcase ’92. Your expertise as Master of Ceremonies was sincerely appreciated. As always your quick wit and professionalism made the show a great success.     —Jaye Robinson, President Festivals Ontario (1992)

Ish’s warmth and sincerity is evident the minute he walks on the stage. Audiences are not only entertained, they come away with a feeling that they’ve just made a friend.     — Jane Querin, Dept. of Tourism, Brantford, Ontario (1993)

In 1990, I decided these events needed more family entertainment, so – on the basis of his expressive face – I contracted Ish for both WorldFest and the Fair. It was the best intuitive entertainment decision I have made in my dozen years in business. A talent like this deserves to be shared – I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend Ish.      — Terry McRae, Executive Director, WorldFest Festimonde, Cornwall, Ontario (1992)

“Now this is Vaudeville, this guy is mishigana!!!!”
— Mitch Podulak, CBC Radio; Former Artistic Director, Winnipeg Folk Festival

What a Wacky and Weird Show! I like the songs you sing for kids.    — Robert Munsch, Juno Award Winner, Children’s Author and Storyteller (1994)

Hello Ish! I've been meaning to write you a quick note and tell you how much we love the CD “Cardboard Wings” that we bought at the Saanich Fair. It is obvious you put your heart and soul into what you do - so delighted to have made your acquaintance; our home life is the richer for it!    — Pamela Glover (2007)

In minutes, Ish had more than 100 kids singing along at the Regina Children’s Festival. His audience participation was what some performers only dream of obtaining.   — Regina Leader Post, Regina, SK (1993)

“Entertainer of the Month”    — Saskatchewan Department of Justice

“His shows are fun, upbeat and always come with a positive family message. In my opinion, when you add Ish to your event you will have your happy participants leaving with a lot of smiles!!! What more could you ask from an entertainer?”    —Perry Fulop, Co-ordinator, Newton Wave Pool, Surrey, BC (2003)

 

“Ish’s outgoing personality, respect for all those around him, as well as his huge capacity to make balloon animals made him shine. He is a joy to listen to, tons of fun, kids love to be with him to sing and hear his great stories. 

“His songs are fun and educational, getting everyone into the act and helping us spread our wings by sharing his talents with us.”    — Tim & Lynda Maertz, School Trustees District #91, Burns Lake, BC (2007) 

“Thanks for the wonderful job at this year’s event. The memorable experience you provided our guests will ensure their return for future events. Thank you from all of us Ish!” — Rick Przybysz, General Manager, Humdinger RV Show, Chilliwack, BC (2008)

“Ish is dependable, honest and a pleasure to work with. During the four days of each year’s event, Ish worked independently as a wandering entertainer, engaging the crowds with his jokes, songs, poems and balloons. 

“He is able to draw a smile from even the shyest child. Those children and adults who have seen Ish at previous shows can’t wait to see him again and come to my staff looking for him. I will continue to hire him to be the feature entertainment at shows I have the honour of managing.” — Gary Hare, Show Manager, RV Show Association, Victoria, BC (2006)

“We are very happy with the mood that Ish set with the children, his professionalism and especially his ability to make children of all ages laugh!”  — Paul Orazietti, Executive Director, Cloverdale BIA, Cloverdale, BC (2005)

“The whole town thought you were great.”   — Larry Emerson, Scugog Chamber of Commerce

“Ish is a delight to watch as he captivates his audience young and old alike.” 
— Rick DeLaurier, Convention Services, Pinestone Inn, Haliburton, Ontario

“Ish’s outgoing sense of humour and personality keeps the kids (and grown ups) entertained to the fullest. We look forward to having him each season and he delights our customers. The kids love hearing his songs and great stories, and enjoy his crazy balloon animals, hats, bikes and whatever else he can make with those things.    — Lindell Beach Holiday Resort, Cultus Lake, BC (2006)

“Let’s congratulate Ish for last year’s performance. He brought the audience to life. The organizing committee received clear and concise feedback: bring back Ish and give him more time.”    — J.F. Conlin, President, Ontario Public School Teachers Federation (1991)

“Ish is a talented musician who can perform in front of any type of audience. He is a pot-pourri of music and madness.”    — Deborah Kinzel, Dunville Library, Ontario (1994)

“You have a wonderful gift of relating to children. The themes of your songs and stories truly reflect the importance of love of oneself, family, friends and strangers. The message that we all received was truly uplifting. As an educator I appreciated the precepts of healthy living you so subtly broached.”    — Hillary da Silva, Principal, Nanook School, Iqaluit, NU (Nunavut) (2006)

“Ish’s performance was warm and sensitive, comical and lyrical. He had an excellent rapport with the children, relating to them with respect and genuine concern. In this way I felt Ish was similar to Robert Munsch. I felt both adult and child audience came away with more than just an hour of entertainment. You came away feeling good about yourself and the world!”    — Elizabeth Cooper, Children’s Services, The Library Gallery Public Library, Cambridge, Ontario (1993)

“I wanted to thank you for a wonderful performance. You were just what our kids and leaders needed to spark their enthusiasm... everyone enjoyed your comedy and songs. Best of all, they loved being a part of your show as your willing and capable assistants.”    — Judy Cieslik, Supervisor, John G. Althouse Community School, Ontario (1993)

 

“Cleverly hidden in the fun were messages about safety and cooperation – values always appropriate for a school audience.”    — C. Doty, Principal, Ken Jenkins School, Regina, Saskatchewan

“Ish left everybody in the room, children and adults alike, with smiles on their faces. If you need a children’s entertainer, I would recommend Ish.”    — Bob Lloyd, Vice-Principal, Willow Point Elementary School, Campbell River, BC (1995)

“Just a note to express our appreciation of the excellent performance you gave at the Fergus Public Library. Your presentation was well received, evident by the wonderful level of participation you achieved by both the children and the parents.”    —Gay Kozak Selby, Chief Librarian, Fergus Public Library, Fergus, Ontario (1994)

“I was impressed with the quality and educational impact the performance had on both the students and adult/teacher participants. Ish was able to clearly integrate the areas of children’s music and societal values education in an entertaining and amusing context. Ish created an environment that provided an arena for personal reflection on the importance of music in children’s lives. Thank you “Ish” for an enjoyable educational workshop.”    —Judy Curniski, Family Studies, R.H. King Academy, Toronto, Ontario (1991)

“Ish’s concerts combined music, comedy & storytelling in an educational and fun style.  A great performance, we hope to see Ish return to Thunder Bay soon.”    — Carole Aitken, Head of Children’s Services, Thunder Bay Public Library

“Gloriously Zany and Wonderfully Educational”    — Dr. T. Bennett, Parry Sound Board of Education

 “The kids just love you, can’t wait to have you back.”
— Gord Oslund, Artistic Director
Winnipeg International Children’s Festival

 

“The kids just love you”
— Joanne James, Artistic Directory
Calgary International Children’s Festival

 

“One of the best acts in 20 years”
— Duke Housel, Labrador City
Newfoundland Parks & Recreation

“Very talented and has a professional attitude.  I would certainly recommend Ish to anyone organizing a special event.” — Joanne Nesbit, Coordinator, Canada Day Barry, Ontario

“Ish is fun and entertaining.  The kids just love him.”
— Jayne Wood, Artistic Director 
Hamilton Festival of Friends

 

“Ish, your talent, energy and co-operative nature was truly a welcome addition to our festival. Your act always made for special surprises. Both personally and on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Festival by the Sea and the many staff and volunteers associated with our National Performing Arts Festival, please accept our heartfelt thanks and best wishes in the future.    — J. McMaughey, General Manager, Festival by the Sea, St. John’s, NB (1993)

“We have been happy to book Ish for our annual Duncan-Cowichan Summer Festival for several years now. As both the Festival Director and an experienced children's entertainer myself, I have been consistently impressed with Ish's energy and talent as a performer, as well as his great rapport with everyone. His strolling performing is a real asset to a community event such as ours, and I'm happy to recommend his services.”    — Christopher Menu, Director, Duncan-Cowichan Festival Society, BC (2008)