Performers

The Merrymakers is pleased to offer the very best in professional entertainment for senior audiences. Each of our entertainers provide their own unique style of performance in order to suit a variety of musical preferences. Please contact Merrymakers at (402) 697-0205 and join us for a performance today! While we welcome anyone to attend our performances, please let us know if you want to attend or call the venue directly to make sure they welcome visitors to their facilities. If you wish to book these entertainers for YOUR event, please contact them directly using the information below.  You can be sure if you work with a Merrymakers entertainer, you are getting the very best!

Omaha Based Entertainers

Ase L’Bert

Ase (ah say) began voice and piano lessons as well as singing in his local church at age 7 under the direction of his late uncle Throughout his childhood he focused on enhancing his talent and studied the piano and the violin. Ase was awarded a scholarship to study music at the University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio. While matriculating at the university he performed with a small local band and directed his church choir. From 2001-2008 Ase performed as a solo artist and a backup singer in the South Miami, FL and Los Angeles areas. He is an accomplished artist and his resume of performances and long song list crosses all cultures, ages, venues and diverse styles of music. He has enhanced performances for seniors, high school mixers, graduations as well as gospel events (light jazz, gospel, the oldies or the music of today). Ase knows there is no “One Size Fits All” musical performance and thus he strives to make each performance memorable for the audience After making Omaha his home Ase has shared his talent with the fans of the “Omaha Smooth Jazz Society” and has performed with several local bands.
(402) 509-8032

Pam & Ron

Vocalist – Guitar Duo
Pam has been performing with Pam and the Pearls since the late 80′s in Omaha and the surrounding areas. Pam met her husband Jim while performing with the Firehouse Brigade at the Firehouse Dinner Theatre, and has performed on hundreds of local, regional and national Radio and Television commercial jingles.  She has also recorded with Mannheim Steamroller and C.W. McCall. Pam recently returned from Branson, Missouri where she had her own television show on the Americana Television Network.  Whether singing the beautiful ballad, ‘Unforgettable’ or belting out a sizzling duet of ‘Love Shack’ Pam is adept at entertaining an audience.
Ron Cooley’s career as a guitarist and composer spans six decades. He has performed on countless stages in the United States, Canada and Europe.  Touring highlights include performing on NBC’s Today Show and
Tonight with Jay Leno, ABC’s Good Morning America, the Regis and Kathy Lee Show and for President Clinton and President GW Bush at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony with the Mannheim Steamroller. He has appeared at the Wolftrap Theater in DC in the “Yellowstone Music of Nature” concerts
and also as a solo artist at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He appeared on Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert, NBC’s Midnight Special and Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry as guitarist for the country artist C.W.
McCall.  To date Ron has eight solo recordings spanning an eclectic blend of instrumental jazz, pop, classical and contemporary acoustic guitar compositions. He currently is working on his ninth major project.
402-213-1004 or 402-597-3542

Kim Eames

Vocalist – Guitar
Born and raised in Omaha, Kim comes from a musical family. Inspired by her brother, Kim got a guitar at age 11. At 14, she was in a band playing locally for 3 years. Kim hit the road as a single act playing throughout the Midwest before settling down to play locally and raise a family. Kim did the John Kraft Chevrolet commercials for 16 years. She also did vocals for local and national radio jingles for several years. Kim cut her first CD in Tennessee in 2000.
Kim loves a great variety of music. Consequently, she enjoys playing music that ranges from the last seven decades. After singing professionally for 33 years, Kim still loves performing and looks forward to the next 33 years!
(402) 573-9467

Johnny Ray Gomez

Accordionist – Vocalist
With over 45 years as a professional entertainer, Johnny has appeared all over the country and on National Television. Some of his credits include: Golden Nugget, Showboat Casino’s in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Eldorado Casino in Reno, Nevada. Harvey’s Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Major Hotel engagements at the Holiday Inn Rivermont in Memphis, Tennessee, The Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois and the Playboy Club in Atlanta, Georgia.
Television shows include The Ted Mack Show and a original recording played on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Johnny was Entertainment Manager for 10 years at Bluffs Run Casino, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
(402) 651-4598

Joe Taylor – “Mr. Memories”

Vocalist
In just a few short years, (he started singing in April of 1994) Joe has gone from a store owner to a full time  entertainer. Over 4,100 shows in 19 years and seven (7) CD’s to his credit and he is still going strong. Not bad for a guy in his late 70′s. His greatest joy is bringing back “memories” through song, that always seem to brings smiles and laughter to those who need them the most.
Joe’s rich singing voice and entertaining style are always a hit.
(402) 334-1694

Joyce Torchia

Vocalist
Retired from United Airlines after 36 years of service in 2005, including 4 yrs as a “stewardess” ( I was before flight attendants!).  I love singing and began performing in front of audiences in high school musicals many, many moons ago. My children became my audience and quickly tired of my performing in the living room, so I became a shower singer.
In 1997 my girlfriends challenged me to sing at a Karaoke bar. I was smitten. I sang every chance I got. I got to sing several times on stage at Bushwackers Saloon when the original “Renegade” band performed. Then I became a regular at the Bluffs Run Casino Talent Show, where I had my share of wins and losses. That is where I met Mr. Entertainment himself, Joe Taylor. He suggested I audition for the Intergeneration Orchestra with Chuck Pennington, and I’ve been a member now for several yrs.
The “stage” has always been my calling, and after many years away from it I was offered a part in the musical “From Generation to Generation” in 2004 at the Jewish Community Center. Welllllll…..as they say I was hooked.  My big dream, however, was to perform on stage at the Omaha Community Playhouse. That dream came true when I played Mrs. Pugh in their production of “Annie”. Rotater cuff surgery kept me from performing until I was introduced to Merrymakers . I have had a ball ever since. I even was given another opportunity to perform at the Omaha Community Playhouse as Molly McGregor/Susan Hershey in “The Full Monty”.
(402) 334-7020

Michael Lyon

Vocalist
Hailing from England, Michael developed a love for grand opera at an early age and embarked on a professional singing career in the mid 1980’s. Michael has performed at a number of prestigious venues, including his main stage debut at Carnegie Hall in 1998. He’s also performed at some not so prestigious places just for the money. Michael would still be singing the role of Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Boheme, had not the Cedar Rapids Grand Opera Society advised him that audiences would have to suspend a considerable amount of disbelief to imagine him as the svelte young poet. While opera was Michael’s first love, over time he has developed a taste for many kinds of music including a particular fondness for bluegrass.
What to expect when he sings? While Michael’s hairline and waistline have started to show the advance of time, his voice remains lustrous in everything from Broadway classics to Swing, with some pop, country, and a touch of opera thrown in to show off those gleaming high notes that are the vanity of the romantic tenor. More than anything though, Michael’s main goal is to reach into the hearts of Merrymaker audiences with beautiful music and a liberal sprinkling of good-natured humor.
Michael is the morning voice of Omaha Public Radio/NPR on 91.5 KIOS-FM every weekday morning from 5:00 to 10:00 a.m. As if he didn’t have enough to do, when not singing, Michael and his wife, Kristin, make up one of Omaha’s most successful Realtor teams. They’re among a handful of Realtors in the area holding the coveted designation of Seniors Real Estate Specialists, helping seniors sell their homes and make informed decisions about housing choices.
402-510-8703
hiceez@cox.net

Charlie Glasgow “The Chaz Singer”

Vocalist/Guitarist
Charlie Glasgow is a vocalist / multi-instrumentalist who has worked casinos, concerts, and corporate shows in 25 states and Canada. He has worked with such notables as The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Boys, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Bobby Vee, Danny & The Juniors, Styx, and The Classic Rock All Stars.
He is versatile on guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards. He sings and plays with various Omaha bands, heads up The Diamond Buffett Band, and also performs his solo act. Charlie felt honored to be featured on a Rockabilly CD released in 2007 by the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. He performed the lead vocal and guitar tracks on the Buddy Holly song, “Oh Boy”.
Charlie is known for his vocal impressions of Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Elvis, and more! Music is his life . . . from working in a music store to teaching guitar and drums to his students . . . from performing with numerous groups or just being alone on stage . . . his greatest joy is bringing a smile to the faces and joy to the hearts of the residents and staff members who attend his Merrymakers shows!
(402) 290-8429

THE LINKS – Mary Link & Diana Sapp

Musical Duo – vocals/guitar/keyboard
This musical duo is part of the music and comedy group “THE LINKS”. For years “THE         LINKS” were based out of Reno, Nevada and performed in prestigious showrooms in Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, like the MGM Grand and Harrah’s Casino along with multiple cities throughout the Midwest. Mary and Diana started performing together in 1975. Since 2009 they have been working in the senior market sparking lots of memories and smiles with their music of years gone by.
Their guitar and keyboard styles offer a unique and special blend to their vocals and harmonizing talents. Not only can you see these girls entertaining in the senior market you can catch them in the evening venues around the Omaha area. The LINKS DUO performs a variety of music with lots of excitement and interaction with their audiences and takes great pride in customizing their show for your entertainment needs. They are excited to be part of the Merrymakers association and look forward to playing your facility soon!

Hillbilly Hal Cottrell

Vocalist – guitar/banjo/mandolin
Born in the hills of West Virginia and immersed in the world of Bluegrass music, Hal started his musical career at the age of 3. Joining the stage with his father’s bluegrass band he sang the gospel songs he learned at church and collected enough pocket change to buy his first instrument, a mandolin. He started playing professionally at 15 and since then he has performed at hundreds of bluegrass music festivals and venues throughout the country as well as appearing on the WSM radio’s Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree in Nashville and on Iowa Public TV.
He is an accomplished singer, songwriter and instrumentalist playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass and Dobro and has won multiple competitions as well as being twice voted the SPBGMA Midwest Mandolin Performer of the Year and has been inducted in to the Midwest Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. He is in demand as a studio musician and has appeared on numerous CD projects including his own bands’ S & H Grass and Golden Harvest.
Hal currently plays mandolin with Bull Harman and Bullseye who are the winners of the National Single Mike competition. His shows provide a powerful mix of classic country and bluegrass music. Hal is also a retired US Air Force Master Sergeant with a distinguished 24 year career.

Billy Troy

Vocalist/Instrumentalist/Songwriter/Producer
Billy Troy’s powerful voice and unique ability to take you from the sounds of the 50′s all the way up to today’s top 40, is just the beginning of a charismatic stroll you’ll enjoy no matter what your era. This multifaceted performer of musical genres spanning from Country to Rock & Roll, all the way back to the Big Band sounds is truly one of Nashville’s best entertainers / producers / songwriters.
Billy’s father is legendary Bluegrass icon “Uncle Josh Graves” known as the King of The Dobro. This has allowed Billy to grow up in a very eclectic musical background. His dad worked with Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs as one of the Foggy Mountain Boys for years and later recorded with everyone from Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson to Boz Skaggs.
Billy’s accomplishments as a record producer alone has garnered him a multitude of success, including several Grammy nominations and also a Grammy finalist nod for his work in Bluegrass / Country Music.
Billy Troy is blessed with a mesmerizing voice along with a powerful style that leaves audiences begging for more.
(402) 960-8217

Merrymakers Central and Western Nebraska Based Entertainers

Tim Javorsky

Saxophone and Vocalist
Tim Javorsky has always had a passion for entertaining people. To fulfill this passion, while in college studying classical saxophone and voice, he started a DJ service, entertaining people at school functions, weddings, etc. After leaving school for the “real world,” Tim still continued his entertaining ways and also started a pep band. After meeting his wife, Dorothy, she encouraged his involvement in other musical endeavors such as Pinewood Bowl pit orchestra, Lincoln Civic Orchestra, and the Lincoln Community Concert Band.
Tim likes to emulate his many jazz influences such as Louie Armstrong, Stan Getz, Paul Desmond, David Sanborn, Gerry Mulligan, Stanley Turrentine, and Grover Washington, Jr. Still longing for the freedom that jazz music allows, Tim decided to start his own group, Sarabande Jazz. With these varied performance options, Tim performs several hundred times a year…and he looks forward to entertaining crowds at a Merrymaker location in the near future!
(402) 488-2502

Physha

Vocalist
Physha has been in the entertainment business since she was very young. She started in the   modeling industry and spread her wings into music at about sixteen, and has sung with several bands, along with performing theme songs for local commercials. Physha has also performed in musicals in the Mid-West and in Georgia. She moved back to the MidWest and again has made Omaha her home.
Physha will put on a show you will never forget! She sings with the beauty and grace of an angel. Her show will accommodate whatever style of music you need. You will be fully entertained by her unique interactive style of performance! The shows she prepares have a wide range of genres dating from the 1940’s to current.
Physha noticed that when she sang to the seniors they responded with smiles so she is pleased to be working with Merrymakers where she can use her music to reach the seniors she loves.
(402)452-1536

Paul Siebert

Vocalist – Acoustic
For over 30 years, Paul Siebert’s quality blend of music all throughout the Midwest has delighted thousands with his unique style and a vast repertoire second to none! Along with wonderful vocals, Paul uses only acoustic instruments including the hammer dulcimer, banjo, guitar and button accordion.
Some of his musical credits include four self produced recordings, performing for the Ozarks Jubilee in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, opening shows for The Platters, Paul English, Marabeth Jordan. He has traveled all across the USA and recorded with several bands including Christian rock band “Reason To Play” and the western cowboy band “The Double D Wranglers”. His wide range of music includes: classical pieces on acoustic guitar and hammer dulcimer, 50’s and 60’s country favorites of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Roger Miller, Country Gospel, to 60’s & 70’s favorites from John Denver, James Taylor, and Simon & Garfunkle. Enjoy cowboy campfire favorites from Roy Rogers, The Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autry. His original material is full of heartfelt stories of family, childhood and growing up in the Midwest. Bringing the music close into the hearts and minds of individuals exemplifies his integrity and vision to reflect what he believes to be most important.

Shermie Wiehe

Pianist – Vocalist
Shermie was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. Piano became part of Shermie’s life at the age of 8, taking lessons until the age of 16, followed by playing for tips in bars, playing in school bands and directing a few of his own.
After graduating from college, educated in Electronic Engineering Technology, Shermie was hired to work overseas as a Electronics Field Engineer at the Kwajalein Missile Range in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Following twenty-three years overseas, Shermie decided to relocate to Boston to work. There, he performed for clubs and restaurants, including the Old Timer, Concord’s Colonial Inn along with performing for parties that included Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Dave Thomas and more.
In 2005, Shermie was relocated to Colorado Springs, CO by his employer and there Shermie began to entertain throughout the area, including performing weekly at the Broadmoor Hotel’s “Golden Bee”, their golf club and private functions, the Cliff House in Manitou Springs, CO and many retirement homes throughout the city and for many weddings, convention parties in the Denver/Colorado Springs area.
Shermie relocated to North Platte, NE in 2009 and has performed for NebraskaLand Days Parade and Railfest. He performs weekly at the Corn Popper and at the Great Plains Regional Medical Center, along with performing for private parties throughout the area both in Nebraska and Kansas, and works for Union Pacific Railroad as an electrician. Shermie touches his audiences with a good variety of toe-tapping tunes, easy-listening, country, bluegrass, pop, 30s-90s, sing-a-long and more. Sit back and enjoy, Shermie pleases his audiences of all ages.
Shermie at the Piano
(308) 534-1801

Based in the Des Moines Area

“Barefoot” Becky Livermore

Accordionist – Vocalist
Barefoot Becky has been the leader of a polka/variety band since 1988. She has traveled the US playing for all kinds of events. She plays 15-20 gigs or more a month and within the last couple of years has given up the real job to do music full time! Sometimes it’s just her and her husband, Terry, or else it’s the full 5 piece band. In 2007 Becky & Terry became part of the Merrymakers Association and look forward to entertaining you!
(319) 848-7133 or (877) 499-7133 Toll Free
polkabecky@aol.com
www.barefootbecky.com

Bill Connet

Singer/Songwriter and Lecturer
Bill Connet is a graduate of Harvard College and has a Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. He came to Iowa as a campus minister, and then worked in health care administration and health policy for fifteen years.
He recorded and released a CD in 2000 titled “Until That Time”, and created a program with three grants from the Iowa Arts Council, entitled “Music in Healing”. Bill released CD/Songbooks entitled “Remembering the Old Songs”, and “Remembering the Old Hymns”.
He has done hundreds of programs in nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, senior centers, day care programs, schools, medical schools, churches, and has sung at many funerals and memorial services. Bill is the Music Director at All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines, and Music Director for Saturday Night Worship at Plymouth Church in Des Moines.
(515) 249-2186

Janey Hooper

Vocalist/Keyboard
Janey Hooper has been playing the piano and singing professionally for more than 30 years. Born and raised in Des Moines, IA, she has performed locally with area bands. Some highlights of her career: opened headlining acts such as Blues artists Robert Cray, Lonnie Brooks, Buckwheat Zideco and “60′s” groups such as the Marveletts and Lou Christi to name a few.
Recently, she accompanied Chuck Berry for the Iowa Caucus celebration. She has performed for parties given by Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, politicians, weddings, business functions, sang the National Anthem at an NBA basketball game, and sings for commercials. Her style of music is strongly influenced with jazz, blues, and R&B.
515-249-0342

Julie Moss

Vocalist/Guitar
Singing all of her life, Julie Moss excels at old-time gospel and classic country music, but her musical talents seem to know no bounds. She has honed her skills at yodeling and now includes that in her programs as well. Moss has become a popular performer at community events throughout Iowa, and her schedule fills up fast these days. She’s performed more than 1,000 shows in the past decade for both public and private audiences and has a special connection with seniors.
Julie was born and raised in central Iowa and lives just a few miles from where she grew up near Elkhart. After 20+ years away from entertaining, she began singing for audiences again when her Grandmother moved to her hometown in the late 90′s and it regenerated her love of music. She learned how to play the guitar to accompany herself and the rest is history. She now sings daily around town and loves it.
Julie joined Merrymakers in the fall of 2008 and has enjoyed meeting and singing for her MM audiences. She has an infectious smile and you can’t help but smile back. Her strong vocals are laced with country and you’ll hear a slight accent, which she says is from growing up on the “south side” of town.
In late December of 2009, Julie finished recording a country / bluegrass gospel album with musician Tim Crouch from Arkansas. It has 12 old-time favorites and includes one yodeling tune. You can listen to the songs and find out more on her website www.juliemossmusic.com.

Based Outside Nebraska

Cynthia Ziesman

Vocalist
Cynthia Ziesman, delivers a theme performance with pizzazz!  A versatile songstress, Cynthia captivates     audiences of all ages as she travels the country and headlines her own cabaret revue. With musical themes from Hollywood to Broadway, April in Paris to Hawaiian Hula, Flapper Fun to Swinging Sixties…and all the holidays, seasons and decades in between,  her flashy, upbeat performances include singing, dancing, bright costumes, a little comedy, and a whole lot of audience participation to get everyone involved in this family friendly entertainment.
A former Carnival Cruise Ship entertainer, she has appeared in over 3000 professional performances including shows for Hallmark Cards and World’s of Fun Theme Park. Now based out of Kansas City, Cynthia also gets kids movin’ & groovin’ at youth dances, library programs, and special school events around the nation. She currently sings with professional trio Triple Delight.
(913)362-7353
Rockin’ Woody
Vocalist/Multi-instrumentalist/Variety
Tom Strohmyer, playing professionally for the last 20 years by the name “Woody”, first started performing in 1984 after graduating from Kearney State College in Dec 1983. He took his diploma and its Magna Cum Laude notation, and immediately started chasing that ‘rock star’ dream. Whereas most people have gotten it out of their system by that time, he’d only just begun…
After several short stints in local Nebraska and South Dakota based bands, he headed to the Twin Cities in 1990 to make his mark. He stuck with a band called the Rockin’ Hollywoods, until the lure of going just solo finally made too much sense. As of May 2013, he is a full-time
solo act, with shows aimed at 3 distinct(usually) markets -1)Seniors, 2) Children/Families, and 3) corporate/adult party work; but some of his material works in any venue… At a typical Seniors’ Show he puts to work his multi-instrumental ability by playing piano, guitar, trumpet,
sax, and harmonica.  That’s right – all in an hour show! But you also usually see some juggling and possibly a magic bit or two. After 5 years doing this show, he’s got plenty of material(though he’s always looking for more), and there honestly is never a dull moment. You’ll see when you have “Woody” come to your next event.
952-431-1876
E-mail: rockinwoody@yahoo.com