“THE BALLAD OF JOHN HENRY” This is the song, spoken and acted out. Kids play the Steam Drill and John Henry’s assistant called his Shaker.

“AKIMBA AND THE MAGIC COW” is a story about the nature of trust and friendship. Kids play a Magic Cow, a Not Magic Cow, a Magic Chicken, a Not Magic Chicken, and a Magic Stick.

“THE LION IN THE WELL” written down by Zora Neale Hurston, is about how Brother Rabbit got Brother Lion to stop tearing up the neighborhood. Kids play other Animals who either get tricked by or out trick Brother Rabbit.

“SIGNIFYIN’ MONKEY” There are whole books written on the evolution of this story from Africa to the streets of America. We’ve modified Oscar Brand Jr.’s rendition. No kids in this one. It’s a shorter piece we do if the show needs to be a little longer or a little shorter.