From Professionals . . .
“You were the highlight of the festival.”
–Cathy Barton, Folk Performer; Boonville, MO
“You have a talent for entertaining through stories and song—all ages.”
–Sarah Howard, Children’s Librarian Daniel Boone Regional Library and Professional Storyteller;
Columbia, MO
“Heather’s warm, lively spirit is as awesome as her brilliant stories and fantastic, playful songs.”
–Gladys Coggswell; Professional Storyteller, Frankford, MO
“Whenever I want to have fun listening to stories, I go to hear Heather. She combines her stories and songs with a twist of her quirky humor to engage everyone ‘in once upon a time’.”
–Marilyn Kinsella, Professional Storyteller; Fairview Heights, IL
“I used your music while transitioning between subjects with second and third graders, and for memorization skills. I would start the music and let them begin singing along and then I’d turn off the tape and once they knew the song they kept right on singing! The students would sometimes make up dances to the songs, so coordination and performance in front of others. The fun factor in your music is contagious!”
–Kathy Stappenbeck, Elementary School Teacher; Bloomington IL
“Heather brings a lively and intelligent passion to each of her performances.”
— Sharon Zuiderveld Retired Director of the Jacksonville Public Library, IL
“As a regional teller at the St. Louis Storytelling Festival for the last 8 consecutive years, the first thing I do upon arrival is to look through the schedule to see where my favorite other regional tellers are presenting. Heather Harlan is one of those who I always try to see. She’s dynamic, personable, plays guitar, sings–the whole enchilada! She writes many of her own stories and songs, which I admire. She is creative and funny; I always enjoy her performances.”
–Sandi Sylver; Storyteller-Ventriloquist-Songstress; Largo, FL
From the Public . . .
“This inspired deep thinker is a funny, down-to-earth storyteller experiencing and sharing a fresh twist on life.”
–Monica Heard; Jacksonville, IL
“Heather’s recording ‘Are We There Yet’ has been my four grandchildren’s favorite CD. Kari is almost 21 and she still sings some of the songs.”
–Susan Ann Howell; Meredosia, IL
“For many years we couldn’t take a road trip with our grandchildren without at least one play of her ‘Are We There Yet?’ CDs! I have observed Heather speaking and singing to a wide range of audiences, from preschoolers to families to Hospice volunteers. She is a gifted communicator.”
Pastor Marcia Merry Forman; First Presbyterian Church, Virginia IL
“Heather has the ability to connect with audiences of all ages. She uses universal themes and deft humor to communicate with those fortunate enough to see her ‘live’.”
Pat Stansfield; Effingham, IL
“Finally! Music you look forward to enjoying with your kids–one that doesn’t bore you silly the second time you hear it. Whether before a crowd of adults, children or a mixture of both, whether telling mesmerizing stories or warbling upbeat songs, Heather can hold an audience in the palm of her hand.”
Duane Edgington; Pacific Grove, CA
“Heather’s music has become the official ‘driving’ music for my family. My children (5 & 8) have learned all the words to these songs and happily travel short and long distances listening. Heather’s songs are a great combination of fun and meaningful. Each song and story has a theme or purpose. I enjoy the music as much as they do for what they teach my children.”
–Stephanie Decker, IL
“As a parent and former preschool teacher I appreciate her ability to transform real life experiences into songs that express a universal feeling parents and children can relate to.
We listen and sing along on car trips and it is a bed time favorite of our four year old.”
–LeAnn Sapp; Columbia, MO
“Our family has enjoyed Heather’s storytelling for several years, and we LOVE her music! Our daughter’s favorite food is pizza, so, of course ‘The Pizza Feasta’ is one of her favorites. Heather tells stories with such passion, you feel like you’re right there IN the story. We can’t wait to share her music with our new baby boy!”
–Rebecca; Columbia, MO
“Such expressive faces!! Jim Carey has nothing on you!!”
–Patron, Boonslick Public Library; Boonville, MO
“I like her story and I really love pizza. I like her first song [‘Are We There Yet?’]. I really like to sing it.”
–Andrew, Age 4; Columbia, MO
“It should be a national mandate that all parents hear Heather Harlan.”
–Attendee, state parenting conference; Rosemont, IL
Media
“. . . her internal barometer plays a large part in constructing a crowd-pleasing set.”
–Columbia Daily Tribune, Columbia, MO
“ . . . .seemingly boundless energy!”
–Jacksonville Journal Courier, Jacksonville, IL
“ . . . turning ordinary moments into extraordinary fun.”
–Springfield, IL; First Night
Columbia Daily Tribune, December 26, 2010
http://www.columbiatribune.