State's Own Mick Souter Performs with a Purpose for Simpson Elementary
By Trina Runner on September 20, 2014 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Students at Simpson Elementary were treated to a rare combination of wit, talent, and good ole West Virginia pride as they witnesses Mick Souter, the “Barb of Education” on Friday. Souter’s program is the number one touring program in the state and features him entertaining the crowd with original music, including singing and playing the banjo, guitar, harmonica, auto harp, dulcimer, fiddle, recorder and piano.
Souter has toured for more than 30 years and has delighted thousands of people in schools, state parks, festivals, theaters, and venues such as Tamarack, Snowshoe and the Cultural Center in Charleston.
“I make sure everyone gets involved in what I call ‘Singin’ Mountain Pride’ and that when they leave, everyone had a great time,” said Souter. His style combines storytelling with music and he often appears as fictional characters within his show.
For the Simpson Elementary students, Souter performed Healthy Bodies/Healthy Lives, a show featuring 10 songs on different aspects of nutrition. The show ties in directly with the governor’s initiative on stressing health-related issues for children and schools throughout the state.
“The idea is to curb childhood obesity and diabetes,” Souter said.
It appears the event was a hit.
“The students absolutely loved the show,” said Simpson Elementary Principal Lori Reid. “He really got them involved with the singing and clapping and still getting the message across of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
