Nothing attracts attention
like an old time Calliope. Originally powered by steam, a Calliope is often called a
steam piano or steam organ.
(Circus and riverboat
aficionados pronounce the instrument as "KALY-ope", while carnival fans use the more correct term
"cal-EYE-oh-pea".)
The Greek word means "beautiful voice".
The
steam powered Calliope was originated in the mid 1800's, and was used aboard riverboats of the day, to announce
their arrival at a port. They can still be found on such famous paddlewheel riverboats as the
Delta Queen, the Mississippi Queen, the Natchez, and others. The original steam
calliope was re-engineered by the Tangley Company in about 1920 to operate on air pressure, which is much safer, and
can still be heard up to 1/4 mile away. Played by a keyboard or paper music roll,
a Calliope never fails to thrill young and old. A sound associated with
the circus parades of the past, The Smoky Mountain Calliope Company's "Katy
Mae" will be a
hit at your event or celebration.
The Smoky Mountain Calliope Company's Old Time Calliope, named "Katy Mae", is a modern, well tuned, musical instrument, called a Tangley Calliaphone patterned after the originals, which was built by Miner Manufacturing Company of Donnellson, Iowa. It is capable of playing melodies and chords as annotated by talented keyboard performers. The roll music it plays has been specifically arranged to showcase the versatility and quality of sound that can be achieved from a collection of brass whistles. Audiences everywhere thrill to the sound of the calliope, as it produces what is truly,
"The Happiest Music On Earth".
Booking reservations for "Katy Mae" are
now being
accepted for
Parades, Concerts, Festivals,
Fairs,
Trade Shows, and
Baseball Games in the
Far Western NC, Southeastern TN, & Northeasten GA area.
TRAVEL FEES:
We are based in Far Western North Carolina and will travel up to about 75 miles for your event. This radius will include far Western counties of NC; southeastern counties of TN; and the far northeastern counties of Georgia. A travel fee may be included in all appearance quotations to defray expenses in transporting to and from events in this area. Please contact us regarding specific travel fees to your event.
SPONSORSHIP FEES:
Parades:
The Smoky Mountain Calliope Company's "Katy Mae" will be carried in the back of a small pickup truck with music played from a paper roll during the parade. Sponsors can provide and display two signs, one on either side of the truck, signs not to exceed 18" x 24". Due to the volume of the calliope, no riders can be accommodated in the bed of the truck. Sponsors may walk alongside the truck and distribute candy, small gifts, or brochures. Standard Parade sponsorship fee: $125.00. Additional pre or post parade concerts may be available. Katy Mae is also available for boat parades and regattas but a small additonal charge will made. Inquiries are invited. Please contact us for more information or a quotation.
The Smoky Mountain Calliope Company's "Katy Mae" can provide a concert program of two or three 15-20 minute sets, allowing an intermission time to change the roll between sets. Musical selections will include many songs that your audience will recognize, including songs from the 1920's, 30's, and 40's. A live performer may be available to play the instrument for an additional fee. Sorry, no requests can be taken unless they are known by a live performer. Concert Sponsorship fee: $125.00.
Additional fee for live performer to be quoted upon request.
"Katy Mae" can be featured at your festival. Performances can include 2 or 3 shows/day of a 15-20 minute duration. Charges for single day festivals will be $95.00 for up to two performances, and $135.00 for three performances plus travel fee described above. Charges for 2 or 3 day festival availability will be quoted upon request. Certain charges may be waived in exchange for specific concession/vendor privileges. Sponsorship by businesses or fraternal organizations may be accepted. Please contact us for more information or a quotation.
The Smoky Mountain Calliope Company's "Katy Mae" can be featured at your local, county, or regional fair. Performances can include 2 or 3 shows/day of a 15-20 minute duration. Charges will be based upon length of fair, number and length of performances desired. Certain charges may be waived in exchange for specific concession/vendor privileges. Sponsorship by business or fraternal organizations is invited. Please contact us for more information or a quotation.
"Katy Mae" can be featured at your trade show. Performances can include 2 or 3 shows/day of a 15-20 minute duration. Charges will be based upon length of the trade show, and number and length of performances desired. Please contact us for more information or a quotation.
The Smoky Mountain Calliope Company's "Katy Mae" can play a 10-20 minute pre-game concert, provide "The National Anthem" (Star Spangled Banner) before the game and "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" for the 7th inning stretch. Fee: $85.00 plus travel fee.
Book "Katy Mae" for your Customer Appreciation Day, Grand Opening or Re-Opening, and your New Product Announcement events. Please contact us for details and a quotation regarding your specific requirements.
BOOKINGS & AVAILABILITY:
Email us at dbcarlson@verizon.net or phone us at 828-389-1170 to discuss booking/availability or to request a quotation for appearance at your event or celebration.
The Tangley and Calliaphone logos are registered trademarks of Miner Mfg. Company, Donnellson, IA. www.minermfgco.com
© 2008 Smoky Mountain Calliope Company
