Popular Music of the Gaslight Era (1890-1920) features a diverse repertoire of instrumental and vocal musical styles from the turn of the previous century. Everyone is invited to sing along and to experience the range of feelings evoked by this music.
The songs' lyrics offer insights into the customs and values of these bygone days. Audiences also learn how our country’s multicultural diversity at the turn of the previous century created unique musical styles that continue to inspire audiences around the world.
__“I was amazed by the history and enthusiasm John packed into a single program. The children were impressed by his talents…they loved singing along to his instrumental accompaniment.”
__ - Jill Flanders, Principal, Hadley Elementary School, Hadley, MA
__“Our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. John captured and held everyone’s attention…I would recommend him to any elementary school.”
__- Joanne Blocker, Principal, Littleville Elementary School, Huntington, MA
__“Many students told me that they were inspired to learn to play a musical instrument after hearing John play; a number of them also mentioned how much they enjoyed learning about the music and history of this era. His rapport with the audience, especially on an afternoon in late June, was impressive!”
__ - Jim Pietras, Principal, East Meadow School, Granby, MA
__“Mr. Root is an upbeat, enthusiastic and talented entertainer. I would recommend him highly to any school or organization. ”
__ - Daniel J. Murphy, Principal, Sherman Elementary School, Sherman, CT
John has presented programs at the following elementary schools in New England:
CONNECTICUT
Sherman: Sherman School
MASSACHUSETTS
Becket Consolidated School; Belchertown: Chestnut Hill School, Swift River School;
Chicopee: Bowe School, Lambert-Lavoie School; 
Clarksburg Elementary School;
Easthampton: Center School, Neil A. Pepin School; Granby: East Street School; Greenfield: Green River School, Newton School; Hadley Elementary School; Hatfield: Breor Elementary School; Holyoke: Donahue School, Lawrence Elementary School, E.N. White School; Hubbardston: Hubbardston Center School; Huntington: Littleville Elementary School Lawrence: Rollins School; Lee: St. Mary’s School; Leyden: Pearl Rhodes Elementary School; Ludlow: East Street School, Veterans Park School; Marlborough Intermediate Elementary School; Otis: Farmington River School; Springfield: Armory Street School, Homer Street School, Samuel Bowles School, William N. DeBerry School; Ware: Stanley M. Koziol School; Sunderland Elementary School; Warren Elementary School; West Brookfield Elementary School; West Springfield: Mittineague School; West Stockbridge: Stockbridge Plain School; Westfield: Abner Gibbs School, Paper Mill School; Westminster: Westminster Elementary School; Worcester: Belmont School, Chandler Magnet School; Wrentham: Delaney School
