"If you are searching for a way to reach every student
with an unforgettable, creative, musical, hilarious
experience, invite Old Alkali — Last of the 49ers to your classroom. He knows his stuff when it comes to the history and music of California Gold Rush era. For
many years now, I've watched the faces of my fourth
graders light up with excitement as they learned about
the Gold Rush through Rick Toles' 'eyewitness' account of life on the trail and in the diggins. I couldn't imagine teaching 4th grade Social Studies without Old Alkali."
Teresa Michel, teacher
Valley Oaks Elementary School
Galt, California
...Outstanding! ...Combined audience
participation with humor, education, and
musical fun!
Gail Kulhavym, Program Manager
California Gold Discovery to Statehood
Sesquicentennial Committee
“...I believe this was the best program we ever had. The history of the gold rush and the area was presented in a most delightful and varied way. The music and instruments, and information about both, were presented in a way that kept the attention of all."
Elaine Channel
President
Friends of Nevada County Libraries
"Through Rick Toles' Alkali fast-paced and fascinating performance, thirty 4th-graders were by turns incredulous, open-mouthed, wondering, amazed, and howling with laughter. Through a seamless mixture of tall tales, folklore,
fine musicianship, and historical accuracy, the children received an unforgettable experience of Gold Rush times.
I appreciated immensely Alkali's appeal to the imagination, and highly recommend this experience."
David Weber, teacher
San Francisco Waldorf School
San Francisco, California
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"Alkali — Last of the 49ers, is a treat for teachers and especially kids. He's performed twice for us, and each time the students are rapt. The performance is part historical narrative, part story-telling, part music and song, part interaction with the
crowd. I appreciate Rick's historical accuracy, and the kids
appreciate the quick and unerring pace of the performance. As one of the few sesquicentenarians still above ground, Alkali
keeps thing moving right along. He charmed the socks off
everybody. Don't miss this!"
Bruce Cuningham
Shirley Rominger Intermediate School
Winters, California
Spring Creek Elementary would like to offer you our
sincere thanks for coming and presenting at our school
during Western Folklife Week. Your Presence sends a
wonderful message to our students. We feel that your
assembly proved that history and information related to
it can be fun and so very interesting! Our students were
totally taken with you and your expertise with so many
musical instruments.
Spring Creek Elementary
Western Folklife Committee
Elko, Nevada
2005
Dear Rick,
Thanks so much for coming to our school again this year. The class loves the way you make music & history come alive. We hope to see you again next year.
Susan Parker
P. 8 Bridge Street
Your presentation was even better than we hoped it
would be. The students were so impressed and
"connected". You taught them so much more about
the Gold Rush with your humor, music and actions
than they could ever learn through their reading.
Michele Madoski
August Knodt Elementary
Stockton, California
Rick has come to Vencil Brown Elementary twice and presented entertaining and informative programs, integrating music and social studies for our K-5 students. Rick plays ten or twelve different instruments for his audiences and connects their origin and evolution with the history of America and California. His assemblies are spiced with humor; he sometimes assumes the persona of a 49er. He always takes time to answer student's questions. Our students and staff loves Rick Toles! I highly recommend him!!
Pete Clark, Principle