Testimonials
Those of us in the audience who were living through the Kennedy years weren't necessarily paying attention to the history making events that were happening around us. We may not remember John Kennedy's speeches, even if we listened to them at the time. His words, however, spoken by Mike Lowe in the voice we instantly recognize, have new meaning to our older selves, as we reflect on the changes to our country over the last four decades. The "JFK Experience" is expertly crafted and performed. It was a memorable evening.
Sharon Wood
Fiske Free Library, Claremont, NH
Mike Lowe calls his presentation the "JFK Experience" and the title is perfect. While he spends some time explaining the speeches of Candidate and subsequent President John F. Kennedy, when he delivers the speeches, it is the late JFK that you hear and thus you are "experiencing" the historical moment. The audience loved the program and I would highly recommend Mike for your library program.
Janet Angus
Director, Merrimack Public Library
Merrimack, New Hampshire
We hired Mike to present, as a special guest, at one of our Toasmasters meetings, and he did a terrific job capturing President Kennedy's demeanor! Our entire audience thoroughly enjoyed his performance.
He possesses great acting skills and a wealth of fascinating background information about JFK and the historical context in which he lived. JFK was a masterful speaker, and Mike Lowe does him great justice by keeping his speeches alive. I'd recommend him for groups that are looking for a way to inspire or entertain.
Joy Reo
President Alcott Toasmasters
Concord, MA
I would like to thank you for the program you did for the Norman Rockwell Museum on March 8,2008. The audience was captivated by your presentation hanging on every word that you delivered. You brought Kennedy back to life for some and animated a figure in history for others, what a remarkable talent.
Touching on important moments during Kennedy's life and linking them to historic events and then weaving them into the fabric of everyday life. Your program had something for everyone...World history, the Civil Rights movement, the Space Race and (Kennedy) family dynamics. You created a vivid potrait of Kennedy worthy of being in any museum. Thank you for exceeding our expectations with your research, professionalism and, of course, your memorable performance. I can only imagine how hard it is to emulate a person who many remember and cherish. We look forward to working with you again.
Thomas C. Daly
Curator of Education
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, MA
Mike's "JFK Experience" is a remarkable product derived from his unique talents and passions. Mike's reverence for the historical record and his meticulousness in research and preparation, combined with his astounding talent for re-creating President Kennedy's words, cadence and tone give rise to a visceral emotion that approaches awe.
The "JFK Experience" is entertaining of cousre, but it's also highly educational and thought-provoking. I know of no one else who can do what Mike does with the sense of authenticity and respect with which he brings to a performance.
David Greene
Maynard, MA
There are very few performances I would drive through a snowstorm to hear. Mike Lowe's "JFK Experience" has inspired me with each hearing to think and act as a better person. The resurrection of these speeches should be regular reading in civic classes today. To have them re-created and brought to life on stage will bring meaning to one's life....thanks for lifting up my heart...great stuff.
Seth Connelly
New Hampshire
I just wanted to tell you that both my wife and I can still recall with a great deal of feeling your impression of President John F. Kennedy at the JFK Lancer banquet in Dallas. Quite honestly, it was the emotional highlight of the conference. I cannot put into words how listening to you affected us.....Watching you, I felt like I was actually seeing JFK speak those important words. Listening, I could swear that he was actually on the stage. My wife had the same reaction. It was a very emotional experience and very sad, but, most of all, a very beautiful experience.
Nicholas & Margaret Anez
Rhode Island
Mike Lowe's presentation of the JFK Experience was an informative and sensory trip to an earlier time. He carefully explained the historical background for each of the speeches. His delivery of each speech permitted the audience to enjoy the extraordinary well-crafted writing of Sorensen and Kennedy and to listen to the unique cadence of Kennedy's speaking voice. Mike's inclusion of Kennedy's biting wit and sense of irony made the evening an unforgettable one.
Libby Franck
Host OutSpoken Word Series
Amazing Things Art Center, Framingham, MA
Hi Mike:
Your strong presentation at the Framingham Amazing Things Art Center - Outspoken Word Night - of JFK and his years was both stimulating and delightful. The "delights" were clearly the result of your own sense of his wry humor and extraordinary energy in that period of time.
And your separate narration of the particular events and different people of that time made it more even more memorable. We all left with a feeling that JFK's spontaneity was a rare gift then and you embodied all of this your presentation. Thanks so much, Mike. We look forward to more of this kind of "history-telling." Yours,
Linda and Joseph Havel
There could be no better place than Corcord, MA. to get back in touch with national loyalty and pride. And no better way than while listening to the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy as recreated by Mike Lowe at his recent performance. To a fascinated and enthralled audience, Lowe delivered inspiring speeches originally conceived by and written for the late President Kennedy.
As a professional artist, the high point came for me during the delivery of the speech - "Importance of the Arts" - originally give by JFK in Amherst, MA. in 1963. Closing my eyes to take in the subtle shades of meaning expressed in brilliantly chosen, expertly conveyed words, I felt my purpose. I felt renewed. I felt lucky to be able to live my dream, and proud of being part of a nation that has so many strengths in abundance that culture has room to flourish.
Considering that justice and peace sometimes seem to be ignored, I was reassured to hear the words of a strong former president, and in doing so being reminded that true leadership has existed....and therefore will again.
I look forward to the time when, "Where were you when JFK was shot?" will be replaced with, "Where were you when you fully understoood JFK's message of peace?" Listening to this great leader's words, so brilliiantly recreated by Mike Lowe, brings that day closer.
Marilyn Wallin
Resident artist/violinmaker
Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts
A letter to the editor, The Concord Journal , Concord, MA April 5, 2007
At the Emerson Umbrella last Saturday night, theatergoers were transported back to a time when we were young, when our national leaders were the envy of the world, and when, as a nation, we were bold enough to take on new frontiers.
Storyteller Mike Lowe was our guide. He portrayed President Kennedy's words in the context and intonation as the president had: talking about his religion in the Deep South during his campaign, his dreams for America on the day of his inauguration, and his firce confrontation with totalitarian force during his famous speech in Berlin.
Mike Lowe's representation of a speech President Kennedy gave at Amherest College was particularly striking. In it we were reminded how much the president was influenced by all the arts and by poetry in particular. Poetry provided that leader an insight into power that spoke to the soul and guided the president through crushing moments of impossible choices. Kennedy celebrated artistic individualism and the power it gave to foster a different, sometimes contrary, view of the world.
So I would like to thank Carrie Flood andCarol Krauss for all the work they do to keep an arts center like Emerson Umbrella such an integral part of Concord's cultural community. I would also like to commend Mike Lowe for his brilliant performance and, through President Kennedy's words, giving me my country back.
Cory Atkins
Massachusetts State Representative
What a wonderful and refreshing suprise your speech was last night. I just kind of put my head down and imagined I was hearing Jack...right there in the room. As a student of American history with over a thousand volumes in my library (at least fifty books on Jack alone) there are many presidents I respect. But only a few I could say I really LOVE.
They are wonderful speeches, deserve to be heard again, and the way you do it is really uniques and wonderful. It's like getting to hear Jack Kennedy speak, especially for those of us who never got to.
Tom Moor
http://www.townonline.com/brewster/arts/8998966556100657151
Click the link above to read a press review.
Mike Lowe’s portrayal President Kennedy is awe-inspiring! He has captured the character of the man in speech, body language, and demeanor. He brings JFK to life in his well-selected speeches. He also slips in and out of the role between speeches, using such devices as separate mikes, to step back and give the audience some background information. He draws the audience in with mock press conferences, which enable the audience to interact in a “live” situation.
Mike’s presentation is suitable for audiences of all ages; he can adapt his program to schools, conferences and conventions, library programs, political functions and more. Mike’s portrayal of JFK is stronger and more convincing each time I see him. I could easily see him touring nationally much as portrayers of Mark Twain and others have done. He can dominate any stage, no matter how large the audience.
Mike inspires his audience, presenting to us the courage, vision, and convictions of a very extraordinary president. I look forward to the opportunity to present Mike in performance again. I encourage others to do the same!
Ellen F. Schmidt
Musician/ Producer
Host of the Emerson Umbrella and
Continental Café Open Mikes
Mike Lowe's recreation of the speeches of President John F. Kennedy are powerful and impressive. The accuracy of his voice and passionate emotion uncannily caputure the essence of JFK. In addition, his ability to provide interesting context and background information on the speeches adds to the power of the performance. I now feel like I was there for JFK's speeches, instead of only hearing them on the radio or small black and white TV. The experience is quite a bit more satisfying than "Mission Accomplished".
Mike Delaney
Singer-Songwriter and host of the
Java Jo's open mike in Jamaica Plain, MA.
www.mikedelaney.org.
Mike Lowe is eloquent, inspirational and convincing in his re-enactment of JFK as one of our country's most gifted presidential speakers. He not only transports us to the past days of Kennedy's presidency, but also drives us forward in feeling hopeful for our future by reminding us of such important messages of hope for our world and for all of us as human beings to strive to live by. Thanks to Mike, many of JFK's guiding words will stay close to us in thought and heart.
Cheryl Perreault, Ed.D.
Spoken word artist and co-producer of
"Wake up and Smell the Poetry"
Besides being awestruck by Mike Lowe`s re-inactment of President Kennedy`s speeches, my reaction was "wow". This performer has something much bigger to contribute than a performance alone.
Mike`s self-assured delivery of these classic speeches, (all from memory) is an arresting experience. He takes you back to a time when a President had the ability to move people with hope and vision. I thought how valuable a gift it would be for our young kids to hear these words portrayed live, in character, and in the style and eloquence of JFK, rendered passionately by Mike Lowe.
David M. Jackson, Marshfield, MA.
I so enjoyed your program and also meeting with you. Great stuff!
Mary Harrington, Hopkinton, MA
Incredibly moving performance,hearing JFK's Civil Rights Address to the Nation reminded one of his incredible courage and leadership. Look forward to seeing you again!!!
Alan Crane, Framingham, MA
I thoroughly enjoyed your rendition of JFK's "Importance of the Arts speech, last evening at Amazing Things Arts Center.
Paul Turner
jazz lyricist
Just listening to Mike's delivery of such important words, I cannot walk away with the feeling that President Kennedy is in the room at this moment talking of this era's uncertain future. The President's words ring true now in 2006 and provoke as much thought as I'm sure they did when they were first spoken. Thank you Mike, for promoting yet another way to help (with hope) guide our world to peace.
Lee Eric Freedman
Tin Box Poets
Swampscott, MA
While hearing you perform a speech in Marblehead, MA., I closed my eyes as you were speaking and I felt truly inspired. It felt as though JFK was actually speaking and the speech that you duplicated was one to which all artists of every type could especially relate.
Frank Ruzzano
You did a great job doing JFK. I loved the speech on art. It needs to be heard.
Dan Cloutier
Framingham, MA
I heard Mr. Lowe recreating JFK three times this year. Each time I was brought to that rare spot where you forget you're looking at an actor because you're all engrossed in the character. The three nights I saw Mr. Lowe were all different speeches, each soaring and amazing speeches such as we don't hear from anyone in government anymore, much less from any president. During the speeches I didn't think at all about where I was that night, or what else I was doing, until the speech was over. I found myself rapt from start to finish. See him more than once if you can; the speeches are each different and all great. One audience member chatting afterward said, "I really, really didn't like JFK, but, wow, he sure had the greatest speechwriters." So JFK admirers and detractors all were transported by the true ring of it. Because this recreation can get across what listening to JFK felt like, it's also illuminating for younger people who never experienced JFK. Mr. Lowe, live, can recreate the JFK experience much better than JFK himself on film. Try it.
Ellis Ralph
As a fellow performer, I have met Mike at several area Open Mics. He is a genuine, warm, and personable gentleman. When he takes the stage you can tell he is a true professional. He immediately draws you in to his performance. His presentation is full of strength, interest, and knowledge - much akin to his material. You can watch the faces in the audience that remember JFK being transported back to a time when a speech did more than fill air time! Those too young to remember are amazed that words can be so moving. The variety of Mike's material keeps you wanting more each time you see him.
Tom Irving
Taunton, MA
We always enjoy seeing you and listening as you bring us back in time.
Helena U.
Assonet, MA
I was transfixed by your performance.
M. Heaton
Chester, NH
You will touch so many people's hearts.
Prudence Humphreys
BACA
Mike, everyone loved your performance - comments like "unique", classy, different and well received. That to me is a big "GO". - Keep up the good work.
Dan Tremblay
Salem, MA
How refreshing to my ears are the words of one who was so dear. President Kennedy, his family, friends, colleagues and constituents would be so proud to know that his legacy is being remembered every time you repeat one of his speeches. Your aura, demeanor, diction and posture, replicates with complete control and without any equivocation, the emotions of such a great man, a man among men, a true leader of the free world; thus rewarding and captivating the audience with such charm and grace of the mastery of the legacy of JFK.
Peter Seltser
Peabody, MA
I really enjoyed your performance. You really had JFK's inflections down!
John Leonard
Maynard, MA
An inspirational delivery…..harkened us back to the days when national and international leaders’ speeches inspired all to action…..Mike’s spellbinding delivery captured everyone’s attention….reminding us how lacking we are today in such inspiring oratory.
Rick Fetters
Host at The Narrows Center for the Arts
Fall River, MA
Don’t change a thing!
Mike brings the spirit of the President to reside among us which is mesmerizing. Kennedy’s words and Mike’s delivery of them are an invocation of Kennedy’s reach. But as anyone who appreciates the theater knows, in the actor there has to be a part of the character from which he, the actor, can draw; and Mike Lowe, as a performer, shows that he has mastery over this difficult part of the thespian’s task: making us accept that a part of JFK resides inside his heart, and that when Mike takes the stage, he and the former president are one.
Daniel William Zampino
www.stonesound.com
Marblehead, MA
Wow, fantastic, an inspiring performance! Our group was mesmerized by the words of JFK as presented by Mike Lowe. The older members of our group, who remembered JFK, were tickled by the warm feelings jogged. The younger ones were awed. Mike involved all members in the room by his passionate countenance. Gauged by the groups’ feedback, Mike’s presentation and JFK’s words were perfect for our event. We look forward to having Mike perform for us again.
Joe Spitz
President
Liberty Packaging, Inc.
Braintree, MA
In the 15 years that I have been producing shows of original work in Provincetown, no performance caught my attention more than Mike Lowe's re-creations of the speeches of John F. Kennedy.
Lowe deftly draws everyone in the room into the words and thoughts of one of the greatest orators of recent American history. The speeches, electrifying on their own, are brought back to life by his well-crafted presentation. Judging from the audiences’ response each week, I can tell you that you won't regret introducing this performer to your stage.
Peter Donnelly
Host at The Mews Restaurant and Café
Provincetown, MA