Dan Devion is . . . The Music Man!

Children and families delight in a musical adventure that stretches the imagination and tickles the funny bone to inspire that crucial ingredient- audience participation!  The audience is drawn into a magical world filled with emotions and the rhythms of music.

Performing on guitar and vocals, Dan enriches his music with the latest in sound technology, creating an extremely dynamic performance. From talented solo guitarist, to Rock'n roll band leader, (filled out with junior audience volunteers), to Calypso Jam Master, Dan is our ambassador on a trip around the world.

The accent is on participation, comedy, and entertainment.  A proven mix of original songs, seasonal Christmas, and classic family favourites make up Dan, The Music Man!

Dan has appeared on C.B.C., Global and CHCH television and has performed to audiences from coast to coast in Canada, The U.S. and even the islands of Bermuda and St. Maarten! Dan performs over 125 shows per year!

Dan's unique and enjoyable show will make every family event an success.




BIOGRAPHY

DAN, THE MUSIC MAN is a rising star -- fresh and original. A songwriter and entertainer whose enthusiastic performances have made him a favourite of family audiences all over his native Canada, the United States and as far away as Seoul, South Korea. 1998 was a banner year of accomplishment for Dan as he released Make a Bridge, his debut album for young audiences to critical acclaim. Dan's much anticipated second album Safety Neighbourhood was released in the fall of 2000 in partnership with the Kidsure Safety Network. Dan will release his third collection of wonderful songs and ideas guaranteed to spark the imaginations of children and their families, in the spring of 2002.

Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Daniel Devion has lived in many of the cities of Canada. Dan pleaded for his first guitar at age 12 and began a life long adventure with music. Dan now makes Toronto his home.

As a young man, Dan traveled from coast to coast in Canada, through the United States and even the Caribbean perfecting his musicianship and unique ability to entertain.

Recalling his first invitation to perform at a young audience event, "For the first time in over ten years of performing, I was nervous and absolutely terrified! I had written a theme song for a Children's Variety Show in Pickering, Ontario. The song ended up on TV and radio as an advertising jingle. Through an unexpected turn of events, I suddenly found myself the M.C. and first act of the show! I looked out at this sea of young faces and apprehensively began to play. I was overwhelmed by the responsiveness of the children and how eager they were to get involved, truly enjoying the fun of it all."

Dan hasn't been nervous since. A fond connection with this new young audience was born. Struck by a fact that too often seems to be missed, he noticed that a large number of adults accompany these children. "From the outset, I tried to create a style of music, a show and an atmosphere in which children, parents, care givers and teachers alike could all enjoy themselves. It's for the kids, but let's not forget who brought them there." says Dan.

Inspired to write the songs on Make a Bridge while conducting music programs in schools and day care centres in the Toronto area, Dan says, "Magical things would just happen during these music programs. The kids would say something, or an idea would just pop into my head and I would literally have the framework for a song on the spot."

Dan was soon to learn the 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration rule of creating an album. In the two year period from inception to completion, Dan constructed a studio with a partner, became a recording engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, choir director and record company president, while maintaining a busy performance schedule. The Safety Neighbourhood project was important to Dan as it is music that could actually encourage children to play it safe. "This album was a labour of love," said Dan, "I love the idea that children can learn things from this record that could actually save their lives. If even one child avoids harm because of something learned from Safety Neighbourhood, I'll consider it a bigger success then all the platinum records in the world stacked together!"

"The performances were the only encouragement I needed to keep it going," says Dan, "as the songs were finished, I'd perform them to find out if I was truly getting the message through in an entertaining and fun way."

Dan deeply respects his audience. His message is one of unity, imagination, merriment and the magic of youth. Dan says, "I hope that families will enjoy this music together. When I see parents laughing, participating and really having fun at the shows with their children, I see them rediscover a little of what their kids feel every day! It's truly a wonderful thing to be a part of!"