Biography

DAN, THE MUSIC MAN is an 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! Dan the Music Man has released four acclaimed albums to date and performed to over a million children and families from coast to coast!

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 and his family live in the dynamic, multicultural and cosmopolitan city of Toronto.

As a young man, Dan traveled from coast to coast in Canada, through the United States and the Caribbean, playing with bands and as a solo singer/guitarist, perfecting his musicianship and developing a unique ability to entertain.

Recalling his first invitation to perform at a young audience event in the early '90s, "For the first time in over ten years of performing, I was nervous and absolutely terrified! I was asked to write 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 live show! I looked out at this sea of young faces and just 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. "From the outset, I tried to create a style of music, a show and an atmosphere in which the children, parents, teachers and care givers could all truly enjoy themselves, together. No parents reading paperbacks at these shows! It's fun for the kids but is really fun when we bring out the kids at heart!" says Dan.

Dan has learned the 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration rule of his craft. Starting with his debut album, Make a Bridge, Dan has constructed a studio, become a recording engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, kids choir director and reluctant record company president.

The gap between Dan the Music Man CD's is filled with Dan's new gig as a producer and recording engineer on other artists' albums. Dan has produced and recorded three albums for other artists in this period and is currently working on more exciting projects!

Dan deeply respects his audience. His message is one of unity, imagination, merriment and the magic of youth. Dan says, "I love to hear that families 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!"