 CHILD Magazine calls her energy and enthusiasm “contagious” and named Dana as one of the “Top Five Kids’ Singers You Should Know”. Children across America already know this dynamic and popular entertainer and have been singing, stomping, jumping and cheering as Dana tours the nation with her upbeat tunes and bubbly personality. Incorporating both familiar favorites and original songs from her five hot-selling recordings, Dana’s performances stimulate imaginations, inspire interaction and introduce children to nearly every style of music.
Dana's recordings have won numerous national awards and wide critical acclaim. She has received two coveted Parents' Choice Awards, and for four consecutive years, her recordings won the prestigious National Parenting Publications Gold Award (NAPPA) for best new children's music of the year. CHILD Magazine featured her "Sing & Swing-A-Long Tunes" and "Rock & Roll Fairy Tales" as the "Best of '97" and "Best of '99" respectively. Additionally, she has received Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Product Award of 1997, 1998 and 1999. Children around the world twice honored Dana with their votes, awarding her the Children's Music Web Award: Best Music For Young Children. Early Childhood News named her a winner of the 2001 Director’s Choice Award. Dana's recordings are distributed to specialty stores and retail chains nationwide.
Dana began her career starring in Broadway musicals in regional and stock productions around the country. A gifted pianist and songwriter, she entertained for many years on the New York and European cabaret scenes. In 1994, she was inspired by the birth of her first nephew, Tyler, and began to focus her songwriting and performance skills exclusively on the young audiences with whom she has always felt a special connection. Buoyed by the success of her debut album, “Gather Your Dreams”, Dana made a commitment to bring high quality, meaningful and fun music to children and started her own record label called Real Music For Kidz. Her company name has since changed and is now Swiggle Ditties Entertainment.
What began as a gift of lullabies for her nephew has now grown into five well-received recordings and a hectic touring schedule. Dana now travels extensively, bringing her participation-oriented, zany style to major festivals, theaters, museums, zoos, malls and stores across the United States. “I sometimes think I’m having even more fun than the kids are!” Dana laughs. “Singing with and for children is such a rewarding experience. It’s gratifying to see the kids immediately respond and jump into the music—literally! I feel lucky to have found such a joyful niche.”
Dana is often accompanied on the road by her sensational band of Broadway musicians and her lovable costumed character dog, “Rowdy”. Dana describes him as a mischievous, silly, fun and very huggable doggie. “Rowdy appears on my recordings and I received so many inquiries about him from the children, that I figured it would be fun to include him in the live performances. Now, of course, he is stealing my show!” says Dana. “He adds a wonderful new level of interaction and goofiness to the show, and allows us to explore the importance of friendship, trust and sharing.”
Upcoming projects include a new recording and a series of live action videos. Dana recently moved from the New York City area to Washington State where she lives with her husband, Jason and their toddler, Jack. And, of course… Rowdy!
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