Children’s entertainer Debbie Cavalier of Debbie and Friends uses original songs to tell stories that children know and love. With the recent release of her debut CD, Story Songs and Sing Alongs, Debbie has made a splash in the children and family music world.
Debbie has been making music with kids for over 20 years. She has worked with some of the world’s greatest icons in children’s music entertainment and education throughout her music publishing tenure. These pillars of children’s music include Shari Lewis, Buffalo Bob Smith of Howdy Doody, and Sesame Street-famed music teacher, Bob McGrath. Their influence on her songwriting and her creative approach to sharing music with children is evident.
Debbie studied music and music education at Berklee College of Music, where she is now the Dean of Continuing Education. She was a classroom music teacher for many years and brings that experience to every performance.
A live Debbie and Friends show is ideal for families and elementary schools. Kids love her energy, and appreciate the interesting array of music and instruments that she brings to each show, including keyboard, all sorts of hand percussion, energetic and sometimes zany backing vocalists, saxophones, banjo, fiddle, flute, and whistles. Performances includes a variety of styles, from straight-ahead pop, to country, to rock, to reggae, all delivered by a band of musicians who are clearly there because they love it.
Debbie’s songs are engaging, interactive, fun, and educational. Her family concerts and school performances include lots of singing and dancing for children, parents, and teachers alike. Many say that Debbie and Friends’ performances are all about making music together and having a great time!
Everyone is invited to participate in this interactive concert experience. Kids enjoy being the Big Bad Wolf, fixing Rosie’s wrong rhymes, and showing off their listening skills with the “Simon Says,” song. Like everyone’s favorite teacher, Debbie connects with her audience and respects kids for the people they are. Her warmth is sincere and her radiance downright contagious. Kids love being active participants in every song, and the audience is as much a part of the show as Debbie and her band. The show are all about making music together and having a great time!
Debbie and Friends has been performing in the greater Boston area for two years, and are starting to branch out regionally and will work towards national tours so that they can reach as many children and families through music as possible. The goal of Debbie and Friends is to help children and families connect through fun, positive interactive musical experiences.
Debbie and Friends’ debut CD, Story Songs and Sing Alongs was released in the fall of 2007, and has won nine National Awards including:
AWARDS
2009 Boston Children’s Music Favorite Performance Award
2009 IMA Award, Children’s Song Category
2008 Parents’ Choice Approved Award
2008 iParenting Media Award
2008 The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award
2008 Creative Child Magazine Approved Award
2008 Mr. Dad Approval Award
2008 American Library Association Finalist, Notable Audio Award
2007 Dove Foundation Award
2007, 2008, 2009 ASCAP Plus Award
The Debbie and Friends Band