Wendy and DB are pioneers in crafting a blues-inspired space within children's music. They passionately introduce the love of blues to the next generation of young musicians and families. Through their use of folklore and song, Wendy and DB inspire and excite young musicians, encouraging their growth. Their unique energy shines through as they bring the enchantment of ukulele, guitar, and their voices to vibrant live performances tailored for families and young individuals of all ages!
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The band is a group of musicians that back up Wendy and DB – they include Dean Rolando, Geoffrey Lowe, Kenny "Beady Eyes" Smith, Rafe Bradford, and Dennis Calito!
Wendy Morgan has been performing children’s music on the North Shore for over 10 years and a singer/songwriter for over 20 years. She started with a program at the Wilmette Park District, making music with kids, and it blossomed into a fun music show which the whole community can enjoy! She loves performing children’s music because she feels it is suited to her energy. Recently, Wendy and DB’s CD, Pockets Seasons Rhymes & Reasons, was released. Wendy’s lyrics for the album were inspired by the kids she plays with every day and being a mother.
Darryl Boggs has been making music professionally for over 30 years. He has worked in the private and public school systems where he has taught band, choir and classroom music. Presently, he is doing all of these in his district. Special attention has been given to his primary level classes where he found his love of creating songs for young children. Pockets, Seasons, Rhymes & Reasons is his first CD as a composer and lyricist.
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Dean Rolando has been an in-demand pianist in the Chicago area for 40 years. He has had the pleasure of working with and backing up the likes of Garth Brooks, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, and The Manhattan Transfer, just to name a few. Dean regularly works with Wendy at The Vocal Gymnasium as her pianist for many children’s programs.
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Rafe Bradford A Chicago native who has made both New York and Los Angeles home. Rafe is an industry veteran who plays and records with notables such as Luther Vandross, Nancy Wilson, David Foster, Mc Coy Tyner, and many others. Rafe has performed in the pit of many shows including THE WHIZ, THE MIKADO, and BEEHIVE in New York. He was in the house band for the Bonnie Hunt Show where he performed with Paul Shaffer.
Dennis Calito has been a percussionist since the age of ten. He has the distinction of playing with Latin greats Grupo Niche, Willy Torres, Kevin Ceballo, and many more. He has taught percussion for Columbia College Chicago, and currently runs percussion clinics for Chicago Public Schools, teaching kids about percussion instruments and rhythms from around the world.
Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith is also a world-famous, multi-award-winning blues drummer extraordinaire who in 2011 won a Grammy award for his remarkable work on Joined at The Hip with Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. Kenny had the honor and privilege of contributing to that project through songwriting and drumming. He is delighted that his accomplishments and talents were recognized by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
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