Writing songs for children or adults and composing on guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer and harmonica, my style is best classified as “Roots” – a combination of Folk, Blues, Bluegrass, and Country (with a little Latin and Reggae thrown in).

My song-writing interests began early in life and I have written poetry and short stories since I was very young.  I love reading and my first goal was to be a writer;  I believe this has helped me hone my skills as a lyricist. My influences include Tom Chapin, Bob Dylan, Jim Cuddy, Valdy, the Beatles, Willie P. Bennett and Ken Whitely from whom I learned how to mix “wordsmithing” with harmonic melody.

In 1973, I experienced my first interaction with Street Theatre when I saw a juggler at a festival in Duncan, BC. I was amazed by his energy and possession of the crowd and knew immediately that performing was something I wanted to do. Becoming a parent in 1976 sparked an interest in writing children’s songs. 

My fun-filled up-tempo songs for children and families are performed and written with audience participation in mind. They are stamped with positive messages and are written in the proper keys and tempos for children between the ages of 4 -10 and their families to remember and enjoy. 

In 1980, I met the wonderful and talented Topper the Clown, who mentored and guided me to become a gentle, good-natured hobo clown in the tradition of Red Skelton. 

I also received additional training in vocal development, composition and improvisational comedy at the renowned Second City and at the wonderful Theatre Resource with Pachinko in Toronto. 

All the threads pulled together and I discovered my character: “Ish” (an acronym for “I Share Happiness”) - a Children’s Singer-Songwriter, Storyteller, Balloon-Sculpting Artist, Clown and Comedic Performer - an off the wall mix of zany Steve Martin, gentle Mr. Dress-Up and musically Jim Cuddy meets Raffi.

From 1984-86, I hosted, wrote and recorded the soundtrack for my own weekly children’s show, “The Be-Bop & Bubblegum Show” on the CBC affiliate Mid Canada TV, providing two new songs for every show for the duration of its run. I still enjoy hosting special events as an M.C. as well as hosting Songwriters’ Cafés and Tiny Talent Time Events.

In 1989, I hung up my clown shoes and embarked on a 25 year career as a Family and Children’s Entertainer. I have toured in BC and across Canada, performing at over 3,000 Children’s Festivals, Folk and Community Festivals, Country Fairs, Community Theatres, Schools, Libraries, Daycares, Seniors Centres, Hospitals, Corporate and Charitable Special Events as well as for Ontario Library Service, Festivals Ontario, and as far north as Nunavut with Canada Council.

I also toured twice throughout British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan with Master Illusionist Murray Hatfield, appearing in 26 Sold-out Shows and have appeared on radio and television doing guest spots and telethons on CBC and TVO Kids Canada. 

Throughout the years I also played numerous special-skills-characters and cameo roles in feature films, commercials and rock videos shown nationally and abroad. 

As well, I always made time for Volunteer Community Involvement by appearing on behalf of various Non-Profit Associations and Community Service Organizations.

Over the years of performing, I shared the stage and/or recorded with such well-known adult and children’s performers as Fred Penner, Charlotte Diamond, Fred Garbo, Eric Nagler, Robert Munsch, Norman Foote, Markus, Ken Whitely, Chris Whitely, Rick Scott, Tom Chapin, Rankin Family, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ronnie Hawkins, Sherman Doucette, and many others.

Whether I'm playing for kids, families or grown-ups, my shows are positive, upbeat, interactive, and just plain fun.  Also, tapping into the skills developed during my varied history, I continue to host events as an M.C., and pass on my skills providing Clowning, Balloon-Sculpting, Songwriting & Dulcimer Workshops at festivals, fairs, schools and libraries, etc. 

In the past, I have facilitated monthly “Music and Laughter” sessions for two branches of the Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. I am thankful for this opportunity, for I have come to realize how important Music and Comedic Theatre is, in both Adults and Children's lives.

Even though my focus is playing in concert format, I still have that passion (sparked in 1973) for sharing my music, improvisation and balloon-sculpting talents at Street Theatre or Walk-Around venues – it’s immediate and intimate and continues to give me great joy to this day.

I am presently being booked at Festivals and Special Events locally, as well as across Canada, doing what I love to do the best – entertaining and promoting good will, while sharing my gifts as a singer-songwriter & storyteller.

Thanks for taking the time to read this through. Have a nice day!