Accordionist Jane Christison, “Janie Next Door,” is the new kid on the block of Kansas City’s children’s performers.  On Sunday, May 29, 2011, she performed at the Kansas City Jiggle Jam, the nation’s largest independent family music festival. Attendance was estimated to be 25,000+ for the two-day event.

Since the 2010 CD release of “Come Sing Along with Janie Next Door,” Jane has been introducing the accordion to the preschool set in the Kansas City area, playing entertaining, musical programs that have the kids singing, clapping, dancing, marching and having fun with her original songs as well as some traditional children’s favorites. 

Jane was also the featured performer at the KC Baby & Kid Fest held on Saturday, May 14, 2011. 

Jane Christison is an accomplished accordionist and entertainer, playing and singing many styles of music. She performs upbeat and engaging 45-minute programs for seniors groups, retirement communities and nursing homes. Her personality and enthusiasm for playing the accordion are in demand as well for conventions, theme parties and other celebrations.

Jane studied serious accordion literature with Joan Cochran Sommers at the University of Missouri- Kansas City Conservatory of Music and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in accordion performance. She has been featured as a guest artist at accordion festivals throughout the US, performing and presenting workshops.

Video versions of two of her workshops, “Playing the Accordion for Fun and Fame!” and “Squeezing Money Out of Your Accordion” are available through her company, Music With A Smile Productions, L.L.C., as is her children’s CD “Come Sing Along with Janie Next Door.”

She feels fortunate to have been able to combine two of her favorite things, music and travel. As a member of USO Shows, she toured the Far East, playing at military bases in Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Taiwan, the Philippines and Guam. A second USO tour took her to the Azores and Germany. As a member of the UMKC Accordion Orchestra, Jane has performed in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, Scotland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Italy.

The CD can be purchased online at www.janienext.door.com.
For more information: janec@musicwithasmile.com