Accordionist Jane Christison brings light, laughter, and fun to all of her performances. She is very busy with many performances appealing to all ages. She said, “I had a lot of fun in November being part of the National Accordion Symphony rehearsals and concerts, directed by Gene Van, in South Bend, Indiana. It was really fun to rehearse and spend time with accordion friends as well as meet some new ones.”
Accordionist and singer Jane Christison is known for her trademarked “Music With A Smile®.” Her performances are filled with personality and an enthusiasm for playing the accordion that shines through.
Jane enjoys sharing her music with seniors in upbeat and engaging 45-minute “Music With A Smile®”programs at retirement communities and nursing homes.
Jane enjoys wearing costumes and playing music for theme parties, open house events, conventions and other celebrations. She is introducing a whole new generation to the joy of music by writing songs for children and performing as “Janie Next Door®.”
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 and workshop presenter at:
• The National Accordion Association, Inc.
• The Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG)
• The American Accordionists’ Association
• The Las Vegas International Accordion Convention
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™.”
As a member of the UMKC Accordionaires, Jane traveled and performed with USO Shows in 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.
Her next trip is to the National Accordion Association’s annual convention in Richardson, Texas where she is on the schedule for a performance during the Circle of Champions Concert on Thursday night, March 10, 2016.
On Friday, March 11, 2016, I’ll be presenting my workshop “Squeezing Money Out of Your Accordion.” On Saturday, March 12th, Jane was invited to be one of the judges for the N.A.A.’s Rising Stars Competitions for Kids and also assist Brian Berlin with an Accordion Workshop for Kids. Jane said, “I’ve always said that the NAA feels like a family reunion, so I’m looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces.”
On March 26. 2016, she will perform at the Bunny Extravaganza at the Sylvester Powell, Jr. Community Center, 6200 Martway, Mission, KS, from 10-11:AM. It is a free family event also including egg hunts, clowns, balloon artists and more!
On March 26, 2016 from 3-3:45 PM, Janie Next Door will offer playful original songs that engage children with a tuneful bounce and irresistible rhythms performed by Jane on her accordion. The event takes place at the Mid-Continent Public Library, Camden Point Branch, 401 Hardesty, Camden Point, MO.
Jane will perform at the First Wednesday Children’s Corner, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, Overland Park, KS, on July 6, 2016 from 10-10:30 AM. It will be a morning of fun, free, and happy entertainment for kids.
Bonner Springs City Library, 201 N. Nettleton Avenue, Bonner Springs, KS. will feature Jane an her accordion on July 9, 2016 from 11-11:30 AM.
For more information:
janec@musicwithasmile.com
