About the Artists ~ Brian and Susan
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[Jump to: Susan's Bio]
Brian Chevalier and Susan Hamlin are two of the Southern Adirondack’s most endearing and respected children's musicians.
They have over 40 years combined experience performing before audiences of all ages, as solo touring and recording artists
and in groups performing everything from pop, folk and reggae to traditional Gaelic.
Brian and Susan completed the Albany/Schenectady League of Arts Mentoring Program for Artist Educators in the early 1990s. They started writing songs and presenting educational programs together in the mid-1990s, bringing their hand-crafted songs and
programs to schools across New York and New England. Their programs have been awarded numerous grants,
including Capital Region Center For Arts In Education, Creative Connections, NYSCA Decentralization and other public and corporate grants.
Brian and Susan's love of children, professionalism and positive approach to songwriting are keys to their success.
When asked, "Why do you like to perform in the schools?" Brian and Susan answer,
"Plenty of reasons... First, we just love to play music. We think hearing and singing different kinds of music is a good
thing for children. Studies show that music helps academic and social skills. Most of all, music is just plain FUN!"
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Brian Chevalier
Brian (Chip) Chevalier has 30 years of experience as a performer, and has been a full-time musician for the past 23 years. He studied classical guitar at Keene State College in NH. Brian has worked extensively throughout United States.
A seasoned veteran, Brian does more than 350 shows a year! He works with audiences of all ages, and performs in such venues as schools, colleges, nursing homes, concerts, clubs and TV.
"Absolutely Adirondack", a popular CD featuring Brian's original music, was released in 2000. Brian is an experienced artist educator and offers performances, multi-day songwriting residencies and workshops throughout the upstate NY region. He has appeared on T V Channel 13, Albany, NY with Mark Mulholland and a group of children for "Make a difference day." Brian's website: www.songspun.com
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Susan Hamlin
Susan Hamlin is a full-time professional singer, guitarist, songwriter, and recording artist.
She is one of the Northeast’s most respected performers of American and Celtic roots music,
from coffeehouse to radio to concert stage. Her children’s programs have been featured on
WNYT TV Channel 13 "Forum" with Benita Zahn and on WTEN Channel 10 “Children First.” She has classroom experience as a public school music teacher, creative art therapy teacher for developmentally disabled children (preK-12) and Certified Orff Schulwerk instructor at the Community Music School of Buffalo.
As a regular guest on Paul Elisha's WAMC "Performance Place," Susan joined traditional musicians and poets from both sides of the Pond, including All Ireland whistle champion Mike McHale and Vincent Dowling, Lifetime Associate Director and former Artistic Director of the Ireland's National Theatre- The Abbey Theatre.
Susan's self-produced CDs “Younger Than The Sun” (2002) and “Magic” (1999) were
released to critical acclaim and extensive airplay on folk and public radio across the US and overseas.
Susan's website: www.susanhamlin.com
"Stunning performances" — Paul Elisha, Host, WAMC/Northeast Public Radio;"
"Impressive original songs"— Times Union
"One moment Susan Hamlin's voice is warm
and comforting, reminiscent of sitting around a roaring fire. The next moment it's as elusive and
bright as watching a shooting star dance through the sky."
-- Monique Fretto, The Times Union,
Albany, NY
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