"His enthusiasm is contagious and his performances would be a wonderful asset to any children's program." - Elizabeth Anderson, Tots and Toddlers, Armonk, NY "...children who are usually reluctant to participate were clapping and dancing." - Barbara Sommer, White Plains Child DayCare Association, Inc., White Plains, NY "...such an entertaining and active program. Everyone had a great time." - Janet Carlson, Children's Librarian, John C. Hart Memorial Library Often touted as "the best children's entertainer" by parents, children and educators, Nino has been working with children for over ten years. He started guitar lessons over 25 years ago, with dreams of being a rock star. After several years of late nights playing in smoky bars with his band, he realized that scene was not for him. After volunteering at a "Head Start for Homeless" program, he decided to go into teaching and studied Early Childhood Education in Graduate School. While teaching at a daycare center he realized that he could combine his love of music and children by performing for them. Then tragedy struck. A four-year-old friend was in a terrible car accident and ended up in a hospital in a coma. In order to do whatever he could to help her recovery, he recorded some of her favorite songs onto a tape in his basement. As she came out of the coma, but was still partially paralyzed, he frequently visited her in the hospital and played songs for her, changing them so she could participate (e.g., "If you're happy and you know it, stick out your tongue..."). When he saw the incredible positive effect the music had on her and the other children in the hospital, he decided to record a CD. The first one (Our Time) was so popular, that he has since written and recorded two more CDs (Imagination Vacation, and The Best Things in Life). Over the past 10 years, Nino has been in charge of Music & Movement programs at more than twenty early childhood schools. He has played guitar for thousands of children at day care centers, nursery schools, hospitals and festivals. He has also performed at hundreds of birthday parties and special events. His unique blend of rock and roll, folk songs, children's classics and funny original songs is always a pleasure for children and adults alike. Currently, Nino is working on his fourth CD and developing his idea for a children's television show for preschoolers. Selected Comments from Parents and Children "...I am very impressed. What a great difference in your music for children than what is out there today." - Lisa D. "Thank you so much for the joy you give my family." - Shirley Z. "My husband...wanted me to tell you that he is a big fan of Dino Rock and Imagination Vacation. He has been teased on more than one occasion by his colleagues at work for singing them out loud." - Stacy Z. "Thank you so very much for all you are doing. ... I work in the medical field and understand there IS a connection between a patient getting better and music. Not only is it bennificial in helping emotionally but also physically. I pray you continue to find songs which lift the heart and spirit as well as making children smile and forget any fears or pains." - SueAnn "Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how great your music is. ... I am a preschool teacher with 17 four and five year olds and they love your music. ... We can't even sing any other songs that are not on your CD's anymore...they only want to sing the Nino songs!!" - Kristen M-P. "Better than The Beatles!" - Avery, Age 4 "The children and I listen to your music all day long in the car. I am happy to say no more Brittany Spears and Christina A, Aaron Carter and Janet Jackson." - Kim C. "Michael is crazy for the new CD [The Best Things in Life]...He has listened to it 6 times and we only received our mail a few hours ago. Michael just told me that this is better than the 'BACK STREET BOYS'" - Christine I. "The kids received the CD and listen to it everyday!! It is sunshine in our house every day because of you." - CF "Nino's music makes me happy!" - Jared W., Age 5 "You helped fill the room with joy and bring smiles to the faces of the children." - Children's Specialized Hospital, Fanwood, NJ "By far the best children's entertainer!" - Gene M. "Nino is the Bob Dylan of children's music!" - Paul C. "Thank you for bringing the joy of music into Hannah's life! You're terrific!" - Rebecca & Bill H. "[Nicole] ABSOLUTELY ADORES you. She even hugs the little 'boom-box' that we play your tape on over and over and over again and says 'Nino!' You made quite a lasting impression on this little person." - Debbie F. "We received the CD's yesterday and just now listening to them. WOW, I"M IMPRESSED!!!!!!! and it takes a lot for me to be impressed by children's tapes- most are so generic and out for mass production. I can hear the enthusiasm- Nino, I can hear that you are REALLY enjoying what you are doing. I think her preschool and special ed teachers would like the tapes- - I've found that all the songs have a component where the kids can physically contribute. They will be well loved when she is in isolation during Bone Marrow Transplant." - Lisa K. "We are both enjoying the CD's so much!! He cannot talk but hears and sees well. So I read and sing to him often. You songs are so catchy that I am able to grab his hands and swing his arms to the music while singing. If you could see the huge smile on his face you would know that the CD's are worth a million dollars to me! Smiling is really all that Preston can do at will, and anything that can make him smile is pure gold in my eyes!" - Carole