When was the last time a song really made you reflect on your life, your hopes, your dreams ? BILL PERE is an award winning songwriter, performer and recording artist, known for lyrics that tell unforgettable tales of ordinary people who weave the tapestry of human experience. Bill's songs can stand alone as a musical experience, but there is always the important and subtle underlying message of social conscience that makes them touch you even more deeply. In Dare to Dream, Bill's 15th release, 30 songs intertwine to create a panoramic look at life through dreams -- dreams that we have when we sleep, and dreams which are our hopes and aspirations. Many views of life, from pre-birth to post death, and all stages in between, are explored. Bill's lyrical artistry is evident, well supported by his intricate and powerful music arrangements, and the many guest vocalists who appear to help weave the tales. Bill's signature guitar versatility is well represented by a variety of acoustic, electric, and Midi styles, backed by full band accompaniment. The soaring lead vocal by Kay Pere on "When I Sing" is especially memorable. Also featured is the poignant tribute written by Bill, "Alizarin Crimson" and "Flickers", portraying his Father's descent into the twilight world of Alzheimer's disease. This collection also features the debut of three great new vocalists (Kayla Bogan Jaclyn Sabogal and Nicole Foley), as well as the first-ever duet with Bill and his daughter, Melody. 30 Tracks on 2 discs, 100+ minutes, LYRIC SHEET INCLUDED! "Dare to Dream" maintains the high level of songcrafting and production since "Crest of a Wave" caused a sensation when it was first released in 1991, through "High School My School" in 2003. Proceeds from the sale of this CD (and all of Bill's CD's) go to help Hunger Relief and family service agencies, through Local United Network to Combat Hunger (L.U.N.C.H.). If you like lyrically rich songs that have meaning and emotion: Look also at Bill's AMERICANA series of CD's, which includes "High School My School" (high school setting) "Crest of a Wave" (maritime setting), "Cityscape" (urban setting), "Rural Mural" (rural setting) and "College Collage" (college setting). Check out Bill's spiritual journey CD's. Besides "Dare to Dream", there is "New Day Coming Tomorrow", "You'll See a Much Brighter Day" and " Christmas Eve on the Poor Side of Town" For a great collection of songs for kids and parents, there are the 3 interrelated CD's "Songs For Kids Who Like to Think", "Songs for Kids With Common Scents" and "Songs For Kids Who Touch the Stars". ============ BILL PERE - background highlights • A national IMC Indie Artist of the Year • Official Connecticut State Troubadour appointed 1995 by CT Commission on the Arts • President and Executive Director, Connecticut Songwriters Association • Founder and Executive Director, LUNCH (Local United Network to Combat Hunger) raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for hunger relief programs in Connecticut through benefit concerts • Multiple songs in the Top Ten for more than 100 consecutive weeks, across various charts on several Internet radio stations • 15 CD's of original songs recorded and released • 25 original theater plays produced • Producer of the Harry Chapin Legacy Concert series • International appearances and performances with the Steve Chapin Band • Official judge and critiquer for national and international songwriting and performance competitions • Citation by the Connecticut State Legislature for Community Service through Music • Founder, Connecticut Songwriting and Performance Conference • Director, Connecticut Songwriting Academy • 1997 Citizen of the Year Award from Mystic Chamber of Commerce • 1995 Community Service Award from International Artists Cooperative • Five-time recipient of the CSA Award for Outstanding Community Outreach through Music" • Author, "Songcrafters Coloring Book -- Songwriting Techniques that Get Results" • Song "The Wish" selected for inclusion on compilation CD produced by Rhode Island-based Artists Against Hunger • Editor, Connecticut Songsmith • Member Connecticut Music Educators Association • Internationally published articles in numerous music industry publications including "Songwriters Market" • 1981 and 1991 Connecticut Songwriter of the Year • Two-time recipient, CSA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education through Music • First recipient of the CSA Renaissance Award for multiple music achievements, presented by Pete Seeger, 1995 • Presenter of award-winning Music Technology programs for teachers and students