Media Bio:
Francie Dillon, an enthusiastic joyful entertainer, fills any type of performing venue with passion and gusto. Her contagious uplifting musical and storytelling style captures the hearts and minds of youngster and families. Described as a “a Magnetic Performer”, by the Sacramento Bee, Francie’s remarkable showmanship and personal warmth shine through whether she’s performing in a concert hall with the Orchestra, outdoor festival, school, hospital or “story time” in an intimate bookstore setting.Francie is a winner of the National Parent’s Choice Approval Award and a recipient of the Best Newcomer Award by nationally syndicated children’s music critic Deborah Moore. Performing nationally as a solo artist, Francie has appeared on the radio, in television and in videos. Her debut album, “The Toy Box”, is described by Moria McCormick of Disney Family Fun Magazine as an “enchanting collection of light pop tunes linked by absorbing narrative” and by Tribune Media Services as “wonderfully imaginative". Canadian Oak Street Music licensed several songs for its “All About” compilation albums, which features several award-winning artists. Her debut music video, “We’re Gonna Be OK”, written and performed by Francie and produced by the California Attorney General’s Office, was nominated for a regional Emmy Award and won the “Spirit of California” award from Sacramento’s ABC affiliate station, KXTV, Channel 10.
Francie, a strong advocate of reading programs, is an instructor of Literature for Children at California State University Sacramento and features a 10 minute opening Family Story Time that airs regionally on the educational channel. As an entertainer and educator, Francie has presented at National and State wide conferences and events. Francie has also released an original 26-song soundtrack for Sacramento’s Fairytale Town. The album was honored with a 2000 Award for Excellence. The songs have a permanent home in the “story boxes” at Sacramento’s Fairytale Town.
(916) 451-7622
franciedillon@earthlink.net
Professional Highlights:
AWARDS
Emmy Nominee “We’re gonna be OK” - National Parents’ Choice Approval Award - Best Newcomer Award - Yamaha Artist - “Spirit of California” KXTV Channel 10 - “Community Gem” Award - Blue Diamond Growers - 2000 “Award of Excellence” - “Just Plain Folks” Storytelling CD Award.
Album /Video PROJECTS
“The Toy Box” - National Award Winner
“Sing A Song” - Regional Award Winner
“All about Series” - ABC’s Dancing, My Favorite Foods
Video Projects “We’re gonna be OK” - Produced by The California Attorney Generals Office
CONCERTS & SPECIAL EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
Bear Valley Music Festival, Bear Valley, CA – Orchestral Performance
Sacramento Youth Symphony - Sacramento, CA – Orchestral Performance
Six Flags Marine World, Vallejo, CA
Sacramento New Years Eve Sky Concert, Sacramento, CA
Monarch’s (NWBA) Literacy Kickoff Event, Sacramento, CA
Thomas The Train Festival, Sacramento, CA (Featured Storyteller
Disney Radio/Blue Diamond Growers - Pumpkin Festival - Half Moon Bay, CA Gold Rush Days - Sacramento, CA
Winter Wonderland Concert - Sacramento City Library, Sacramento, CA
Tulsa International Mayfest -Tulsa, OK
Mix 96 Kitefest - Elk Grove, CA
Borders Books & Music - Western Regional Performer
Neewollah Festival - Independence, KS
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival - Mountain View, CA
Read Around the Capitol - State Capital, Sacramento, CA
Children’s Fun Fest - San Jose, CA
Glendale Memorial Hospital - Los Angeles, CA100’s of Public Schools & Library Presentations Western Region.
In My Own Words:
As a mother of two wonderful daughters (soon to be in college) a day never passes where I don’t feel the greatest sense of gratitude for this life as a children’s entertainer, and teacher of Literature for Children as CSUS.
1989 eight hours after my first daughter Erin Mackenzie was born, emergency C-Section and all, I remember holding and saying to her “I don’t know how, but I’m going to find a way to never have to leave you” and that is when it all began. The quest to find a creative way to live a life that would allow me to be the mother I needed to be.
There have been many blessings from that decision along with some heartache but never, regrets. The thousands of smiles, e-mails and shared joyous events with kids and families have made my life feel like I’m the luckiest woman alive. I discovered a profession as a children’s entertainer that I didn’t know existed and a talent for storytelling that I never dared to explore. I became a true believer in “trusting the process” and having faith, faith in my daughters, family, friends and in a spiritual life. I’ve been given the opportunity to give of myself in such a way that makes kids in hospitals smile, parents and kids sit together to share a song and educate others about the value of reading.
Wow, what a life! I thank you all for that.
