An award winning family entertainer, song writer, author, producer, and recording artist, my work has consistently received the highest critical acclaim internationally from the American Library Association, Children's Book Watch, The National Association of Parenting Publications, The Parents' Choice Foundation, The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, The Children's Music Web, The Parent Council, Ltd., National Public Radio, the BBC, CNN, and others. Whether sharing a deliciously silly theater or concert performance or teaching a workshop, underlying all of my presentations is the uplifting message that "each of you has a special gift that no one else in the world ever had. YOU can find your gift, and use it to make a difference in the world." I have been acting and singing since early childhood, being published and winning my first awards for writing poetry and prose in the 6th grade. I earned my Master's degree with honors in Applied Probability and Statistics at Northern Illinois University. I teach math at the college level, worked as a Systems Engineer for AT&T, made and sold quilts and am still a jewelry artist and designer. I have been full time and working mother, a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Room Mom (for 10 years) , PTA Executive Board Member, volunteer at the local food pantry, and active in Rainbow Girls, a service organization and my community.
Kathleen Gibson: About Kathleen
Jitterbug - Band Leader
Jitterbug has been Kathleen's invisible friend for as long as she is tall. He is an incredibly talented and versatile musician, adapting his band's renowned sound to whatever whimsical lyrics and feelings Kathleen comes up with. Some children claim they can see this incredibly handsome fellow, leading the band with vigor and gusto, playing his instruments with artistic flourish, although he is (most often) invisible to all but Kathleen. Naturally, these claims are recieved with great joy, as only children with purely pure imaginations and hearts are able to see him.
Jitterbug also has been known as a bit of a wordsmith, and loves to help Kathleen craft her songs, much to their shared delight.
Jitterbug tips his hat to Harvey, the 6'2" White Rabbit, about whom a wonderful movie was made, starring Jimmy Stewart.
His hobbies are playing music with Kathleen, flying invisible aircraft, skiing, and hiding things for three days within the Gibson household, before returning them in clearly obvious places. He is a bit mischievious, but entirely beloved by the whole family.