Jon Dahlander
Songs for Smiler McGee
“Fourteen tracks of solo piano–some sad, some happy, but every track overflowing with emotion. Jon’s music is thoughtful in every sense of the word.”
“Jon’s music is sensitive, skillful, passionate and contemporary.”
– RJ Lannan, The Sounding Board
Discography
Available for Downloading and Streaming
Events
Upcoming Events
Video shoot 2017
Promo Photo
![023_23[1]1100x](http://www.jondahlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/023_2311100x-300x300.png)
Jon, Heidi and Jared
Jon and Jared at the Piano
Press
The Sounding Board – Songs For Smiler McGee Review
I never heard of Jon Dahlander until this year. I read his email, more of a letter then a note really, and with each passing word, I knew I had to hear his music. As you read this I want you to know that this review is about music that celebrates a life. Not a passing of […]
Jon Dahlander’s first album in 17 years emotes his son’s life and death
Mournful music Two weeks before his son, Jared, was born, Jon Dahlander was at the Lakewood Theater hosting his third CD release party. A self-taught pianist, Dahlander was excited to welcome his first child in 2000 and wondered what kind of music fatherhood might inspire. Within a month, Jared was back in the hospital. The […]
About the Cover Photo
The cover photo of Songs for Smiler McGee was taken of a sunset near Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It’s a special place for our family, not only for its peacefulness and beauty, but also because an experience that started there with our son Jared (Smiler McGee) changed our lives and perspectives forever. Let me explain. Leading […]
Who is Smiler McGee?
Smiler McGee is a nickname I gave one day to our special needs son Jared, who is and will always be my number one fan. He loved music more than anything—except for maybe being in a pool or riding on a horse at hippotherapy. Jared died shortly before his 14th birthday of a kidney disease. […]
The Most Successful Piano Man in Dallas
Jon Dahlander, by day a spokesman for Highland Park ISD, has got us feelin’ alright. BY MICHAEL J. MOONEY PUBLISHED IN D MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2016 If you know the name Jon Dahlander, it’s probably because you’ve seen him quoted in the paper or interviewed on TV. He was, for years, the spokesman for Dallas ISD. […]
A Gift Beyond Measure
Originally published in the Dallas Morning News, November 26, 2014 A Gift Beyond Any Conceivable Measure by Jon Dahlander If I close my eyes, I can still see his face and imagine his smile. Thinking of his dimples or his sweet coos or one of his high-fives brings me a joy that I wish the […]
