A RALEIGH NATIVE, COTTON BLENDED HER LOVE OF THE EARLY PARENTING YEARS WITH HER LOVE OF MUSIC TO INTRODUCE A NEW VENUE IN THE TRIANGLE AREA (C 1993) OFFERING FREE WEEKLY MUSIC PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN.
Cotton's early mission was to create destinations all over our area where caregivers and their children would feel welcome to stay and play. The success of her creation skyrocketed, making Cotton a household name throughout the greater Triangle area. Her talent, experience and ability draw a diversity of audiences, as she has a knack for creating an environment of hospitality. No other children's musician has been able to duplicate Cotton's humor and style. Cotton is flattered that others have since followed suit, offering evidence to the sustainability of her early vision.
Unlike many music written for preschoolers, Cotton's originals and style do not "talk down" to her little listeners, nor does she underestimate the intellect of even the smallest of toddlers.
Parents, Nannies, Grandparents, Babies and Children equallylove attending Cotton's ongoing public performances, because they know she is always pertinent and energetic. She strives to avoid the repetitive, rote or outdated, by leaving room for the instantaneous participation that children provide best.
When Cotton performs, she provides treasures from the heart for everyone!
While we were out tonight, we decided to stop at Borders for a few minutes. When we walked in, we heard live music coming from the café. The girls said they wanted to listen, so we went over and sat down. It turned out to be Cotton the Clown singing and playing her guitar, and she was just finishing up. But before she did, Cotton looked out at Kinsey, who was apparently the oldest child in the audience (of only a half-dozen or so), and asked what her favorite song was. When Kinsey answered, "Jesus Loves Me," Cotton asked if she wanted to come up and sing while she played it on her guitar. Kinsey said "Yes," went up front and took the microphone, and sang her heart out for our café audience. Laura was sitting in my lap in the back singing right along with her sister! Everyone clapped, and Cotton gave Kinsey two "Cotton Fans," one each for her and Laura, before packing up her stuff and leaving. What a neat treat!
