Honored in the children's category of The John Lennon Songwriting Foundation for the song, "I'm a Pig," from the children's MUSICAL THE HOUSE ON CHESTNUT RIDGE, Jim was a weekly featured performer for the Cleveland Zoo during the summers of 2000 and 2001.

A graduate of the Ohio School of Broadcasting, Jim has performed as opening act for such artists as Joe Cocker, Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren, Little Feat, Leon Russell, Graham Parker, Boz Scaggs, War, The Jefferson Airplane, The Starship, Badfinger, The Monkees, The Little River Band and The Jazz Mandolin Project.

MATTHEW K. WEILAND has been recognized for his creative writing by Columbia University, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and the Ohio Arts Council's Individual Artists Fellowship Program. He has studied Playwriting at New York's New School for Social Research and holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Cleveland State University.

Also honored for children's songwriting by the John Lennon Songwriting Foundation for his song, "I'm a Pig," one of seven original numbers from his children's musical, THE HOUSE ON CHESTNUT RIDGE. Combining storytelling with bluegrass, jazz, blues, and reggae songs and score, Chestnut Ridge has been performed at civic events, elementary schools and family festivals.