Dave Matthews

David John "Dave" Matthews is a South African-born American singer-songwriter. musician, and actor, best known as the leader of the Dave Matthews Band, founded in 1991. During 2000-2010, his band sold more tickets than any other act in North America. They are the only group to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at no. 1 on the Billboard charts. Outside of his Grammy Award-winning music career, Dave has had multiple acting roles, including a part in the film Because of Winn-Dixie. He uses his celebrity to support humanitarian and environmentalist causes. When he's not touring, he divides his time between Seattle and Virginia. He is married and the father of three children.

Clete Barrett Smith has written four humorous middle grade adventures, including Aliens on Vacation, which was named an ABA "New Voices" selection, was nominated for five state awards, and has been optioned for film. Clete's first YA novel, MR. 60%, was published by Crown. Clete received his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College and taught English at the high school level for over twenty years. He currently lives in Bellingham, Washington with his family.