On Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 the Friends of the Huntington Public Library and Patricia will be hosting a book signing event at the library, 338 Main St. in Huntington for her latest book, Truly Rotten Gigs from Hell: The Funny, The Sad, The Unbelievably Bad True Tales from the Music Trenches.  Times are not set yet but the party will be in the afternoon.  Patricia hopes that some of the 35 contributors of the 75 stories will be able to attend to share their nightmare gig stories.  The event is free and open to the public, who are also invited to share tales about their musical adventures in Hell as well as their live music.
 
There will be free refreshments, party favors and prizes, and Patricia and Stephen anticipate performing their music for adults (and maybe for kids if some show up).
 
Come one, come all and bring your pitch pipes, pitch forks and pitches for a possible Volume 2!

Creative Child Magazine honored Patricia's latest CD "Your ImaginEngine!" with a 2010 Seal of Excellence Award.  She is very excited about this as it is the first of her albums to be entered for this prestigious award.

EVERYONE is invited to help Patricia celebrate the release of her fourth CD for kids and families, "Your ImaginEngine!"
 
The live concert and party will be held on Sunday, May 16, 3:00 pm at the Congregational Church of Huntington, 30 Washington Drive, Centerport, NY.  Admission is FREE for Patricia's fans and friends, but you MUST RSVP by May 8 to reserve a seat, as seating is limited.  You can call (631) 549-2332 OR email patricia@patriciashih.com for reservations.  It will also be open to the public but there will be a $5 admission at the door, which entitles the attendee to a $5 discount on any purchase.
 
Patricia will be joined by her band - Stephen Fricker on bass, guitar and mandola, Glen Saunders on bass and Jim Mansfield on drums and percussion.  She has also invited some very special guests who played on the CD - master bluesman Toby Walker, his lovely wife Carol Walker on piano, fabulous classical musicians Andrew and Rebecca Perea on violin and cello, and Marty Stone singing and playing pennywhistle.  Who knows who else will show up to play and sing along--maybe YOU!
 
FREE yummy refreshments, FREE party favors, and a silent auction/raffle to benefit Doctors Without Borders' work in Haiti.  Come one, come all and bring your friends, especially kids!!!  What could be better?

 
Patricia's second book, entitled Truly Rotten Gigs from Hell: The Funny, The Sad, The Unbelievably Bad -- True Tales from the Music Trenches has just been released!  Ten years in the making, Truly Rotten contains 75 true stories written by 35 artists in 11 states and 3 countries.  Some of Patricia's contributors are famous like Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, Dick Kniss from PP & M and John Denver, Oscar Brand, Jim Babjak from The Smithereens, and half of The Starland Vocal Band; others are unknowns but who have been tormented probably even worse.  Tom Chapin wrote the foreword and also recounted his worst gig in it.
 
You will laugh out loud at the absurdities of some tales, cry when you read others, and gasp at some of the hellish situations these musicians find themselves in.  Some were written by polished, experienced storytellers; others are more raw.  But all are entertaining reading.
 
Pick up the book and enjoy your time in Hell...

It's official: Patricia has called on friends and boy oh boy, did they respond!!!!
 
Help for Haiti: Island to Island, Heart to Heart
Folk! Swing! Jazz! Blues! Comedy! Rock and Roll! Cabaret!Classical!


On April 11, 2010, and all-day, all-ages event will occur at the Cinema Arts Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington, to benefit Doctors Without Borders and Long Island Cares.  Besides one or two family concerts, one or two concerts for adults and a dance, there will be a silent auction with awesome prizes and yummy refreshments for sale!  Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for under 12, PLUS one item of non-perishable food for LI Cares.  Advance purchase strongly recommended as seating is limited.  Buy through Brown Paper Tickets, 1-800-838-3006 (small fee applies).
 
The artist roster is subject to change, but this is it as of today (not in order of appearance):
 
Family show (2:00; 3:30 second show if necessary)
Darren Sardelli, MC
Mike Soloway
Judy Pancoast (from NH!)
Nancy Tucker (CT)
Dr. Planet (PA)
Hip Pickles drumming troupe
Patricia Shih with Dick Kniss (upstate NY)
 
Adult show (6:00; second concurrent stage if necessary)

John Platt from WFUV FM, MC
Arlon Bennett
Ray Korona
Kira and Breanna Metcalf-Oshinsky
Linda Ray's Huntington Cabaret
Martha Trachtenburg and Tom Griffith
Judith Zweiman
Andrew and Rebecca Perea
Stuart Markus and Hillary Foxsong
The M Train with Mikah Feldman-Stein and Matt Knispel
Toby Walker


Dance (8:00)

Squeaky Clean - '50s and '60s rock and roll
The Jumpers Orchestra - Swing
 
Come one, come all!  Have a ball, and help out a worthy cause at the same time.

Patricia is nearing completion on her second book about music, entitled Truly Rotten Gigs from Hell: The Funny, The Sad, The Unbelievably Bad True Tales from the Music Trenches.  She has written a few of her own crazy stories, plus collected and edited 75 others written by 35 artists in 11 states and 3 countries.  This is a compilation ten years in the making.  Contributors include Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, Oscar Brand, Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, Tom Chapin, Dan Crow, Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert from the Starland Vocal Band, Bill Staines and many, many more.  Check out a preview at www.trulyrottengigsfromhell.com and let her know what you think!  And for you gigging musicians out there, write your own horrid story and send it to her--you might make Volume 2!
 
Keep watching this space for news about the 2010 publication!

Check out Patricia's new and improved store!  Now you can buy CDs, cassettes and books with PayPal or credit card directly from Patricia!  She even has a shopping cart so you can load up with your favorites and not drop any on the way to the checkout!
 
Also now all cassette tape prices have been permanently lowered to only $5 a piece--inexpensive enough to buy them by the dozen to give away as party favors, "welcome to the world" baby births to octuplets, or "just because I like you" gifts.
 
Why not give the gift of music to yourself and your loved ones?  It will last them all life long.

 
After a year and a half of love, laughter, singing and playing, Patricia's newest album is out!  Called "Your ImaginEngine!", it is her first concept album -- a train ride with kids through the imagination.  Together they travel on a train to Ireland, visit family, meet an alien and Godzilla, argue with parents, get Chinese take-out, go to the zoo, get caught in a thunderstorm, fly to outer space and still make it home in time for bedtime.  23 tracks in all: 12 songs plus 11 pieces of dialogue threading them together.
 
But the most exciting part of the CD is the contribution of many guest artists from around the country.  Helping out are:
 
Double Grammy winner, storyteller and singer-songwriter extraordinaire, NPR commentator Bill Harley
 
Grammy nominee and fellow family artist Brady Rymer, formerly with the band "From Good Homes"
 
International touring blues star and astounding guitarist Toby Walker and his equally talented wife Carol Walker on piano and concert harp
 
Fellow family artist and former backup singer to the stars Robbi K -- plus her sweet and talented daughter DiDi
 
Internationally renowned musical storyteller Heather Forest as "mom"
 
Plus some rocking kid singers and actors!
 
The other thing that makes this CD so special to Patricia are three cover songs written by amazingly talented friends: "The Train Song" by Janice Buckner, "We're All Different Colors of the Rainbow" by Jeff Eisenberg of Junior Jam, and "Home Again" by Marla Lewis.  Check out their stellar CDs too!
 
Have fun going shopping at Patricia's store--and pick up a few other items while you're there!   Like the train whistle that opens and closes the CD, let's hear a big "WOOO  HOOOO!!!!!"

Patricia and Stephen are still hard at work on her 6th CD, 4th for kids and families.  A title has been chosen; it's "Your Imaginengine!"  The same wonderful graphic artist who designed Patricia's last multiple award-winning family CD "The Power of One", Laura Grunwerg, also has designed the cover for this one.  A late summer/early fall release date is expected.
 
However, for those who cannot wait for it's release there is a sneak preview of the first 8 songs.  This is a limited edition EP (that's "extended play") for a special price of $10.  Patricia has made only a few copies, so if anyone wants a copy please contact her right away to learn how to purchase one--it could be a collector's item someday!  Don't forget to request that it be personalized for your special someone.
 
There are lots of WONDERFUL guest artists on the new CD, including one multiple Grammy winner and one Grammy nominee, so watch for the announcement of its release.
 

On Wed. July 8, 2009 Patricia, Stephen and two families traveled to Huntington to present The Petition to Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper.  Since Jon was at the forefront of President Barack Obama's Long Island presidential campaign Patricia thought he was the perfect person to be the conduit to President Obama.  The families were: Lady Nunez and her kids Joshua (8), baby Jaiden (1) and niece Karina Vital (9); and Frank Mihas and his twins Stella and Solon (5).
 
Jon Cooper was extremely gracious and spoke with the families about his job as a legislator, explaining what he does and how he can make a difference for the citizens of the county.  He held the children's rapt attention when he told them how he pioneered a law making it illegal to speak on a cell phone while driving unless it was hands-free, which since has been passed by NY as well as other states; how he got a ban on releasing large quantities of helium balloons because it harms the environment and animals; and much more. 
 
The families were treated to donuts and drinks and offered crayons and paper to make their own drawings.  After Mr. Cooper's chat everyone got their photos taken signing The Petition and standing next to the giant document.  Lastly, Patricia took the folks who could stay awhile out for ice cream treats at the local landmark restaurant, Munday's.
 
It was a beautiful day to meet a local lawmaker, get a lesson in civics about how county government works, participate in democracy by signing a petition, AND enjoy treats! Take a look at some pictures from this day in the "friends and fans" album on the "photos" page.
 
If you'd like to get invitations to other events and excursions, please sign up on the email page!
 
 

Patricia and Stephen have been in the studio feverishly working on her newest CD for kids and families.  No firm title yet, BUT they are thisclose to releasing an eight-song limited-edition EP preview.  Fans can expect the release announcement very soon!

Patricia and Stephen attended their 7th Northeast Regional Folk Alliance conference in the beautiful Catskills Mountains in NY in mid-November, but this one was extra special. At Patricia's suggestion NERFA added a brand new family music track to its very busy schedule of workshops and showcases for folk music artists. What excited her this year was not only watching other stellar family artists like Two of a Kind, Magpie, and David Fry perform before 100 3rd graders bussed in to a magnificent theatre so they could show how to enthrall kids as well as adults; being among 600 of their fellow folk music enthusiasts and sharing her own "grown-up" music; listening to some of the very best singers, songwriters and musicians; but also contributing to TWO blue ribbon workshop panels advocating music for children and families.

The first one, aimed at people and organizations that present folk music, was about the importance of including family music at all folk music venues. It was moderated by an pioneer in children's music, John McCutcheon. Joining Patricia and John were the legendary and wildly popular Tom Chapin; the husband-and-wife founders of the dance troupe Vanaver Caravan; Anne Saunders, booker for the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival; and husband-and-wife duo Two of a Kind, David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans. All were there to make a case that family music is especially and vitally important to folk music, and that presenters could build their audiences by adding it to their programming.

The second one the next day was led by Patricia and included Kim Harris of the extraordinary duo Kim and Reggie Harris; John McCutcheon; Magpie; and Two of a Kind. This workshop aimed to show artists the joys, hows and whys of performing for children and families.

Not too many people know that Patricia is on the educational advisory board of the LI Music Hall of Fame. This board, like LIMHOF, has quite a few functions; but the very next exciting thing coming up is the LIMHOF Induction Gala! This BIG party will honor stars who lived, worked, played or somehow are otherwise associated with Long Island; artists like Mariah Carey, LL Cool J, Jean Ritchie, Arlo Guthrie, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Beverly Sills...and so many more.

The Gala will be held on October 30 (that's right, just before Halloween!) at the Garden City Hotel in Garden City. The red carpet will roll out at 5:00 pm--watch for the paparazzi and fans trying to get a glimpse of their favorite stars. This will be a ritzy, glitzy, glittering evening--and everyone is invited! To get tickets go to limusichalloffame.org (don't forget the www before it!) and sign up for their email list. You won't want to miss Long Island's biggest music event of the year.

On the heels of her last CD for families, "The Power of One" (NAPPA Gold Award and Parents' Choice Approved Award), Patricia and Stephen head back into the studio to start production of her sixth CD, fourth for children and families. While "Power" was written and targeted for older children ages 8-12, this one (as yet untitled) will be aimed at the very young, ages 2-4. She has been writing new songs based on what this age group loves--animals, family, friends, moving, singing and laughing! But of course the songs will also have Patricia's "signature"--meaningful lyrics that delight, enlighten and educate. Release will be in 2009--watch for news of it!

Patricia here: summer has been enormously busy, which is why "what's new" is not "so new"... but anyway, Stephen and I have been touring and performing mostly in libraries for the "Catch the Reading Bug!" summer reading clubs. We had a fantastic tour to northern California libraries, with huge crowds and loads of fun with new fans. Our NY and NJ concerts were also great--lots of dancing, singing and playing games with families together.

We also got to sing in parks all over the area. One big highlight was Huntington's Summer Arts Festival, where we had a gorgeous night and got to bring the whole band. Check out the photos on the "photos" page--were you there?

Summer's nearly over--time to head back into the schools. What a great life; I am so grateful to be able to make my music and bring it to wonderful folks like you.

Patricia Shih has a new campaign for education called The Petition. Here is how it works:

THE PETITION

To encourage children to actively participate in the learning process; to teach them that they have power to make a difference; to shine a spotlight on the importance of education; in this election year 2008 Patricia hopes to gather as many signatures as possible of children ages 5 though 12 to present to the new President of the United States in 2009. This document will read:

"Dear President _____________,

As we are the future of the United States and the world, we the undersigned want education to be a top priority in your administration. Please ensure that you will pursue every means to improve our opportunities to learn!

One day one of us may have your job and we will have you--along with our parents and teachers--to thank for it.

Respectfully, "

If anyone missed seeing Patricia's interview LIVE on January 13 here is a way to see it now. It apparently will be on ABC's website indefinitely! When you get to ABC's website be sure to scroll below the screen all the way to the right and click on "Patricia Shin" --TYPO!!!!!

Click on the blank spot below this sentence and it will take you there--magic! http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news&id=5885746

On Sunday, January 13 some time between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. Patricia will be interviewed by a newscaster of the Eyewitness News team (Channel 7 in the NY metro area) about her music, the new CD "The Power of One" and the awards it has won, and maybe if there's time she'll get to speak about her community service work with children, her Caring Kids Program. She's going to be given about 5 minutes, so she's going to have to talk fast!

Patricia's quartet got to play at the NY Aquarium over the weekend. A real highlight was meeting and making friends with a family of Pacific walruses (walri???). The papa was particularly friendly. These are the most intelligent, curious, friendly, magnificent and huge creatures you could ever hope to meet, at least in an aquarium! Papa watched intently as the band set up, sound checked and performed four sets. Throughout the two days he constantly pressed his whiskered face up against the glass, knocked on it with his flipper, and even blew bubbly kisses to everyone. You can check out Patricia and Papa sharing a smooch on the Photos Page--go to "Friends and Fans" and browse the rest of the albums too.

And who knows--if you come up to Patricia and say "hi" after a show you might get your photo on this website, too!

On December 12 at midnight (!!! Werewolf hours!!!) Patricia and Stephen traveled into New York City. What were they doing at those upside-down hours? Getting ready to be interviewed at 2:00 a.m. by Joey Reynolds, beloved veteran talk show host at WOR 710 AM radio, that's what. They shared a chat and a song with comedian Rick Younger and had a good old time talking about the new CD, Hawaii, Patricia's Philosophy of Life and to whatever else Joey's pinball mind led them.

Reynolds' show, though broadcast LIVE in NY from 10 pm to 3 am, is also syndicated and broadcast in 235 markets throughout the US at more "sane" hours, the morning drive time.

Stay tuned for more live radio and TV broadcasts...

If you are, you may get the Long Islander Newspaper. It's one of the oldest papers on Long Island, PLUS it was started by venerable Mr. Walt Whitman, who also built our lovely mall (only kidding about that last part!) which was named after him.

If you do get the Long Islander, look on page 11. Anyone you know?

On Saturday, November 17 Patricia will be on WNYC, interviewed by the beloved and venerable host of the longest-running radio show in America (check out the Guinness Book of World Records!), folksinger and writer Oscar Brand. They recorded it today but it will be broadcast 11/17 at 10:00 pm and highlights her latest CD for families, "The Power of One." She had a great time with Oscar and the show's engineer Jon Pickow--who just happens to be folk star Jean Ritchie's son.

Oscar's show has been on the air since 1945 and has showcased just about every folk artist from then until now. Many of you know him as an actor, author and playwright as well as a grand historical (and hysterical!) folksinger. Being 87 and having recent surgery has NOT slowed this guy down! Tune in and join the conversation.

On Oct. 1 Patricia and 9 other women were honored at the Oragin nightclub by the Long Island Press as Women of Achievement. The rooms were packed by supporters for all these wonderful women, and Carol Silva, anchor for Long Island News 12 TV was the guest speaker. After the speeches and applause and photos were finished, Patricia reminded Carol that she was instrumental in Patricia and Stephen becoming hosts on Cablevision's "Tell Me a Story" by recommending her to the producers. Carol responded by singing and signing a song that her kids learned from Patricia years ago!

A photo spread and story about the gala appears in this week's LI Press.

Patricia here: Just got notification that "The Power of One" won a 2007 Parents Choice Approved Award. The PCA is one of the most respected and highly sought-after honors in the family music field. I am both proud and at the same time humbled by the accolades "Power" has been receiving. A thousand thanks for everyone who contributed to it, and those who have supported my work throughout the years. YIPPEE!

August has brought awards and honors--what a month!

Patricia was featured in an interview in the Long Island Press, the ninth largest publication in the U.S. The column is called Fortune 52, which highlights a different LI woman per week. She was named a "Long Island Woman Making a Difference".

Not only was her work spotlighted in print, but in October she and eight other honorees will be personally recognized at a special dinner for a few hundred people, sponsored by the paper.

Patricia says "It's WONDERFUL to have my work recognized, appreciated and validated by these honors. But the truest measure comes from parents and kids themselves, and I can't think of a higher honor for my music."

Patricia's newest CD for families has won the Gold (highest) Award from the National Parenting Publications Awards for 2007! This award is given to the best products for kids and parents from parenthood.com. What an honor!

Patricia's latest CD for kids and families, "The Power of One," has only been out for a few months and already has garnered rave reviews from critics and listeners alike! Here are just a few:

Ta DAAA!!!! Patricia's long-awaited new CD for kids and families, titled "The Power of One" is out (release date Feb. 14, 2007--a Valentine to all!). She thinks it's her best effort yet. 12 songs, 10 written by Patricia, aimed at ages 8-12. Again collaborating with her husband and accompanist Stephen Fricker, these songs (and one poem) range from rock to folk to rap to classical to jazz to acapella...all with lyrics to entertain as well as feed the mind. Order yours now, and get it autographed FREE by Patricia! Click on "store", then "order," print and fill out the order form etc. etc.--you know the drill--and your "Power" will be on its way to you in a jiffy!

For the third time in ten years, Patricia has been honored by being asked to sing at the Washington Monument grounds in Washington, D.C. to help the nation's Girl Scouts celebrate, this time for their 95th anniversary! It will be on Saturday, June 9, 2007 all day. Last time for the 90th anniversary, over 120,000 Girl Scouts and their families and friends cheered and sang along with Patricia, Michelle Shocked, Odetta, Melinda Carroll and more. That year the D.C. event preceded Patricia's most awesome gig ever--Madison Square Garden!!! Come down to Washington for the world's biggest sing-along--and stop and say hello to Patricia backstage.