Music With Patrick

Some posts don't require many words....

Love this pic with one of my little buddies from this weekend's Westerleigh Folk Festival.   Everything about the day was fantastic, from the music to the weather; from the lovely landscape to the palpable sense of community.  Already can't wait until next year!

Recently had the privilege of playing three shows in three of the NYC boroughs (Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island) in one super long day that ended with a sudden rainstorm in the middle of the Rock-A-Silly Band's set.  Tired?  Yes.   Wet?  Yes.  Happy to be doing this?   Heck yeah!   #WetButHappy

Meet Chopper: the newest and furriest member of Mr. Patrick's family.  There's a family resemblance somewhere: maybe it's the ears.   The little guy's cute, I'll tell you that.   

Meet Ms. Gloria: she turns 90 next month and she is officially one of the Rock-A-Silly Band's favorite fans.  Why?  Well, during our recent show at "Taste of the Valley" on Staten Island she got up and danced and danced and danced like an absolute angel, showing everyone you're never too old to enjoy music.   What a wonderful lady!

We were back!   And this time we brought a chicken 'cause.....well, just because.   What a wonderful time we had entertaining everyone!

Some very wonderful artwork by a little buddy of mine....

Man, yesterday was one of those lovely spring days you yearn for all winter:  mild weather, green grass, lovely families gathered together at a local event and, of course, the opportunity to place a frog on your head and have an obscene amount of fun!   Yes, opening day at the Carousel for All Children was wonderful in so many ways, and it reminded me yet again why I love performing for families and bringing a laugh to people's lips.  Check out these snaps for a peak at some of the fun we had.

When I was a kid, the library was a no-talk zone, where stern old librarians preyed upon anyone foolish enough to utter a sound among the stacks.  Today?  Well, I'm happy to be part of the new model of library-as-important-community-hub, where we make music and laugh and, of course, read.   #LibrariesRule

This weekend I provided the entertainment at the Staten Island Zoo's Eggstravagant Feast With The Easter Bunny, and, man, it was fun!  Lots of lovely families, children playing along on drums with me, plenty of animals to pet, tons of yummy food, Staten Island Chuck and, of course, that Original Gangsta, the Easter Bunny.   I even got a chance to pet Waffles the tree sloth, who was so cuddly and cute.   Check out this link for more pics and press coverage: SILive.com

On Tuesday, February 13, I had the privilege of attending a Valentine's Day party run by my friends Elaine and Lisa for families who are served by Project Hospitality, a local and really vital human services organization here on Staten Island.   The beats were thumping, the snacks were yumming, and I had a chance to share live music with many wonderful new friends, many of whom don't get many chances to experience live music.   Don't know who had a better time: me or the children!

It sure was a cold morning, but with freezing fingers flailing, Mr. Mikey and I managed to once again bring the tunes as Mr. Staten Island Chuck made his predictions at Groundhog Day 2018 at the Staten Island Zoo.  He called an early Spring, much to the delight of the assembled crowd.  And in case you're wondering what Chuck thinks of the prediction by that "other" groundhog, the impostor named Phil over in PA, he summed it up with three succinct words: "fake news, folks!" 

Last night I had the opportunity to perform onstage at Staten Island's treasure, the St. George Theater.   It was "Frozen Family Movie Night," and, boy, was it fun!  A little bit of a silly sing-along, followed by a duet with Anna from Frozen and a huge parade around the theatre with adorable children, many of whom were dressed in costume.  Loved every minute of it!