Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
On Tuesday, June 6, kids at the Madison Public Library were treated to a fun and interactive musical program presented by “Shana Banana.” Using a combination of original songs and puppets “Shana Banana,” whose real name is Shana Smith, entertained the children and reinforced a positive message about the fun of using one's imagination.
Smith began playing the guitar and composing original songs at an early age. As she grew older, she continued her love of music, writing and performing music for children in her mother's Gainesville, Fla. pre-school. At the same time, Smith was drawn to the ocean and followed in her father's footsteps and earned a Master of Science in Oceanography. After working and teaching on a marine research vessel through the University of South Florida, Smith “decided to take a leap of faith and explore her creative talents in singing and songwriting.” Smith began to perform in beach bars and she soon discovered a true talent for connecting with children. “When children were in the audience, I felt a special affinity to sharing music with them, creating songs together and co-creating energy,” said Smith. Using a nick-name she had been given as a little girl, “Shana Banana” was born. Now, Smith has produced three CDs and two DVDs and become recognized as a leading children's “edu”-tainer.
Smith brings her talents to festivals, schools, libraries and performing arts centers throughout the United States. She performs for audiences from four to 4,000. She has earned two Grammy nominations, a Parent's Choice Award, recognition from the Kids' First Coalition for Quality Children's Media and, in 2004, she won the “Best Children's Song in the Country” by the Just Plain Folks organization.
Smith is also an accomplished author of both fiction and a book on meditation for busy parents and caregivers.
For more information on Smith and “Shana Banana” visit her website at www.ShanaBanana.com.