The Rock A Silly Band Children's Music Singer from Staten Island, NY

The Rock-A-Silly Band is a children's music group from Staten Island, NY which has become a fixture at many NYC area young people and family oriented music and cultural events since 2009. Guitarist and founder Patrick Raftery (Yes that’s the correct spelling!) had performed as Music With Patrick for several years prior, joined by percussionist Mike Campbell. Pat and Mike have also performed together in the NY alternative band Joyous Noise since the early ‘90s. Bassist Pete Blomstrom met Patrick when Pete brought his son to Pat’s Music Together toddler class in 2008. After finding out that they both were acquainted with many of the same local musicians, Pat invited Pete on board in 2009 to complete the line up. The trio brings decades of writing and performance experience to their shows. In 2011, to celebrate Staten Island's 350th settlement anniversary, the band recorded "SI 350", a CD of both traditional and original world music featuring children-oriented material performed in over 6 languages. In 2013, The Rock-A-Silly Band was commissioned by the SI Zoo to write a song to be performed for their Ground Hog's Day Celebration which was attended by the Mayor, local officials and residents who braved the single digit temperatures to welcome news of Spring's fate alla Mr. Staten Island Chuck! Shortly after, they penned an additional song "Goodbye Zoo" to be played at closing time. The Rock-A-Silly Band continued to accumulate a collection of original songs releasing "Let's Get Silly" in early 2016. Due to the Pandemic of 2020, RASB took a limited hiatus but are currently penning their next musical effort to be released in 2022, as well as, developing the TV show "Let's Get Silly" to be released on several platforms this year. The Rock-A-Silly Band's show offers a diverse repertoire of original and traditional music for both kids and their grown ups, multiple sets, on-the-spot improvisation and strong audience interaction and participation. Silliness, excitement and fun will be the word of the day but we are seriousness intolerant! Although slowed down by the global pandemic, the band performs regularly for the SI & Manhattan Borough President's office, NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation, NY Public Library, area children's museums & schools, as well as, cultural centers, zoos, benefits and private events. The Rock-A-Silly Band is self contained and can provide sound reinforcement as required.