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In the running for top Banana
The news that she has been nominated for a Grammy award has local children's singer Shana Banana going bananas herself.
By GINA VIVINETTO, Times Pop Music Critic
© St. Petersburg Times
published December 20, 2001
[Publicity photo]
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Shana Banana entertains children and the young at heart.
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Local children's singer Shana Banana is always in a good mood, encouraging kids and adults alike to sing along and "Go bananas!" at her gigs.
The 33-year-old songwriter, who lives in St. Petersburg (real name is Shana Smith), recently got another reason to be happy. Her Music and Fun For Kids album received a first-round Grammy nomination in the Best Musical Album For Children category.
That means the disc, which has already won a bunch of awards from parents' organizations, will now compete to be one of five finalists for the Grammy.
"I'm so proud," Smith says. "A lot of heart and soul went into that album. It almost didn't happen. It was a combined effort of so many great people. I had no money at all. Not that I have money now," Smith laughs. "I've been jumping up and down for joy."
Other contenders in the same category include big national stars such as Crystal Gayle, Trout Fishing in America and Keb' Mo'.
"Those are my heroes," Smith says. "Trout Fishing In America! But, I don't feel like we're competing. I'm just thrilled to be in the company of them."
Smith's father is a marine biologist, and she has a master's degree in marine biology from the University of Florida. Her mother is an early childhood educator. Smith combined those influences and began writing educational songs for kids, starring lovably quirky characters such as Cowboy Bud and Cowgirl Claire, The Hugmonster, and Mervyn the Manatee.
The songs aren't just educational, they're hip. Just try not to shake your leg to the Elvis-inspired Toothbrush Rock, which encourages kids to practice good dental hygiene. Trash Rap's message is about recycling and picking up after yourself -- and others.
Smith says using characters is not only fun; it's an effective tool to teach kids. She's a natural storyteller, and she knows characters communicate messages to kids that they may not want to hear from grown-ups.
"You're teaching kids, and they don't know it," Smith says. "They think they're just having a good time."
Smith is hardly resting over the holidays. Aside from all the Grammy award hoopla, she has also released her first full-length Shana Banana video, also called Music and Fun For Kids. Her second full-length album, A Song In My Pocket, will be for sale soon.
You have plenty of chances to catch Shana Banana's live show in the next few weeks. She performs Friday at her "Merry Chriskwanzanukah" gala at the Largo Cultural Center.
She also performs Sunday at the Children's Christmas Show with Hollywood Dave Wright, at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater in Gulfport.
You can also catch her from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Radio Disney Noon Year's Eve celebration at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa.
PREVIEW
Shana Banana performs at 7 p.m. Fri., Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. Tickets are $6.50 or $22 for family four-pack. (727) 587-6793. She also performs with folk-rocker (and Santa) "Hollywood" Dave Wright, 12:30 and 3 p.m. Sun., Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport, 5501 27th Ave. S. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 day of show. For more information, check www.shanabanana.com or call (727) 550-0128.
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