Higlights of 2014

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

As we start the new year, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their support, highlight all the great things that have been accomplished in the last four months, and announce some exciting things that are coming up!

On August 1 , Patrice Peris Voice Studios opened its doors, and in the past four months, things have been absolutely amazing! The response we’ve received from the singers in the area as well as the community has been incredible. I am thrilled that, in these four months, I have been able to achieve so much, and I have had the opportunity to watch many amazing things happen for the singers who I am fortunate enough to work with.

 

Below, check out some of our highlights since we opened our doors on August 1 and what’s coming up.

• On September 28 and 29, Patrice Peris Voice Studios participated in the Spirit of Shrewsbury Talent Show and Parade, which draws a crowd of hundreds of people throughout the weekend. It hosts a craft fair, car show, freedom song festival, and much, much more. Ella Peris represented us in the Spirit of Shrewsbury Talent Show and took home the 2nd place trophy for her age group, and on Sunday, the sun was shining and the crowd was eagerly awaiting the parade. With some great support, I was able to showcase the studio to the hundreds of people along the route.
• On Sunday, October 19, Elm Park was a sea of pink, and Patrice Peris Voice Studios was ecstatic to be there to get things going with some of its incredible talent. Even though it was chilly, this did not stop hundreds of people from coming out to support the fight against breast cancer and have a fun time. Chrissie started by singing upbeat acoustic songs on the main stage that inspired onlookers and showcased her cool and powerful voice!
• While she entertained the crowd during the pre-walk festivities, Herman Jones, Ella Peris, and Emalie Kurko were at the Hope Lodge getting ready to entertain the walkers as they passed by. Herman Jones got things rolling with the old-school classics “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” while Emalie, who is just 10 years old, held her own with country favorites such as “Automatic” and “Over You.” Ella Peris brought a bit of soul and funk with her renditions of “Rolling in the Deep” and “Price.” As always, great fun was had by all, and it was all in the name of an amazing cause!
• On October 21 and 24, I was able to provide an anthem singer for the Worcester Sharks at the DCU Center.
• On November 20, Kassie Sakhat and Cate Toole participated in the Tatnuck Booksellers Literary Arts Open Mic and blew the audience away with their voices.
• On November 27, while many were home getting the turkey ready, Ella Peris, Andrew Thebeau, and Jamie Vespa were getting ready to entertain the 1,350 participants in the Shrewsbury Turkey Trot for Memory, an annual fundraiser for Alzheimer’s. Despite fresh snow on the ground and a bitter cold breeze, the runners were out in full force to support this cause, and they raised a total of $25,000. Runners were able to stay warm in the Shrewsbury Congregational Church, where Ella, Andrew, and Jamie made the wait a bit more fun. Andrew and Jamie treated the crowd to an acoustic set of Coldplay and Katy Perry, in addition to some originals off of Andrew’s EP that was released on December 20! Ella finished the set with cheerful Adele and Christina Perri songs. It was a wonderful way to start the day, and now I can see why so many go back year after year!
• On November 29, after all the turkey had been eaten and everything had settled down, Kassie Sakhat, Craig Wagenhoffer, and Herman Jones performed at Nu Café’s open mic.  12-year-old Kassie Sakhat was first up, and her soulful voice is far beyond her small frame! She sang “Skinny Love” by Birdy and finished with “Mustang Sally,” which had the audience in awe. Craig Wagenhoffer got the crowd clapping and singing along as he broke out the classic “Sweet Caroline,” which would have surely made Neil Diamond proud! Herman Jones finished up with his special renditions of the holiday classics “The Christmas Song” and “Let it Snow,” which got everyone in the holiday spirit! Everyone had a blast and we are looking forward to going back in the very near future!
• On December 5, 18, and 19, Faneuil Hall was bustling as always with crowds enjoying the vast assortment of food and finishing holiday shopping. There was a sense of excitement in the air, and on these three days, amazing line-ups of artists only added to the energy! On the 18th, Chrissie performed dynamic acoustic songs, and this set the stage for the following night, which featured the unmistakable talents of Craig Wagenhoffer, Anyee Li, Cate Toole, Kassie Sakhat, and Ciara Cargiulo. Once again, Craig broke out the Boston favorite “Sweet Caroline,” and every voice in the crowd joined in. It took us all to Fenway Park and made us forget that it was freezing outside. Cate Toole did not disappoint with her sultry take of Avicii’s “Addicted to You,” and at just 9 years old, Anyee Li proved that she knows how to command a crowd with her sweet voice and charming moves.
• Kassie Sakhat did Diana Ross justice when she sang the iconic diva’s version of “My Favorite Things.” Her performance was extraordinary, and it showcased her ability to take old classics and make them fresh and new.
• Ciara Cargiulo would have made Mariah Carey proud with her spot-on renditions of “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Baby Please Come Home.” To quote Buddy the Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” and that was most definitely accomplished by these talented singers! Check out pictures of the event below.
• On December 29, Ciara Cargiulo performed the national anthem at the DCU Center for the Worcester Sharks game and left a lasting impression on the crowd! Also, congratulations to John Miwanda and McKenna and Taylor Katz for making the Shrewsbury Middle School select choir.

Upcoming Events:

I am super excited for 2015 and have a lot of different things I am working on, but to start, I am hosting a songwriting workshop. This two-part workshop will take place at my studio first and then at Surefire Creative Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts, a few weeks later. It will be run by songwriter and producer Jared Hancock, and you can check out his impressive résumé, along with a breakdown of the workshop with dates and times, below. The cost of the workshop is $175, and this does not include transportation to the Lowell studio. The sign-up period ends January 19, but if possible, please sign up before the 19th. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Breakdown of Songwriting Workshop:

The first part of the workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include the fundamentals of songwriting. It will cover finding inspiration, developing concepts, and creating strategies for writing. The importance of a message will be discussed and, if you already have lyrics, they will be reviewed and you will get useful feedback. You will also be given homework to complete and bring to the next part of the workshop.

The second part will be at Surefire Creative Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, February 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will address finishing up ideas and creating melodies. You will be able to experience what it’s like to take a song into the studio and give the lyrics life.

About Jared:

Jared Hancock branded and developed Surefire Creative Studios (formerly Surefire Music Group), which is a nationally recognized creative media production, brand development, consulting, and entertainment asset management company based out of Boston.

Production Portfolio: Music: Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Jordan Knight, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Nina Sky, Bebe Rexha, Maino, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Twista, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brooke Hogan, Bobby Valentino, Missy Elliot, and more. Television/Film: Under Armour (9 commercials), Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal cartoon theme song, Nickelodeon’s Halo Awards, MTV’s The Real World and Exiled, VH1’s Brooke Knows Best, Next Day Air (film), Goodnight (film), and more.

Mobile Applications/Technology: B&H Photo, Chimani, Leaf, Tiny Tycoons, Timbre, Rockstar Games, and more.

Surefire’s work has received nominations at the Grammy Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Awards, Dove Awards, Boston Music Awards, Roxbury International Film Festival, European Classical Crossover Awards, and various magazine award shows.

Jared is continually scouting and developing new production talent while seeking to inspire young entertainment entrepreneurs through workshops given at various specialized and academic institutions, including Harvard University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Berklee College of Music, among others. He has been involved with the Boston Committee for the Grammys, and has hosted educational panels for Boston entertainment industry professionals. Furthermore, he actively designs and executes member recruitment strategies for the recording academy, and he introduced and hosted Boston’s first iStandard showcase, which is the largest music producer showcase in the nation.

Chrissie performing for the Worcester Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Herman Jones, Patrice Peris and Ella Peris at Hope Lodge performing for the Worcester Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Cate Toole at the Tatnuck Booksellers Literary Arts Open Mic.

Ella Peris, Jamie Vespa and Andrew Thebeau at the Shrewsbury Turkey Trot.

Faneuil Hall

Kassie Sakhat after her performance at the NU Café open Mic.

Craig Wagenhoffer performing at Faneuil Hall.

Patrice Peris and a girl from the audience who was inspired to sing

Kassie Sakhat performing at Faneuil Hall.

Anyee Li performing at Faneuil Hall.

Cate Toole performing at Faneuil Hall.

CC Cargiulo performing at Faneuil Hall.

CC Cargiulo, Patrice Peris, Kassie Sakhat, Anyee Li, Craig Wagenhoffer and Cate Toole post Faneuil Hall performance.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]