biography

Shashi's Play Dates


August 7	Starbucks at Kroger in Green Hills, Nashville, 2:00 - 5:00 Cool down with an Iced something!
August 25	Taps and Tapas, Nashville, 10:45 A fun place to hang -- not to mention great food and music! Ok, I mentioned it. I'm a part of a great round of singer/songwriters hosted by Meredith Blis. Yes, that's her real name.
Sept 4	Starbucks at Kroger in Green Hills, Nashville, 2:00 - 5:00 More fun than the produce department!
Sept 16	The Commodore Grill at the Holiday Inn on West End, Nashville, 7:00 Remember the Commodores? three times a lady, brick house (we all remember that one, even if you were just an embryo) i wonder if they ever sang here?
Oct 28	The Commodore Grill at the Holiday Inn on West End, Nashville, 7:00 A fun night at the Commodore with awesome hosts Rick and Tammy Stewart.
Nov 6	Starbucks at Kroger in Green Hills, Nashville, 3:00 - 6:00 warm your hands and heart with a great drink and sweet music
Dec 4	Starbucks at Kroger in Green Hills, Nashville, 3:00 - 6:00 eggnog anyone?
Dec 9	The Commodore Grill at the Holiday Inn on West End, Nashville, 7:00 A fun night at the Commodore with awesome hosts Rick and Tammy Stewart. Bring some mistletoe!
Jan 19	Belcourt Taps and Tappas, Nashville, 10:00 - ish always a hoppin place -- and great service -- and fabulous entertainment (and that's just the wait staff)
Jan 22	Starbucks at Kroger in Green Hills, Nashville, 3:00 - 6:00 take a break from the busy-ness of life and chill to some great tunes while savoring some great beverages (of your choice)

Getting to play with Tommy Emmanuel at a workshop was a dream come true for me. His playing is wildly impeccable, peerless, and straight from the heart. Thanks Tommy for giving the world a gift we can never repay. (photo by Dave Hill)

My dear friend, Andrea, has always believed in me and my music. She and I were neighbors many years ago in Indiana. Over the years as I've moved around, living my gypsy life, we've tried to keep in touch. That's her son, Rod. Friends like you are a big reason I can keep on going and believe in my dreams. Thanks, Andrea!

Whenever I need a good laugh I just look at a picture of Antsy McClain -- I mean, I listen to some of his humor-filled music! Antsy's music makes me laugh and cry -- coz he's so much better than I am. And just look at his hair. How can you compete with that!

Sweet Daniella! So much joy and laughter and tears we've shared! Daniella has played a big part in why I don't think I'm crazy. It's true. Your unique ability to love everyone unconditionally kind of blows my mind. Keep shining your beautiful light, girl!

My friend Dave Hill is pictured here with Tommy Emmanuel in Copper Mt, CO. Dave has not only inspired me as a musician, but has exemplified how kindness and generosity are what life's all about. He has a heart as big as the sky. Thanks, Dave, for your music and your life.

Mylene is the reason I survived LA. Here she's in the jungles of Peru on retreat with a shaman -- always working on herself to be the best person she can possibly be -- facing her issues, unafraid to claim her past, open and honest. She also writes and performs music, does massage therapy, and is devoted to her children, MaJa and Aidan. Thanks, Mylene, for all your love and support over the years.

Julie and I went to grade school together. We hadn't been able to keep in touch but found each other again last year. She's in Chicago teaching and keeping everything clean! Julie is one the most compassionate, caring people I know. Isn't it amazing how friendship can span decades like that?

Pauly Zarb is so hot that his head lights up whenever he plays keys, or drums, or flute or you name it, he can play it. Thanks for being so freakin' talented, you crazy Aussie! Besides being an amazing musician, he also tells the best jokes in town -- none that I can share here, I'm afraid.

Michael no longer lives on planet earth, but I feel his spirit around me quite often. I have you to thank, Michael, for teaching me how to love and let go -- something I'm still learning. Thanks! And thanks for playing along with me, still.

Despite the fact that we went to high school together, Lora and I still keep in touch and still laugh at each other's jokes. Now that's friendship! We both love John Denver and can't stand cold winters. She loves Harleys and I love Hybrids. We both love life, and thank goodness have never been in love with the same guy at the same time! Thanks, Lora, for supporting me and my music, and for always helping me see the humor in life when I'm blinded by my own seriousness.

This is me and my Nashville dancing buddy, Gayle. She's handy with a camera and she's always giving me something! Thanks for supporting me and my music and for loving to giggle as much as I do!

Me and DJ melting under the hot Nashville summer sky. DJ and I also love to laugh and we have the same crazy philosophy that life ought to be fun! DJ always knows how to point me in the right direction when I need advice with her unshakable honesty and wisdom. Thanks for your support, DJ!

This was a few years ago in Los Angeles when my friend Cathleen and I decided to lie down on the sidewalk in front of Julie Andrews -- you have to do something weird when you're in LA, you know. Believe me there was a lot more weirder stuff going on there. Cathleen and I have supported each other through many years of ups and downs. Thanks for always encouraging me to dream my biggest dreams!

Danielle and I play at the Commodore in Nashville every so often, just for kicks. Even though she lives in Alabama, we manage to stay in touch. If you ever need a Spanish interpreter (like when you run into that mellon truck), she can tell you what they're yelling at you - minus a few juicy explitives, but hey, hand motions can be crystal clear, too! Thanks, Danielle, for all the support and smiles!

Despite what this looks like, Jason is not trying to wrestle me out of my tofu. Or maybe he is!? In any case, he didn't get it. Jason and I have been friends for several years, ever since he came into the library in Small Town, New Mexico looking for literary entertainment but found a wild-haired guitar player. Since then I've been so grateful for his sweet friendship. We're both passionate about music and love bouncing off our "in the works" pieces with each other. Oh, and he's promised to be my body guard, when and if . . . I just wish he wasn't such a glum lad.

spread your love everywhere you go
- Mother Teresa