Bio,Quotes

Purly Gates' repertoire as a singer/songwriter/educator is as diverse as her experience: from an Earth Day concert at Disney World or a Residency in Micronesia funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, to national touring and local prominence. She enchants audiences of all ages, actively engaging her listeners with relevant, appropriate material covering subjects from peace to pizza, environment to retirement.
This uniquely energetic and creative singer accompanies herself with guitar, banjo, accordion, ukelele, harmonica, and umpteen odd or home-made instruments. Her musical styles range from mostly folk and swing, to country, a touch of blues, bluegrass or even an occasional rap. And she may do a little story-telling between songs, if the time is right......

Purly has given hundreds of performances at schools, libraries, childrens' museums, camps, recreation centers and festivals from Austin to Boston, 'Frisco to Maui and beyond. She also conducts workshops for children in instrument-making, songwriting, and multi-track recording as well as Staff-Training Workshops for teachers, counsellors and others involved with young folks. Purly's work is well-known and well-respected in the state of New Hampshire, where partial funding is available through the NH State Council on the Arts. Since the 1980's she has also gained a reputation as an experienced, skilled and talented professional artist through her work in Texas venues for young folks. She now splits her time between the two states.

Purly was commissioned by the Texas State Library to write the theme song for their Summer ('04) Reading Club. She recorded it in English and Spanish, and it is available for a listen at the Texas State Library website. See Purly's Home Page for the link.
Purly was a finalist in the prestigious Kerrville (Texas) "New Folk" songwriting competition and has three commercial recordings geared to young folks and families.

"We just had Purly Gates perform for our campus and the students and teachers loved her. She does unique literary-
themed presentations that are well-organized and geared to the developmental needs of each grade level.
The music is wonderful and truly supports literacy and life-long learning. I would recommend her as an event to celebrate Read Across America or to kick off a summer reading program." - C. Hicks, Librarian, Kocurek Elem, Austin,TX

"Purly, we are so glad you came! You are definitely the best entertainer who's come to our school in a very long time!" -Melanie Bowen, Librarian, Carl Schurz Elementary, New Braunfels, TX

"Thank you for such a wonderful program that not only entertained but put positive ideas about reading and being creative into the minds of our 4-6 year olds at HMD!! The children could really relate to your Dr. Seuss/Cat in the Hat routine and we all know and LOVE Bill Martin's Brown Bear story! I was especially pleased to see that you understand and know what our little ones are like and what it takes to hold their attention. You did a fantastic job. Finally, your songs were wonderful and it was easy for the children to participate and sing along. Many of our kids had never seen an accordion or banjo/ukulele played live! They loved it. I wish you well and hope to see you next year at our school."
-Carol Williams, Kindergarten teacher, HMD Early Childhood Center, Beeville, Texas

"Everyone is still talking about you and how much fun YOUNG AUTHOR DAY was this year!.....Great performance, excellent rapport with the students.....thanks for our school song!" Sandra Davis, 3rd grade teacher, Tenie Holmes Elem, Bay City, TX
    And from other staff members at Tenie Holmes:
         "More....more.....more.....we want you back" D. Houston
          "Great songs.... children loved the sing-alongs."
          "Terrific, terrific, terrific!"
        "Superb! Thanks for coming!" B. Walker, Principal

"Just wanted to say thanks once again for the performance you shared with our Fern Bluff students, parents, staff and families. Your presentation was truly a fun and interactive way of making books "come alive" through songs. Your energy and excitement for reading was contagious!"
-Dr. Elizabeth A. Wilson, Principal, Fern Bluff Elementary, Round Rock, TX

"Great performance today! My 3rd grade class and I really enjoyed your performance this AM!!!
It was so very appropriate for 3,4, and 5th grade students...reading, writing and diversity!!!
Fantastic and timely. Thanks!" - Karen DuFresne, Franklin Elem School, Keene, NH
   And from other staff members at Franklin School:
           "I thought the concert was great. The songs really connected with what we are trying to teach and you had a relaxed yet in charge manner with the kids."-Nancy Archanski, librarian
           "My....students were so happy when we got back to the classroom. They loved your performance as did the staff with-in my setting. Thank you for everything you do and share.
You open up the world of music for many children". -Marijo Varney, Intermediate CLC class

“You presented a program that was both highly informative and extremely entertaining. You have a real gift for sharing your musical talents with children. I was particularly impressed with your ability to keep the interest of the children, get them involved in the music and keep the group well in control - all at them same time. I look forward to having you at our school again in the future.” Pat Reuter, prin. Dessau Elem. Pflugerville, TX

"I thought your show was outstanding. It was very much family oriented and appropriately geared towards our young audience. You were easily able to command the attention of the audience through positive sing-alongs and group participation. Excellent HopStop!" Erica Ligeski, Arts Educa. Coordinator, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College

"The students enjoyed the interactive program presented for Children's Literacy Week. Thank you so much for involving them in your music. The songs were easy to learn, active, repetitive enough for our First Grade, and engaging enough for our Second Graders. Thank you so much for involving a few of us (the teachers), too." –Sharie Stelzel, Teacher, Sivells Elementary, Wharton, TX
And from another staff member at Sivells:
"Your program was great. I like a new person coming in and encouraging reading. I'm the music teacher here and I appreciated your use of instruments and your explanations about them." - Pat Herring

"Kids loved you at all three schools, as did all the grownups I've talked to also. More soon! Thanks again. " Deb Morris, Music teacher, Cannon Beach Elem, Oregon

"Another wonderful four days with you. You do amazing things with children - thankyou SO MUCH for everything!” Lynda Tallarico, Head Teacher, N. Walpole (NH) Elem
And from another staff member at N. Walpole Elem:
"Thank you for bringing 'sunshine' to all of our staff and students and the community." J.Bellows

"There was a lot of excitement involved with the kids being able to make their own instruments in music class. The best part was the experience did not end there. Many parents have come up to me since to say how much fun their kids are still having playing their instruments at home."
Nicole McDaniel, Music teacher, St. Andrew’s Elem, Austin, TX

"Thank you again for such a fun time at our school. The kids are still buzzing about their instruments that they made, and Mr. Flagg (the principal) really enjoyed his instruments too. He is actually quite good at them!" Karen Meredith, Boscawen Elementary, NH
And from another staff member at Boscawen Elem:
"Excellent assembly! Great with kids. Enjoyed by all!" Betty N.

"You are full of so many wonderful ideas and have so much to offer. And you do what you do with such enthusiasm and do it so well!" Marilyn Coffin, past-pres. NH Art Educator’s Assoc, Spring Workshop

"Once again your workshop was the hit of the Teachers’ Program.....
You combine elements the way teachers must in classroom settings.....(T)he process you set up encourages creativity.....[and the] variety of skills and information that you provide year after year..... Those of us responsible for the design of the Teachers’ Professional Development Program have special appreciation for the....workshops you provide......(T)hankyou for your continuing service to the community" - Stuart Vexler, PhD., Chairman, Board of Directors, TX Folk Music Foundation/Kerrville Folk Festival

“You were wonderful! I love the way you mix old folksongs and original tunes. The different instruments you play and the little bits of history you throw in to your act make it unique. We all loved the dancing stick man and the word game that went with him this year. I like acts that entertain and educate, and you fit the bill beautifully. Thanks once again for a fantastic performance!” Jane Sheaffer / Chair, Children’s Chapter Entertainment, 2002 Texas Book Festival

“Thank you so much for presenting such a terrific program! Your performance was really impressive and tremendously entertaining! I have heard nothing but positive comments from children and adults who attended. You are truly a seasoned, skilled performer, and your strong stage presence was captivating. I cannot tell you how pleased I was with your program and the audience's reaction to it. I will be certain to give your talents a hearty recommendation to other librarians and teachers!” Ellysa Cahoy, Librarian / Laconia, NH

"Thanks so much for your talent, patience, and fairness in dealing with us and presenting such quality programs for the children of Austin! I look forward to working with you again.” Anita Joye Rizley/Youth Program Coordinator / Austin, TX Public Library

"Great for all ages!" a parent, Kihei Library, Maui, Hawaii
And from other parents at Wailuku Library, Maui:
    "This was good wholesome entertainment. .........."
    "Really enjoyed the music, songs, and stories, my children loved Purly".
    "Liked the history".
    "Excellent incorporation of various instruments, song, and storytelling".
    "The program was AWESOME. My kids love singing along with Purly. We hope to
    see more programs like this in the near future".
    "Great for our three year old. He loved it".
    "It was so good I could sit much longer and listen to Purly. It was a very pleasant program".

“Purly Gates is a musician, storyteller, community builder, educator, peace maker and environmental advocate all in one. Purly captured the attention of all campers through her fun & educational approach to instrument making. Her engaging style electrified campers and parents alike during Family Night.” Susan Fortier, Camp Director, YMCA, Bellows Falls, VT

“....the moment she started her show, our kids were in AWE...they loved the concert and they loved Purly!!! She’s talented, energetic and full of surprises!" Jody Wyffels, Programs Director, YMCA of Austin, TX

"Our naturalist said you were a big hit and did a really great job. He especially loved how you got the audience involved. If you are planning an Oregon tour again next summer do let us know!" Elisabeth Neely, Portland (Oregon) Metro Parks & Green Spaces/Oxbow Park

“Purly is such a pro - a great entertainer and musician. She really knows how to entertain a crowd. Catchy tunes, fun lyrics, and a twinkle in her eye. She's got comfort food for your ears! Our concert on the common had children dancing, adults singing along, and smiles all around.” - Mary Lou O’Neil, Entertainment committee, Hancock, NH Summer Concert Series

“Her sparkling sense of fun and humor comes through... engaging and witty songs...very genuine, highly entertaining... she even captivated the adults in the group too.” Peggy Horowitz, Austin (Tx.) Children’s Museum

“High energy performance...It was such fun and perfect for the folks.” Penny Gill, NE Center for Outdoor Education

"Purly Gates is a children’s singer/songwriter of great caliber.....a down-to-earth folk musician, with fun yet intelligent words.... She also plays (other folk and) really cool hand-made instruments that sparked the interest in children as well as the adults.....she interacted with the audience and made them feel part of the show....." Lisa Ortega, Education Specialist, the Children’s Museum of Memphis, TN

“Her songs are fun, interactive and relevant.” 8th Annual Children and The Arts Festival, Peterborough, NH

WORKSHOPS/ FESTIVALS / COWBOY GATHERINGS

“This may be the ultimate in hands-on workshops” Stuart Vexler, PhD, Chairman, Board of
Directors, Texas Folk Music Foundation/Kerrville Professional Development Program for Teachers
[re: Instrument-Making for the Classroom workshop]

Purly Gates has been a performer for four years straight at Shanghai Days Cowboy Gathering in Wharton, Texas. She dresses the part, plays some mean banjo, guitar and does vocals. She's a regular Calamity Jane reincarnate, only a lot more talented. She's professional, dependable and she's a hoot. -Doc Blakely, Promoter

“Your talents and energy were much appreciated by all, not only in performance but in making the whole festival click and doing your part to make the sloop community work so well amidst the craziness of this event.” - Steve Stanne, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Pumpkin Sail

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