It is said that once music enters the soul, it may go dormant, but it never dies. That is certainly true for Westchester thespian turned businessman Frank Shiner, who is performing with the Orchestra 914 at a fundraiser for the San Miguel Program at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 14 at 7 p.m.
His most recent local company, Frank Shiner Music, part of Bakerson Records Inc., is covering the cost of the entire concert. One hundred percent of the ticket price will go to San Miguel, the co-ed educational services program for underprivileged, at-risk students in Newburgh, New York, the city with the dubious distinction of being one of the Most Dangerous Cities of 2021.
“The students in this program – their life could’ve been tragic,” says Shiner. “But because of San Miguel’s direct interventions, they go on to secondary schools, colleges, careers, and become productive members of their communities.”
Shiner was Broadway-bound when the show was abruptly canceled. With a young family to feed, he put his theater career on hold and went into healthcare payment sales. Ultimately, Frank became founder and CEO of the successful Westchester-based Rectangle Health, a healthcare payment systems company.
But for the winner of two L.A. Music Critic Awards, music and acting never left his soul. After a two-decade hiatus, he sang at an open mic night at the request of his wife. One song, two, then three – and Frank was back in show business. Now he wows audiences in New York City at the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture where there is a recently renamed Frank Shiner Theater, sells out the Iridium, The Cutting Room, Feinstein’s 54 Below, and is the lead actor in professional productions.
The May 14, “Swingin’ into Spring” show will be a big band performance, backed by twenty-two pieces from the Orchestra 914. “My typical sound is blues and soul, but I wanted this to be upbeat and different. We’ll do twelve-fifteen songs that will have people tapping their feet.”
Father Mark Connell, founder and CEO of the Newburgh program, says Shiner is an inspiration. “Frank was one of our earliest supporters. Underwriting this entire concert – including the musicians, is another example of his incredible generosity. Plus, we’ll have fun! I am really looking forward to May 14.”
There is an option to sponsor a San Miguel student or family member, even if the patron isn’t attending. “I’d love to look out and see students and parents in the audience enjoying the show. Bringing joy to their lives through live music another way to add to their education,” says Shiner. For Frank Shiner photos and more information, go to: https://frankshiner.c
