If you are a frequent attendee of local music shows, you’ve no doubt seen Pat Rice, the 65-year-old “superfan” who probably attends more music events than just about anyone and is beloved by the young bands she consistently checks out. Local musician Chris Grannen (of the band The Pinstripes) captured the essence of Rice’s unwavering dedication in his excellent documentary film, A Queen City Girl: The Pat Rice Story, a school project that is now available to view and freely download—- at http://www.chrisgrannen.com/patrice/.
As I told Grannen during my interview for the film, Rice is the kind of supporter every true artist craves — she may not have disposable income and can’t make you a star, but, if she likes you, she’ll be at every show, offering encouraging words and a warm hug, and not just socializing or “making the scene.” Seeing Pat at your shows probably feels better than getting a glowing CityBeat review (and it’s much cheaper, too — kidding!).
Rice’s support has always been reciprocated, something that will be on glorious display tomorrow (Wednesday) at Covington’s Mad Hatter, when several bands perform an “emergency” benefit show for her. Rice recently lost her residence of the past few years and is homeless, without the money for a deposit on a new place to stay. So Duppy a` Jamba, The Frankl Project, Loudmouth, Rosemary Device and Hazle Weatherfield are performing a 7:30 p.m. show to lend a hand. Because they know she’d do it for them.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2010.