Time: 8 p.m.
Cover: none
About Shannon
“Making music is a life-long passion that can't be ignored.” - Shannon Smith
Rarely
does a performer come along with such unbridled energy, dedication and
natural talent as that of Shannon Smith. Shannon has been singing and
performing since the age of six, creating her own style while also
influenced by the poise and traditionalism of Lorrie Morgan, the
showmanship and flare of Shania Twain and the musical strength of Sheryl
Crow. Her charming and sassy stage presence demands attention and
connects her with her audience. No genre is off limits, whether it be
driving country or classic rock, as is evident by her medleys of 80's
and dance hits.
Shannon was thrilled to be the 2009 winner of the
Country 105/Lammle's Rising Star Contest held at Ranchman's in Calgary.
She has graced the stage of several top-notch venues and events
throughout Alberta, including the Big Valley Jamboree and the Alberta
Pro Rodeo circuit. Most recently, she has opened for American country
supergroup Lonestar as well as Johnny Reid, Duane Steele, Julian Austin
and Aaron Pritchett.
Shannon released her debut album "Tell Me
Something", charting five singles that garnered her much attention at
Canadian radio. Her fourth single "Settle Down" reached #2 on the Hot
Country 50 chart in Queensland, Australia, landing her between Eric
Church's "Drink In My Hand" and Lady Antebellum's "We Owned The Night".
"Take Me Drunk# I'm Home" and "Can't Have My Heart" highlighted the
overall strength of Shannon's album.
Shannon is set to release her
sophomore album in April 2013. The new album will feature nine tracks,
including collaborations with Patricia Conroy, "Nashville Star" winner
Angela# Hacker and songwriter Wade Kirby(I Saw God Today, George
Strait). Along with her much-anticipated album release, Shannon is
nominated for Female Vocalist Of The Yearby the Alberta Country Music
Association. With the upcoming release of Shannon's new IPhone artist
app and her weekly webisode series, 2013 is promising to be a
ground-breaking year.
While maintaining her girl-next-door charm and
honest sincerity, Shannon Smith's star continues to quickly rise. One
thing is certain, this beautiful and talented singer's unmistakable
style and distinct sound is sure to draw rave reviews and serious
attention throughout the music industry.
Meet the Band
Shannon
Smith delivers live shows full of energy, fun and great music.
Shannon's band consists of several talented, local musicians who have
performed with her for the last several years.
Kristin Friesen
Bass Guitar, Background Vocals
The
newcomer to the band, Kristin started playing guitar at age 9 and
taught herself by ear. She soon started writing songs and recording,
playing a variety of instruments, influenced by soul, rock, folk,
country and funk artists including Prince, Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan and
Bonnie Raitt. Kristin joined the Shannon Smith Band in 2013 and brings a
rock-solid groove and incredible spirit to the group.
She is
thrilled to be playing bass and singing alongside Shannon and is looking
forward to interacting with Shannon's loyal following.
Rob Levesque
Piano/Keyboards, Lead/Background Vocals
Influenced
heavily by his family's musical background, Rob performed for several
years in his first band Wrangler, which included his parents and sister.
Wrangler performed throughout B.C. and Alberta through 2004. Following
this, Rob worked with party band Foolisheart and country recording
artist Rob Russell, further expanding his musical stylings to include a
variety of different genres. He has opened for Colin James, Chris
Cummings, The Stampeders, Hey Romeo and The Trews among others and has
also worked alongside Aaron Lines and Six West. Rob's vocals are a must
hear and his inspiring musicianship creates an exciting dynamic within
the Shannon Smith Band.
Wade Saliba
Lead Guitar
Wade first
picked up a guitar at the age of 10 and never looked back. Graduating in
1986 from the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA, it took
two years before he would return home. Over the next 14 years Wade
toured across Canada in such bands as Sweet Lucy, The Brett Barrow Band,
and Desert Moon. He then spent two years floating the Caribbean on
Carnival Cruise Lines playing in the Show Band and rockin' passengers in
the back lounge with the Dirt Poets. Happy to have his land legs back,
and helping to raise his two young children, Wade is excited to be in
the next chapter of his music career with the Shannon Smith Band. Wade's
energetic, ear-catching style is unmatched no matter what genre he
plays.
Dale Wiens
Drums/Percussion, Lead/Background Vocals
Dale
began playing professionally every weekend at age 21 during his tenure
in the Canadian Armed Forces, after which he began touring with his band
The Prairie Dogs. For the next six years, the Prairie Dogs performed
shows throughout Canada, opening for rock bands such as Trooper, The
Headpins, Toronto and Prism. Since 2001, Dale has been one of the most
respected and talented freelance drummers in the Calgary area performing
alongside a variety of talented local singers. His influences range
from Van Halen to Vince Gill. In the Shannon Smith Band, Dale brings an
unmatched groove, style, humor and energy to the stage - plus he can
sing as well!