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Welcome to my site! Please feel free to look around, hear some sounds and find out where I'll be playing next...

Three Wins in the MASC (Mid-Atlantic Song Contest)!! 

I was thrilled and honored to find out on Dec. 31st, 2017, that three of my songs took honors in the 2017 MASC Songwriting Contest: "Compass", co-written with my friend Robin Hackett, received "Honorable Mention" in the Pop category, "Unbroken" received "Honorable Mention" in the Gospel category, and "Stand Down" is a finalist in the Country category! How exciting isTHAT?!! Nice way to ring in the New Year!!

"Rhythm of the Road" album release and party set for Nov. 3rd, 2017!! 

FINALLY!! My new album, “Rhythm of the Road”, is DONE and will be arriving soon, in both digital and physical form!! It’s a cool, mostly fun and upbeat collection of rock and pop songs hand-picked with Grammy-winning veteran producer Bil Vorndick, Bassists Byron House and Michael Rhodes lent their talents to the effort, as did guitarists Pat Bergeson, Jack Pearson, JT Corenflos  and Chip Martin, Bob Mater played drums and percussion, Will Barrow played keys. I did my best to remain standing in such fine company!! My friend Rose Kightlinger did the photography and my friend Nancy Terzian did the graphics. I am blessed to know so many amazing and talented people! 

Now I’ve got a BIG OL’ BIRTHDAY and CD RELEASE PARTY coming up on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 7:30-10pm, and I want basically ALL Y’ALL to come and throw-down with me and some equally fine musical companions.  I decided to hold it at CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING NASHVILLE so it would be kid-friendly.  First, two FANTASTIC openers: Grammy-nominated songwriter and top-notch performer Amanda Colleen Williams will be playing a set, as will my very dear and musically awesome friends from the “Brown’s Gift Shop Revival Band”. 

Then, joining me onstage that night will be my friends Andy Peake on drums, Lance Hoppen on bass, Will Barrow on keys, Eddie Henzelman and Jeff Zona on guitars, and the lovely Yvonne Smith on background vocals. It just doesn’t get any better!! It promises to be an INCREDIBLY FUN night of music and mayhem. Wear your dancing shoes, people!! Prepare to groove.

"Price on Heaven" wins first place in Musicians United song contest! 

I was excited to receive word yesterday that "Price on Heaven (Song for Bristol Bay)" won first place in the Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay song contest. This is an international organization of musicians, founded in 2014 and dedicated to protecting Bristol Bay against the ongoing threat of mining companies who want to lift protections on this highly ecologically sensitive area, which is home to one of the world's largest remaining salmon runs, in order to mine for gold, copper and other minerals. We must not allow this to happen. This song is a call to stop the reckless destruction of these wild places for short-term profit, and to stop putting a price on what is sacred and beyond any measurable value.

Check out the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYv9Gfipxk 

Album, shows, other stuff... 

Still hoping to complete album, now by about mid-June. Life and financial matters intervene, but we press on!! Just need to complete mixing, mastering, graphics, duplication (oh, is that all?). Meanwhile, played a lovely service at MCCSL (Music City Center for Spiritual Living) on Easter, and continuing to play when / where I'm able, given my schedule, including frequent Thursdays at The Old School (farm / bar / restaurant in Nashville). Looking forward to SERFA (Southeast Regional Folk Alliance) in May. Gearing up to be a chant leader at the March for Science and Climate here in Nashville this coming Sat., despite predictions of rain. And so it goes...

"Final Word" being released as a single! 

As of Feb. 1st, "Final Word", with a timely message about our need to come together as a nation, inspired by a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, will be available for purchase here, as well as on iTunes and CDBaby. Check it out!

Album progress and other news... 

The album has been moving along well. Basic tracks (rhythm guitar, bass, drums, keys) for all twelve songs have been completed, with some truly fabulous musicians. Bil Vorndick, my producer, and I are both busy, but finding blocks of time to work on vocals, with 9 songs completed and three more to go. He's out of town this week, but we'll resume again soon. Guitar overdubs will be next. It's exciting to see this take shape, and I love that Bil demands the best from me, and from these songs, and doesn't allow anything to be just "okay". It forces me to grow and think even more deeply about my own lyrics, my intention and delivery with each line. What a great learning process!
Meanwhile, I'm playing an hour set of originals at Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor in Franklin, TN next Monday, Oct 3rd, 8-9pm with my awesome friend Ben Williams for "Make it Blue Monday", a Williamson County Democratic fundraiser. Can't wait to share some music with the good people there! Come out and join us if you're in the area...

"Price on Heaven" wins 2nd place in Environmental Song Contest 

I was very happy and honored to discover that my song, "Price on Heaven (Song for Bristol Bay)", written on behalf of "Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay" to raise awareness about the threat posed by mining companies to one of the world's largest natural salmon fisheries, recently won 2nd place in the Connecticut Songwriter's Association's Environmental Song Contest! See details here: 

http://www.ctsongs.com/EnviroSongContest-Winners2016.htm 

Also, huge thanks and gratitude to all who helped with my "Indiegogo" album campaign, which raised over $6500 in 30 days to help me complete this new album and get to share it with all of YOU!! What a blessing.

Sue's Indiegogo Campaign 

Here's the link to my "Indiegogo" fundraising campaign. It isn’t fancy, just simple. But it’s real, and it’s incredibly important to me. I know I’m surrounded by amazing talent and amazingly creative spirits, so I humbly ask my friends for your help in making this album, and allowing me to raise my voice in the chorus of good and beautiful this life can be, through music that celebrates these things. Maybe you can share this with others too? 

Thanks and peace, 

Susan Shann 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/susan-shann-s-new-album--2/x/14576095#/ 

Today's the day!! 

I finally got my Indiegogo album campaign together. When I saw how professional the "pitch" videos were for some other artists' campaigns, I almost had an anxiety attack! But I pulled it together, got a little help with basic editing from a great friend, and got my simple, home-made video up there. Now it's in the hands of a higher power. I've had more amazing help and serendipity than I can even explain to this point, so I'm just gonna trust and let go. I know this project will come together. Keeping faith and moving forward...

Another day in the life 

We're getting ready for a brief trip to NC, well-deserved RnR, and a chance to see some friends. Been working a lot... there's not always enough time and energy for a serious music session. But I've learned to write in my head when working, and save ideas in my phone. Then I find little snippets of time in the morning or evening just to pick up the guitar and run through something. Every little bit counts. Just gotta keep believing and moving forward, do a little something every day. Hoping to get the fundraiser going as soon as we return.

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News, shows in your area, etc..

Previous events

I'm excited to share the music and message at Center for Spiritual Living Nashville once again! My talk is entitled "Sacred Ecology", and the synopsis is as follows: "Our earth mother Gaia is a living, breathing, highly intelligent and self-organizing system. We are all connected to the earth with every cell in our body. This is a modern scientific revelation, an ancient wisdom, and a miraculous wonder. In light of the existential challenges created by the failure of our modern society to understand and apply this knowledge on a deep level until now— it is also a grave responsibility. Let's explore how we might become active participants in healing our world."

Please join us live at 6705 Charlotte Ave. in Nashville, or online at www.csln.tv.

Folk Nashville Connections

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Online

Very much looking forward to joining my awesome Nashville friends and fellow activists and artists Nell Levin, Michael August, and Brant Miller to share some songs and stories! Hope you can join us!!

Shadows Ignited

Southminster Presbyterian Church, 643 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211

HELP SUPPORT VICTIMS ND SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE Get your tickets before it's too late! https://snltshadowsignited.eventbrite.com Tickets for private virtual live stream available!

Often victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence attempt to hide their experience in the shadows. We want people to know that they are not alone, that we believe them and that they do not have to hide their trauma. Shadows Ignited is a combination of music, poetry, dance, monologues and dramatic performances aimed at giving victims and survivors of sexual violence a creative outlet to share their stories in ways they are comfortable. The poems, monologues and theater pieces have all been written by clients of Silent NO Longer Tennessee. Proceeds from ticket sales go to providing creative expression programs such as poetry, drama, painting and other artistic ways. COVID PERCAUSIONS: A digital temperature check will done prior to entering the building. If you are running a fever, you will be not allowed into the building. All attending the performance must wear a mask at all times. Removal of masks during the performance will result in your removal. If you are removed, no refunds will be issued.

Silent No Longer Tennessee is a grassroots organization of sexual assault survivors and allies dedicated to helping those in our committees who have also been touched by sexual violence. Our mission is to support, empower and advocate for sexual assault survivors through the creation of safe spaces for victims and survivors to share their stories in creative ways, to provide victims, survivors, allies and advocates the skills required to organize and advocate for themselves and others, and to dismantle stereotypes and erode the systemic causes of sexual violence through awareness, education and the legislative process.

On Febraury 6th, 11am CST, I once again have the incredible honor of being the guest speaker AND artist at Center for Spiritual Living Nashville!! Although I've performed there many times, this will be my third talk. Being able to share some of what I've learned along my own spiritual path means so much to me, it's hard to express in words.

You can always join us from wherever you are, for the livestream of the service at www.csln.tv. If you can't tune in at that time, the service is archived on CSLN's YouTube channel (above) and can be viewed at your convenience. Or, if you're local to Nashville, TN, come on over to 6705 Charlotte Ave. and check us out in person. Due to Covid, of course, masks are required in the building at this time.

It's a wonderful community and a wonderful spiritual teaching. Hope you can join us!!

Returning once again to deliver the music and message at CSLN. So blessed to have this opportunity and this community! Join us live at 6705 Charlotte Pike, Nashville or watch the livestream at www.csln.tv. Services are archived on the site as well. (Check out service from June 6th HERE: https://youtu.be/K0dQp2T00xs).

Jun6

It's always an honor to perform at my spiritual center, but it's an INCREDIBLE honor to perform AND get to share the message for this Sunday!! I will be speaking on how we move from the "Story of Separation" to the "Story of Interbeing". I hope you can join us, 11am CT LIVE at 6705 Charlotte Like in Nashville, TN or online at www.csln.tv.

Another fun and inspiring Sunday at Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, with my friend Rique and the CSLN house band, sharing a song we co-wrote as well as several others. Reverend Ray Wiggins (aka "Papa Ray") will be speaking. Join us for the livestream at csln.tv, or show up in person at 6705 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, 37209.

Special guest @ CSLN

Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN

Joining the awesome house band at Center for Spiritual Living Nashville again this Sunday, 11am. The equally awesome Gregory Fisher will be giving the message; "Don't make assumptions", one of "The Four Agreements" from Don Miguel Ruiz's timeless classic book - a must-have for anyone on the path toward spiritual growth. Catch us live at 11am: www.csln.tv

TIPL (Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light) Virtual Holiday Party

Zoom Gathering

This Sunday afternoon, Dec. 6th, from 3-5pm CT or 4-6pm ET, Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light is hosting their annual holiday party and fundraiser - online, of course! Lots of great music, poetry and readings, a silent auction, and much more. I'm honored to be performing a couple songs toward the beginning of the meeting. I love this organization and support their work in promoting more earth-friendly and sustainable practices within faith-based organizations. If you wish to join the fun, you can register here: https://forms.gle/jgfeC28DT1U2Nmey6

Nov1

CSLN Featured Performer

Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike, Nashville

Always excited to play with my friends at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. Service is open with limited seating. You must wear a mask and have your temperature checked as you come in. Virtual service is also available online on the CSLN YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpK1A_Eq7mHJiuIwWqFgpA

Jun21

I am honored to take part in providing music for the virtual service on Sunday, June 21st, at 11am, which can be viewed on their FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/CSLNash/. I got to go to Reverend Lynn Bennett's amazing "Stagepost Studios" video production facility and tape a couple of my songs today. Everyone there was so kind and easy to work with. They made it really fun and relaxed, made me feel right at home - so THANK YOU for that, you awesome, beautiful people!