Susan Shann

Originally from northwest New Jersey, Susan was influenced early on by the vocal genius of Ella Fitzgerald, the blues fire of Stevie Ray Vaughn, the psychedelic landscapes of Pink Floyd, the astounding creativity of Joni Mitchell and so many others. She began writing songs and playing guitar in her teens, performing at coffeehouses and restaurants throughout the area. After acquiring a music education degree from Montclair State University with highest honors, she taught for several years before making the decision to move to Nashville, Tennessee in 2004 to pursue a career as a songwriter and performer.  
   
Called by the urgency of climate change and other environmental issues, Susan became very involved with environmental activism and community organizing. Within a short period of time, she earned a permaculture design certificate, founded Transition Nashville and established “Earth Revolution”, a local access environmental program,  produced with a team of volunteers for three years (see music videos page for links to several of these). Susan also participated in the work of numerous organizations focused on environmental and social justice issues for many years, establishing a reputation as a local leader and tireless advocate for needed change.  
   
Susan returned her full focus to the task of creating great music in 2016, earning a publishing contract with Grammy-winning producer Bill Vorndick, with whom she released her third full-length album, "Rhythm of the Road," in November 2017. She released a critically acclaimed acoustic collection, "Reckless Abandon", in 2018. She had several cuts by independent artists. "You Reap What You Sow", recorded by Mara Levine, topped both Folk and Grassicana charts for many weeks between 2018-2020. Susan also won 1st place in the international song contest of "Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay" for her song "Price on Heaven", and has placed prominently in several other notable contests. She's also had the great honor of of sitting with the world-famous western swing band “The Time Jumpers” numerous times, and being invited to perform at such prestigious local events as “Tin Pan South” and many others. 

But "once an activist, always an activist", they say. When Covid came along, Susan had a chance to reflect deeply on what was happening in the world from spiritual, political, ecological, economic and social justice perspectives. Within 3 years she completed a course in systems thinking, earned a certification as a facilitator for the beautiful teachings of the “Work That Reconnects” returned to school  at Lipscomb University's Institute for Sustainable Practice to complete a Master of Science in Sustainability, and created “Integrative Keynote Concerts”. 

Combining socially conscious music with inspiration drawn from many contemporary thought leaders, Susan's core message is designed to inspire and awaken participants to a deeper sense of our profound interconnectedness with both our human and non-human family, exploring the relationships between systems thinking, ancient wisdom, contemporary challenges, innovative solutions and the astonishing capacities of heart-centered wisdom and creativity to transform our world. For more information or to book Susan for an event, go to her Integrative Keynote Concerts page.