Biography
"The only thing better than the album, is seeing her live!"
-The Jeff and Vida Band, Nashville, TN
Shannon Wurst is a paradox. Although her last name may betray you, her distinct voice rings true. While staying true to the musical traditions set forth by those from so long ago, Shannon adds a modern twist. By pairing old with new, her music has a truly timeless sound. This sound can strike a chord with just about anyone. Ignited by her passionate performance, Shannon Wurst captivates her audience!
Those traditions that are evident in her music come from a place of not only inspiration, but also firsthand experience. Growing up in a musical family in Alma, Arkansas (affectionately dubbed the Spinach Capitol of the World), she's no stranger to picking parties and house concerts. Considering her musical upbringing, it's no wonder that Shannon's music makes you feel as if you are in her living room, and she is singing only to you.
Shannon is a true artist: an entertainer, a storyteller, and a songstress. In 2008, many took notice of this rising star. She has been selected as a finalist in the Kerrville New Song Contest in Texas. She was nominated for 2009 NAMA female singer/songwriter of the year. She also was commissioned by the Arkansas Heritage Council to write and perform children's song about Arkanasas natural heritage. She was named Walnut Valley New Song Winner at the Walnut Vally Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Garrison Kellior of Prairie Home Companion Radio Program picked her as semi-finalist for the program's Talented Twenties Contest. She was nominated, under the categories of Female Vocalist of the Year and Singer/Songwriter of the Year, in the Northwest Arkansas Music Awards. She has also had the distinct honor of being invited to open for Robert Earl Keen, Carlene Carter, and RailRoad Earth. All this added to the fact that she has been touring around the country in support of her well-received debut album Sunday Pie.
Shannon began working on her album Sunday Pie while living in North Carolina where she was awarded the Northwest North Carolina Regional Artist Grant. She returned to Arkansas to begin recording, and was able to use the grant money to partially fund the production of the album. The album is a collection of original and traditional songs, featuring an impressive cast of musicians. When listening to the album, the passion and tradition that Shannon is known for is obvious. The album has garnered lots of positive attention from the press. Bluegrass Unlimited credits her time and preparation in creating a strong and distinctive debut album.
In addition to her solo career, Shannon performs with 3 Penny Acre, which allows her to further explore her musical style. The four piece acoustic group has created unique vein of Ozark music. Know for their intricate four part harmonies and hand-crafted instruments (custom made by band member Bayard Blain), the group has carved out a distinct niche for themselves. The debut album was released December 2008 to the delight of fans and audiences alike.
Shannon Wurst delivers engaging entertainment, dynamic vocals, and a down home presence that will make you sit up and listen. Her songwriting provides you with a portal into the life of not only this up and coming artist, but also a peek into others' stories. Shannon Wurst is a modern day pioneer, creating her own path and sound.
"Shannon Wurst has all the makings of becoming a bigger name than most.
Like good malt whiskey, she goes down a treat."
-Maverick County Magazine, London, England
Quotes
"Shannon Wurst is among the rare breed who can make you sit upright and wonder aloud, "who is that?" She is unquestionably arresting."-Sing Out Folk Music Magazine, John Lupton
"If there's any justice in this musical world, you'll be hearing a loty more of Shannon Wurst."-Bluegrass Unlimited
"Quite honestly, I think Shannon may be the best local performer I have heard and I can only hipe that someone discovers her quick." Littlerocklivemusic.com
"Stellar debut album."-Arkansas Times, Lindsey Millar
"Sharing other peoples' stories is at the heart of Wurst's songwriting."- Triad, Winston-Salem, NC
"There is no stage she won't shine on! She will, not doubt, have the crowd asking for more."- Matt Johnson, Boone Saloon, Boone, NC
"Add to the growing list of impressive Ozark-grown talent the name SHANNON WURST...there is a new voice on the scene worth paying attention to. One that could easily emerge from our radios in the coming years." Ozark Mountainer, Branson, MO
"Shannon can sing witht he best of them. I'd walk a mile just to hear her hum."-Mark Bilyeu of Big Smith
"Shannon's voice has the simple mountain purity of Maybelle Carter and Dolly Parton, yet her songs have a timeless and hopeful edge that shines..."-Jeff Mosier of Blueground Undergrass
"Sweetest voice this side of heaven."-Tim Williems, Mayor of Scranton, AR
Awards and Achievements
Receipt of North Northwestern Carolina Regional Artist Grant
Winner of New Song Contest at Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS
Semi-finalist in Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion Talented Twenties Contest
Nominated for NAMA Songwriter of the Year
Nominated for NAMA Female Vocalist of the Year
Selected for the 20th Annual Internation Folk Alliance Offical Showcase Artist, 2008
Selected (with 3 Penny Acre) for the 21st Annual International Folk Alliance Offical Showcase Artist, 2009
Venues and Festivals
George's Majestic Lounge-Fayetteville, AR
Good Folk Productions (Mike Shirkey) -Fayetteville, AR
Sticky Fingerz-Little Rock, AR
Whitewater Tavern-Little Rock,AR
The Lyric Theater-Harrison, AR
The Palace Theater-Crossville, TN
The United Center-Idaho Springs, CO
Shining Star-Nederland, CO
Boone Saloon-Boone, NC
Boticelli's-Austin, TX
Mulberry Mountain Harvest Festival, 2008 Ozark, AR
Walnut Valley Festival, 2008, Winfield, KS
Kerrville Folk Festival, 2008, Kerrville, TX
Eureka Springs Folk Festival 2008, Eureka Springs, AR
Merlefest Songwriter's Showcase, 2007
4 State Homegrown Music Festival, 2007 & 2008, Neosho, MO
SXSW,2007, Austin, TX
Eureka Springs Bluegrass Festival, 2007, Eureka Springs, AR
TV/Radio Appearances
Featured Artist on Front Row Music Program on Jones Television Network
Interviewed on Mountain Television Network by the North Carolina Arts Council
Featured on Nationally Syndicated Program, Folk Sampler, with Mike Flynn
Live Studio appearance on Mike Shirkey's Pickin Post
Live Studio appearance on Daniel Gold's Honest Tunes Radio Show
Live Studio appearance Blue Plate Special with Matt Morelock's
FolkAlley.com
Frontporchradio.com
Reference
Dick Renko
Trout Fishing in America Manager
Muzik Mangement/Productions
drenko@muzikmgt.com
479-369-2221
Jim Roe
Booking Agent
Roe Entertainment
roeent@bellsouth.net
877-688-5885
Harold Wieties
Booking for George's Majestic Lounge
479-841-2416
Instrumentation
Solo Show: Shannon Wurst- Vocals and guitar/banjo
Duo Show: Shannon Wurst and Bayard Blain-mandolin
Band: 3 Penny Acre
Shannon Wurst- Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, brush bucket
Bryan Hembree- Guitar, Vocals, Brush Bucket, Accordion
Bernice Hembree- Upright Bass and Vocals
Bayard Blain- Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Guitar, and Vocals
Discography
Kid's Album to be released in July 2009
Old Wood New Wire to be release in June 2009
Sunday Pie, June 2007, Hogs and Hominy Records
3 Penny Acre, Dec. 08, Hogs and Hominy Records
Links
| http://shannonwurst.com |