Neon Blunt

Talents within the Swistun family from the small prairie settlement run deep - as far back as Mike Swistun. While he was billed as the strongest man in the world, Mike, who passed away in 1980, possessed more talents then simply bending steel bars, as he was a musician of note. Those traits have been passed down to his son Bill, and granddaughter, Jennifer (Jen), who has put her painting and drawing talents on the back burner for the past few years, to peruse the family passion for music. Drawing on inspiration from her father, the 2001 graduate of Rossburn Collegiate Institute picked up a bass guitar at age 12, and since then has seen her musical dream come true, with the release of a CD, aptly entitled "The Road".
After graduating, Jen attended Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario, taking a television and radio broadcasting program. Presently employed at the Shoal Lake Pharmacy, she has also been accepted into the dental hygiene program offered by the University if Manitoba. "Most of the songs written on "The Road" are based on my life and memories growing up in rural Manitoba" stated Jen. "The top three songs on the disc are Dad's Song, Mom's Epic and the Letter", which received an honorable mention in the Canadian Windrift Music Competition."
Described as having a voice that can be smoky,passionate, and voluble, the 22 year old singer/songwriter laid down the tracks of "the Road", at Canada Disc and Tape in Calgary, AB. in 2004. Retailing for $10.00, it is available at Olha General Store, Bigway foods in Shoal Lake, and as of January at CD Plus.com.
As 2006 rolls around, she will follow up her first offering with 2 albums from opposite spectrum's - acoustic "Jen Lee" and "Electric Jen Lee".
While one of her next two projects will be kept simple as a solo acoustic album, the other will feature guitar, lead, bass and drums, all of which she will play herself. According to her bio on the Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association, (MARIA) website, she incorporates a strange brew of rock, blues, folk, and alternative genres into her music. It also stated that she writes catchy songs that have diverse sounds behind them. Every song is a story and if you listen closely to the lyrics, you will find them funny and inspiring.
MARIA promotes the work of Manitoba artists and provides professional development services to help music industry workers success as cultural entrepreneurs. Through its programs and services, MARIA helps people in the music industry find their community and build sustainable careers. As a member, Jen is getting to attend workshops in marketing, distributing, recording, producing and many other area's of the music business. To learn more of Jen, a girl from a small town with big dreams, or for booking information visit www. jenswistun.com, e-mail her at jenswistun@hotmail.com, or call her at 759-3385. A high point in her young career thus far was performing with Canada's number one party band and one of her personal favorites, Trooper in Thunder Bay. "In 2003, I was honored to have the chance to sing with Troopers front man, Ra Maguire at Warp 9,a bar in the Ontario City", Added Jen. " Memories last, and friendships have been made at every Trooper concert I attend, the boys are always willing to autograph another keep sake".
As a singer, she took to the stage in front of crowds as an 18 year old at the Confederation College Auditorium for a film/documentary festival. Since then, she has played many music and song writing contests including the Northern Ontario Talent search that garnered her 2nd prize. She is not only a solo artist, as she put together the Jen Swistun Band in April 2005, opening up for recording artists, The Corb Lund Band, a mere two months later.
Now that she has moved back home, the band has temporary disbanded, but her drive to succeed as a talented singer/songwriter calls. - Shoal Lake Star

Energizing and amazing show to watch, Jennifer's voice seems to command attention.

Mike Saharko, Manager
The 40 - Brandon Manitoba - Mike Saharko - The 40, Brandon Manitoba

Neon Blunt has a wonderful way of bringing a crowd together when they play. The group tends to attract listeners at every moment.

Karyn Reimer, Assistant Manager
Double Decker Brandon Manitoba - Karyn Reimer - The Decker, Brandon Manitoba

NEON BLUNT - July 2009
Talent, dedication,
determination and strength,
those are the characteristics
that must be at the core of any
band hoping to do well in the
music business. Those traits
are the essential ingredients
that will serve as your fuel to
help you endure the long road
to success.
In that sense, for Neon
Blunt’s Jennifer Swistun, the
tank is full and she’s ready to
blaze a trail! It may be safe to
say she had an edge before
deciding to jump on the road
to find success with her craft.
All of those aforementioned
characteristics are in her
lineage. Granddaughter of
Micheal Swistun, “The
Strongest Man in the World”
of the Ringling Bros. and
Barnum & Bailey Circus, Jen
Swistun possesses the same
charismatic attraction, but
instead of using magic and
illusion, she uses music.
Those who have heard any
of their songs are familiar
with Jennifer’s unique vocals.
Her voice, passion and bass
chops make her so loved.
Jennifer released an
independent solo album
titled, “The Road,” in 2004.
Her drive and determination
is shared with two other solid
players that complete this
superbly talented trio.
Seasoned drummer Bernie
Wolski, a multitalented
musician, helps give Neon
Blunt their impressive sound. - Brandon Sun - Community News - Frank McGwire