Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda is coming to town May 13, as part of the Canada South Blues Society’s slate of performances.
“Growing up, all of my favourite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Shawanda said in a media release. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’ Even today’s pop music, there’s all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”
Raised in Wiikwemkoong First Nation, Shawanda was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents.
“I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she said, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.
“I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” she said. “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I’m always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us? I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”
Shawanda will perform at the KBD Club on Byng Avenue in Chatham. Show time is 8 p.m.
For tickets, head to the KBD Hall, Blenheim Decorating, Tony’s One Stop, Kakoon Spa, or online at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/44350/ or call 519-676-9150.
