tag:www.susanshann.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=2Latest News2022-06-08T17:11:30-05:00Susan Shannfalsetag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/69897452022-06-08T17:11:30-05:002023-10-16T09:50:24-05:00Message and Music: What's New... <p>On May 15th, 2022 I had the opportunity to deliver my fourth "message and music" (or "sermon and song" if you prefer) for the community at Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. The title of my talk was "<em>Sacred Ecology</em>", accompanied by three of my original songs ("<em>I Am That I Am</em>", "<em>Church of God"</em> and "<em>Wild Beauty</em>") and one cover (Gabe Dixon's "<em>All Will Be Well</em>"). At last, I figured out what my life's purpose is: to transform society, one heart and mind at a time, by sharing what I've learned through the ongoing process of my own transformation through spiritual practice, speaking, music, and active engagement with an ecologically-centered model for sustainable, regenerative, cooperative and local living (and amazing communities of people involved with these efforts). If this sounds dramatic... I guess it is. But when the path reveals itself, ya' gotta follow it. (Conversely, I guess one can continue wandering in the fading light, alienation and dead-end corridors of the Industrial Growth Society and the Great Global Pursuit of Corporate Empire that's killing our living world, but... that doesn't sound nearly as enticing to me!). The link for that event is here: <a contents="Susan Shann / Sacred Ecology" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/3WUP2PrqJJ4">https://youtu.be/3WUP2PrqJJ4</a></p>
<p>My most recent talk was this past weekend, on Sat., June 4th, for the Cumberland Green Bioregional Council - of which I've been a member for many years. I laid out some of the history and key characteristics of systems thinking. The formal (and LONG) title was "Radical Revisioning: Systems Thinking and the Move Toward an Ecological Society". Needless to say, delivering such a talk to the Greens is basically preaching to the choir, but it's still excellent practice for me, as I continue to learn and integrate different aspects of this larger vision of transformation - from economic to health-related to social and community provisions, and so on. Unfortunately, I didn't get to film this one - but plan to do so going forward.</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/69002732022-02-17T12:46:24-06:002022-02-17T12:46:24-06:00More fun in Belize!!<p>In December of 2021, we spent 3 weeks in Belize with our good friends Bubba and Bianca, and I once again got to play with my friend and musical partner-in-crime Ed Taft on Bass and Cyril Hannah on percussion at a couple favorite hangouts for locals and tourists, "The Pickled Parrot" and "Buba Wuba's". The shows were as much fun as you can imagine! Let's see... go to a tropical paradise, spend time with friends, make music and get paid... yeah, I'll take it!!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/214671/8ff2b33df3640efc15e224ea6bb81ef65ee0a613/original/edsuecyrildec21.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/69002412022-02-17T11:46:06-06:002022-02-17T11:46:06-06:003rd "Sermon and Song" on Feb. 6th a great success!!<p>Having the opportunity to share both the music and message at my spiritual center continues to be an amazing growth experience for me!! This past Sunday, Feb. 6th was no exception. I also had two of my favorite people and top-notch vocalists, Gregory Fisher and Raven Barrientos, singing with me on several songs, and esp. on "Glory" from the movie "Selma", where I got to work my rap skills a bit on Common's words of wisdom in support of the fight for racial justice and equality. </p>
<p>I look forward to being back on May 15th! </p>
<p>To listen to this most recent talk as well as the others (June 6th and August 8th, 2021), go to <a contents="www.csln.tv" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/spirituallivingnashville" target="_blank">www.csln.tv</a></p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/66570082021-06-11T18:24:58-05:002021-07-07T22:54:50-05:00Sermon and Song: My Big Debut!!<p>This past Sunday, June 6th, 2021, I had the <strong><em>tremendous honor</em></strong> of being the <strong><em>guest speaker AND musical artist</em></strong> at <strong><em>Center for Spiritual Living Nashville</em></strong>!! Preparing for this was truly a "labor of love" in every respect, and the work paid off. I felt relaxed and confident, and was able to deliver a heartfelt message, while also enjoying performing with my favorite musicians anywhere! I'm grateful for this loving community, and for the lessons learned which have brought me to this point, of finding peace and fulfillment from within and continuing to grow as a messenger for the causes and values I believe in. So blessed!! To watch the service, go <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/K0dQp2T00xs" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/65647822021-03-04T11:59:29-06:002021-05-12T21:41:53-05:00Members Area Created, Custom Song Page Coming Soon!<p>I finally got the Subscription / Membership Area created on my website, so pretty happy about that! And huge thanks to those of you who've subscribed. I'm looking forward to the very first private, VIP livestream next Friday, 7pm CT! A page for my "Custom Songs" is coming soon. If you would like to order an incredibly special, professionally crafted and recorded personalized song as a gift for someone you know, or for any occasion, please contact me. It's what I love to do!</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/63556012020-06-16T16:44:18-05:002020-06-16T17:11:23-05:00Excited to be sharing music once again with my spiritual family at CSLN on June 21st, 2020!!<p>June 16th, 2020</p>
<p>These past few months have been, um, <em><strong>challenging</strong></em> for all of us in a number of ways. And for some, they've been downright impossible. From a devastating series of tornadoes here in Tennessee in early March that took 25 lives and tore a path of destruction through parts of Davidson, Wilson, Smith and Putnam Counties, to a global virus outbreak that has caused untold suffering and death, as well as massive job loss and economic despair as schools and businesses were forced to shutter their doors for the safety of all, to the massive outcry for justice from people everywhere following the murder of an unarmed black man, once again, at the hands of police officers whose job it is to protect our citizens. To say the unfolding events of recent months have been a test of our mental, emotional and physical fortitude would be an understatement. But through all of this, we've also seen examples of amazing heroism and courage, solidarity and kindness, and a determination to rise above unfathomable levels of pain and adversity and find the good within ourselves and each other, again and again. Even the beautiful Mother Earth got a bit of a much-needed reprieve as the COVID pandemic has dramatically slowed down the continual onslaught of industrial pollutants and the burning of fossil fuels, at least for a little while.</p>
<p>Another change that has occurred is with the leadership at our beloved spiritual home, Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. It is with a sense of peace, happiness and anticipation that we embark on a new path, stronger and wiser for the experiences of the last two years under the leadership of Reverend Claudia Renee and her husband Tony Williamson. 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 <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/CSLNash/" target="_blank">HERE.</a> 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!</p>
<p>I know they say it's darkest just before the dawn, and that darkness can really put us to the test. But I'm also excited and filled with hope for what the future holds for all of us. New opportunities, new insights and new ways of doing things abound. Let's not waste them.</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/61946862020-01-28T19:53:44-06:002020-01-28T19:53:44-06:00LIVE with host Drew Laney on WRFN today!!<p>Listen to a live interview I did TODAY, Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 2020, from 3-4pm with the lovely Drew Laney on "Radio Free Nashville" in Pasquo, TN (103.7 and 107.1 FM). Amazing how quickly an hour goes when you're having fun!! Just having a nice conversation and playing a few songs. There is a symphonic piece that comes in during my last song, which makes for an unusual sonic experience, BUT... it's pretty straightforward up to that point!</p>59:59Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/57347282019-04-27T14:51:03-05:002020-10-22T14:14:14-05:00Science and Climate March returns to Nashville on May 4th<p>It seems odd to still be living in an era when we feel compelled to hold a rally and march to show our support for science as a whole, and to once again express an urgent wish that our elected officials, citizens and business leaders come together to address the need for meaningful action on climate change. But, nonetheless, here we are again. We will meet in Public Square on Sat., May 4th at 10am. See event page for details: </p>
<p><a contents="March for Science and Climate Nashville" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/864222037260000/">https://www.facebook.com/events/864222037260000/ </a></p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/54166122018-09-05T18:32:10-05:002019-05-07T17:05:21-05:00"Reckless Abandon" released, #16 on Folk chart for August<p>"Reckless Abandon", a collection of 11 original songs, drawing on both contemporary and traditional influences and recorded in a stripped-down, acoustic format, has finally made it's way into the world-at-large. Released on August 1st, it has begun to gain attention at Folk radio, making the #16 album, #21 song ("Ordinary Miracles") and #22 artist on the charts for it's debut month. Off to a great start! The album and individual songs are available on this site for listening and download, and will be soon be made available on all major internet downloading and streaming sites.</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/53486402018-07-16T17:48:28-05:002019-05-07T17:04:19-05:00New album, "Reckless Abandon", soon to be available<p>I have completed my latest collection of songs, and stripped down the sound somewhat from my last offering. Really looking forward to sharing this with everyone! Stay tuned...</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/50108252018-01-06T21:23:20-06:002019-04-09T09:17:49-05:00Three Wins in the MASC (Mid-Atlantic Song Contest)!!<p>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!!</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/48561592017-09-19T08:57:58-05:002019-04-09T09:25:23-05:00"Rhythm of the Road" album release and party set for Nov. 3rd, 2017!!<p>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! </p>
<p>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”. </p>
<p>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.</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/47540142017-06-22T15:11:32-05:002023-12-10T12:30:32-06:00"Price on Heaven" wins first place in Musicians United song contest!<p>I was excited to receive word yesterday that "Price on Heaven (Song for Bristol Bay)" won first place in the <em><a contents="Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.musiciansunited.info" target="_blank">Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay</a> </em>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<em>. </em>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.</p>
<p>Check out the YouTube video here: <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYv9Gfipxk&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYv9Gfipxk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLYv9Gfipxk </a></p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/46759692017-04-18T19:11:15-05:002019-05-07T17:03:18-05:00Album, shows, other stuff...<p>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...</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/45714632017-01-31T21:41:03-06:002019-05-07T17:02:37-05:00"Final Word" being released as a single!<p>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!</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/43953122016-09-28T20:55:47-05:002021-02-14T21:33:18-06:00Album progress and other news...<p>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!<br>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...</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/43564932016-09-04T10:05:26-05:002019-05-07T17:01:22-05:00"Price on Heaven" wins 2nd place in Environmental Song ContestI 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: <p><a contents="http://www.ctsongs.com/EnviroSongContest-Winners2016.htm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.ctsongs.com/EnviroSongContest-Winners2016.htm">http://www.ctsongs.com/EnviroSongContest-Winners2016.htm </a><br><br>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.</p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/43108862016-08-04T22:35:39-05:002018-05-20T22:54:57-05:00Sue's Indiegogo Campaign<p>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? </p>
<p>Thanks and peace, </p>
<p>Susan Shann </p>
<p><a contents="Susan Shann's New Album" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/susan-shann-s-new-album--2/x/14576095#/&nbsp;">https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/susan-shann-s-new-album--2/x/14576095#/ </a></p>Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/43060282016-08-02T08:35:50-05:002018-03-23T07:52:53-05:00Today'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...Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/42879922016-07-20T22:05:07-05:002018-03-08T01:02:14-06:00Another day in the lifeWe'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.Susan Shanntag:www.susanshann.com,2005:Post/42817522016-07-16T15:10:10-05:002021-05-16T18:35:58-05:00Excited and slightly overwhelmedWe've finally made the decision to go ahead and make an album with my producer. We've set a start date in late August and gotten some fantastic musicians on board. Looking at our budget, we realize we do not have enough to see this through to completion, so I'm in process of creating an "Indiegogo" fundraising campaign, along with this new website. It's a lot to do, and is feeling a bit overwhelming at the moment. But I know this efforts will be completely worthwhile once I get all the pieces in place. Onward and upward!Susan Shann