Podcasts
by Shaun Smith

Episode 41 – Shanna In A Dress

Shanna In A Dress and Shaun In A Hat at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

Shanna in a Dress is one of those performers you just can’t help but smile while watching.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shanna at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival for an episode of The High Note, where we discussed everything from her musical journey to how she crafts such an engaging and unpredictable live show.

Shanna In A Dress and Shaun Smith at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

Shanna’s first time at the festival was a special one. She kicked off the Thursday night set alongside Miss Emily and Adam Ezra, wowing the crowd with a mix of humor, heart, and incredible musicianship.

One of the highlights of our conversation was hearing about her epic cross-country bike tour, where she performed over 60 shows while biking coast-to-coast. That tour not only shaped her life but influenced many of the songs she performs today.

Shanna In A Dress performs Thursday, Aug. 15 at the 61s annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/ The High Note).
Shanna In A Dress performs Thursday, Aug. 15 at the 61s annual Philadelphia Folk Festival (Shaun R. Smith/ The High Note).

But Shanna’s music isn’t all light-hearted fun. One of her most poignant songs, “Shelly,” is a tribute to a paralyzed woman she cared for, a song that touches audiences deeply every time she plays it. Shanna embraces vulnerability in her music, balancing the emotional weight of some songs with her undeniable charm and wit.

Her upcoming album “Sweet Spot” embodies that mix of light and shade, with Shanna explaining how she decided to embrace imperfection during the recording process. The result is a collection of songs that feels spontaneous and true to her style.

Shanna In A Dress and Shaun Smith at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival
Shanna In A Dress and Shaun Smith at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

Whether she’s making you laugh with a joke about losing her pick in a guitar’s soundhole or bringing you to tears with a story about life’s fragility, Shanna in a Dress knows how to connect with her audience. She’s a breath of fresh air in the folk scene, and I can’t wait for more people to experience her magic.

 

Shanna In A Dress and Shaun Smith at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival
Shanna In A Dress and Shaun Smith at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival.

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Paul “Dawg” Dixon wrote, composed and recorded the intro and outro music. The voices you hear at the end are Graeme Armstrong, Steve Poltz and Keller Williams.