[advertising]

By BRENNAN SARICH
Staff Writer

I walk into Slacks for the first time for my interview with the ever-interesting Shawnee Lynne, and I manage to bump into all the musicians playing that night. One thing that strikes me about the venue at Slacks is how accepting and supportive it is. The opening musician, Kim, tells me that she and her guitar player Bob will fill in for the regular MC. I give a giant thumbs-up when they ask how the sound balance is on the monitors. Everyone chats with anyone they want in the community atmosphere.

I wave at Shawnee as she walks in with her guitar, and she introduces herself, all sunshine and smiles. We talk a bit about her, and nearly every person comes by to chat with Shawnee before her act. (I was a bit jealous, I must admit.)

Shawnee takes the stage as the second performer, and she’s clearly a regular here at Slacks. Guitar in hand, and a lock of hair hanging in her face, Shawnee opens by strumming her guitar, and without preamble, leads into her first song of the night, “It’s Never Really Over.”

Shawnee croons it with an intensity that shows the depth of the emotional material she creates. Her songs clearly focus on her desire to express her emotions, and the song “It’s Never Really Over” is a combination of folk and rock ballad. Shawnee plays several original tunes, and she finishes up the night with “I’ve Gotta Dance,” a funky rock song that takes advantage of her ability to sing sweetly one moment and then break out toe tapping beats the next.

After her set finishes, Shawnee walks slowly off the stage with a quick thanks to the modest gathering. I could see people bobbing their heads as she played, and I find myself wishing the set was longer.

Short as it was, Shawnee has a definite way with her music, and it will be interesting to see what she does in the coming summer season, when people really begin to break out their guitars and tour their music. Certainly, she’ll gain herself a real presence over the summer if she attempts to partake in all the musical events available to the Torontonian artist.