tag:shanastack.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=1
News
2018-07-17T09:17:41-04:00
The Shana Stack Band
false
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/4706464
2017-05-12T12:58:14-04:00
2021-08-16T10:34:46-04:00
Music for the Heroes
Benefit Concert Will Support Veterans<br>By: Nicole S. Colson<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/ebde6d797e676b071f8373707d247ec9d37f48f4/large/18485531-10155233776839280-8373246335049737184-n.jpg?1494608243" class="size_l justify_left border_" />
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/4257163
2016-06-30T10:21:09-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:59-05:00
The Award-Winning Shana Stack Band Comes to Claremont's Summerfest Concert Series This Sunday
<span class="font_large">Standing Room ONLY - Northern New England's Music, Arts & Dining Guide<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/7069b1a85f321072aaa70f4aef51a633cfafbe35/medium/ssb-flag-promo.jpg?1461870049" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span><br><em><a contents="Article by Joe Milliken" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://standing-room-only.info/feature/joe-milliken/award-winning-shana-stack-band-comes-claremonts-summerfest-concert-series-sunda">Article by Joe Milliken</a> * Photos courtesy of The Shana Stack Band </em><br> <p>CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE – The electrifying and award-winning Shana Stack Band is coming to Arrowhead's “Summerfest Concert Series” on Sunday, July 3. Tickets are on sale now at the Summerfest Concert Series website. The upcoming show adds to an already-busy summer for the band. The list of awards this band has accumulated over their still-rising careers is impressive and seemingly endless; “Band of the Year” by the New England Music Awards, “Country Artist of the Year” by Limelight Magazine, “Country Band of the Year” and “Fans Choice Award” by the Independent Country Music Association, “Country Act of the Year” by the New England Music Awards and “World's Best Indie Band” by Wiles Magazine... and I could go on. </p>
<p>“The band has been extremely busy already this summer, Shana Stack said in an exclusive, Standing Room Only interview. “We have over 30 shows booked right through Labor Day and are adding shows weekly. We will play all over New England this summer, from Williston, Vermont and Portland, Maine, to Gorham, New Hampshire and south to North Attleboro, Ma. The schedule includes a wedding, birthday party, several outdoor summer concerts and even a fair in Acton, Maine.” </p>
<p>The Shana Stack Band features multi-national award winning vocalist Shana Stack and Nashville Songwriter's Association International member, Ed Leavitt, the male vocalist and songwriter of the group. Peter Henault plays lead guitar, Kurt Ekstrom plays drums and Alec Derian lays down the bass. The group focuses on current country and the original music written by Leavitt, and one of Ed's songs titled "Let it Go" has been featured in the movie Compliance, which was released nationwide in the summer of 2012 by Magnolia Pictures. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/a7acdd663958fa43ec957cd265e482b702e7af5e/medium/3725134.jpg?1467295999" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The band has opened for such mega stars as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts, Chuck Wicks, as well as performing before Travis Tritt on the Main Stage at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway prior to a Nascar Sprint Cup Race. They have performed shows across New England at a variety of venues including Turning Stone Casino, Lake Sunapee Yacht Club, Tupelo Music Hall, Meadowbrook Pavilion, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Toby Keith's Bar & Grill and the Big E Fair! They also opened for the “Vocal Group of the Year” by the Country Music Association, Little Big Town and later the same month, opened for Craig Morgan and Aaron Parker at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. </p>
<p>Their second full-length original CD released in 2012, What You See Is What You Get, was nominated for “Album of the Year” by the Independent Country Music Association and the follow-up album, Every Now and Then, was released in 2013. The band's fourth album titled Then and Now was released in July 2014 and they are currently working on material for their next release. </p>
<p>The band's musical director, Ed Leavitt, currently focuses the band on performing mostly current/modern country songs such as Luke Bryan's “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”, Chris Janson's “Buy Me A Boat” to the current smash hit by newcomer Maren Morris, “My Church”... However, they also perform a wide range of music from Meghan Trainor's “All About That Bass” to ZZ Top's “Sharp Dressed Man” and a lot in between. The band has also arranged a traditional medley consisting of legends such as Merle Haggard, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/1be6107a88acfefd78c5094f54b6d81b87918e73/medium/3725114.jpg?1467295997" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>Without a doubt, The Shana Stack Band hits the stage with one goal in mind, to engage their audience and leave them wanting more... and they are excited to perform at Claremont's Arrowhead Recreation Area. “Summerfest posted on the What's Up Claremont Facebook page and our band manager, Conrad Farnham, who also lives in Claremont, saw the post and responded," Shana added. "Our guitarist, Ed Leavitt, also lives in Claremont, so it was a great way for a local guy in a nationally recognized, award-winning group to give back to the community." </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/6996a2eea048f80d0a9842f9859fc714664ba1bc/medium/3725098.jpg?1467295996" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>To learn more and order tickets for the show on Sunday, July 3, visit the Summerfest Concert Series website at www.claremontsummerfest.com. To learn more about The Shana Stack Band or to book a show, contact the band through their website at ShanaStack.com or by calling 603-558-2381.<br><br> </p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/4147102
2016-04-21T09:39:16-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:59-05:00
Double Award Winners - Limelight Magazine Music Awards
<p>Press Release<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/8d25ab144b80fee1965daec1eb306d380e904946/medium/limelight-magazine-music-awards.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br><br><span class="font_large"><em>The Shana Stack Band wins Live Act of the Year <br>and Ed Leavitt wins runner-up for Male Vocalist of the Year </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">8th Annual Limelight Magazine Music Awards </span></p>
<p>Plymouth, MA, Saturday, April 16, 2016: The Limelight Magazine Music Awards, located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, announced today the winners of their 8th Annual Limelight Magazine Music Awards. </p>
<p>Founded in October 2006, Limelight Magazine is one of the leading online destinations for coverage of the New England music scene and beyond, providing readers with exclusive interviews with musicians from all genres of music. </p>
<p>After five years of publication, including 12 issues, the print version of Limelight Magazine moved its operations completely online, while always reserving the right for another print issue. </p>
<p>Besides its online efforts, Limelight Magazine is committed to supporting the local music scene of New England with its annual music awards ceremony in the late winter/early spring. Each year dozens of musicians have been recognized for their immense creativity and talent. </p>
<p>The Shana Stack Band, comprised of all New Hampshire and Vermont musicians (Shana Stack, Ed Leavitt, Kurt Ekstrom and Alec Derian and Peter Henault), was nominated in the Live Act of the Year category and the male vocalist, rhythm guitarist and the songwriter of the group, Ed Leavitt was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year. The Limelight Magazine Music Awards received hundreds of perspective nominations and narrowed the field down to 16 categories and chose only 8 artists/groups to be represented in each category. They also chose Shanna Jackman to receive their Unsung Hero Award. Jenna Lotti was the Master of Ceremonies for the awards show assisted by Chris Facey. </p>
<p>At the awards ceremony presented at The Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth, NH, Saturday evening, Ed Leavitt was named runner up for Male Vocalist. Later in the evening The Shana Stack Band was announced as this year’s Live Act of the Year for the 8th Annual Limelight Magazine Awards. The Shana Stack Band members were thrilled about the news. Shana Stack Davis and Ed Leavitt accepted the award on the bands behalf. Shana spoke to the audience with sincerity with “Thank you for everyone that voted. Congratulations to all of the nominees and winner from the 8th Annual Limelight Magazine Awards." Ed Leavitt had to jump in quickly and recommend the restaurant down the street with the amazing pretzels. The audience all laughed and clapped for their newly named Live Act of the Year. </p>
<p>The list of awards The Shana Stack Band has won over the last few years range from Country Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award by the Independent Country Music Association, to Wiles Magazine's World's Best Indie Artist to their awards for Country Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards and Country Artist of the Year by Limelight Magazine. The band was also named Band of the Year by the New England Music Awards in 2015. The band never takes these awards for granted and realize it is the fans and their family that are the drive behind their success. "Winning awards is great, but what these awards really show, is that our fans and the music industry really approve of what we are doing. The fans are really what make this adventure fun, exciting and sincerely rewarding. We look forward to doing what we love, making music, for years to come.” </p>
<p>The band has released 4 albums in the 5 years they have been together, "Then and Now" 2014, "Every Now and Then" 2013, "What You See Is What You Get" 2012 and "You Can't Make Me Fall" 2011. The band is entering the studio this upcoming weekend to prepare songs to release as a digital download cd. The band is looking forward to another successful year, traveling all across New England to perform for their fans. They have opened for Country Superstars such as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Travis Tritt, Rascal Flatts the Band Perry and Little Big Town. The opened on the main stage at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in 2015 for Toby Keith. </p>
<p>You can view their website and order their latest CD by visiting www.ShanaStack.com </p>
<p>Congratulations again to The Shana Stack Band on their latest award and their continued success as a band to watch in New England. </p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/4098497
2015-10-16T16:30:00-04:00
2016-03-21T16:30:53-04:00
Ed Leavitt and The Shana Stack Band Support Local Home for the Children
<p>David's House, a non-profit organization is very near and dear to Ed Leavitt and The Shana Stack Band. Please watch the video and consider donating to David's House. </p>
<p>David's House is the dream of a little boy named David Cyr who passed away in 1984 after a long struggle with acute lymphocytic leukemia. </p>
<p>During David’s frequent visits to the children’s hospital, at that time in Hanover, NH, his father, Dick, met many parents who slept in their cars or in chairs in their child’s hospital room, unable to afford any length of stay at a nearby hotel and unwilling to leave their child’s side. Likewise, each time David was discharged, he begged his parents to take the other kids in the pediatric departments with them to their safe, comfortable home in nearby Vermont. </p>
<p>For three years life went on this way. Dick met frustrated, exhausted parents and dealt with David’s illness the best he knew how; for his part, David helped. In and out of the hospital, Dick tells us, David never lost his love of life or his ability to brighten the days of those he met. </p>
<p> It was 1984 and David’s doctor told the Cyrs that David had just months left to live. The boy’s parents had heard this before, but this time, Dick could feel that it was true. Their home was nearby – a twenty minute drive – but in such times, any distance is too far. Exasperated, overwhelmed, and feeling the frustration he had seen in so many other parents, Dick asked the doctor, “Why isn’t there a place for families like ours to stay?” There had been talk of such a place, the doctor told them, but nothing had ever come of it. </p>
<p>"We're going to build a place," Dick said, <br>"and we're going to call it David's House." </p>
<p>Within a week of David's passing, the Cyrs and their friends and family had already begun raising money for David’s House. The seed money from which this wonderful organization has grown was David's own $300.78 (in spare change, allowances, and birthday money stashed around the house). Whenever Dick had asked him what he was saving for, David replied, "For a special reason, Dad." David's House opened its doors to guests on January 20, 1986 and since then, that "special reason" has served over 13,500 families from around the world! </p>
<p>When the hospital's pediatric services moved from Hanover to Lebanon in 1991, the Board of Directors of David's House decided to launch a capital campaign to build a new home on land that the Medical Center agreed to lease for $1 per year. On May 9, 1994, the current David's House welcomed its first guests. A two-minute walk from DHMC’s doors, David’s House was designed specifically to not look like an institutional building and instead feels like a cozy house with short hallways, welcoming colors, and soft lighting. </p>
<p>Launched in June of 2011, the Keeping David's Promise campaign was a two-year, $4 million effort that added a much-needed cottage-style addition to the house (four bedrooms and other spaces, bringing our total bedrooms to 20), strengthened our operating support, and helped build a long-term endowment strategy. Learn more about Keeping David's Promise. </p>
<p>David's House is a grassroots organization that receives no state or federal funding; because of the support we receive from our community, we are able to provide support for families 365 days/year without ever charging any fees. </p>
<p>Since the doors of David's House opened... </p>
<p>...on January 20th, 1986, nearly 13,000 families from 42 states and 25 countries have called David's House their home-away-from-home. Countless others have used the house on a day-guest basis--for a shower, a nap, a meal, or any other service we provide apart from an overnight room. We provide so much more than a bed to sleep in, a kitchen to eat in, and quiet areas to find respite in – we are a safe, peaceful, home environment filled with compassionate staff and volunteers, and we foster connections among families that can result in lifelong friendships and support networks.<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="73EcMrX8FJU" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/73EcMrX8FJU/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/73EcMrX8FJU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3877859
2015-10-01T11:42:12-04:00
2018-07-06T13:03:59-04:00
Community remembers Summer Hammond '17 at memorial service
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="font_large">By Rachel Favors</span></span></p>
<div class="captioned justify_right"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/4c4d5a81edeb8935a832956e637daa39c77a70f1/medium/10-1-15-news-summersmemoriallinedancing-kate-herrington-1038x576.jpg?1443704289" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" /><p class="caption"><span class='font_small'>Students line-dance at the memorial service for<br>Summer Hammond ’17, who died in July.<br>KATE HERRINGTON/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF</span></p></div>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="font_large">October 1, 2015</span><br><br>For her friends, Summer Hammond ’17 was the essence of positivity, especially in difficult situations. She was a person who not only preached it, but truly lived it. Hammond died in July following a period of treatment for cancer. On Wednesday, members of the Dartmouth community gathered in Rollins Chapel for a memorial service to honor and celebrate her life.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Shortly after her death, an intimate memorial service held at Occom Pond was organized by Hammond’s close friends Jennifer Cunnigham ’17, Aliyah Gallup ’17 and Tanya Budler ’15. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“Although it was mainly just sophomores on campus, we did not want to wait until the fall term to remember [Hammond],” Gallup said. At the first memorial, friends shared stories about Hammond and walked a lap around Occom with lighted sparklers in remembrance of her, Gallup said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Budler, Cunningham and Gallup attended the Hammond family’s memorial service in Colorado this summer, and they were inspired to organize something similar for the Dartmouth community. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Budler said that she loved the memorial in Colorado because it was an embodiment of Hammond’s spirit. She said that Hammond was as close to a saint as anyone could be and her legacy was one that was worth recognizing.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">For Budler, the goal of the campus memorial was to represent the various parts of Hammond’s life and to bring the positive spirit of the service in Colorado to campus, particularly for those who could not attend.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“This memorial is a launching point and an opportunity for us to reflect on who she was and for us to start living that way,” Budler said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Similarly, Gallup said she hoped that the memorial would be a positive celebration of Hammond’s life with a respectful amount of time for mourning, solace and memories.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“I really hope that everyone can come together and completely forget about all of our busy lives and recognize how important this is for [Hammond],” Gallup said. She deserves so much respect and honor for what she did in this life.”<span> </span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">At the memorial, Hammond’s fellow members of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority wore blue ribbons in their hair in honor of Hammond. Photos of her were mounted along the chapel’s interior.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Hammond’s freshman trip leader Anoush Arakelian ’14 opened the service by welcoming the Dartmouth community and Hammond’s family. Arakelian encouraged everyone to incorporate Hammond’s excitement and positivity into their lives, which is something she said that Hammond would have wanted.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">College President Phil Hanlon followed with a reflection on Hammond’s life and her impact on the Dartmouth community. Hanlon stressed that though he could not precisely tell her friends and family how to cope with Hammond’s loss and how to understand her death, her brightness will continue to shine and her eternal optimism in the face of struggle will be remembered.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">After Hanlon’s remarks, several of Hammond’s college friends came up to share memories and reflect on her life.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Budler described Hammond as an ideal role model, regardless of her class year.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">For Budler, the question was about what to do now that their mentor is no longer physically present in their lives.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“There is a hole where [Hammond once was],” Budler said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Moving forward, Budler added that the way to fill in those holes is remembering Hammond’s legacy and holding on to the words of wisdom that she imparted while alive.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Throughout Hammond’s time at Dartmouth, she was a member of Kappa and the women’s club soccer team. She also traveled to Argentina on a foreign study program, raised money for the annual Prouty fundraiser for cancer research and participated in Relay for Life.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Hailey Carter ’17 and Rachel McKee ’17 spoke on behalf of Kappa and shared Hammond’s impact on their respective lives.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“[Hammond] valued her words and never engaged in empty conversation,” McKee said. “She spoke with purpose. [Hammond] was bold and wasn’t afraid to say that you could be better.”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Hammond’s club soccer teammate Amanda Flugstad-Clarke ’15 remembered her as the most dedicated, positive and passionate member of the team. Regardless of whether Hammond had chemotherapy treatments, she attended every practice she could, Flugstad-Clarke said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“Even when she was at her weakest, [Hammond] was still the strongest person I ever met,” Flugstad-Clarke said. “True courage is having the strength to be brave when your future is uncertain.”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Dick’s House director of clinical medical services and assistant professor at the Geisel School of Medicine Ann Bracken and assistant dean of undergraduate students Larissa Hopkins both said that the Dartmouth community will now ask themselves “what would [Hammond] do” when making hard choices.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Bracken added that one of the reasons why Hammond was able to accomplish everything that she did was because of the support of her “amazing” parents. Hammond’s parents did not make her feel limited in what she could accomplish, Bracken said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Following Bracken and Hopkin’s reflection, Ben Colello ’18 and Lloyd May ’18 performed Passenger’s “Let Her Go” (2012). </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Gallup and Cunningham were the last students to speak at the service.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“I am eternally grateful for the two years I had to get to know this special girl,” Gallup said. “There was something about her that made you feel so special when you were with her.”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Cunningham recited Maya Angelou’s poem “When Great Trees Fall,” and called for a moment of silence to honor Hammond. She encouraged everyone to use the silence to appreciate their lives and their friends.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Hammond’s mother Sharon Hammond offered concluding words for the memorial service and thanked the Dartmouth community on behalf of her daughter.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“[Hammond] would be grateful for your friendship and treasured times,” Sharon Hammond said.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">She added that Hammond would also remind everyone that there should not be any crying in a celebration of life.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Immediately after the service, a reception was held in Collis Common Ground that included a slideshow, light refreshments and memory letter writing. The culminating part of the reception was line dancing to music from The Shana Stack Band — inspired by Hammond’s love for country music and pulling her friends onto the dance floor at parties.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">At the reception bracelets were distributed by Kappa members, which were printed with the words, “Forever Positive — Summer’s Way.”</span></p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3866674
2015-09-24T10:21:41-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:58-05:00
Perfect Game
<span class="font_large"><span class="read headline">Perfect Game</span></span>
<div class="captioned justify_right"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/f7a1b2b11fb9b114c60c0acad1492c2104bd486e/medium/ssb-new-band-pic-june-2015.jpg?1436538049" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" /><p class="caption">Craig Morgan with Aaron Parker & Shana Stack Band<br>When: Friday, Sept. 25, 8 p.m.<br>Where: Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester<br>Tickets: $39 at <a contents='palacetheatre.org' data-link-label='' data-link-type='url' href='http://palacetheatre.org'>palacetheatre.org</a></p></div><br><span class="font_large"><span class="read subhead">Shana Stack Band part of Manchester stadium show </span></span><br><span class="read">09/24/15</span><br><span class="read authors">By Michael Witthaus <a href="mailto:music@hippopress.com">music@hippopress.com</a></span>
<p><span class="read article"><span style="font-size: 12px;">It’s not Taylor Swift or Zac Brown Band, but a local version of Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium’s blockbuster summer concerts happens when Craig Morgan appears at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. The performer of country hits like “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “This Ain’t Nothin’” and “International Harvester” will be joined by Aaron Parker and local favorites Shana Stack Band.</span></span></p>
<div><span class="read article">2015 is shaping into Shana Stack and songwriter/co-lead vocalist Ed Leavitt’s favorite year. The southern New Hampshire quintet won multiple awards and played its biggest shows yet, including opening for Toby Keith at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook. </span></div>
<div><span class="read article">“The main stage, that’s always been one of our goals,” Stack said in a recent interview. “It was surreal … a dream come true.”</span></div>
<div><span class="read article">Leavitt concurred and recalled seeing Mary Chapin Carpenter at one of the venue’s earliest shows in the mid-1990s. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="read article">“I’ve seen it grow all these years,” he said. “This was our fifth year back; they told us, ‘You’ve worked so hard for us, we think you’ve earned this spot.’ We were thrilled and honored.”</span><br> </div>
<div>
<span class="read article">The year’s magic began on New Year’s Eve. During a gig at the Sheraton Boston, a representative from the New England Music Awards called with news they’d been nominated for Band of the Year. In 2014, the group won the NEMA for best country band, but the current honor caught Leavitt off guard. He greeted the news with gratitude and a belief that it would end there. </span><br> </div>
<div><span class="read article">“When we were nominated and I saw the others, I thought to myself, we’ve lost this one already,” he said. “I’m a fan of some of these bands. Twiddle for instance; I’ve seen them in concert several times and they’re incredibly awesome and so tight and traveling all over the country. We were humbled.” </span></div>
<div><span class="read article">Stack felt like her band had cracked a glass ceiling of sorts. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="read article">“It was good to see a country band get that recognition,” she said. </span><br> </div>
<div><span class="read article">In some ways, the nod also reflected the genre’s mainstreaming — the group’s most recent record, 2014’s Then & Now, is closer kin with Lady Antebellum than Loretta Lynn. </span></div>
<div><span class="read article">Fast forward to the April awards ceremony. When they heard their name called as the winner from the stage at Patriot Place, shocked doesn’t begin to describe their reaction. </span></div>
<div><span class="read article">“Even after we were standing on stage with the plaque in our hand making our acceptance speech I thought, there’s been a mistake here,” Leavitt said. </span></div>
<div><span class="read article">They also won a Limelight Award for Country Act of the Year and continue to ride the positive wave generated by the current record, now a year old. </span></div>
<div><span class="read article">The group hopes to release a new single later this year and, if time allows, make a music video. </span></div>
<div><span class="read article">“We really want to do it,” said Leavitt, “but as soon as we get someone interested we’re back on the road.” </span></div>
<div>
<span class="read article">It’s a happy chaos, however.</span><br> </div>
<div><span class="read article">“We’ve been so busy this year it seems like one big blur,” said Stack. “We were talking as a band the other day — we look at Facebook posts and scroll through pictures on our phone and it almost seems like we’re watching someone else. We’ve been so busy we don’t remember some things. We’ve been constantly on the run, so it’s fun to reflect back on it.” </span></div>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/4098523
2015-09-12T16:35:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:59-05:00
The Shana Stack Band to Open for Craig Morgan, Northeast Delta Dental Stadium
<p>Concert Announcement <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/05e56d757a562257e3271b80a5a33bf38b2a3d00/medium/photo-craig-morgan.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>The Shana Stack Band is having an amazing year thus far. </p>
<p>The band was named the 2015 New England Music Award, Band of the Year and the 2015 Limelight Magazine Award, Country Artist of the Year. </p>
<p>The band opened for Toby Keith and Aaron Lewis on the CruCon Cruise Outlet Main Stage at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Saturday, June 13. This weekend the The Shana Stack Band will take the stage to open for Little Big Town, David Nail and Ashley Monroe on the Magic Hat Stage at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Saturday, September 5. </p>
<p>The band has just learned they will now be performing their first stadium show. </p>
<p>Presented by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Palace Theatre, The New England Music Awards Band of the Year, will be opening for Craig Morgan and Aaron Parker at the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium on Friday, September 25. </p>
<p>The Shana Stack Band takes the stage at 7:00 PM. </p>
<p>Get your tickets today by visiting: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=147247#.VempqpcnXVK<br><br> </p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3744331
2015-06-16T15:03:30-04:00
2022-04-08T08:48:15-04:00
The Shana Stack Band Opened for Toby Keith
<span class="font_large">Concert Announcement</span>: <br><br>The Shana Stack Band opened for Toby Keith and Aaron Lewis on the CruCon Cruise Outlet Main Stage at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Saturday, June 13.<br><br>Show began at 7:00 PM. Doors opened at 5:00 PM.<br><br>The <em>Good Times & Pick Up Lines</em> Tour presented by Ford F-Series was sold out. The entire staff of the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion and Toby Keith's staff and crew were amazing to work with. <br> <table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;"><tbody> <tr> <td><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hbuHFrnRD5I" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/hbuHFrnRD5I/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hbuHFrnRD5I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/6c561f3d6553a2a670e84d78e322d21c0562ae89/medium/toby-keith.jpg?1433797248" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></td> <td><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/fdd2570fe39dd1dc738a1e10720118d525eb9c75/medium/shana-stack-band-b-pp-1.jpg?1433781814" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3744113
2015-06-16T13:19:47-04:00
2022-05-18T02:11:43-04:00
The Shana Stack Band Opening for Toby Keith on the Main Stage
<span class="font_large">Concert Announcement</span>: <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/fdd2570fe39dd1dc738a1e10720118d525eb9c75/medium/shana-stack-band-b-pp-1.jpg?1433781814" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br><br>This just in...The Shana Stack Band to open for Toby Keith and Aaron Lewis on the CruCon Cruise Outlet Main Stage at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion this Saturday, June 13.<br><br>Show begins at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 5:00 PM.<br><br>Purchase your tickets to the Good Times & Pick Up Lines Tour presented by Ford F-Series by clicking the link <a href="https://www.banknhpavilion.com/show061315/ticMS_SSB">https://www.banknhpavilion.com/show061315/ticMS_SSB</a> Use promo code: MS_SSB for your chance to win a meet and greet with Toby Keith.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/6c561f3d6553a2a670e84d78e322d21c0562ae89/medium/toby-keith.jpg?1433797248" class="size_m justify_center border_" />
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3708955
2015-05-14T16:00:46-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:58-05:00
Keene Sentinel - The Shana Stack Band wins Band of the Year
<span class="font_large">Keene Sentinel</span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/45cd467c900d59e64c65d48a17e1c9b5669b91cb/medium/keene-sentinel-article-050715.jpg?1431633600" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /><br>April 2015<br><br>The New England Music Awards, held in Foxboro, Mass., announced the winners of their 4th Annual New England Music Awards on April 18, 2015.<br><br>The Shana Stack Band, comprised of all New Hampshire musicians (Shana Stack, Ed Leavitt, John Sanchez, Kurt Ekstrom and Alec Derian), was nominated in the top category of Band of the Year. <br><br>At the awards ceremony The Shana Stack Band was announced as this year’s Top Award winner for Band of the Year for the 4th Annual New England Music Awards. Members of The Shana Stack Band later expressed, “This is just so hard to believe. Last month we won Country Artist of the Year from the 7<sup>th</sup> Annual Limelight Magazine Awards and coming only a year after being awarded Country Act of the Year last year at the New England Music Awards. Then being nominated again this year for the Band of the Year category was so amazing. We were surprised and thrilled at just being nominated again and we were honored to be in the category along with so many amazing artists like Twiddle, Kung Fu, Girls, Guns and Glory, Quilt and the Jason Spooner Band. We wish to congratulate all of the nominees and winner from the 4th Annual New England Music Awards. We hope that people will take the time to go and see these bands perform at music venues all across New England. There is so much amazing talent and we are proud to be considered a part of it all.”<br><br>The band has released 4 albums in 4 years, "Then and Now" 2014, "Every Now and Then" 2013, "What You See Is What You Get" 2012 and "You Can't Make Me Fall" 2011. The band is looking forward to another successful year, traveling all across New England to perform for their fans. They have opened for Country Superstars such as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Travis Tritt, Rascal Flatts and the Band Perry and in September will be opening for Little Big Town at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH. <br><br>You can view their website and order their latest CD by visiting <a href="http://www.ShanaStack.com" target="_blank">www.ShanaStack.com</a>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3708952
2015-05-14T15:56:24-04:00
2015-05-20T12:42:41-04:00
WMUR - Band of the Year Winners - The Shana Stack Band
<span class="font_large"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3PTbkkLG6Lg" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3PTbkkLG6Lg/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PTbkkLG6Lg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="400" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3673750
2015-04-23T16:02:37-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:58-05:00
New Hampshire’s Shana Stack Band Takes Top Honors at Regional Awards
<h1>New Hampshire’s Shana Stack Band Takes Top Honors at Regional Awards<img src="//wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/wokq.com/files/2015/04/PicMonkey-Collage3.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" height="422" width="630" />
</h1>
<div>
<span class="the_author"><span>By </span><a href="http://wokq.com/author/markjennings/" title="Mark Jennings">Mark Jennings</a></span><br><span class="the_date">WOKQ 97.5<br>April 23, 2015 2:36 PM</span><br><br>Congratulations are in order for the Shana Stack Band. Last weekend they took home “Band of the Year” honors at the 4th annual New England Music Awards.The awards took place at the Showcase Live Theater in Foxboro Massachusetts on Saturday April 18th. The band has won numerous other awards recently including Country Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award by the Independent Country Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee, and 2014 Country Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards.<a class="twitter share_link" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check+out+New+Hampshire%E2%80%99s+Shana+Stack+Band+Takes+Top+Honors+at+Regional+Awards+http%3A%2F%2Fwokq.com%2Fnew-hampshires-shana-stack-band-takes-top-honors-at-regional-awards%2F%3Ftrackback%3Dtwitter_top+%40wokqmwc" target="_blank" title="Share on Twitter"> </a><br><br>The band has opened for country stars such as <a href="http://reba.com/" target="_blank">Reba</a>, <a href="http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/" target="_blank">Sugarland</a>, <a href="http://www.rascalflatts.com/" target="_blank">Rascal Flatts</a> and <a href="https://www.thefansperry.com/">The Band Perry</a>. In September they will be opening for <a href="http://littlebigtown.com/" target="_blank">Little Big Town</a> at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, NH.</div>
<div class="the_content clearfix"><figure class="alignnone" id="attachment_96883"> </figure></div>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3667747
2015-04-20T16:10:42-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:58-05:00
And the winner is by Amy Nachbar
<div class="captioned justify_right"><img src="//cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/e1/ce/e1ce4937fe586c17fa13b148c0e4c8ab.jpg?itok=kvL7KhRZ" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="The New England Music Awards 2015" height="350" width="467" /><p class="caption">Photo: Amy Nachbar</p></div>
<div class="caption__title">
<span class="font_large">Examiner.com</span><br><br>The New England Music Awards 2015</div>
<div class="caption__credit">PHOTO: Amy Nachbar</div>
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden clearfix"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
<p>On Saturday, April 18, the New England Music Awards sold out Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxboro. Bands and musicians from all over New England were there to perform and celebrate the fact that no matter what, each and every one of them had been recognized for their contribution to the music industry.</p>
<p>Special awards were given to Chris DeSimone who received the Scene Award which is given to a person or organization for their dedication to the New England music scene. The Grassroots Award was given to Grace Morrison who has shown a dedication to humanitarian causes. The Decade Award was given to Chip McCabe who has been a staple of the New England music industry.</p>
<p>Comedian, Dave Russo was the evenings host and there were live performances by the Willie J. Laws Band, Little Ugly, We Were Astronauts, Amy and the Engines, Sarah Barrios, Joey Batts and Them, Ben Knight, and Pat and the Hats.</p>
<p>Here are a list of the winners, but I say, every one of them are winners.</p>
<p>Band of the year - The Shana Stack Band</p>
<p>Album of the year - National Throat by artist, Will Dailey</p>
<p>Song of the year - Sunken Ship by artist, Will Dailey</p>
<p>Producer of the year - Brian Coombes</p>
<p>Songwriter of the year - Elison Jackson</p>
<p>Male performer of the year - Dan Blakeslee</p>
<p>Female performer of the year - Anna Lombard</p>
<p>Live act of the year - Aldous Collins Band</p>
<p>New act of the year - West End Blends</p>
<p>Roots act of the year - Dusty Gray Band</p>
<p>Country act of the year - North of Nashville</p>
<p>Pop act of the year - Pat and the Hats</p>
<p>Rock act of the year - We Were Astronauts</p>
<p>Jazz act of the year - Los Sugar kings</p>
<p>Blues act of the year - Mr Nick and Dirty Tricks</p>
<p>Hip Hop act of the year - Lady Essence</p>
<p>Metal act of the year - A Simple Complex</p>
<p>Best in States:</p>
<p>Massachusetts - High Hopes Band</p>
<p>Maine - Hilton Park</p>
<p>Rhode Island - The Rare Occasions</p>
<p>New Hampshire - Gretchen and the Pickpockets</p>
<p>Vermont - The Vacant Lots</p>
<p>Connecticut - The Meadows Brothers</p>
</div></div></div>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3667651
2015-04-20T15:55:40-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:58-05:00
Regional artists shine at New England Music Awards
<a contents="Billy Copeland Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/"><span class="font_large">Billy Copeland Music</span></a>
<p class="byline">By <span class="author vcard">Bill Copeland</span> on <abbr class="published" title="Monday, April 20th, 2015, 10:55 am">April 20, 2015</abbr></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_5538" style="width: 310px">
<a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-0081.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-0081-300x199.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Willie J. Laws" height="199" width="300" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Willie J. Laws</p>
</div>
<p>The New England Music Awards is now running like a well oiled machine. Held at Showcase Live at Patriot’s Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts last Saturday night, performers and presenters were on and off the stage without hardly a glitch. This gave the performers a comfortable setting to strut their stuff between speakers and presentations. Showing what the whole event was all about, the bands who performed last night gave it their all as they presented their music to a six state audience.</p>
<p>Joey Batts & Them opened the show with their catchy chorus, rap-rock number “Bestie.” Their song was a joyful romp through today’s fixation on social media and trendy expressions. Next up, Sarah Barrios, last year’s New Act winner, showed she had staying power. Accompanied only by her acoustic guitar, her voice seemed to remain elevated, suspended in the air, as if held up by a mysterious power. Soon after, Ben Knight came on to conclude the brief opening portion of the awards ceremony with his keyboard and horn driven rock and roll abandon. His rhythm section locked into a solid groove and the rest of the band just let it rip.</p>
<p>Blues Act nominee Willie J. Laws Band came on strong with their thick, pulpy groove beneath WJL’s as he belted with the heart and soul of a true, down and dirty blues man. His voice was loaded with richness, experience, and he projected it with the smooth confidence of a southern gentleman. He made his song “Can’t Let Got” and his recent title track “Cornbread Moan” come alive by riffing his way into the stratosphere with a sweet guitar sound. His rhythm section pumped out something huge that a singer-musician like Laws needs to launch those mighty vocal belts and those heavenly guitar leads.</p>
<p>Little Ugly went up next to do their acoustic roots thing, singing together beautifully with a depth of feeling in their words and music and a great sense of rustic charm. Michael Sanford Day’s banjo and Kaia Pazdersky’s fiddle added plenty of natural beauty to their songs, which were already blessed with their uniquely matched vocal harmonies. Little Ugly had a calm, quiet stage presence, but they made every note count with their flinty, gritty picking and bowing styles.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_5539" style="width: 310px">
<a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-022.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-022-300x199.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="We Were Astronauts" height="199" width="300" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">We Were Astronauts</p>
</div>
<p>We Were Astronauts played smooth, flowing pop-rock tunes that moved through their changes at a graceful pace. Melodic but also danceable, WWA showed their potential for mass appeal with a vocal melody that fit the music like a velvet glove. It also helped that a whirl of keyboard notes wrapped it all up in a sweet confection of sound.</p>
<p>Amy & The Engines featured dual female vocalists and a fresh modern sound. They had magic coming out of every singer and player and they made that magic happen on numerous levels. Very engaging and very involving, their twisty, multi-dimensional music created a party vibe that matched the energy level in the venue.</p>
<p>Next band, Pat And The Hats were catchy, melodic, and their lead vocalist, Patrik Gochez, sang with a unique timbre, one that could be distinguished enough from a million others singers, a voice that could get the band attention from record companies. They also had a special guest join them on stage, Greg Hawkes, keyboardist from the legendary Boston band The Cars. Hawkes made his mysterious, eerie sounds effective and chilling as he joined Pat And Hats for a special rendition of “Moving In Stereo.”</p>
<p>Master of ceremony, comedian Dave Russo, was a hoot with his one liners, zingers, and stories. His highlights included his banter with a Connecticut music scene official, his spoof on NEMA chief Joe Graham’s communication devices, and a brief display of his break dancing abilities. Yes, Russo can, in fact, break dance, but that part of his act isn’t meant for the whole family.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_5540" style="width: 310px">
<a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-028.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-028-300x199.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Booking agent Phil Simon" height="199" width="300" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Booking agent Phil Simon</p>
</div>
<p>Project manager LeAnne Piepiora and her production crew kept things running smoothly. A slick production inside a hip, modern function room symbolized the growing sophistication of the New England Music Awards as it heads toward becoming this region’s largest, most diverse music awards show. There was a limited number of names from their previous awards shows which indicates how far and wide NEMA casts its nets to be as inclusive as possible. That a small rural state like New Hampshire had won nine out of the 26 awards presented on the same night Boston’s Will Dailey won two shows the extent of this awards organization’s outreach in the New England music scene.</p>
<p>We will likely see NEMA outdo themselves each coming year. The winners are listed below.</p>
<p>And the award goes to:</p>
<p>Band of the Year: The Shana Stack Band</p>
<p>Album of the Year: National Throat/Will Dailey</p>
<p>Song of the Year: Sunken Ship/Will Dailey</p>
<p>Producer of the Year: Brian Coombes</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_5541" style="width: 209px">
<a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-036.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-036-199x300.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Cars legend Greg Hawkes" height="300" width="199" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Cars legend Greg Hawkes</p>
</div>
<p>Songwriter of the Year: Elison Jackson</p>
<p>Male Performer of the Year: Dan Blakeslee</p>
<p>Female Performer of the Year: Anna Lombard</p>
<p>New Act of the Year: West End Blend</p>
<p>Live Act of the Year: Aldous Collins Band</p>
<p>New Act of the Year: West End Blend</p>
<p>Roots Act of the Year: Dusty Gray Band</p>
<p>Country Act of the Year: North of Nashville</p>
<p>Pop Act of the Year: Pat & The Hats</p>
<p>Rock Act of the Year: We Were Astronauts</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_5542" style="width: 209px">
<a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-037.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEMA2015-037-199x300.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Brittany Laine/Pat & The Hats" height="300" width="199" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Brittany Laine/Pat & The Hats</p>
</div>
<p>Jazz Act of the Year: Los Sugar Kings</p>
<p>Blues Act of the Year: Mr. Nick & The Dirty Tricks</p>
<p>Hip Hop Act of the Year: Lady Essence</p>
<p>Metal Act of the Year: A Simple Complex</p>
<p>Best in State/Massachusetts: High Hopes Band</p>
<p>Best in State/Rhode Island: The Rare Occasions</p>
<p>Best in State/New Hampshire: Gretchen & The Pickpockets</p>
<p>Best in State/Maine: Hilton Park</p>
<p>Best in State/Vermont: The Vacant Lots</p>
<p>Best in State/Connecticut:The Meadows Brothers</p>
<p>2015 NEMA Honor Award Winners</p>
<p><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><i>The Scene Award ~</i></span></span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;">Winner </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;">Chris DeSimone</span></span></span></b></p>
<p>Presented annually to an individual or organization for their outstanding dedication, involvement and contribution to the New England music scene.</p>
<p><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><i>The Grassroots Award </i></span></span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;">~Winner: </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;">Grace Morrison</span></span></span></b></p>
<p>Presented annually to an individual or institution who through music and performance has demonstrated a dedication to humanitarian causes.</p>
<p><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-ItalicMT; font-size: small;"><i>The Decade Award </i></span></span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;">~Winner: </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: small;">Chip McCabe</span></span></span></b></p>
<p>Presented annually to an individual who over the last ten years has distinguished him or herself as a celebrated staple of the New England music industry.</p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3667080
2015-04-20T12:01:38-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:58-05:00
New England Music Awards - Band of the Year
Press Release<em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/6658be3fb7c7d4d570547eceed648744a3dbc94e/medium/nema-band-of-the-year.jpg?1429542964" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br><span class="font_large"><strong>The Shana Stack Band wins Top Honor as Band of the Year</strong></span></em><br><span class="font_large">4th Annual New England Music Awards</span><br><br>Foxborough, MA, Saturday, April 18, 2015: The New England Music Awards, held in Foxborough, Massachusetts, announced today the winners of their 4th Annual New England Music Awards. <br><br>The New England Music Awards are presented every year to the musicians who call New England their home and whose dedication, spirit, and achievements over the last year have without a doubt established them as a contributing force to the most robust and diverse music scene in the country. The NEMA nominating committee consists of a variety of music industry experts including journalists from music publications, radio personalities, talent buyers, event planners, record label executives and more. This selection of professionals collectively represents all six New England states and every awards category.<br> <br>The goal of the New England Music Awards is to celebrate and recognize some of the area’s best musical achievements. Every year NEMA nominates over 100 artists and/or bands spanning a number of categories and genres of popular music in New England. This includes the coveted individual state awards, which recognize one act from each of the six New England states as its Best in State.<br><br>The Shana Stack Band, comprised of all New Hampshire musicians (Shana Stack, Ed Leavitt, John Sanchez, Kurt Ekstrom and Alec Derian), was nominated in the top category of Band of the Year. The New England Music Awards receives thousands of perspective nominations each year and narrowed the field down to 26 categories and chose only 6 artists/groups to be represented in each category. They also chose Chris DeSimone as The Scene Award Winner, Grace Morrison as The Grassroots Award Winner and Chip McCabe as the Decade Award Winner. The Master of Ceremonies for the awards show was Boston Comedy Festival winner Dave Russo who has been featured on “Comics Come Home with Denis Leary,” the E! TV series “The Entertainer,” with Wayne Newton, NESN’s Comedy All-Stars, the Phantom Gourmet, Charlie Moore Outdoors, USO shows nationwide, and can be seen weekly as co-host of NESN’s “Dirty Water TV.”<br><br>At the awards ceremony presented at Showcase Live in Foxborough, MA, Saturday evening, The Shana Stack Band was announced as this year’s Top Award winner for Band of the Year for the 4th Annual New England Music Awards. The Shana Stack Band members were thrilled about the news. The band members Shana Stack Davis, Ed Leavitt, Kurt Ekstrom and Alec Derian accepted the award on the band’s behalf. Their band manager, Conrad Farnham was asked to accompany them on stage. Shana approached the microphone and began her acceptance speech with “O.M.” and Ed finished the statement with “G”. The audience clapped and laughed along with the band’s excitement. Shana then spoke to the audience with true emotion with “Thank you to everyone that voted. We want to thank our families, our friends and our fans. We are just so shocked to win this award. We were up against such amazing artists that have thousands of Facebook fans.” Shana continued on with introducing each of the band members and sending a shout-out to John Sanchez, Lead guitarist for the group and Wayne Braley the group’s sound tech, that were not in attendance for the big event. Shana then turned her attention to Conrad Farnham, their band manager, to express gratitude on behalf of the band. “Without Conrad, this would not be possible. He works extremely hard every day to provide us with the opportunity to perform all across New England. We are very lucky to have him.” Shana finished by saying, “We are all in this together. There are so many amazing bands and artists in our genre of music (country) and many other genres. We are all in this together. Instead of competing with each other, we should all be supporting each other and helping each other when we can.” The audience broke out in applause and screams. Ed Leavitt then stepped to the microphone and continued the gratitude with, “We especially want to thank The New England Music Awards, Granite Coast Entertainment, the nominating committee members and especially Joe Graham, Mike Flynn and John Fleming, who founded the New England Music Awards. We are grateful for all of that you do for the music industry.” To show how much The Shana Stack Band is appreciative of all of the support they receive during the year and their commitment to supporting other bands, Kurt Ekstrom quickly stepped up to the microphone as the band was exiting the stage, “Don’t forget to stick around for Pat & the Hats performance.”<br> <br>The Shana Stack Band later expressed, “This is just so hard to believe. Last month we won Country Artist of the Year from the 7<sup>th</sup> Annual Limelight Magazine Awards and coming only a year after being awarded Country Act of the Year last year at the New England Music Awards. Then being nominated again this year for the Band of the Year category was so amazing. We were surprised and thrilled at just being nominated again and we were honored to be in the category along with so many amazing artists like Twiddle, Kung Fu, Girls, Guns and Glory, Quilt and the Jason Spooner Band. We wish to congratulate all of the nominees and winner from the 4th Annual New England Music Awards. We hope that people will take the time to go and see these bands perform at music venues all across New England. There is so much amazing talent and we are proud to be considered a part of it all.”<br><br>The list of awards The Shana Stack Band has won over the last few years range from Country Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award by the Independent Country Music Association, to Wiles Magazine's World's Best Indie Artist to their awards for Country Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards and now their most recent awards for Country Artist of the Year by Limelight Magazine and Band of the Year by the New England Music Awards. The band never takes these awards for granted and realize it is the fans and their family’s commitment that are the drive behind their success. "Winning awards is amazing, but what these awards really show, is that the fans and the music industry really approve of what we do. We love to make music and share it with everyone. The fans are really what make this rollercoaster ride fun, exciting and truly rewarding. We look forward to doing what we love, making music, for years to come.”<br><br>The band has released 4 albums in 4 years, "Then and Now" 2014, "Every Now and Then" 2013, "What You See Is What You Get" 2012 and "You Can't Make Me Fall" 2011. The band is looking forward to another successful year, traveling all across New England to perform for their fans. They have opened for Country Superstars such as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Travis Tritt, Rascal Flatts and the Band Perry and in September will be opening for Little Big Town at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH. <br><br>You can view their website and order their latest CD by visiting <a href="http://www.ShanaStack.com" target="_blank">www.ShanaStack.com</a><br><br>Congratulations again to The Shana Stack Band on their latest award as Band of the Year for the New England Music Awards.
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3663028
2015-04-17T10:12:47-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:58-05:00
Local Artists Nominated for New England Music Awards
<span class="font_large">Concord Monitor<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/49174814ed3ee4abff8a79a55aa789525458935e/medium/nemusicawards.jpg?1421076069" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span><br><br>By SARAH KINNEY<br>Monitor staff<div>Thursday, April 16, 2015<br><br>New England’s top musicians, songwriters and producers will be recognized Saturday at the New England Music Awards.<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Those who attend will hear Latin, rock, country, folk, pop, hip hop, reggae and more by artists who call New England home.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">There were a number of smaller, regional awards programs: the Connecticut Music Awards, the Boston Music Awards, the Worcester Music Awards, and the Limelight Music, said Joseph Graham, one of the awards program organizers. But not one that involved all of New England.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Graham and partners John Fleming and Mike Flynn set out to change that four years ago with the first New England Music Awards night.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">A New Hampshire band, Pat and The Hats, will be one of the featured live performances of the evening. The group is nominated for best pop act of the year. Last year, they were named best band in New Hampshire at the awards.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">The band features front-man and songwriter Patrik Gochez on guitar and keyboard, Brendan Harisiades on bass and vocals, Bobby Rice on drums and vocals, Scott Solsky on guitar and Brittany Laine on vocals.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">The band has been promoting its first album <span class="CM_BodycopyItalic">Fake it ’til you Make a Hit</span>, which features accompaniment from Greg Hawkes of The Cars. Hawkes will join them at the New England Music Awards, too.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">The band will give an unofficial pre-party concert Friday at Bull McCabe’s Pub in Somerville, Mass.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Other featured performance acts at the awards include Joey Batts and Them, Sarah Barrios, Ben Knight, We Were Astronauts, Amy and The Engines and the Willie J. Laws Band.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Boston comedian Dave Russo will host the award ceremony.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Musical artists can be nominated in a variety of categories all year on the website.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Then, a committee of music industry experts including journalists from music publications, radio personalities, talent buyers, event planners and record label executives narrow down the nominations for each category, trying to represent a variety of genres and states, Graham said.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Once, narrowed down, voting takes place on the website.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">The nominees for best in state for New Hampshire this year are Tan Vampires, Best Not Broken, Gretchen and the Pickpockets, Blacklight Ruckus and the Jandee Lee Porter Band.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">New Hampshire musicians are represented in almost every category.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">The Shana Stack Band, a country music group, is a nominee for band of the year.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">“Bad Decisions” by Manchester singer Josh Logan was nominated for song of the year.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Brian Coombes of Rocking Horse Studio in Pittsfield was nominated as producer of the year. American Idol finalist and Mont Vernon singer Alex Preston was nominated as male performer of the year.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Roots of Creation and the Aldous Collins Band were nominated for best live act of the year.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">In the genre categories, Concord-based Dusty Gray Band and Four Legged Faithful were nominated for roots, the Rory Scott Band was nominated for country, Emmarie and Pat and The Hats were nominated for pop, Crushed Out was nominated for rock, Mr. Nick and The Dirty Tricks was nominated for blues, Cameen was nominated for hip hop, and A Simple Complex was nominated for metal.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">Lizzy Marella, a 15 year old New Hampshire native was nominated for new act of the year.</p>
<p class="CM-Bodycopy-Justify">The awards ceremony starts at 7 p.m. at Showcase Live in Foxboro, Mass. Seats are sold out for the concert, but a livesteam can be viewed at <a href="http://nemusicawards.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nemusicawards.com</a>.</p>
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The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3624952
2015-03-26T09:58:54-04:00
2015-03-26T10:00:25-04:00
Country Music Stars Sing at AUDI
<span class="font_large"><strong>COUNTRY MUSIC STARS SING AT AUDI</strong><br><span class="font_small"><strong>Concord Monitor<br>Wednesday, March 25, 2015</strong></span></span><br><br>We've spent some time covering cup stacking at the Insider (thanks Mr. Jim!), and we're big on newspaper stacking (it's the only way to get our paper into those little boxes downtown. We found balling them up and shoving them in there to be less effective). But what about Shana stacking? That's not a thing. <br><br>Shana Stack is a thing, though-she's the lead vocalist in <em>The Shana Stack Band</em>, which will be performing tonight at 7:30 at the Audi as part of the Walker Lecture Series.<br><br>The Shana Stack Band is a country music act of growing renown, if you consider being the winner of the New England Music Award for Country Act of the Year to be renown (we do, you should). They've opened for the likes of Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts and Travis Tritt (not all at the same time, presumably), but tonight they are going to play music right in front of your face. Don't miss out. All Walker Lecture Series shows are free and open to the public, with seating on a first come, first seated basis.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3617029
2015-03-22T17:26:02-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:57-05:00
Limelight Magazine - Country Artist of the Year
Press Release<h3>
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/1055f4db323cad8c9d2294ec737dc7035885e27c/medium/limelight-poster-winners.jpg?1427056941" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><em>The Shana Stack Band wins Country Artist of the Year</em><br>7th Annual Limelight Magazine Music Awards</h3>Plymouth, MA, Saturday, March 21, 2015: The Limelight Magazine Music Awards, located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, announced today the winners of their 7th Annual Limelight Magazine Music Awards. <br><br>Founded in October 2006, Limelight Magazine is one of the leading online destinations for coverage of the New England music scene and beyond, providing readers with exclusive interviews with musicians from all genres of music.<br><br>After five years of publication, including 12 issues, the print version of Limelight Magazine moved its operations completely online, while always reserving the right for another print issue.<br><br>Besides its online efforts, Limelight Magazine is committed to supporting the local music scene of New England with its annual music awards ceremony in the late winter/early spring. Each year dozens of musicians have been recognized for their immense creativity and talent.<br><br>The Shana Stack Band, comprised of all New Hampshire musicians (Shana Stack, Ed Leavitt, John Sanchez, Kurt Ekstrom and Alec Derian), was nominated in the Country Artist of the Year category. The Limelight Magazine Music Awards received hundreds of perspective nominations and narrowed the field down to 15 categories and chose only 8 artists/groups to be represented in each category. They also chose the band "New England" to receive their Legend Award and "Robin Lane" to receive their Unsung Hero Award. Ashley Jordan was the Master of Ceremonies for the awards show. <br><br>At the awards ceremony presented at The Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth, NH, Saturday evening, The Shana Stack Band was announced as this year’s Country Artist of the Year for the 7th Annual Limelight Magazine Awards. The Shana Stack Band members were thrilled about the news. Shana Stack Davis, Ed Leavitt and Kurt Ekstrom accepted the award on the bands behalf. Shana spoke to the audience with sincerity with “Thank you for everyone that voted. I want to introduce this man right here, he is a genius, Ed Leavitt. He is our songwriter. We have put out 4 original albums in the last 4 years. This is Kurt (Ekstrom) our drummer, I'm Shana. Nice to meet you all. Thank you everyone who voted. And thank you to a very special guy in the audience, Conrad Farnham, we call him our Honey Badger, he's our Manager and he works wonders, we love him. So thank you very much.” The Shana Stack Band is appreciative of all of the support they receive during the year. “Being awarded Country Act of the Year last year at the New England Music Awards and being nominated again this year for the Band of the Year is such an honor. We were surprised and thrilled at just being nominated for a Limelight Award and we were honored to be in the category along with so many amazing artists like Ben Cesare, Kate Cameron, Matt Casey, Alec MacGillivray, Katie Perkins, Marian Rose and congratulations to Brianna Grace for being awards the Runner Up in the Country Artist of the Year category. Congratulations to all of the nominees and winner from the 7th Annual Limelight Magazine Awards."<br><br>The list of awards The Shana Stack Band has won over the last few years range from Country Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award by the Independent Country Music Association, to Wiles Magazine's World's Best Indie Artist to their awards for Country Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards and now Country Artist of the Year by Limelight Magazine. The band never takes these awards for granted and realize it is the fans and their family that are the drive behind their success. "Winning awards is great, but what these awards really show, is that the fans and the music industry really approve of what we are doing. The fans are really what make this adventure fun, exciting and sincerely rewarding. We look forward to doing what we love, making music, for years to come.”<br><br>The band has released 4 albums in 4 years, "Then and Now" 2014, "Every Now and Then" 2013, "What You See Is What You Get" 2012 and "You Can't Make Me Fall" 2011. The band is looking forward to another successful year, traveling all across New England to perform for their fans. They have opened for Country Superstars such as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Travis Tritt, Rascal Flatts and the Band Perry and in September will be opening for Little Big Town at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH. <br><br>You can view their website and order their latest CD by visiting www.ShanaStack.com<br><br>Congratulations again to The Shana Stack Band on their latest award and wish them luck on their nomination for Band of the Year for the New England Music Awards which will be held at Showcase Live in Foxboro, MA on Saturday, April 18, 2015.
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3604819
2015-03-16T16:07:56-04:00
2020-11-03T16:15:33-05:00
Granite Coast Entertainment - The Shana Stack Band
<span class="font_large"><strong>Granite Coast Entertainment<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/13e42d622fa962df8f89a9bd8310ef59ccb856b6/medium/granite-coast-winter-2015.jpg?1426536767" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br>Article by: Rick Stephens Murphy<br>Winter 2015 Issue</strong></span><br><br> <br><strong>The Shana Stack Band:</strong><br>What you see is what you get<div data-canvas-width="245.78833333333333">High energy, high impact, engaging, talented, entertaining...Led by multi-national award winning vocalist Shana Stack and Nashville Songwriter association member, Ed Leavitt, The Shana Stack Band is all that and more.</div>
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<br>I had the great privilege of talking with Shana and Ed and found them to be smart, witty, (Ed kept us laughing for an hour and a half) humble, and realistic about their accomplishments and goals. I found the blend and diversity of band background extremely interesting and a good example of how music truly is a universal language.</div>
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<br><strong>Please list the name and respective instrument of each band member</strong>
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<div data-canvas-width="94.68166666666666">Shana Stack– Lead Vocals</div>
<div data-canvas-width="265.1116666666666">Ed Leavitt– Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar and Songwriter</div>
<div data-canvas-width="94.44999999999999">John Sanchez– Lead Guitar</div>
<div data-canvas-width="58.545">Kurt Ekstrom– Drums</div>
<div data-canvas-width="82.48333333333332">Alec Derian– Bass guitar</div>
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<br><strong>Tell us the brief history of your band.</strong>
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<div data-canvas-width="255.05833333333325">The Shana Stack Band was formed in 2010. Both Shana and Ed had fronted country bands for a number of years, but had enjoyed and admired each other for a long time. Being musicians, they often crossed paths on the road, and decided to join forces and form a new band. John Sanchez was brought in as an original member of the band, and Kurt Ekstrom joined two years later. Alec is the latest edition. The band has consistently been a part of the New England music scene; traveling all over the region to perform about 80 shows a year. The Shana Stack Band focuses on top 40 Country and original music. The band recently released their fourth album of all original music and are still, after nearly five years together, enjoying what they do.</div>
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<br><strong>What inspired you to make music together?</strong><br>Shana and Ed have known each other for many years, and have similar tastes in musical interests. They discovered through a series of opportunities to sing together, they had a nice vocal blend. From there, the seed was planted to get together to form something. The rest of the musicians in the band have interesting backgrounds and different genre experiences, and that’s what makes the band so unique. The perspective they each bring to the group is what makes the overall sound and feel of the music unique in its own way.</div>
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<br><strong>Who are your musical and non-musical influences?</strong>
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<div data-canvas-width="182.44666666666666">Shana loves country music, but is also influenced by the great 1980-90 bands. Ed’s influences were the classic country singers like Haggard, Jones and Alan Jackson. He also loves the newer artists who meld the classic sound with the modern sound like Dierks Bentley and Justin Moore. John is a dead head, Kurt is into Van Halen and the classic rock bands, and Alec is the resident Jazz expert and fan.</div>
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<br><strong>What are your dreams and goals?</strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/2d747732565e65e8acec22493e7e5dff1136bec6/original/ssb-group-shot-12-14.jpg?1419008823" class="size_l justify_right border_" />
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<div data-canvas-width="259.7166666666667">The Shana Stack Band is pretty realistic with their dreams. They know that Nashville is not exactly rolling out the red carpet for more Indie country acts, but they are very happy and content to be a part of the New England music scene. They love interacting and meeting new fans, and sharing their original music with them. “It’s always a big thrill to receive an opportunity like this, to be interviewed and thereby, allowing our group to be introduced to a new audience. We’ve won a number of awards, like the Independent Country Music Association award for Country Band of the Year and the New England Music Award for Country Act of the Year, and we are grateful. But, the awards are just icing on the cake for us. We get our biggest reward in growing our fan base and entertaining people. We’d love to continue to build that following all throughout New England.”<br> <div data-canvas-width="218.05166666666662"><strong>Who is the main songwriter?</strong></div>
<div data-canvas-width="231.24666666666664">Ed is a songwriter, and has a membership with NSAI (Nashville Songwriter’s Association International) and is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). Ed enjoys storytelling, and likes to present ideas that the band can build upon. Everyone in the band infuses their talent and expertise into building an original song. It is always amazing how a melody and lyrics from Ed turns into a production when the band is finished infusing their own take on the song.</div>
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<br><strong>What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome</strong><strong> that challenge? If so, how?</strong>
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<div data-canvas-width="280.0583333333333">The biggest challenge continues to be balancing the band with other work, families and the time on the road. The Shana Stack Band members traveled nearly 13,000 miles each last year, and somehow still managed a house and family obligations. It can be very challenging at times. Not only does the travel and overall obligation involve the five band members, but it also affects their sound tech, Wayne Braley and their Manager, Conrad Farnham. As the band likes to describe it, “Lots of balls always in the air.”</div>
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<br><strong>What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands</strong><strong>?</strong>
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<div data-canvas-width="61.348333333333336">Be ready to work extremely hard. The music business is difficult and finicky. One day you are opening for a headlining act, and the next you can be playing a small club where no one knows who you are. You have to be ready to sacrifice time away from your family and other work, which is always a gentle balancing act. You have to rehearse constantly to get tight and stay tight, and you have to be willing to change up things at a moment’s notice. Always be humble and never take anything for granted. It can all be gone tomorrow in the music business.<br> </div>
<div data-canvas-width="50.36666666666667"><strong>How do you promote your band and shows?</strong></div>
<div data-canvas-width="128.16999999999996">If the band is lucky enough, they get radio and newspaper advertising help. And interviews like this are invaluable to get word out about the band. As well, they continue to build their Facebook following of nearly 3,500 fans, 1,600 twitter followers and over 1,500 Reverbnation fans. They pay special attention to keeping their website current, and are always trying to engage their audience to keep them informed about where the band will be performing next and to be sure the fans know where to find their latest music. The Shana Stack Band has released 4 albums of all original music and they are available to purchase from the band’s website: <a contents="ShanaStack.com" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music">ShanaStack.com</a> as well as CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and many other outlets.</div>
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<br><strong>What’s your outlook on the record industry today?</strong><br>The record industry is a very up and down industry. CDs don’t sell like they used to, so you have to supplement sales with shows on the road and the dotcom outlets that</div>
<div data-canvas-width="109.63166666666665">will allow Indie bands to work with them. The major record labels sign less and less acts each year, and the demographic is very young. Add to that the complication of people that are now finicky about who they follow. It’s a volatile, ever changing market, and you have to be able to change with it, or get left behind.<br><br><strong>Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.</strong><br>Along with being lucky enough to perform at Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook this past summer, to open for The Band Perry, The Shana Stack Band has been fortunate to play some cool local venues that keep them moving through the winter months and already have approx. 35 bookings going into 2015. They are most thankful to the fans and venues for allowing them to do what they love, which is making music.<div data-canvas-width="40.865"> </div>
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<strong>Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering support?</strong><br>“Oh gosh, so many people. We would like to thank our Manager, Conrad Farnham, who works around the clock on our behalf to find us some amazing opportunities to show off our music. We also would like to thank our Sound Tech, Wayne Braley, who travels with us to be sure that we sound our musical best during our live performances. Thank you to the club owners who have consistently believed in us and kept us booked and to the folks at Meadowbrook who allow us to come back each year and be a part of their wonderful family. We must undoubtedly say a sincere and heartfelt thank you and we love you, to our own families, who support what we love doing and keep the home fires burning while we are away on the road. Of course a special thank you to our fans who buy our music, come to our shows, and encourage us to keep moving forward. We always know that none of what we do could happen without all these people behind us. That old saying, “it takes a village” is so true in this case.” The Shana Stack Band hits the stage with one goal in mind... “To engage the audience and leave them wanting more.”</div>
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<br><strong>Any final thoughts?</strong><br>Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed. We are always so grateful for these opportunities, and the chance to continue building our fan base. We are very humbled to be able to share our music with anyone who will listen. We would love for folks to check us out at: ShanaStack.com and to “Like” us on Facebook.</div>
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<br>The Shana Stack Band is the perfect example of how talent, hard work, and a great sense of humor lead to success. So slip on your boots, grab your hat, and boot two-step your way to The Shana Stack Band show near you.</div>
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<br><strong>Here is a glance at just a few of their accomplishments over their four-years together</strong><br><br>Winner of the Independent Country Music Association’s Country Band of the Year and Fans Choice Award<div data-canvas-width="500.6549999999999">2014 Winner of the New England Music Award for Country Act of the Year</div>
<div data-canvas-width="626.6683333333333">2013 - Band of the Year Winner for the Independent Country Music Association, Nashville, TN</div>
<div data-canvas-width="641.1383333333332">2013 - Fans Choice Award Winner for the Independent Country Music Association, Nashville, TN</div>
<div data-canvas-width="641.2516666666666">2013 - Album of the Year nominee for the Independent Country Music Association, Nashville, TN</div>
<div data-canvas-width="172.39166666666665">One of Ed’s songs, “Let it Go”, has been featured in the movie Compliance which was released nationwide in the summer of 2012 by Magnolia pictures.</div>
<div data-canvas-width="797.0833333333331">The Shana Stack Band has opened for such mega stars as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Chuck Wicks, as well as performing before Travis Tritt on the Main Stage at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway before the Nascar Sprint Cup Race.</div>In August 2014 the band opened for Vocal Group of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards, The Band Perry<br> </div>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3556454
2015-02-25T09:15:06-05:00
2015-02-25T09:17:25-05:00
The 2015 NE Music Awards Nominees
<span class="font_large"><strong>The Examiner<br>February 23, 2015<br><br>The 2015 NE Music awards nominees for best band</strong></span><br> <div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">
<p>The fourth annual New England music awards will take place on Saturday, April 18 at Showcase Live, Patriot Place in Foxboro. David Russo, Boston Comedy Festival winner will be the host. There will be live performances by We Were Astronauts, Amy & The Engine, Pat & the Hats, The Willie J. Laws Band, Ben Knight and Sarah Barrios.</p>
<p>The categories for the NE Music Awards are for band of the year, album of the year, song of the year, producer of the year, song writer of the year, male performer of the year, female performer of the year, live act of the year, new act of the year, roots act of the year, country act of the year, pop act of the year, rock act of the year, jazz act of the year, blues act of the year, hip hop act of the year, metal act of the year, and best in state for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine.</p>
<p>There are six bands nominated for band of the year. They are Twiddle, a Vermont based quartet who masterfully blend reggae and funk and like to say they play three dimensional music. The band is: Brook Jordan on skins, Zdenek Gubb on low end, Ryan Dempsey on ivories and Mihali Savoulidis on axe. More info: <a href="http://twiddlemusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://twiddlemusic.com/</a></p>
<p>Kung Fu a funk, rock and fusion band who are home based in Connecticut. The band features Tim Palmieri on guitar, Robert Somerville on tenor sax, Todd Stoops on keyboards, Chris DeAngelis on bass guitar and Adrian Tramontano on drums and percussion. It has been said the quintet's live show is explosive and musically mesmerizing. For more info: <a href="http://www.kungfumusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kungfumusic.com/</a></p>
<p>Girls Guns and Glory, a country rock and roll band are nominated in two categories: Band of the Year and Album of the Year. At the Boston Music Awards they were the first band of its genre to win Act of the Year. They also took home Independent Artist of the Year at the French Country Music Awards. Rolling Stone magazine has listed Girls Guns and Glory as one of the “10 New Artist's You Need To Know." The band is: Ward Hayden on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Josh Kiggans on drum kit, Chris Hersh on electric guitar, banjo and vocals, and Paul Dilley on upright electric bass and vocals. For more band info: <a href="http://girlsgunsandglory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://girlsgunsandglory.com/</a></p>
<p>The Shana Stack Band is a top 40 country/pop band who mixes it up with original music. They have received awards for Independent Country Music Association's Country Band of the Year and a Fans Choice Award, country act of the year at the at the New England Music Awards and most recently named World's Best Indie Band by Wiles Magazine. The band's second full-length original CD, "What You See Is What You Get" was released in the summer 2012 and was nominated for Album of the Year by the Independent Country Music Association. For more info: <a href="http://www.ShanaStack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ShanaStack.com/</a></p>
<p>Quilt is a Boston based psychedelic, indie-rock, pop, folk band founded in 2009. The band is Anna Fox Rochinski on vocals, guitar and organ, Shane Butler on vocals and guitars, and John Andrews on vocals and drums and Keven Lareau on vocals and bass. To date they have two full length albums, the latest "Held in Splendor" was released in January 2014.</p>
<p>The final band of the year nominee is a roots, folk rock and americana band, The Jason Spooner Band who hail from Maine. The band is award winning song writer Jason Spooner on guitar, vocals and harmonica, Adam Frederick on bass and vocals and Reed Chambers on drums and percussion. Some recent band highlights are taping an episode of “FoodNation with Bobby Flay”on the Food Network which featured song clips and performances by Spooner and his band throughout the episode. For more band info: <a href="http://www.jasonspooner.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.jasonspooner.com/</a></p>
<p>For more info on the New England Music Awards: <a href="http://nemusicawards.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://nemusicawards.com/</a></p>
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The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3300075
2014-11-18T12:13:33-05:00
2014-11-18T12:13:33-05:00
The (Almost) Big Stage
<strong>Playing for pre-show Meadowbrook fans</strong><br><span class="read">11/13/14</span><br><span class="read authors">By Michael Witthaus <a href="mailto:music@hippopress.com">music@hippopress.com</a></span><br><br>The music at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook always starts a couple of hours before the lights go down for the headlining act. As fans pass through the gates for every show, there’s a band playing on an elevated stage decorated like a country store. This year, the Gilford amphitheater began offering pre-show talent in its premium parking lot.<div>The gig looks great on a performer’s résumé. </div>
<div>“It’s easier to book clubs when they see that,” said Tim Souza, whose band Maganahan’s Revival played prior to Steely Dan last September. “Owners take us more seriously.”</div>
<div>“It has brought us a lot of exposure,” agreed Shana Stack; her country band has appeared four times, dating back to 2010. “When people see names like Band Perry and Sugarland [her band’s opened for both] they think, ‘These guys must really have their stuff together.’ … It makes people comfortable.”</div>
<div>It takes more than talent to land a gig on Meadowbrook’s Magic Hat Stage. Social media skills are essential.</div>
<div>“We look for at least 1,000 followers on Facebook, to show they can build that, and they know a bit about marketing,” said Emily Keane, who books the acts for Meadowbrook. </div>
<div>A well-maintained Reverb Nation presence is also critical, posting recordings, videos, links and an up-to-date show schedule. The music website offers Band Profile, an app that links it seamlessly with Facebook.</div>
<div>“I go through pages and pages of bands to find the ones that work for me,” said Keane.</div>
<div>If your band’s social media skills haven’t yet culled thousands of online fans, your best Meadowbrook option is performing during the pre-show Ultimate Tailgate Party. </div>
<div>“It’s a great stepping stone to the second stage,” said Keane. “There have been some amazing talents out there, like Erin Ollis before Band Perry, and Beechwood at Zac Brown. … They don’t have a stage, but they play their hearts out. It adds another level of music.”</div>
<div>Musically, the venue seeks a balance of unique and familiar. </div>
<div>“I like to book original songs, maybe some covers,” said Keane. “I look for something that makes me go, ‘I have to have them here.’” </div>
<div>The selection process starts months before Meadowbrook’s typical mid-May opening day. Once a show date is set, Keane begins scouting for second-stage acts that line up musically with the headliner. Alt pop twin duo The Cranks got the nod for a Fall Out Boy/Paramore double bill, while the rootsy Adam Ezra band fit perfectly with Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss.</div>
<div>Meadowbrook recruits most of the acts, but artists are encouraged to reach out directly. </div>
<div>“Definitely email me, in January or February when the shows come up,” said Keane. “Get familiar with our schedule, and look for a match.”</div>
<div>For many years, pre-show music happened in a beer tent near the gate. 2013 brought a permanent stage, with improved sound and lights. Initially placed adjacent to a food concession, it was moved to the opposite side of the midway this season. </div>
<div>“We want to make it more open, provide room to dance,” said Keane.</div>
<div>Magic Hat Stage performers play a plugged in set prior to the show, which usually lasts a couple of hours, and an acoustic show for departing fans. Performers aren’t paid outright, but can make money selling show tickets to their own fans using a special code. The venue often sweetens the deal, Stack said. </div>
<div>“For each show, fans using our code are entered in a drawing to win a meet and greet with the headliner.”</div>
<div>For Souza and his band, the primary benefit was exposure. </div>
<div>“We got maybe 50 ticket purchases, but we did big business selling CDs,” he said. “Plus, our social media activity went way up, with all kinds of new followers.”</div>
<div>By providing prominent placement in the season program and click through to Magic Hat Stage bands’ websites, Meadowbrook adds a big boost in that department. </div>
<div>“We track that information, and we get a lot of hits from the Meadowbrook website,” said Stack. “It’s a huge help.”</div>
<div>It’s not unheard of for a band to parlay pre-show success into a slot in the big amphitheater. In 2013, the Mallett Brothers Band provided support at an Allman Brothers concert. In June of this year, the Maine band opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Charlie Daniels. </div>
<div>“It was a really cool night … when they said direct support, main stage, we jumped for joy,” band member Luke Mallett said last August. “It was kind of a dream gig. I grew up listening to WTOS in Northern Maine, and I can recite every single Skynyrd song.”</div>
<div>The Shana Stack Band is already eying the 2015 season for a fifth appearance on the Magic Hat Stage. </div>
<div>“We’ve been super lucky to have the opportunity to present our music there,” said Stack. “It’s a fantastic stage, with great sound. It’s the highlight of our summer.”</div>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3224882
2014-10-09T12:38:57-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:57-05:00
The Shana Stack Band in Concert Oct. 17, 2014
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/23e1cb012e972767a12099219f3beebb0c690fa0/original/monadnock-ledger.bmp?1412872693" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Published on the Ledger Transcript (http://www.ledgertranscript.com)<hr><div class="full_article">
<h1>Shana Stack Band in concert Oct. 17</h1>
<div class="byline"><div class="date">Monday, October 6, 2014<br>(Published in print: Thursday, October 9, 2014)</div></div>
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<p class="ML-BodyCopyJustified">A country music concert featuring the Shana Stack Band, will be held at the Peterborough Town House on Oct.17, from 7 to 10 p.m.</p>
<p class="ML-BodyCopyJustified">There will be a mechanical bull on site and all proceeds from bull riding will go to the Peterborough Food Pantry.</p>
<p class="ML-BodyCopyJustified">A cash bar will be provided by Carroll’s Bartending, and the Peterborough Fire Explorers will be selling food from Roy’s Market.</p>
<p class="ML-BodyCopyJustified">This concert is the annual fundraiser for the Peterborough Fire Rescue Association.</p>
<p class="ML-BodyCopyJustified">Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets are available at the Peterborough Fire and Rescue station, at Steele’s Stationers, and the Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough and Keene.</p>
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<hr> <strong>Source URL:</strong>http://www.ledgertranscript.com/home/13844649-95/shana-stack-band-in-concert-oct-17
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3200500
2014-09-23T18:58:37-04:00
2021-08-30T15:54:11-04:00
Shana Stack Band offer interesting treats, re-worked versions of old songs on Then And Now album
<span class="font_large">Billy Copeland Music News</span>
<p class="byline">By <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/author/admin/" rel="author" title="Bill Copeland">Bill Copeland</a></span> on <abbr class="published" title="Friday, September 19th, 2014, 6:51 pm">September 19, 2014</abbr></p>
<p><a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ShanaStackBandCDCoverArtThenAndNow.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ShanaStackBandCDCoverArtThenAndNow-300x292.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_medium" alt="ShanaStackBandCDCoverArtThenAndNow" height="292" width="300" /></a>Shana Stack Band just released an 11 track album called Then And Now. This new album features reworked versions of their most requested songs, a couple done acoustic style, and two brand new songs. Longtime fans of Shana Stack Band get to hear all new versions of their favorite songs while new fans discovering the band through this disc will be treated to a classy country record.</p>
<p>“I Threw Your Ring Away” begins the album with Stack’s beautiful coos and something unusual for country music, drum programming. A haunting intro, it soon fades into an assertive country rock number, with the emphasis being on rock. Punchy bass lines abound. The drums push hard to move the song along. Guitar lines run from lively to electrifying. And, Stack’s vocal lets the listener know she means business. Aggressive and foreboding, she expresses that post-relationship frustration that could make a woman teeter on the brink of becoming dangerous.</p>
<p>Fetching honky tonk guitars usher, mid-tempo, the listener into songwriter-rhythm guitarist Ed Leavitt’s lead vocal song “The Bottle.” Leavitt contemplates the issues surrounding the bottle, listing episodes of near destruction and failure in vivid imagery, detail, and theme. Yet, the emphasis remains on the emotion of the man who needs to recover. Leavitt sings this one mightily, expressing the earnest emotions of a man who hit rock bottom and has nowhere to go but back up. His hefty chorus is hooky as well as revelatory, and that works well.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ShanaStackPromoPic3.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ShanaStackPromoPic3-300x168.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_medium" alt="ShanaStackPromoPic3" height="168" width="300" /></a>“You Can’t Make Me Fall” turns the microphone duties back to Stack. Here, she makes clear she won’t let someone toy with and topple her. Her voice is as beautiful as ever in this Top 40 country number. She glides through the chorus while also pulling in all she moves past with her graceful ease. During the verses, she sings with an audacity of spirit that lets you know she means every word of this anthem of independence and strength. Her voice on the ride out is killer.</p>
<p>Another drinking song, “Black Whiskey,” finds Leavitt offering his chirpy country crooner vocal over some snappy rhythm guitar. Lead guitarist John Sanchez takes over and gives off some tasty bits of twang, nice little touches that add up to one fine melodic phrase. It’s amazing how the guitars in this band are just drenched and dripping with country idioms. That’s no mean feat for a band out of the northeast. These boys, Leavitt and Sanchez, tie their lead and rhythm work into one homespun heft of sound.</p>
<p>“Pleasure And Pain” makes the most of Stack’s beautiful, towering vocal. She sings with a power that could fill sails and send ships moving over the waves. Slowing it down on some verses, she uses her voice as a precise instrument, filling each vocal note with that extra something special. Listen to the way she handles the sustains in the close out and you might think you’re listening to a angel who just fell out of heaven.</p>
<p>“Let It Go” passes the vocal chores back to Ed Leavitt. On this one, he readily handles a hooky chorus that twists and turns with the song’s meaningful rhythms. Leavitt, creates, with his songwriting, a rising lift of music, and he rides it well with his rangy vocal heft.</p>
<p>Leavitt continues at the microphone with “Give Back,” a country gentleman’s call to remind us to pay it forward after all that’s been done for us. Helping the less fortunate, giving more to those with less, comes across as spiritual as any Sunday school lesson, and he puts it across without any faux preachy pretense. His sincerity makes you picture the earnest child learning his Bible lessons about the good Samaritan. Leavitt’s hearty vocal, the guitars and piano texture, and the deep groove from the rhythm section help to make the listener feel the message running through this.</p>
<p>Stack sings lead vocal on “Just Kiss Me,” a hugely popular regional hit from this band’s last album. It’s original Taylor Swift-inspired version has been reworked into something aimed more at adult contemporary radio. Stack applies her beauty of a voice to winning over a shy guy’s ears as well as his heart. This song takes graceful flight as Stack’s voice get lift from her gusts of emotive, rangy power. Each time she takes the chorus it’s like a lovely winged creature suddenly lifted upwards, something natural, beautiful, and blessed with ta<a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ShanaStackPromoPic2.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ShanaStackPromoPic2-300x250.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_medium" alt="ShanaStackPromoPic2" height="250" width="300" /></a>lent</p>
<p>“Blame It On Me” puts Leavitt back in charge of microphone detail. The songwriter’s easygoing philosophy comes across load and clear. He tells a beloved person she can blame him for everything, bad weather, car failure, and relationship difficulties. Leavitt’s winsome charm comes through in his lyrics as much as in his rested, confident vocal. He’s as witty as all get out here, and he keeps offering up his gentle sarcasm with gentlemanly aplomb. He also boast one heck of a singing voice on the ride out.</p>
<p>This reviewer’s favorite song on the album,” What You See Is What You Get,” is Stack’s attitude-laden call to arms against people who have a specific, narrow image of femininity. She can drive a John Deere tractor and walk in the rain just to get wet. She can also dress up pretty and flirty. Stack stomps through this one beautifully and authoritatively, with a force of personality that smolders its way forward, knocking down any that dare to get in her way. The groove is killer, twisty, and the melodic instruments wrap around it like battle armor. Pretty coos, sweet guitar notes, and the initial take-your-time groove at first lull the listener in while they belie the all American girls flexes her muscles vibe.</p>
<p>SSB close out with “Better Life,” a call to follow one’s dreams rather than settle in a one horse town. This track does what the album has been longing to do by now, pair Stack and Leavitt in a duo number. Leavitt sings this anthem, about the brave and lonely person’s need to press on, with his first rate vocal chops. He caresses his lyrics with warm regard for his subjects. Stack comes in on the next verse. She coats her words with care, and that makes this song come alive as much the striking vocals and warm musical support.</p>
<p>Stack, Leavitt, bass guitarist Billy Moedebeck, lead guitarist and Mandolin player John Sanchez, and drummer Kurt Ekstrom have come up with a classy album. Though most of these songs are not new, they are newly arranged and they find the band pulling them all together with their own distinct sound based on where they‘re currently at.</p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3154223
2014-08-25T13:01:41-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:57-05:00
Wiles Magazine - World's Best Indie Band: The Shana Stack Band
<h1>THE SHANA STACK BAND</h1>
<div class="postauthor"><p>Posted by <a href="http://wilesmag.com/author/wile7185/" rel="author" title="Posts by Wiles Magazine">Wiles Magazine</a> on Thursday, August 21, 2014 · <a href="http://wilesmag.com/2014/artist-spotlight-shana-stack-band/#respond">4 Comments</a> </p></div>
<h1 align="center">WORLD’S BEST INDIE BAND:</h1>
<h1 align="center">THE SHANA STACK BAND</h1>
<p align="center">By Elizabeth “Izzy” Jordan</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a few days, <strong>MTV</strong> will honor some of the video achievements of the biggest names in the music business. Before all of that, let’s take a look at who our readers have voted as the World’s Best Indie Band…</p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_14303" style="width: 682px">
<a href="http://wilesmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Shana-1.jpg" rel="lightbox[13988]"><img src="//wilesmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Shana-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="479" width="672" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Shana Stack Band</p>
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<p>The Shana Stack Band was formed four years ago and since then, with hits like “I Threw Your Ring Away” and “Her Lips Taste Like Guilty,” they’ve gone on to win the Independent Country Music Association’s Country Band of the Year and Fans Choice Award and New England Music Award’s Country Act of the Year. The Shana Stack Band features multi-national award winning vocalist Shana Stack, and Nashville Songwriter’s Association International member, Ed Leavitt – who is the group’s male vocalist and songwriter.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While issues like competitiveness and creative conflicts often plague bands in the business, The Shana Stack Band cites support, respect and appreciation among the keys to their success.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We love what we do, and appreciate every new opportunity,” Shana told us. “We want our creative goals to always be evolving. We constantly push each other out of our comfort zones, because that is what keeps us growing. The dream [of success] is forever changing for all of us.”</p>
<p>An eclectic group of artists whose individual music tastes range from <strong>Billy Joel</strong> and <strong>Garth Brooks</strong> to The <strong>Grateful Dead</strong> and <strong>Van Halen</strong>, like most indie bands, The Shana Stack Band practices the art of balancing the time commitment of shows, rehearsals, and promo work with the creative process. And, when the going gets tough, they’re fortunate to be surrounded by fans and loved ones who keep them encouraged.</p>
<p>“I think what inspires us the most is the drive of those whom we work with and who support us,” Shana shared. “Our families inspire us and we love covering new ground.”</p>
<p>And when it comes to touring and performing, The Shana Stack Band is a family affair.</p>
<p>“We enjoy getting to perform in new areas and getting to meet new people, and we spend time [together] as a family unit. From our manager, <strong>Conrad Farnham</strong>, to each of our musicians, <strong>John Sanchez</strong>, <strong>Kurt Ekstrom</strong>, <strong>Ed Leavitt</strong>, and <strong>Billy Moedebeck</strong>, to our sound tech <strong>Wayne Braley</strong>, “ Shana told us. “Even the wives of the guys will travel with us. Often, Kurt’s wife Robin will assist with merchandise sales on the road. John’s wife and kids sometimes make a trip and it’s fun to have everyone along. It’s like a giant camping experience.”</p>
<p>Slated for release in September, the band’s upcoming album is, in fact, a direct reflection of feedback they’ve received from their fans.</p>
<p>“We thought it would be cool to take our most requested songs from our first two albums, do different arrangements, perhaps take a song and make it an acoustic version etc and package it along with new songs. We thought our fans would really enjoy that.”</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_14304" style="width: 624px">
<a href="http://wilesmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Shana-3.jpg" rel="lightbox[13988]"><img src="//wilesmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Shana-3-1024x576.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="346" width="614" /></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text">Shana Stack Band performing</p>
</div>
<p>The band began work on its latest album last December and went into the studio to work with producer <strong>Kevin Federico</strong> in early spring. We spent most of spring and summer in between performing finishing up the project. Featuring original tunes written by Ed Leavitt, each musician in the band contributed their own personal touches to each song to create the unique Shana Stack Band sound that fans have come to love. The album was completed earlier this month.</p>
<p>Along with the upcoming album, the band is looking forward to a very busy September filled with projects.</p>
<p>“We are always working on new projects and waiting for that next thing to come along,” Shana shared. “We’ll be playing the <strong>NH Motor Speedway</strong> in September before a huge race and we already have fall dates that will take us all around <strong>New England</strong>.”</p>
<p>Someday soon you may see The Shana Stack Band touring with artists like <strong>Miranda Lambert</strong>, <strong>Lady Antebellum</strong> or <strong>Dierks Bentley</strong>. Until then, they’ll continue to go about the business of making great music and encouraging other independent artists to do the same.</p>
<p>“Our advice to indie artists is to never give up. The music business is very hard and can be an emotional roller coaster at times. You have to be patient, persistent and always work hard,” Shana said. “There’s a big misconception out there that an artist can make it big over night. It’s not true. But, it’s in the early stages, when you are playing small clubs and venues and you may have only a dozen people in the audience, that you truly learn your craft.”</p>
<p>To learn more about The Shana Stack Band, please visit: <a href="http://wilesmag.com/2014/artist-spotlight-shana-stack-band/www.shanastack.com" title="www.shanastack.com">www.shanastack.com</a></p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3122350
2014-08-06T10:21:24-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:57-05:00
Discovering a New Sound: The Shana Stack Band
<span class="font_large"><strong>Discovering a New Sound: The Shana Stack Band</strong></span><br><br><strong>Wednesday, August 6, 2014<br>Fancy Pants & Sugar Shacks Blog<br>Meghan Liegel</strong>
<p>Many moons ago (okay, it was only a few months ago), my friend and colleague Ed invited me to listen to his band, The Shana Stack Band, play at a local venue. As I was already familiar with a few of their tunes, and was also aware of their recent win at the New England Music Awards, AND the fact that they have opened for the likes of Reba McEntire and Sugarland, I knew it was going to be a great show and said yes immediately! I put in a call to my friend, Ms. K., as I knew she would be up for an evening of good music, food, and fun. <br><br>After a great dinner, we headed to the Tupulo Music Hall to see Ed and the band play. So, a foreword. Well, I guess it's a mid-word as we are already well-into this post. Until about a decade ago, I was never a huge fan of country music aside from my love of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton...I mean, how can you not love them??? Anyway, country music always seemed so sad and mournful and I just couldn't get into it. However, thanks to the many great cross-over artists that have created some amazing music over past ten+ years, the genre has grown on me tremendously. For one, I really appreciate the simple, honest story-telling aspect of country music; also, its melodies can be really comforting and familiar... they sort of make you feel like you are home getting a big hug from mom. And after this concert, I like it even more! In fact, Shana mentioned that one of her favorite things about performing is turning people on to country music. She says: "I love 'converting' people to country music. We hear frequently 'I don't like country but I LOVE you guys.' Such a great compliment when people have a preconceived notion of what a genre of music is and you can turn it around for them." Shana: you may have another convert on your hands!!!<br><br>Anyway, let's get to the good stuff! They started out with some covers which got the crowd up and moving and clapping their hands, and then moved into their own songs which were thoughtfully written and artfully sung. Shana and Ed also took the time to introduce numbers, and chit chat about the stories behind several of the songs, and engage those of us in the audience to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/4ccfa99d0a34a37e5680b9c98944a4af24b9f9a2/large/1.jpg?1407332404" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>One thing I noticed right off the bat is the rocker edge their music has. It is definitely country but lined with a great, edgy rocker beat. After having asked the band members about this, it turns out that this is no accident. Shana Stack, the awesomely fierce front-woman of the band, cites Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood and Carrie Underwood but also Pat Benetar and Heart as her influences. A quote from Shana on the latter: "Man that woman could sing!" I would have to say the same of Shana - she has some seriously mad vocal skills!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/86be5ce6a9a0957c22d0746c351719c296c4bf3d/medium/2.jpg?1407332445" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>John Sanchez said his influences include Brad Paisley, Albert Lee, Brent Mason and Doug Seven, but hopes his own sound shines through. It does and in spades! AND....wait for it...he plays the mandolin! And ROCKS it!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/3632d6d04ed80aa4c23e3160ab42847b072122b4/medium/3.jpg?1407332518" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>Other influences run the gamut from Haggard, Wynette, and Cash to the Beatles, Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin and funk disco. And this diversity really shines through in not only their music but also their performance.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/54f19b7e4d267e0d2fa8d09c8e672c75a3d2c0b9/medium/4.jpg?1407332577" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/4a65c607dac79bf374b5940f0962059d211df034/medium/6.jpg?1407332611" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/d7dee46b77e292b849b9a3bfc24c05dce69f0557/medium/7.jpg?1407332629" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="Here's my buddy, Ed, singing his heart out!!!" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/cc7e31fc59ae258b55cb8b597ce742c771340a57/medium/5.jpg?1407332595" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Ed provides lead vocals and rhythm guitar and writes most of their music - and I am trying to not be biased as he is a friend - but his lyrics are fantastic - truly thoughtful, moving, relevant, and reflective. In fact, I recently found out that one of his songs was in the movie 'Compliance', which premiered at Sundance a few years back. Who knew I was working with someone so talented???!!!<br><br>At the concert, the one song I found especially moving was the song he wrote called 'Give Back' which is about just that - paying forward the good things in life to those who might need some help. They performed this number (and a few others) acoustically and it was such a quietly moving way to take in their music. Acoustic sets are not a usual part of their performances so if you happen to catch one you are in for a treat.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/26a1ca202ecf9f52f6a556a4c78c265fd4a5f1df/medium/8.jpg?1407332931" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>And towards the end of the more laid-back, non-electronic set they transitioned right back into their high-energy show, making sure that the audience was up and out of their seats, dancing away! Also, did I mention that their band manager Conrad was in the back of the room teaching people how to line dance? It is really a show that absolutely everyone can enjoy. You can hang out up front and listen to the story-telling and do a bit of dancing with others in the crowd, or you can head to the back and do some good old-fashioned country line<br>dancing. It's a win-win in my book!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/52451123809bc2484e0c81405b3c4438dcb165d0/medium/9.jpg?0" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/a3129cc285be68a6ca46102d641b9d292bd88f66/medium/11.jpg?1407333050" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/b0208cf6c0edaa68e8cf7ec7b7636924ca60c454/medium/10.jpg?1407333039" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>I was so happy Ed invited me out to see their show as it was just awesomely good fun. I danced, I sang along, and left feeling a little hoarse - just the way one should leave a concert!<br><br>If you get the chance, you should definitely try and catch one of their shows. They are smack-dab in the middle of a heavy touring schedule all around the Northeast (in fact, this past weekend they opened for The Band Perry at Meadowbrook in NH!!), and you can find their schedule here. www.ShanaStack.com<br><br>And, should you feel be feeling impulsive and want to listen to some of their tunes straightaway, check them out on iTunes!<br><br>Meghan xoxo</p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/3122343
2014-08-06T09:15:48-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:57-05:00
The Shana Stack Band Wins Wiles Magazine's World's Best Indie Band
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/40b0607f6599b6503ab285d554014dd60d092e01/medium/wiles-magazine-indie-band.png?1407246525" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br>The votes are in and The Shana Stack Band wins World's Best Indie Band from Wiles Magazine. For the month of July Wiles Magazine featured 31 different acts, a different act each day in their online magazine. Band and musicians solicited votes from their fans spanning all social media networks from Facebook to Twitter to comments on the Wiles Magazine website. As voting was ending the competition came down to three acts that were leading the race. Axe Man's Bridge, McKenzie Jones and The Shana Stack Band. In the last hour of the competition, The Shana Stack Band pulled ahead with the win. Family, friends and fans of the band have once again provided their unwavering support for the band and have helped them to win this incredible award. The band will have a full length feature in the next issue of Wiles Magazine.
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2906533
2014-04-29T11:41:54-04:00
2014-04-29T11:42:31-04:00
Notre Dame Preparatory School to Host Concert
Notre Dame Prep to host concert<div class="articleByline" id="articleByline">Sentinel & Enterprise<div class="articleSecondaryDate meta" id="articleDate">Posted: 04/29/2014 06:29:41 AM EDT</div>
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<p>FITCHBURG -- For years, Notre Dame Prep has brought some of the nation's best basketball players to North Central Massachusetts.</p>
<p>This weekend, the school has a completely different goal: to bring fun in the form of country music to Fitchburg.</p>
<p>The Shana Stack Band will perform a concert to benefit the Notre Dame Prep General Fund Saturday night. The benefit will be an all-ages show that starts at 7:30 at the South St. school, with tickets going for $10.</p>
<p>The band -- whose singer and namesake is originally from Fitchburg -- has won the Independent Country Music Association's Country Band of the Year award and its Fans Choice Award, as well as the New England Music Award for Country Act of the Year. The group focuses on top 40 country songs and original material during its shows.</p>
<p>"They're a great band and they're going to play a lot of songs that people know," Notre Dame Prep basketball coach Ryan Hurd noted. "We're excited to have them here."</p>
<p>Doors open at 6:30 and there will be a cash bar.</p>
<p>Those interested in purchasing tickets prior to the night of the event can pick up tickets, which are available at the school's main office at 151 South St. Additional questions can be directed to Hurd at (603) 365-6270.</p>
</div><br><br>Read more: <a href="http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/highschoolsports/ci_25658310/notre-dame-prep-host-concert#ixzz30I3fj4cq" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);">http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/highschoolsports/ci_25658310/notre-dame-prep-host-concert#ixzz30I3fj4cq</a>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2870170
2014-04-14T16:59:10-04:00
2014-04-14T16:59:10-04:00
Valley News - Entertainment Highlights - April 10, 2014
By David Corriveau<br>Valley News Staff Writer<div class="date">Thursday, April 10, 2014<br>(Published in print: Thursday, April 10, 2014)<br> </div>In the run-up to the release of its album later this year, the Shana Stack Band will turn up the volume on its country sound at the Tupelo Music Hall in White River Junction Saturday night at 7. In addition to sharing vocal duties with Shana Stack, Ed Leavitt writes the band’s original music; his song, <span class="VN_Italiics">Let It Go</span>, (no, not the Disney one) that is part of the soundtrack of the 2012 indie movie <span class="VN_Italiics">Compliance</span>. The band, with awards ranging from the New England Music Award for country act of the year to the Independent Country Music Association’s country band of the year, has opened for the likes of Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, George Jones and Chuck Wicks. For tickets and more information, visit <a href="http://www.tupelohallvt.com/">www.tupelohallvermont.com</a>.
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2859557
2014-04-10T10:10:49-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:57-05:00
The Shana Stack Band to Open for The Band Perry
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/727cc27b4cb9815d452c1997ab5042b331cf904e/medium/080314-the-shana-stack-band-flyer.jpg?1397068459" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><br>Country Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards, The Shana Stack Band, to open for Vocal Group of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards, The Band Perry at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook on Sunday, August 3, 2014. <br><br>Use Promo Code <strong>SSBP</strong> for a chance to win a Meet & Greet with The Band Perry. Tickets can be purchased by clicking <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://meadowbrook.net/?page=event_info&show_code=080314" target="_blank">here</a>. <br><br>Gates open at 4:00 PM and Doors open at 5:00 PM. The Shana Stack Band takes the Magic Hat Stage at 5:00 PM and again immediately following The Band Perry's performance.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2725305
2014-03-11T09:56:07-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:56-05:00
Classicbands.com Interview with Ed Leavitt
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<td> <center><font color="#D3373B"><font size="4"><b>Gary James' Interview With Ed Leavitt Of </b></font><br><b><font size="6">The Shana Stack Band </font></b> </font></center> </td> </tr></tbody></table></center>
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<center><img src="//www.classicbands.com/images/strings.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt=" " /></center><br><br>In 2013, The Shana Stack Band was named <i>Country Band Of The Year</i> and <i>Fan's Choice Award Winners</i> by the Independent Music Association of Nashville, Tennessee. They've opened for some of the biggest names in Country music, including Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Travis Tritt and Rascal Flatts. Ed Leavitt is a member of The Shana Stack Band. As a singer / songwriter he's worked with George Jones, Tracy Byrd, Mark Wills and The Don Campbell Band to name just a few. Besides having such an impressive resume, Ed Leavitt is a down to earth, sincere and all around nice guy. Now that's a winning combination! Ed talked with us about The Shana Stack Band.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Ed, I see The Shana Stack Band will be performing at The Turning Stone Casino.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Yes. We have a double night there actually. We're going to be there the 24th and 25th of January (2014). Our first time playing there, so we're very excited about it.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Usually a group will get one night. To get two nights is rare. In the old days, a group would get five nights.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Right. We're very, very fortunate and we're very grateful for the opportunity.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - You're excited about performing at The Turning Stone Casino and that's good. But besides the money, what are you hoping to get out of playing The Turning Stone Casino? Are you looking to expand your fan base maybe? Is that what it's all about?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - (Laughs) Yeah, absolutely. That's part of it. We're always on the lookout to expand the fan base. That's always a key priority for us, in any way we can. You know very well the music business is all about connecting with people. So we spend a great deal of our time marketing ourselves and trying to get interviews, just like we're doing here. It's very important to us to get word out about the band, but also to promote our music so other people can hear the music and expand our territory, because when we first started, we were basically playing locally in the southern New Hampshire area and the over the years we began expanding our territory throughout all of New England and now we're basically billed as a regional band. So, it's nice. We've been expanding out to New York State, Maine, New Hampshire. Vermont, Rhode Island. So it's exciting to gain ground throughout New England. We're just very happy for the opportunities and we're very thankful for them.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Everybody in The Shana Stack Band has such outstanding credits!<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Thank you.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Should this band be based in Keene, New Hampshire, or would you be better off being based in Nashville?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Here's the funny thing that you brought that up, 'cause we've come to a crossroads where we need to start making a decision like that. When we started this group, we all came from musical backgrounds. We've all done things with other bands and done solo projects. I've been writing music for many years, but when we brought this group together, it just seemed like it was very special because we immediately clicked. When you have a group like that, that immediately clicks and gels, then you are going to click with the audience and we've just been building that ever since. Our hope was always to build something like this. We didn't know it would grow the way it has. It just has continued to. We won the two awards from the Independent Country Music Association, which is located in Nashville, Tennessee. So, this year (2014) we have some hard thinking to do about what we want to do as far as what direction we want to continue to push this in. Do we want to stay in New England? Do we want to take it to more of a national level? I think there's a lot of thought that goes into that. So many details you have to think about, not only the band and the music, but think in terms of family and jobs. All that kind of stuff. We all own homes in this area. So many factors involved and in the music business today it's so up and down that you want to make sure you are always making the right choices, and thus far we have in everything we've done. We've made very calculated choices and we very carefully followed those choices. Now we are at that point where, okay, what do we do now? (Laughs). Frankly, we never envisioned that this would happen as quickly as it has. We've been a group since 2010. So, it's grown very rapidly in four years. We just, I guess, didn't expect that it would grow as fast as it did really. And that's kind of where we are at. We're trying to figure out which way do we go.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - I interviewed someone who quit their day job, a very good job, to go to Nashville to try and make it. After a year he threw in the towel and returned home.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - It's a very, very tough business. I've been working with folks in Nashville for many years because I'm a member of the NSAI, which is the National Songwriters Association International. I've been a member since, I don't know, about ten years now. So I talk with folks in Nashville almost daily. You hear the stories of total chaos, upheaval and heartbreak of some of these poor people. They give up their jobs and their lives and move there in hopes of making it big and a year later they are coming back, saying, "Oh, my God! There's millions of people with that same dream." So, that's why we're all very careful about it.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - In Nashville, you couldn't get paid to play. You'd have to work a day job.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - That's right.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Maybe you're better off in New Hampshire.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - We've sat down as a group and talked about these things many, many times. We have friends that are living in Nashville right now, trying to make it. It's a tough business. It really is. Quite often you are playing just for tips when you are in Nashville and you are one of thousands of people there. But then there's those few that have the hunger and perseverance to just hang with it. Maybe 1 per cent of those people are going to be lucky enough to get it. What we've sort of done is, we've kept the thought process that we want to be very strong. Our goal is to be very strong here in New England, throughout the entire New England region and maybe even push up into Canada at some point and see how that goes. Then, if we have opportunities to expand our territory down into the South or into the Nashville area, sure we'll do that. But none of us are going to put our homes up for sale anytime soon because we've seen over the years what happens to people that have. A few of them have been lucky, but it's a very small fraction of people. The Country music business is very competitive right now. It's become very popular as Country has become more Crossover and Pop-based, even Hip-Hop based lately. It's grown in popularity. Artists like Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, young artists like that have brought the young crowds back to Country music because for many years they lost the young crowds. So, it's really a popular genre at the moment. But the problem is, everyone wants to be a Country star now. It's like the big thing to do. One percent of those people are going to make it. You have to be very lucky. They say talent, talent, talent and talent is very important, absolutely, but luck is probably 90 per cent of it.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - I hear that again and again.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Yeah.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - I have a problem with Taylor Swift. I can't understand what she's singing. I'll catch maybe one word out of a sentence. I don't know if it's an enunciation problem or it's meant to be recorded that way, but what is that girl singing anyway?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - (laughs). She's very controversial with a lot of people. She's got a very strong fan base, the tween age group, but even so, she spilled into middle aged people and older people who are listening to her. I've met women who are in their 60s and 70s who are like diehard Taylor Swift fans. It's funny, as a songwriter I like to listen to other people's material and find out what interests them. What do they write about? What is popular on today's radio? What's being played all the time? A lot of what she writes about is what the typical teenager goes through, the heart ache of breakup every other week. She's got a whole army of young people out there that connect with the songs that she writes and so she's basically singing about breaking up with another boyfriend and they are all connecting with it. I'm not sure where the older crowd is connecting with it. I think melodically her stuff might appeal to them. It's kind of singsong stuff as you are driving along in the car. That kind of thing.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - I don't know how you can do that. I don't understand what she's singing!<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - (Laughs).<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - When Johnny cash saying "Ring Of Fire", you understood the words.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Oh, sure.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - When Kenny Rogers sang "The Gambler", you understood what he was saying.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Right.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - When Dolly Parton sings or Loretta Lynn, you know what they are singing.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Oh, absolutely.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - I'm telling you, I'm missing a great deal of the lyrics Taylor Swift is singing. I can't understand her! I can't hear her voice!<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - I think part of it too, and I've noticed that with today's Country music and popular music, is that when they are mixing these tracks down and mastering them, quite often I notice when I'm listening to them, for whatever reason, whoever is mastering them, is mastering the music above the melody line, above the lyric.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Right!<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - So, quite often the singer is sort of pushed into the background while the guitars and drums are kind of driving the tune. I think that tends to be the way popular music is going right now. It's a real Hip-Hop beat to it. I know in our group, when you play clubs, you have to play "cover" tunes. We'd love to play original music all night long. That's what we do. That's what we are about, but when we play Toby Keith's next to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, it's a big crowd of people and they want to hear songs they know. You can slip a few originals in here and there, but you basically have to play what's popular on the radio. So we learn 'em. We do 'em. We do the cover tunes and some of the stuff I kind of chuckle to myself. I say, gosh, I can't believe I'm singing this stuff! But we do! (Laughs). If you want to stay relevant, you gotta stay up with the trends. That's one thing we work really hard at doing, but I certainly understand exactly what you're saying. It's a different world with the music world. It really is.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - I notice you're an ASCAP writer, not a BMI writer. When I think of ASCAP I think more of the David Foster type songwriters. Why are you with ASCAP?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Well, let me tell you why, and you're going to laugh because this is the truth. When I first started writing music many years ago and had to start registering the songs as part of my catalog, I was told, "You need to pick up a pro and you need to pick up one fast and you need to register one in." I'd literally took BMI and ASCAP and a couple of others that were sort of starting out at the time, through them into a hat, picked one and ASCAP came out and that's the one I registered with, and have been with ever since. So, that's the story. There's no rhyme or reason to it whatsoever. It wasn't like a conscious decision to go with one or the other. I've noticed more of the Country artists tend to go with BMI. I have a lot of friends who are writers in the Country field and they went with BMI. Then I just picked ASCAP out of a hat. I said okay, that's who I'm registering with and have been with them ever since. I don't do a lot with them as far as attending conferences and things like that. I use them mainly to register my catalog, so when you put the music out there, you're not worried about copyright infringement or things like that.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - How does a cover band get to the point where they begin writing their own songs?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - To be honest, years and years ago I started writing literally my first song when I was nine years old. I can still remember it. I had a tendency to always write music, lyrics, melodies. It was one of those idiot savant things that was always with me as a kid. My parents say they always remember me standing in front of the TV as a little boy, four and five years old, making up these words and crazy little tunes coming out of me. I've always had that in me, to write music, to write songs. Even when I was in all my previous bands that were quite often cover bands, I was always infiltrating them with my original music. With this group, we made a conscious decision to do a lot more with the original music because we realize we could take this in two directions; we could continue to be a really great cover band and play in bars and clubs and make a decent salary out of it and have some fun, or we could get serious and say we don't want to be another cover band. We want to be something different. I'd been writing music for many years and have been seriously involved with other co-writers and working with the folks in Nashville. I'd had a song in a movie soundtrack, had some of my songs recorded by other artists. So, I've always been a pretty serious writer, but then when we formed this group, this group wanted to be different. Right from the outset we said we don't want to just be a cover band. We want to do something that makes us more happy and it makes us more happy to do our own music, create our own stuff. So we decided right from the outset we were going to do that. Within the first year we put out our first album and I think we're on album number three right now. And I've already started working on material for the fourth album. Collectively as a group, we just wanted not to be labeled another cover band. Wherever we play, it doesn't matter if it's a club or a bar or a big event, we will put our original music in. We tell people at all the venues we play at, that before they hire us, we'll do mostly cover material for your club, however we're also a very serious original band and we will be infusing our original material into the set list. If that's not okay then we're probably not the best band for your venue. So we approached it that way and we been honest with people and it's worked out. People have been like, okay, that's fine, yeah. And then, some people have been like, no, we want a cover band. We are perfectly fine with that and say best of luck to you. There's a lot of great cover bands out there. I'm sure you'll find one that fits your bill. And that's how we leave it.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - The Shana Stack Band appeared on the same bill as Sugarland. How did you get that gig? Through a promoter?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Yes. There is a venue in Gilford, New Hampshire. It's called Meadowbrook. It's an outdoor concert facility. I think originally when they built it a number of years ago it seated close to 10,000 people. This past year The Bank Of New Hampshire took over management, part management of it, and they added additional seating onto the pavilion of another 3000 to 4000 seats. So, it's grown to be quite a venue. I think the Country Music Association nominated it as <i>Country Venue Of The Year</i> twice in the last few years. It's getting recognized nationwide now. We had started putting out feelers with them a number of years ago when we first started the band. It takes a long time to build a relationship with people like this because everybody wants to open for somebody. There's a lot of bands in Vermont and New Hampshire and Maine and Massachusetts. Tons of Country bands. Everybody wants a slice of the pie and so you have to find a way of getting into these places and it's very difficult. Most of these bigger venues, they don't want you to know who the Booker is for these places. They don't want a ton of people calling them and e-mailing them and inundating them with PR packets. So what we would do, and this is literally how we did it, we started going to concerts there and then slowly we started talking to staff. We'd meet the people that would seat you, the aisle people, the people at the concession stands. We would just slowly ask questions. We'd say, "This is such a great place! We love it here. We have a band. We'd love to someday play a place like this." Slowly, you build relationships with these people. They see you there all the time. Then, little by little, they might open up a little bit. "Well, if you see so-and-so, they might be able to connect you with that person and that person may connect you with that person." Before long, three years later, you might be connected to the right person who can get you to an audition and that's what happened. The first year we played there we were very fortunate. We got to play with Reba McEntire. We spent some time backstage with her. It was a wonderful experience. Once you are in and they know you are good people; they know you aren't going to come in there and embarrass them or make a mess of your set and people walk out. Once you establish the fact that you are serious musicians and know what you're doing and that you're good as far as establishing relationships with these people and you are nice to work with and you don't have a reputation as being difficult, then low and behold you might be asked back to these places. That's what we did. It took a long time to establish that. To this day, no band that has done this sort of thing would reveal who they talk to at these places. We keep that very closely guarded because it took us years to unearth that and we don't share it with anybody else. (Laughs).<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - But, I'm saying you took the long way around.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - We did.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Directories are put out listing who is in charge of these venues.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Yeah. Sometimes they do. It looks like that on the surface, but the person who is the gatekeeper is very often not that person they list in these directories. We have access to those directories too. We have used them and what we often find out is that, that gets you to Point A. You need to be at Point D or E and so by the time you get to E, you have gone on to another four people. These venues are very careful who they list and quite often it's very mysterious. It took us a long time to figure out who the Booker was at Toby Keith's. We had to go through a million hoops to figure that out. There's no easy way. It takes a long time to establish these relationships in the music business. It's really about connecting and patience. We've had to have incredible patience, but now we're at a point where because we've been patient and because we've waited our turn and because we've been nice to people to work with and because we show up on time and because we don't trash the dressing room and because we know our stuff and we get out there and entertain the crowd and get off the stage when we're told to and hustle when we're told to, then you get the reputation and then pretty soon doors open for you. And that's kind of how it's happened for us.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - So, I take it you have to know somebody to get into The Turning Stone Casino as well.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Absolutely. It took us two years to know that somebody. We've been working on getting in there for two years.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - See, I thought with the Internet, you'd send an e-mail and say "Here is our website. Read over our Bio. Watch our video."<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Nope, not anymore. I don't want to say it's a closed off society, but finding the people can be very difficult. Even when you find them, you find the right person you're supposed to talk to and you start talking to them about yourself, they are like, "So what? I've got six other bands that have the same Bio as you do. How are you different from them?" Then you have to say, "Well, we have three albums we've released of original music. We won this award. We won that award. We've done this. We played here. We played this venue." Then, they might give you an audience and say, "Okay, let's talk." But not always. Not always. We've gone in with guns drawn to some clubs saying, "This is a no-brainer. We'll get in here." We throw all this stuff at them, all this stuff that we've done, and they look at us and say, "Yeah, well I've got four other bands that can do that too. I like this other band better. He knows my brother-in-law." That kind of thing. (Laughs).<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - That is tough to combat<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - It is. It's all about knowing this one who knows that one. Sometimes we'll get frustrated. We'll sit down and say, "Why can't we get in there? We're just as good as that band we saw playing at that particular place." You do all kinds of research and it comes down to be so-and-so's brother knows the brother of the Booker and they are good buddies and they go out for an occasional beer and that's how they got in. So, sometimes it has no rhyme or reason other than the fact that it's all who you know and where you are at the moment you know them. That's the music business and it's a tough business. It really is. It's an incredibly tough business. That's why we've been so proud and happy and grateful and relieved to just have made it as far as we have. We never say this isn't good enough or we deserve better than this. We don't feel that way. We feel grateful for every opportunity we get. We are grateful to have this opportunity to speak with you. This interview can continue to open doors for us. You never know. We had a rule we set, a hard and fast rule we set when this group was formed and one of the things we promised one another, and we've managed to do it; we will always remain humble, no matter what happens. And we have done just that. No one in this group gets a big head at any time because we all realize it can all be gone tomorrow<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - You've got a great attitude.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Well, thank you. That's the attitude we'll continue to keep. We realize it's a very competitive market out there and there's new groups cropping up all the time. I was noticing the other night, as part of the New England Music Awards that we've been nominated for; we were nominated in a category where there's all these young artists, one of the contestants is 17 years old. They're just cropping up everywhere! So, you have to realize it's a big world out there. There's a lot of people with talent. They all want a piece of the pie and it's hard to always share the pie, but you have to realize instead of making enemies with these people, you gotta keep them close to you.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Another way of looking at it Ed is there are too many people singing, too many people playing instruments and too many people putting out music in one form or another. The public can't keep up!<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - That's exactly right.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Go back to the days of the early Beatles, 1964. A wide-open territory act then.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Yeah, exactly. Right. And with the onset of Social Media like Facebook and all these other myriad of Social Media outlets out there, anybody can be a singer or a musician. You can start your own band page and boom, boom, boom, you are out there on the World Wide Web. People are just inundated every day with this stuff. It's hard to get recognized. It really is. You've got to do something that is going to touch these people. I guess if there's any successful formula, we've had to touch one fan at a time. In the summer time we do a summer concert series all over New England. All these individual towns, we found out, sponsor a summer concert series. We've traveled all over New England in the summer. I think we did close to 50 or 60 of these last year (2013). That's where we get to really meet people because it's an informal event where people come from the town and they sit down and listen. They are listening to your music. They are not there because you are the opening act for somebody and they don't really care about you or they are just biding time until the opening act comes on, or they are talking over their beers are talking over you while you are singing. These are people who show up for these concerts from the towns who want to hear these bands play and want to hear all original music. Quite often that's where we have most of our success connecting with people and selling our merchandise and getting our music out there into the hands of the people, right to them. We've grown our Facebook page two-fold over the last year because of this one person at a time. We always have something we do during the summer concerts; we take an intermission and divide the show into two halves. We'll do one hour and then we'll take an intermission and we go out into the people and we meet them. We greet and we shake hands. We sign merchandise. That's where we get to know people. We say if you like what you are hearing tonight and you've enjoyed meeting us, go on to our Facebook and like our page and sure enough people do it. We've grown our Facebook page over the last year by about 1500 or 1600 fans. That's quite an amazing amount of growth over the last year, just chatting to one person at a time.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - You were on the same bill as Travis Tritt.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Yes.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - You played to 100,000 people.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - We did.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - That's quite a difference from playing in front of a club audience.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - (laughs).<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Were you scared?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Well, what happened with that is, we were contacted by the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which sponsored the Sylvania 300, which is one of the largest races in the country. They hosted it. They have a large rectangle facility. They are part of the NASCAR family. We played there before. A number of years we played there, like two or three years in a row where we played for some smaller events. This is a huge facility and they have lots of events going on in their big weekends. They have a smaller restaurant venue and they asked us if we'd play for those and we said sure we'll do that. Sure enough, you do two or three of these and you get to know management. They listen to you and they get feedback from people. They contacted us and said, "We'd like you to open for Travis Tritt at the Sylvania 300 race. It's broadcast nationally and we'd like you to open." I'm like, "Of course we will." (Laughs). And so we did. It was a blast. It was an early morning for us. I remember it vividly. The weekend started out on Friday. Friday night we were in Massachusetts at the Big E Fair, performing there. Then we had to immediately leave the Fair and travel up to Maine to where we performed for Thomas College. They were inducting their brand-new college President, their first female Presidents ever in the history of the college and they hired our band to play for the ceremony and the after party. That was probably 3000 to 4000 people. Then that very night, after we finished that, we traveled back to New Hampshire, the Concorde, New Hampshire area and then we had to be at the racetrack at 7 AM that morning. The show began at 10 AM in the morning. I think we were on for about half an hour and then Travis Tritt came out about 15 minutes after and right after that they started the race. So, when we first got there, early, early in the morning, we were there probably quarter of seven, the place was already a nuthouse. It was just a crazy scene. I mean, who gets up this early on a Sunday morning to go to the racetrack? (Laughs). I guess I'm not like a huge racing enthusiast, but Shana Stack is a huge race fan. She said, "You have no idea how big this is Ed. This is a huge moment for us. Race fans are rabid in this country." I had no idea because I don't tend to watch car racing, but I learned a great lesson that day. A good majority of this good 'ole country are race fans. (Laughs).<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - Did you get any bookings as a result of performing their?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Oh, absolutely. We were able to get into several venues after that. That's what kept us going to places like Meadowbrook and Toby Keith's. It just kept growing. We have a guestbook on our website and immediately after that show, people were writing comments saying, "Saw you at the Sylvania 300. You guys were awesome." We got a lot of press out of that. A lot of newspapers called us. We did a lot of interviews with them, radio interviews. So, it was well worth our time to do it. It really was.<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">Q</font></u> - You worked with George Jones?<br><br><u><font color="#D3373B">A</font></u> - Yes, many years ago at a ranch in Webster, Massachusetts. I can't remember how old George was at the time. He was in his 70s I want to say, but George Jones never lost his popularity. Right up until the day he died he was hugely popular with all ages. There was just this charm about him and awe when you were in his company. This is George Jones! (Laughs). We never got to be on the stage the same time he was because we opened, but afterwards when we were packing up our gear and his crew was getting ready to go on, we got to meet his band and they were very nice guys. These were all veterans of the music business. They had done this their entire life. They came up and told us what a great job we did and that was such an honor for people like that to tell you that. Then when George Jones came out, there he was, bigger than life. He started singing hit after hit and you just realized, my God, this guy has had a million number one hits in his career. He's earned this stage in his life. He said during the show, "I could've retired a million times, but this is what I love to do and I'm going to do it until the day I die," and he did. He did just that. And he was very humble. Very humble. Very nice guy.<br><br>Official Website: <a href="http://www.shanastack.com/" target="_blank">www.ShanaStack.com</a><br> <center>© Gary James. All rights reserved.</center>
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The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2661047
2014-02-27T20:02:52-05:00
2017-01-12T09:10:56-05:00
Named Country Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards
<span class="font_large">Press Release</span>
<h3>
<em>The Shana Stack Band wins Country Act of the Year</em><br>3<sup>rd</sup> Annual New England Music Awards</h3>Lowell, MA, Saturday, February 22, 2014: The New England Music Awards, located in Lowell, Massachusetts, announced today the winners of their <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/25ce11591d4ddf12e823eae6bf57dd58b17f3fc9/medium/nema-poster-winners.jpg?1393549061" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="3rd Annual New England Music Awards - Country Act of the Year" />3nd Annual New England Music Awards. <br><br>The New England Music Awards are presented every year to the musicians who call New England their home and whose dedication, spirit, and achievements over the last year have without a doubt established themselves as a contributing force to the most robust and diverse music scene in the country. The NEMA nominating committee consists of journalists from music publications, radio personalities, talent buyers, and record label execs collectively representing all six New England states.<br><br>The goal of NEMA is to celebrate and recognize some of the area’s best musical achievements. Every year NEMA will nominate over 100 artists and/or bands spanning a number of categories and genres of popular music in New England, including the coveted individual state awards which will select one band/act from each of the six states as its Best In State.<br><br>The Shana Stack Band, comprised of all New Hampshire musicians (Shana Stack, Ed Leavitt, John Sanchez, Kurt Ekstrom and Billy Moedebeck), was nominated in the Country Act of the Year category. The New England Music Award committee received over 4,000 applications for the more than 25 categories and chose only 5 artists/groups to be represented in each category. <br><br>At the awards ceremony Saturday evening, The Shana Stack Band was announced as this year’s Country Act of the Year for the 3rd Annual New England Music Awards. The Shana Stack Band members were thrilled about the news. “We couldn’t do this without all of our fans, friends and families. We give up a lot of family-time during the year to play our music, and we thank them for allowing us this gift.” They are appreciative of all of the support they receive during the year. “The awards we have won over the last few years from the Country Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award by the Independent Country Music Association to our new title as Country Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards, these mean so much to us. It shows that the fans really approve of what we are doing. The fans are really what make this adventure fun, exciting and sincerely rewarding.”<br><br>The band will release a fourth album in 2014. Their their third album, “Every Now and Then”, has been a huge success. The band is looking forward to another successful year, traveling all across New England to perform for their fans. They have opened for Country Superstars such as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Travis Tritt, Rascal Flatts and have a pending announcement for another opening spot for a large Nashville artist. You can view their website and order their latest CD by visiting www.ShanaStack.com<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2518775
2014-02-04T10:39:20-05:00
2017-01-12T09:10:56-05:00
SUBWAY . . . Eat Fresh!
<div> </div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/e4d47b85f7664abdb39e75254f20eea85763cc39/medium/subway.jpg?1391527369" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /><br>We are excited to announce that The Shana Stack Band has just wrapped up the taping of a<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span><strong><a contents="SUBWAY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.subway.com"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 205);">SUBWAY</span></a></strong> commercial. Spots will begin airing throughout NewEngland in the Winter 2014. <span style="font-size: 1em;">Look for them in one of four commercials coming soon. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span><strong><a contents="SUBWAY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.subway.com"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 205);">SUBWAY</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 205);">!</span></strong> Eat Fresh!</span>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2473960
2014-01-27T12:58:37-05:00
2017-01-12T09:10:56-05:00
The Shana Stack Band are a New England success story in the making
<span class="font_large"><a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/2014/01/shana-stack-band-are-a-new-england-success-story-in-the-making/">Shana Stack Band are a New England success story in the making</a></span>
<p class="byline">By <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/author/admin/" rel="author" title="Bill Copeland">Bill Copeland</a></span> on <abbr class="published" title="Tuesday, January 21st, 2014, 8:16 pm">January 21, 2014<a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic2.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic2-300x250.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="ShanaStackPromoPic2" height="250" style="margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px;" width="300" /></a></abbr><br><br>Shana Stack Band is on a roll. The three year old country music band from Keene, New Hampshire has already released three albums of original music and they’ve received awards from Granite State and Nashville organizations.</p>
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<p>Stack formed this band with the goal of becoming one of the top acts in New England while releasing current original music. The secret to their success isn’t hard to understand. “We’ve worked very hard,” she said. “We always try to stay up to date with cover tunes as well. We want to have the latest stuff in our repertoire of what’s currently hitting the charts.”</p>
<p>Stacks credits her band’s booker-promoter Conrad Farnham for constantly working behind the scenes to find them opportunities. The band decided early on to concentrate on their music without getting tied up with booking work. Stack, prior to her current band, had been a member of the New Hampshire Country Music Association and won many awards through them which resulted in her competing in awards shows for all of New England and down in Nashville. For a three year period prior to her current band, Stack fronted Shana Stack And Fast Lane. Her current band mates, too, had lots of previous experience and years worth of contacts.</p>
<p>“I wanted to go into a different direction doing more originals and playing in larger venues, and I got together with other musicians who had the same goals,” she said. “We formed the Shana Stack Band.”</p>
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<p>Stack and her band mates play out all over New England and New York state. Though they’ve won awards through a Nashville organization, they’ve passed on the usual route of recording down there. “We decided it was more important to us to support our local studios or regional in New England,” she said. “We feel our studios and studio professionals are just as good as those down in Nashville. We wanted to keep our money local and support the New England economy.” So, they recorded their three albums in New Hampshire.</p>
<p>Stack markets her band around New England and New York through social network media and through line dancing fans who come out to their shows. “You really have to make a connection with the music lovers. They help to spread the word to get you into different places.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic1.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic1-201x300.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="ShanaStackPromoPic1" height="300" style="margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px;" width="201" /></a>Stack has won so many awards now that it’s hard to keep count. Just last spring, the band won two awards from the Independent Country Music Association, Band Of The Year and The Fans Choice Award. It’s fantastic and we really appreciate any award we win, whether it be a local one or something more national. I don’t want to say one award means more than another, but I’m super proud of the ones we’ve done as a group. The ones we’ve won in the last year, the one out of Nashville for the Independent Country Music Association, that was super huge to us. There were other acts that were from down south that we competed against and that was an industry nominated award. It wasn’t just us going to Facebook saying ‘Hey Friends, vote for us..’ The Country Band Of The Year Award from the Independent Country Music Association, that was super awesome. We also won the fan voted award. It was like 30,00 votes or something. That was a big surprise. A lot of the people that were nominated were big heavy hitters in that association so we feel we’re the little engine that could.”</p>
<p>Stack has another job in the music industry that puts her before a large local fan base. She’s the midday DJ at 98.7 FM WINK Country radio station in Keene, New Hampshire. Her 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on air hosting runs Monday through Saturday.</p>
<p>Stack got her start in music as an actress in musical theater in grade school, high school, college, and community theater. She spent two years at Keene State College majoring in musical theater. Her community theater work found her landing the leads in Theater In The Mount productions in Gardner, Massachusetts and in some Lion Clubs shows in Keene. “That’s what I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. Then, I discovered my love for country music in college and shifted gears,” she said.</p>
<p>Her earliest musical influences, when she jumped into country, were the country female vocalists at the time, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood.</p>
<p>“They had these big full voices and my musical theater style connected with that kind of music,” she said. “I started singing some of that because it really touched me. Then, it just went from there. Then, I found the New Hampshire Country Music Association and I started competing with them, and that was before I had a band. I just kept pursing it. It’s hard for people up north sometimes to pursue things. People think you have to move down to Tennessee. I didn’t want to do that. I didn’t want to go that route. There’s millions of people down there, all struggling. I just wanted to do my own thing and do it up here and be happy and content and proud of what we do up here. Ever since then, the country world up north has grown. It’s taken off in the last couple years, especially this year there’s a lot of country venues. Country has crossed over, so a lot more people that did not like country before like it now. So, there’s a lot more fans out there and there’s a lot more opportunities for country acts than ever before.”</p>
<p>Stack connects on the real life emotions and events that inform the lyrics in country music. “It’s based in real life,” she said. “If you look at some of the newer songs on, the guys are talking about hanging out in their trucks. They’re going out with their women on Friday night after working hard all week. It’s really like real people, real songs.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic3.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic3-300x168.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_thin" alt="ShanaStackPromoPic3" height="168" style="margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px;" width="300" /></a>Stack favors performing Top 40 country music because she knows from being a DJ that people want to hear music they know, especially songs that are new hits. She also keeps them dancing to their original songs written by her rhythm guitarist Ed Leavitt. “It’s great to have the audience still up dancing and singing along to the songs that Ed wrote that we arranged just as much as they were the famous hits. They blend in. They fit in well with what’s going on.”</p>
<p>Shana Stack Band has opened for Rebe McIntyre, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, and many others, allowing the local group to expose their music to more country fans. They got to open for Travis Tritt at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on a pre-race stage right on the track. “I have a love of NASCAR. To mix that with the whole ‘Oh my goodness, there’s Travis Tritt right over there.’ We’re performing right before a show on a NASCAR track. It just blew my mind. That was one of my favorite days.”</p>
<p>Stack once got to hang up with Billy Yates who wrote “Choices” for George Jones as well as many hits for many country artists. Stacks opened for him some years ago. Yates and his entourage had to stay up late because they had to leave at two in the morning for an early flight. “They came and raided our cottage and they wanted whatever food we had because they were starving. All I had was some Oreos. It was hilarious.”</p>
<p>Stack most enjoys detailing the talents of her own band mates and all that they bring to the band. First up, lead guitar player John Sanchez has a degree from the University of Michigan in music. “He moved his family out to New Hampshire several years back. He’s been with us, and he’s fantastic.”</p>
<p>Drummer Kurt Ekstrom joined the band two years ago. Out of the Concord area, Stack said he’s a top notch drummer. “He had come from a rock band, and he’s just been the driving backbeat of the group.”</p>
<p>Bass player Billy Moedebeck just joined the band last fall. Previous bass player Kevin Miller retired. “He had been with me since the beginning with all my different groups and everything. Then, Billy joined the group. He comes to us from a rock and R&B background. It’s really cool to have this conglomeration because that’s what country music is now.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic4.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic4-300x168.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_thin" alt="ShanaStackPromoPic4" height="168" style="margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px;" width="300" /></a>Rhythm guitarist Ed Leavitt is also the band’s songwriter. “Ed is fantastic,” she said. “He’s a songwriter. When he creates the songs, it’s basically just him and his acoustic guitar. He records a song and burns it on CD. We each listen to it and create our own parts. The lead guitar player is creating his from scratch. The bass player’s creating his from scratch. The same with the drummer. We get together. That’s how we built these songs and built the albums. It’s a group effort, after Ed writes the lyrics and melody lines.</p>
<p>Aside from being the band’s rhythm guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and songwriter, Ed Leavitt is also the band‘s best spokesperson. He had plenty to say about his songwriting process and the five new songs on the latest release Every Now And Then.</p>
<p>Lately, Leavitt has been getting some songwriting ideas by following peoples’ lives by what they post on Facebook. One night, he noticed a friend’s post about being in a new relationship but still occasionally thinking about her former boyfriend and her old life. After thinking how odd it was to post that on Facebook, it gave him the idea to write a song called “Every Now And Then” which became their latest title track.“</p>
<p>“I kept thinking about it from a woman’s perspective, what it would be like to get involved with a relationship but every now and then you sneak a look back into your previous life and what that was like,” Leavitt said. “It’s really funny how just perusing Facebook and nosing around you see the craziest things that people post and it gives you really great ideas.”</p>
<p>“High Ground,” also on the new album, was inspired by a friend of Leavitt’s who went through a break up a number of years ago. “I remember her saying she just needed to move on and get to a higher plain in her life and forget about what happened with this person and just move on to a higher ground. “I basically stole her thoughts and just went with it and wrote it from there,” he said.</p>
<p>“It worked out great. Shana, being the female vocalist, I just feed her all these songs. Of course, people think they’re about her life. Wherever we play, they come up to her all the time, ‘Gee, Shana, where did you get the idea for that song?’ She’ll say she didn’t write the song. “ Some audience members also show sympathy that she’s gone through so many problems. “She says, ‘On no, my life is just fine. These are just songs,’” he recounted.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic5.jpg"><img src="//www.billcopelandmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ShanaStackPromoPic5-300x252.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_thin" alt="ShanaStackPromoPic5" height="252" style="margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px;" width="300" /></a>Leavitt sings lead vocals on another of the new songs, “Windsor County Line,” a country rocker with an edge. The traditional melodic feel gets a boost from the drums and the lead guitar parts rock it up. Leavitt wrote the song about an exit off of Vermont Interstate 91, the Windsor Vermont exit. During a gorgeous summer day, he was heading down the highway when the song came to his mind. “The rest of it is all basically fictitious about meeting a girl down by the creek,” he said. “I just added that for fun. But it was really inspired by that day. You could not have asked for a more beautiful day in the world.” The band always dedicate the songs to folks in Vermont. “That’s gotten a really great reception from Vermont fans. They’ve made it their little song.”</p>
<p>A new song called “Just Kiss Me” was inspired by Leavitt’s daughter who once tried to gain the affections of a shy boy at high school. She asked her father, “Should I tell him to just kiss me?” Leavitt had a father’s response: “Absolutely not,” he exclaimed. “You don’t tell him anything like that. You stay away from boys. They’re bad. Don’t ever go near them.” Now that his kids have grown, he still has memories of those times with his kids. He recalled his daughter’s suggestion that she tell the boys to “just kiss me.” It became the song.</p>
<p>“This Love,” also off the new record, was inspired by Taylor Swift, whom Leavitt credits for bringing more young people into the country music fold and making the genre more popular than ever. “I was inspired by a couple of her songs that she’d written,” he said. “I don’t want to say I stole her melody, but I borrowed pieces from her songs. That song has been the most popular one off the entire CD. It’s not uncommon for people to ask us to play it again during the night. It’s just got that feel good pop melody to it and the drumbeat is really catchy. We were playing at the Boston Harbor Hotel this past summer outside for their big concert series, right on the water, beautiful venue. We played that song during the set and then we got a call months later from a big huge property development company in the Boston area. They wanted to hire us to play their company holiday party. There was probably eight or nine hundred people at this party. They said their sole reason for hiring us for this big corporate event was that song. They loved that song so much, the people that hired us that were in charge of hiring for the entertainment. She said ‘I remember that song out of all the songs that night. It stuck out in my mind,’ the organizer told him.</p>
<p>Leavitt helped form this current outfit after he had known Stack for several years, being that the New England music scene is rather small and players all know one another. Leavitt’s previous band had folded and he had been working with the Nashville Songwriters Association when Stack called him looking to find a replacement rhythm guitarist. They put the band together by sifting through contacts made in the business and everybody brought in their own fan base.</p>
<p>“We work hard and we’re disciplined,” he said. “The group rehearses every single week. We’re always learning new tunes. We make sure we pad our set with both original music and cover tunes. I think that’s what makes our formula unique because we focus on original music. I think there’s some wonderful cover bands but it’s really original music that sets you apart from other groups.”</p>
<p>Leavitt enjoys working with Stack, describing her as the most fun and easy person to work with. Stack and the others are open to new ideas, the songwriter said. “She’s just a joy to work with,” Leavitt said. “She’s just an average everyday person. She doesn’t have an ego about her. She just loves music and loves to get up there and sing and entertain and she holds a captive audience for any number of hours.”</p>
<p>What Leavitt most enjoys about being in the Shana Stack Band is the family atmosphere of the band. They recently threw a Christmas party for themselves, including the kids, the wives. “We’ve done it every year for four years now,” he said. “It’s just the camaraderie. We all get along and everybody has a good time and we laugh, just laugh constantly.”</p>
<p>2014 will find the band opening new doors. Stack said it’s time for one of Leavitt’s songs to become a storyline video. “We’re looking to do that this year and put out some new originals as well, keep chipping away,” she said. “You just can’t rest. You’ve got to keep doing what you’re doing and keep moving ahead and moving forward.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.shanastack.com/">www.shanastack.com</a></p>
</div>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2406236
2014-01-15T16:43:20-05:00
2017-02-03T07:55:15-05:00
Our City Radio Interview 1/14/2014
<p><font color="#545454" size="6"><font color="#545454" size="6">The Shana Stack Band: The New England Music Awards ‘Country Act of the Year’ Nominee </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">Written by </font></font></font><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">Heather Moreau. </font></font></font><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">Posted in </font></font></font><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">Country News, Music News, Site, Station News, Uncategorized, Whats Hot </font></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#c00000" size="5"><font color="#c00000" size="5">A Great Band <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/644b349515d557e07e9ee41d989845f1298681e5/medium/image.jpg?1385594643" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" /></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">Class, professionalism, and talent are just a few words that come to mind when I think of </font></font></font><b><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">The Shana Stack Band</font></font></font></b><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">. They have only been together since 2010, but have quickly proved to be one of the top bands in the region. The work that they are doing are forcing people to take notice and getting them some serious recognition. They are incredibly gracious and appreciate their fans and any and all attention they receive (that includes their manager). They even created a way for their fans to be involved with one of their albums. Fans were able to contribute as sponsors and get their name in the liner notes as well as an autographed copy when it was released. This is just one example of how they are keeping themselves accessible and grounded. </font></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#c00000" size="5"><font color="#c00000" size="5">Forming the Band </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">All of the band members have played in bands prior to getting together. Shana and Ed knew of each other while playing in other bands, and when those bands parted ways they decided to play together. They started hunting for other members and put together an extremely talented group including Shana Stack on vocals, Ed Leavitt on vocals and rhythm guitar, John Sanchez on lead guitar and vocals, Billy Moedebeck on bass, and Kurt Ekstrom on drums. </font></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#c00000" size="5"><font color="#c00000" size="5">A Music Machine </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">This talented and hard-working group has released three albums in three years. Ed is the song writer in the band and is constantly writing. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and had one of his songs featured in the movie "Compliance" which was released by Magnolia Pictures in 2012. Ed finds inspiration everywhere for his songs, whether it is a personal experience or a funny observation at the grocery store, he is always brainstorming. He writes the song with his acoustic guitar and then the rest of the band members infuse themselves into it. While he does the writing he says the entire band is responsible for building the songs, and that Shana is great at interpreting the lyrics he writes. With the way Ed writes don’t be surprised to hear even more new music from them sooner rather than later. </font></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#c00000" size="5"><font color="#c00000" size="5">Holding their own with Music Heavyweights </font></font></p>
<p><i><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">The Shana Stack Band </font></font></font></i><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">is not only busy writing music, but they are busy out playing music for their fans. Last year they played about 85 dates and this year they will be playing around 100 shows. They have played all over New England, Pennsylvania, and New York. The band’s talent is getting them booked on shows with country super stars like Sugarland, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, and Travis Tritt. They have opened shows three years in a row at Meadowbrook, and also played at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The band has also been booked to play two nights in New York at the Turning Stone Casino on January 24 and 25, where usually only big name national acts play. Look for this band to play near you and get out to see them (check their website for a list of shows, there are a lot). Even if you are not a Country music fan, you should check them out, as they are constantly surprising and converting people into new loyal fans. </font></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#c00000" size="5"><font color="#c00000" size="5">Keep the Nominations Coming </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">The Shana Stack Band is a nominee for The New England Music Awards ‘Country Act of the Year’. This may be their first nomination from NEMA, but they are no strangers to receiving awards. They just received two national awards from the Independent Country Music Association in Nashville: Country Band of the Year (voted on by their peers) and Fan’s Choice Award. Shana has also received numerous awards for top female vocalist in New Hampshire as well as the northeast region. They are excited each time they receive a nomination. To vote for The Shana Stack Band go to </font></font></font><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#c00000" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><a href="http://www.nemusicawards.com/nominees">http://www.nemusicawards.com/nominees</a> </font></font></font><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">for ‘Country Act of the Year’. Voting ends on January 31, 2014. </font></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#c00000" size="5"><font color="#c00000" size="5">A Great Example </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2"><font color="#323232" face="Times New Roman,Times New Roman" size="2">While the band seems to be sky rocketing they are truly humble. They are happy to take their time and be a New England based band. They are planning to branch out to more areas in New England that they have not traveled to yet. The band members agree to take it step by step and explore the options as they come. I have no doubt after listening to their music and speaking with them that they will soon be national stars whether they want to or not. They will no longer be asking to be the opening band, they will be asked to be the headliner. A lot of bands, regardless of the genre, should take note of what they are doing. They work their butts off and regardless of how much success they are achieving they remain humble, gracious, and are unbelievably professional. </font></font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="5"><font color="#323232" size="5">For more information on The Shana Stack Band, their music, and show dates go to one of their pages. </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="2"><font color="#323232" size="2">Website: </font></font><font color="#c00000" size="2"><font color="#c00000" size="2"><a href="http://www.shanastack.com/">http://www.shanastack.com/</a> </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="2"><font color="#323232" size="2">Facebook: </font></font><font color="#c00000" size="2"><font color="#c00000" size="2"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Shana-Stack-Band/101538929908902">https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Shana-Stack-Band/101538929908902</a> </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="2"><font color="#323232" size="2">Twitter: </font></font><font color="#c00000" size="2"><font color="#c00000" size="2"><a href="https://twitter.com/ShanaStackBand">https://twitter.com/ShanaStackBand</a> </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="2"><font color="#323232" size="2">ReverbNation: </font></font><font color="#c00000" size="2"><font color="#c00000" size="2"><a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/theshanastackband">https://www.reverbnation.com/theshanastackband</a> </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="2"><font color="#323232" size="2">YouTube: </font></font><font color="#c00000" size="2"><font color="#c00000" size="2"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ShanaStackBand">https://www.youtube.com/user/ShanaStackBand</a> </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="2"><font color="#323232" size="2">iTunes: </font></font><font color="#c00000" size="2"><font color="#c00000" size="2"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-shana-stack-band/id535806869">https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-shana-stack-band/id535806869</a> </font></font></p>
<p><font color="#323232" size="2"><font color="#323232" size="2">The New England Music Awards </font></font><font color="#c00000" size="2"><font color="#c00000" size="2"><a href="http://www.nemusicawards.com/">http://www.nemusicawards.com/</a> </font></font></p>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361950
2013-07-12T01:00:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:55-05:00
Union Leader
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/a7168776184bc53847dc3d04685a2166ed3e678f/large/Union-Leader-071013_Page_1.jpg?1375971714" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="776" width="600" />
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361951
2013-07-02T01:00:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:55-05:00
New Hampshire Band wins National Recognition
<b><span style="font-size: larger;">The Shana Stack Band wins 2 national awards</span></b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/5273995c629f22d250f825395d5aff72e21d1687/medium/ICOMA-Winner-Poster.jpg?1373641983" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="494" width="300" /><br><i>Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award</i><br><br>
Nashville, TN, Monday, July 1, 2013: The Independent Country Music Association, located in Nashville, Tennessee, the Country Music Capital of the World, announced today the winners of their 2nd Annual Independent Country Music Association Awards. <br><br>
The Independent Country Music Association (ICoMA) exists to educate, evaluate, and promote indie country music. The Shana Stack Band, comprised of all New Hampshire musicians (Shana Stack, Ed Leavitt, John Sanchez, Kurt Ekstrom and Kevin Miller), was nominated in 3 categories: Country Band of the Year, Album of the Year, for their sophomore album, “What You See Is What You Get” along with the Fans Choice Award. The Band of the Year and Album of the Year categories were voted on by the Association while the Fans Choice Award was voted on and determined solely by the fans. <br><br>
The Shana Stack Band began the journey of rallying their over 1,500 fans on Facebook and live audiences to begin voting for the Fans Choice Award. The fans began a grassroots campaign to win the Fans Choice Award. The voting began in April and ended on June 30, 2013. <br><br>
In a press release on the evening of July 1, by Alan Shephard Sr., President of the Independent Country Music Association, written to all members and nominees (winners) of the vast array of awards, The Shana Stack Band was named for both the Fans Choice Award and Country Band of the Year. <br><br>
The Shana Stack Band members were ecstatic about the news. They are also a humble group of musicians. “We couldn’t do this without all of our fans, friends and families. Our families give up a lot of family-time to allow us to play music.” They are appreciative of all of the support they receive during the year. “The Fans Choice Award means so much to us. It shows that the fans really approve of what we do. They are what make this adventure fun and exciting.”<br><br>
Congratulations to The Shana Stack Band on all of their success. They are really moving forward in their endeavors. The band has just released their third album, “Every Now and Then”, which sold over 100 copies, prior to its release date in June 2013. The band will be performing 17 dates in July and will travel thousands of miles all across New England to perform for the fans. They have opened for Country Superstars, such as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Travis Tritt and will be opening for Rascal Flatts on Saturday, August 2 at Meadowbrook in Gilford, New Hampshire. You can view their website and order their latest CD by visiting www.ShanaStack.com<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361952
2013-06-24T01:00:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:55-05:00
Tupelo Music Hall
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/1b9e40a6dfc6b9b02f2668549c1c518194c8bba4/large/Tupelo_s.jpg?1372451704" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="776" width="600" /><br><br><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Nominated by the Independent Country Music Association for Band of the Year, Album of the Year and Fans Choice Award, The Shana Stack Band excites their audience with their high energy, high impact show. The Shana Stack Band features multi-national award winning vocalist Shana Stack, and Nashville Songwriter's Association International member, Ed Leavitt, the male vocalist and songwriter of the group.<br><br>
The Group focuses on new Top 40 Country, and original music written by Ed Leavitt. "Let it Go", one of Ed's songs, has been featured in the movie Compliance which was released nationwide in the summer of 2012 by Magnolia pictures.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band has opened for such mega stars as Reba McEntire, Sugarland, as well as performing before Travis Tritt on the Main Stage at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway before the Nascar Sprint Cup Race. The band has performed shows all across New England at a variety of venues including Meadowbrook Pavilion, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the Big E Fair!<br><br>
The band will be opening for Rascal Flatts in August 2013 at Meadowbrook Pavilion.<br><br>
The band released their second full-length original CD, "What You See Is What You Get" summer 2012 and their third album released in June 2013.<br><br>
Without a doubt, The Shana Stack Band hits the stage with one goal in mind…To engage the audience and leave them wanting more.</div>
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The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/2830644
2012-08-25T19:25:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:56-05:00
"It Might Get Loud" at the SYLVANIA 300
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/d9ee10f40c834517abeb9ab39eb36a3af1285f5c/original/it-might-get-loud-at-the-sylvania-300.jpg?1396221901" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361955
2012-03-30T01:00:00-04:00
2020-10-15T08:31:03-04:00
Dusty Bottle taps local music scene
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/50b4be19fc9de30f1ad1e061f3ce46a7bf82ddca/medium/The-Dusty-Bottle.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="402" width="300" />By Andy Clark, Journal Opinion<br><br>
BRADFORD—Opening a night-club in Bradford can be a challenging venture. The names of similar clubs in town are familiar to long-time area residents: Middle Earth, King Arthur’s and Rhapsody.<br><br>
The Dusty Bottle, owned by brothers Horace and Larry Pike, opened on Barton Street late last month. This entertainment club is sticking to a formula: bring in local talent and disc jockeys, keep cover charges reasonable, offer a wide range of music, spice it up with karaoke and open mic on occasion, and serve food and beverages.<br><br>
Hod Pike was in charge on the night of St. Patrick’s Day. He explained that his brother Larry, who is also a musician with the band Lion Heart, had a gig that night.<br><br>
“Larry is in charge of the music side,” Hod said. “He books the bands and DJs. I’ve got this side covered. When the Benning Street Bar and Grill and Electra Nightclub in West Lebanon went under, Larry and I thought we would give this a try. We thought people would come from Lebanon, Hanover, and Hartford.”<br><br>
“When Larry and I went to high school at Oxbow, there was a dance club in town,” Hod said. “We thought that founding a similar business here would fill a big need.”<br><br>
The Dusty Bottle is a side project for both of them. Hod has a carpentry business, Larry works for Prince Telecom, a contractor for Charter Communications.<br><br>
With an otherwise open floor segmented by one long wall in the basement of the building, that also houses Bradford Pizza and Swenson Insurance, the Pike brothers conceived their business with the hopes of appealing to dancers, singers, and music fans on one side and to aficionados of billiard tables, darts and broadcast sports on the other. The bar, on the billiards side, is fully equipped to satisfy adult tastes.<br><br>
The Pike brothers also will be trying teen night at 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning March 20. No alcohol will be served on Tuesdays, the cover charge is dropped to $5, and pool tables are free. The pikes want to make Tuesday nights similar to school dances. Positive responses to their plans on Facebook indicate that this idea is gaining traction.<br><br>
Meanwhile, all Dusty Bottle patrons can also order food from the Bradford Pizza menu, above the club and fronting on Main Street, including burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken wings.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/b9a1d699dbf7f7d7560c66525806046d0be25b95/medium/ShanaStackBandwithName.jpg?1375984069" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="298" width="300" /><br><br>
St. Patrick’s Day was a big night for the club. Headlining the night’s entertainment was The Shana Stack Band, a country band that also plays original music and southern and classic rock. The band’s members are all residents of New Hampshire. According to the band’s booking agent, Conrad Farnham, the group recently opened for Reba McEntire in Gilford, NH and has an album, “You Can’t Make Me Fall.”<br><br>
Shana Stack is a Keene, NH native and the band is scheduled to return to The Dusty Bottle on May 19.<br><br>
By 9 p.m. on March 17, the club was bustling with over 80 patrons, and the band was just warming up. Dancers of all ages were using the floor in front of the band. Both pool tables were in use, and the bar was busy with fans watching NCAA men's basketball tournament games and ordering drinks.<br><br>
Pike shared some ideas about use of the nightclub.<br><br>
"Oxbow's senior class representatives came in to talk about coming here after a traditional senior class party,” he said. “And we want to make the club available for weddings and parties.”<br><br>
“As for bands, we’re set for any group. We have a drum set and the PA system and mics are already here. They just need to bring their own instruments.”<br><br>
He also shared some frustrations about the business.<br><br>
“This year has been tough to book bands. Most book up well ahead of time, and we just opened. It will get better though.”<br><br>
Next on their schedule? Barre-based, Film at 11, playing March 23.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361954
2012-03-30T01:00:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:55-05:00
Dean Office Staff Member Performs in Country Band
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/2c6a331369ca13d990b781587b2aeb49a9b7658f/medium/Group-Rain-Country.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="207" width="300" />By Rohail Premjee - The Dartmouth, Hanover, NH<br><br>
Juggling working at Dartmouth and performing in an up-and-coming band, Ed Leavitt has a busy life. During the day, Leavitt works as the executive assistant to Dean of Campus Life April Thompson. But Leavitt also has a burgeoning career as vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter for The Shana Stack Band, a Top 40 country band that recently won Cider Magazine’s Country Band of the Year.<br><br>
Leavitt and the rest of the band, including lead vocalist Shana Stack, lead guitarist John Sanchez, bass guitarist Kevin Miller and drummer Kurt Ekstrom, began in 2010 as a casual group of musicians who wanted to “come together and jam,” Stack said in an interview with The Dartmouth. The group decided to formally become a band and had their first performance on Sept. 11, 2010, according to Leavitt.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band mostly performs Top 40 country music, such as songs by artists like Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney among others, their booking agent Conrad Farnham said in an email to The Dartmouth. Farnham also works for the College as a senior specialist at the Dartmouth Arts and Sciences Finance Center.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band also performs original music in addition to southern and classic rock, according to their website. Some of their popular songs are from such popular acts as “Little Big Town” and “Sugarland,” which both feature multiple harmonies. Leavitt is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, which he said has aided in developing his songwriting skills. He has been songwriting at the professional level for 30 years, he said.<br><br>
This past year, The Shana Stack Band released their first album, “You Can’t Make Me Fall,” which used music penned mostly by Leavitt, according to Farnham. The album was such a success that they plan to record their second album in April, Leavitt said.<br><br>
All five members of The Shana Stack Band have extensive musical experience, according to Farnham. Stack has won over 20 awards as both a vocalist and an entertainer, including being selected seven times as the New Hampshire Female Vocalist of the Year by the New Hampshire Country Music Association, Farnham said.<br><br>
The band recently opened for Reba McEntire at a concert in Gilford, N.H. this fall, Farnham said. Following their successful performance at McEntire’s concert, the band has been invited to open on the Magic Hat Stage for the popular country group Sugarland in Gilford this June.<br><br>
The band has performed throughout the New England area, but they are open to exploring outside this region, according to Stack.<br><br>
“Our home base is New England, as we feel that New England country [music] fans are some of the best around,” Stack said.<br><br>
Leavitt attributes much of their success to younger generations’ increasing appreciation of country music.<br><br>
“New acts like Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean have brought young people [also] into the fold of loving country music,” Leavitt said.<br><br>
Leavitt said the band was fortunate in “catching the wave” of the increased popularity of country music in New England. Leavitt also said he appreciates for the support from his coworkers.<br><br>
“[Thompson] has been extremely great to work with,” Leavitt said. “She and everyone else I work with are understanding and supportive [of the band].”<br><br>
In addition to the support of his coworkers, Leavitt has found support from students and the Hanover community.<br><br>
“Dartmouth has been supportive by hiring us to play at [One Wheelock] to expose our music to students and staff,” Stack said. “The Hanover community was supportive as well when [the band] was hired to play at the Hanover Street Festival last year.”<br><br>
Leavitt said that much of the band’s success is also due to fellow Dartmouth <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/86b0f84dced167ce9ecca5e077f89fa0284a94d5/medium/Group-Rain-Country-2.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="207" width="300" />employee Farnham, who has aided the group in booking 80 performances last year and more this year.<br><br>
“[Farnham] negotiates all contracts with club owners while also maintaining and taking care of [the band’s] website and Facebook page,” Leavitt said.<br><br>
Leavitt has also garnered attention with his song “Let It Go,” which was featured in the independent film “Compliance,” which will be screened at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. While many of the details of how “Let It Go” will be used in the film have not been released, it is the only country song to be featured in the film, according to Leavitt.<br><br>
“Compliance” is one of the few films selected by Magnolia Pictures at the Sundance Film Festival to be released for national distribution, he added.<br><br>
After recording their next album, the band plans to “continue building [its] brand and expanding [its] territory,” Stack said.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band will be performing this year at a number of outdoor facilities, fairs and festivals, including the New Hampshire Motor Speedway this summer, according to Farnham.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361953
2012-03-30T01:00:00-04:00
2018-07-17T09:17:41-04:00
The Shana Stack Band to Open for Sugarland
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/6d7ebdcfa8f1d21de1d490a036ef21202868fe98/medium/061612_Shana-Stack-Band_Promo-Flyer.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="375" width="300" /><br>
Congratulations to the Country Band of the Year at the 1st Annual Cider Magazine Awards.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band will be opening for <a href="http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/">Sugarland</a> on the Magic Hat Stage at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, NH<br><br>
Saturday, June 16, 2012<br>
Parking Opens at 5:00 PM<br>
Gates Open at 6:00 PM<br><br>
Purchase your tickets today using Promo Code: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>SSMGSS</b></span> for your chance to win a Meet & Greet with Sugarland.<br><br>
Tickets on sale now through the <a href="http://www.meadowbrook.net/">Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion</a> website.<br><br>
Good luck!!!<br><br><br><br><br><br type="_moz">
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361956
2012-02-04T01:00:00-05:00
2017-01-12T09:10:55-05:00
Topical Sundance Film Features Song by Ed Leavitt
<span style="font-size: small">Topical Sundance Film Features Song by Claremont's Ed Leavitt
<table width="239" height="118" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="2" align="right" summary="Ed Leavitt is a songwriter with a day job — he works at Dartmouth College — and a song heard at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (Valley News — Theophil Syslo)"><tbody>
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<td><span style="color: #ff0000"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/eb1a3df07f4bb5d2303a52be9d15f41ecc09cf8d/medium/Ed-Valley-News.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_middle border_" alt="" height="179" width="300" /></span></td>
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<td style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: smaller">Ed Leavitt is a songwriter with a day job — he works at Dartmouth College — and a song heard at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (Valley News — Theophil Syslo)</span></td>
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By Dan Mackie<br>
Valley News Staff Writer<br><br>
When Ed Leavitt was about 8 years old, his family took him to a show by country music legend Mel Tillis. Leavitt remembers himself as a “pesky, pushy kid' who believed he could be a songwriter. When he went to concerts, he’d ask performers who met with fans to take a look at one of his songs. <br><br>
Tillis, who had a string of hits in the 1970s, indulged young Leavitt, talking to him for about 20 minutes. He said that if he were serious about a songwriting career, he'd have to move to Nashville. He also warned about the competition: “There are a million people out there who want to write songs. There's probably half a million who are really good.’’<br><br>
Nashville is on the road not taken. Leavitt, who grew up in Hartford and now lives in Claremont, never moved there. The odds of succeeding as a songwriter have always seemed long -- “the music business is probably 10 percent talent and 90 percent luck,' he said in an interview this week.<br><br>
At 50, he's a songwriter with a day job who knows that not all dreams come true. But one did recently -- one of his songs, Let It Go, was featured in a film at the recent Sundance Film Festival.<br><br>
The movie, Compliance, by director Craig Zobel, drew as much buzz as angry bees at Sundance. Based on true events, it recounts how a prank caller dupes a fast-food manager into interrogating, and finally strip-searching, an employee by saying he's a police officer investigating a theft. The movie asks how far people can be pushed into dehumanizing others.<br><br>
“It's a very difficult subject matter,'’ said Leavitt, who followed the reaction to the film closely via the Internet. A few attendees at Sundance walked out. “They shouted, ‘This doesn't happen,’ ” said Leavitt, “but it surely does.'’<br><br>
Leavitt's song, which he says has a pop flair, is the only country tune included in the movie. He's not entirely sure how it's used, although he understands that it’s playing on a radio in a scene. “I won’t know until I see it,'’ he said.<br><br>
But for now, there's a note of validation for the songwriter, and a feeling of hitching his song to a star. “I'm happy to be a small part of it,'’ Leavitt said.<br><br>
Leavitt has been singing and writing songs since he was a boy in Hartford, the son of a police officer (eventually deputy chief). His father played country music on the record player and often sang aloud Hank Williams Sr.'s Cold, Cold Heart. His mother, meanwhile, preferred the Beatles and classical music. The family regularly traveled to country shows around New England. Leavitt, who saw greats like Marty Robbins live, and Dolly Parton when she was an opening act -- came to love country music.<br><br>
He said he's finished 300 to 400 songs and has sold half a dozen. His prospects have improved in recent years, because he's working with Nashville Songwriters Association International, which provides critiques that are direct -- “this is crap'’ or “this has wings’’ -- and with another service that shops songs around.<br><br>
But this comes at a time when there are sharply fewer music labels, and the corporate owners, in the minds of those on the outside looking in, mostly bet on artists who fit a narrow demographic. <br><br>
“It's a hard, hard business now,'’ Leavitt said. “That's why I’m proud of getting a cut in the movie.'’<br><br>
His day job is at Dartmouth College, where he's executive assistant to the associate dean of the college. Leavitt said he's lucky. “They are so kind and patient when I have gigs,'’ he said. And being around students is good for him. “They are such a creative force,’’ Leavitt said, “they are so eager to learn.’’<br><br>
Leavitt sometimes collaborates on songs with Pat Kelley of Springfield, Vt., for whom songwriting has been a sideline -- he owns a car dealership that his son now runs. <br><br>
“Nobody's more deserving than Ed,'’ said Kelley. “He's paid his dues.’’<br><br>
In Kelley's estimation, Leavitt is “a songwriter and country music historian. … He has a real passion for the music.'’<br><br>
Leavitt has another outlet for that passion. He plays rhythm guitar and writes songs for the Shana Stack Band, which plays around the region and opened for Reba McIntire at Meadowbook in Massachusetts. (Its high-energy, get-'em-dancing performance was also among the highlights of the concert series at Colburn Park in Lebanon last summer.)<br><br>
Leavitt said the lead singer, Shana Stack, has big ambitions for the band, which he said includes a roster of talented pros. “She's the star of the show, and I'm happy to let her be the star,’’ Leavitt said. “My goal is to continue writing and to help take the band to the next level. I'd be thrilled to do that.’’<br><br>
And for himself, he'd love to have a song hit the national charts. “I'd be happy with one,'’ Leavitt said, “just to say I did it.’’<br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361957
2012-02-02T01:00:00-05:00
2012-02-04T01:00:00-05:00
Hitting the Big Time with Ed Leavitt
Great news for Ed Leavitt, songwriter, rhythm guitar player, and male vocalist of The Shana Stack Band.<br><br>
Ed received the outstanding news that his song, "Let It Go" would be featured in the Sundance Film Festival movie, "Compliance". The movie is getting rave reviews and OurStage.com, the New Music Revolution site designed for all kinds of music, and an affiliate of MTV, has congratulated Ed and others on their contributions to the movie and for their contribution to music around the world.<br><br>
OurStage wrote: "Congratulations to OurStage artists Admiral Twin, Ashley Robertson, Bearin' Peace, Jesi Kettering, Daniel Whittington, Blacklisted Individuals, Gar Richmond, Konshens and Ed Leavitt of The Shana Stack Band and Jason Eustice. They all had songs in the film "Compliance," which is one of the most talked about films at Sundance Film Festival this week!"<br><br>
Articles about the movie Compliance:<br><a href="http://www.sundance.org/festival/article/craig-zobel-exposes-the-need-to-question-authority-in-compliance/">Sundance Film Festival</a><br><a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/risky-business/sundance-2012-compliance-premiere-283782">Hollywood Report</a><br><a href="http://www.newnownext.com/sundance-film-festival-compliance/01/2012/">NewNowNext Beyond Trends</a><br><a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/risky-business/sundance-2012-compliance-283044">Compliance: Behind the Scenes - Video</a><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/compliance-director-craig_n_1223116.html">Huffington Post</a><br><a href="http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/compliance/featurette-meet-the-artists">Trailer Addict - Video</a><br><br>
Congratulations again to Ed Leavitt for his outstanding contribution to songwriting and being a vital member behind The Shana Stack Band's success.
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361958
2011-12-04T01:00:00-05:00
2011-08-01T01:00:00-04:00
The Shana Stack Band kicked off Danver's Summer
<a href="http://danvers.patch.com/articles/summer-concert-series-kicks-off-with-country#video-6967579">danvers.patch.com/articles/summer-concert-series-kicks-off-with-country#video-6967579</a><br><br>
The Shana Stack Band opened the 2011 Summer Concert Series, a seven week music festival at the Rotary Pavilion at Mill Pond on July 11 at 6 p.m.<br><br>
According to the organizers, Danvers Recreation and Friends of Danvers Recreation, this is the seventh or eighth year that the series has been run in Danvers. Each concert is co-sponsored by different local businesses and organizations. <br><br>
Last night's kick-off was co-sponsored by Graindmaison & Tripolo, LLP, CPA's and Friends of Danvers Recreation. <br><br>
Danvers Recreation offered face painting for kids, and ice cream from Goodies was, and will be, available at every concert throughout the series. <br><br>
Next up in the Concert Series is HoOda ThUNk, a classic rock of the 70's and 80's band on Wednesday July 13 at 6 p.m.<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361959
2011-06-03T01:00:00-04:00
2011-05-27T01:00:00-04:00
CD Release - "You Can't Make Me Fall"
The Shana Stack Band, soon to release their new CD, "You Can't Make Me Fall", featuring vocals by Shana Stack and Ed Leavitt, and performed by The Shana Stack Band. Songs written by Ed Leavitt, NSAI (Nashville Songwriter’s Association International) member and some songs co-written by Pat Kelley.<br><br>
Three locations have been named as the CD Release Party venues: <br><br>
Friday, July 8, 2011<br><a href="http://www.lanesandgames.com/">Shenanigans</a><br>
94 Bowling Lane<br>
White River Junction, Vermont<br><br>
Call to reserve your table: 802-296-5853<br><br>
*****************************************************<br>
Saturday, July 9, 2011<br><a href="http://www.midnightrodeobar.com/default.asp">Midnight Rodeo Bar</a><br>
Located at the Yard Restaurant<br>
1211 South Mammoth Road<br>
Manchester, New Hampshire<br>
603-703-8444<br><br>
*****************************************************<br>
Saturday, July 16, 2011<br><a href="http://www.mccues.com/">McCue's Billiards & Sports Lounge</a><br>
12 Emerald Street<br>
Keene, New Hampshire<br>
603-352-2110<br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361960
2011-06-02T01:00:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:56-05:00
The Shana Stack Band to open for Reba McEntire
The Shana Stack Band will be opening for <a href="http://www.reba.com/">Reba McEntire</a> on the Second Stage at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, NH<br><br>
Saturday, September 24, 2011<br>
Parking Opens at 5:00 PM<br>
Gates Open at 6:00 PM<br><br>
Use Promo Code: <span style="color: rgb(255,255,0)"><b>SSTSSB</b></span> when ordering your tickets for a chance to win a Meet & Greet with Reba.<br><br>
Tickets went on sale beginning Friday, May 20, 2011 through the <a href="http://www.meadowbrook.net/">Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion website</a><br><br>
Good luck!!!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/3dbb84d03c94bb49a2992f65893f728097628448/medium/Shana-Stack-Band1.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="388" width="300" /><br><br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361961
2011-06-01T01:00:00-04:00
2011-06-02T01:00:00-04:00
Stack 'em up! - Hippo Press Article - 6-2-2011
<a href="./files/HIPPO-ARTICLE-6-2011.pdf"><i><b>Stack ’em up</b></i><br><b>Shana Stack Band making all the pieces fit</b> </a><br><br>
By Michael Witthaus<br>
mwitthaus@hippopress.com<br><br>
Unlike many musical genres, a good country song leads with melody and lets the beat follow. With the Shana Stack Band, it begins with a crisp lead guitar, the kind perfected by Vince Gill and Brad Paisley, coupled with the sultry sway of pedal steel. Then the rhythm kicks in, guided by gentle acoustic strumming.<br><br>
That’s Shana Stack’s moment, as she steps up to the microphone and begins to sing.<br><br>
Ultimately, though, a memorable tune is all about emotion, as any crooner from Patsy to Reba will attest, and it’s Ed Leavitt who provides the band’s songwriting power. A Nashville veteran who grew up on George Jones and Merle Haggard, Leavitt knows his subjects. A ballad, “Pleasure and Pain,” explores the forbidden affair of a “soccer mom” and her former college flame, while the upbeat “Perfect Pair” (a co-write with frequent collaborator Pat Kelley) celebrates a quirky love that’s likened to “Bonnie and Clyde, Sonny and Cher.”<br><br>
The songs are part of a CD the band hopes to release by July or August in support of a busy summer schedule filled with several outdoor shows in places like Sunapee, Antrim and Hanover. The season ends with the band on the bill for Reba McEntire’s Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion show on Sept. 24.<br><br>
“Reba’s not bringing an opening act; she has such a huge stage that it literally takes an entire day to set up,” said Leavitt recently during a break from rehearsals in their drummer’s Newport garage. “So we’re playing on the side stage, but we’re technically the opener.”<br><br>
The group includes Stack and Leavitt (who also plays rhythm guitar) sharing lead vocals. Drummer Rick Leavitt (Ed’s brother) and veteran bass player Kevin Miller form the rhythm section, with John Sanchez on lead guitar and backing vocals. The many varying influences make the group greater than the sum of its parts. Miller comes from a rock and rollbackground, having opened for the Who and Steppenwolf. <br><br>
Sanchez studied classical guitar in college, but he’s a full covert now: “It’s all about the Telecaster,” he says with a laugh. <br><br>
Eibner, on the other hand, claims to have hated country music until he heard nascent Americana bands like New Riders of the Purple Sage, Poco and Gram Parsons in the early 1970s.<br><br>
The Leavitt brothers represent the oldschool contingent, having formed their first country band as teenagers. <br><br>
From her vantage point as afternoon DJ on country station WINK-FM in Keene, Stack keeps an eye on emerging hits for the band to cover. The latest addition to the set list is Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party.” Playing out, they’re able to mix a larger number of originals than a lot of other bands. McCue’s Billiards in Keene is a regular stop, but their first time through they were warned to stick to covers — which they did for the most part. “But our stuff got people on thedance floor and kept everyone drinking,” Stack recalls. “At the end of the night, we were booked for four more gigs — and we got extra money, which never ever happens.”<br><br>
The band earned the Meadowbrook gig through tenacity and hard work, sending videos and song samples to venue management and engaging in a lengthy negotiation. Fans wishing to get up close and personal with the headliner, whether to gush about a favorite song or ask to have a cherished piece of memorabilia signed, are advised to buy tickets using the special promotional code SSTSSB, which will automatically enter them for a chance to win a meet and greet with McIntire at the show.<br><br>
The band members themselves are fans and are eagerly anticipating the early fall show. Stack’s husband celebrated by picking up a Reba Signature Barbie doll at Wal-Mart, hoping the star will autograph it. “He loves Reba,” says Stack. <br><br>
Shana Stack Band Friday, June 3, at 9 p.m. at the Chop Shop Pub and Grub, 920 Lafayette Road in Seabrook (760-7706)<br><br>
Saturday, June 4, at 11 a.m. at the 27th Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival in Prescott Park, Portsmouth (rain date Sunday, June 5)<br><br>
Saturday, June 11, at 9 p.m. at Midnight Rodeo Bar (Yard Restaurant), 1211 South Mammoth Road in Manchester (703-8444)<br>
The Shana Stack Band
tag:shanastack.com,2005:Post/1361962
2011-05-26T01:00:00-04:00
2017-01-12T09:10:56-05:00
27th Annual WOKQ Chowderfest - Saturday, June 4
The Shana Stack Band will be the headlining act at the <a href="http://www.prescottpark.org/chowder.cfm">27th Annual WOKQ Chowderfes</a>t on Saturday, June 4 at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The band will be performing Top 40 Country music and original music, written by Ed Leavitt, which will be released this summer on their CD "You Can't Make Me Fall". The Chowderfest begins at 11:30 AM and the band begins playing at 11:00 AM. <br><br>
$10 Adults, $5 Youth (12 & under), Members - FREE!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/39575dfc85515d0a87ef13d8702bdb56b66a7b80/original/chefs.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="204" width="199" /><br><br>
The annual Chowder Festival offers some of the best Chowder the Seacoast has to offer.<br><br>
Each year, more than 4,000 people help kick off the Prescott Park Arts Festival summer season by enjoying more than 500 gallons of piping hot chowder served up for tasting.<br><br>
Be your own judge and vote for your favorite chowder from more than a dozen restaurants as they compete for the Best Chowder title.<br><br>
Sponsored in part by Taste of the Seacoast magazine, this taste-testing event has become a New England staple for chowder lovers in the three-state region. Many restaurants use this event to try out new recipes before adding them to their menu, offering a great chance to sample the newest in Chowder fare in the area. Recipes in the past have included Smoked Scallop Chowder, Manhattan Chowder, Vegetarian Chowder, Corn Chowder, and Spicy Seafood Chowder.<br><br>
Restaurants compete for your vote to be honored by being awarded Best Chowder, decided by the public. Other awards include Judge's Choice and Best Booth.<br><br>
The Chowder festival also offers live music, tons of fun, and a beautiful setting like none other. <br><br>
NEW THIS YEAR!<br><br>
Enjoy TWO festivals for the price of one! Take our FREE ferry, generously provided by Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, between our Chowder Festival and the 3rd Annual Piscataqua Waterfront Festival!<br><br>
Also, for an additional cost, enjoy FRESH shucked oysters provided by Little Bay Oyster Company!<br><br>
If you are a restaurant interested in participating, click to download our RESTAURANT INSTRUCTION AND ENTRY FORM!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57384/d43818ac1967f2f89b59a6785536466d005ada62/original/WOKQ-Chowderfest.jpg?1375984068" class="size_orig justify_absMiddle border_" alt="" height="240" width="462" /><br><br type="_moz">
The Shana Stack Band