The Allison Shirk Band

After her last sold out album release concert last January, Allison Shirk will perform once again with her band on Saturday, June 13th at 7:30pm at Vashon Allied Arts. Joining her are Island musicians Joseph Panzetta on guitar, Kevin Almeida on bass, Christopher Overstreet on keys, Paul Colwell on mandolin, Sarah Howard on backing vocals, and Wesley Peterson on drums.

Shirk is the co-founder of Vashon Events who has lived on Vashon fifteen years. She completed a highly successful kickstarter campaign last Fall thanks to the support of Islanders. The campaign met its funding goal in just two weeks allowing Shirk to record an eleven-song LP titled Break My Heart at Earwig Studio. The songs that make up Break My Heart are all-stars from a decade of songwriting. The album was mastered by Ed Brooks of RFI who calls the album, “A great listen. Engaging songs and performances.” The collection is rich with personal experiences and thoughtful reflection.

Allison Shirk’s honey voice will draw you in, but it’s her smart songwriting that will capture you. For Shirk, making music is about telling stories that connect us to each other. Her songwriting is seeping with thoughtful lyrics and sweet melodies. There is a refreshing message to her songs that subtly take up issues of social justice. Most notably, her song, “Monster” takes up the issue of domestic violence. Shirk has pledged to donate the proceeds of the song from downloads to the DoVE Project.

Shirk’s music is in the genre of Americana. It has country overtones as well as blues and jazz. Her music has been compared to Lucinda Williams and Brandi Carlile. Of her debut album, Ian Moore says, “Her voice sounds amazing. The songs are compelling and cool.” Shirk will perform the songs from her debut album as well as some cover songs from her musical influences. She will also debut several new songs at the concert.

Tickets are on sale now at www.vashonalliedarts.org/allison-shirk. Concert-goers are encouraged to buy their tickets early.