0

Shelly P. Waters returns home to release new CD during March 14 Legion concert

Rayne’s own Shelly Waters will return home on Saturday, March 14, when she will release her latest CD, “Drive” in front of a home-town crowd at the American Legion Home in Rayne.

“I’ve always wanted to come home and perform for all those people who have supported me from the beginning,” Shelly says of her upcoming show in Rayne. “I’ve gotten several requests from old friends and family to have a home-town show and it’s finally going to happen. I’m looking forward to the show and sure everyone will have fun, including me.”

Shelly’s musical journey started early in her hometown of Rayne. From those early days of playing with a Cajun French music band (J.B. David and The Muleskinners), then fronting her own band (Shelly Pellerin & Southern Spice) to her Southeast coastal lifestyle today (Shelly and her husband actually live on a sailboat!), there’s a lot of life in the songs Waters writes and sings. When asked to name influences she runs down a list of names drawn from country, rock and Americana, but then she gets a little antsy. “I never wanted someone to hear me in concert and say ‘wow, you sound just like so-and-so,’ she says. “I’m Shelly, that’s who I am.”

From intimate coffee shops to festival crowds of +10,000, Shelly has become a polished entertainer. She has performed in the same line up as Kitty Wells, Mel Tillis, John Anderson, Mickey Gilley and JoEl Sonnier (another Rayne native).  Most recently, Shelly has shared a stage with Loretta Lynn, Randall Bramblett, Hooray for the Riff Raff, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, Kim Simmonds, Savoy Brown, Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur, John Primer, Drink Small, Beverly Guitar Watkins, Billy Boy Arnold and Robert Lighthouse. Shelly is an active member of the Americana Music Association and Nashville Songwriters Association International.

In bringing her musical vision to life, Shelly has been assisted by a kaleidoscope of talented sidemen, from Grammy-nominated Joe Taylor (who lends his formidable guitar skills), to wellknown session pros Blair Shotts (Rihanna, The Roots) on drums, and Sean O’Bryan Smith (Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum) on bass and Randall Bramblett (Widespread Panic, Bonnie Raitt) on Hammond B3 and Rhodes piano. Perhaps as a testament to Shelly’s writing, singing and musicianship, the respected trio of Joe, Sean and Blair are leaving the cozy confines of their usual studio habitats to hit the road with Shelly.

Shelly has truly revitalized her musical career and is thrilled to be coming home to Rayne for this special event. Experience their energetic show on Saturday, March 14, at the American Legion Home in Rayne…it’s going to be a great time!

Shelly’s new “Drive” CD, along with other cool merchandise will be available for purchase, in addition to refreshments and beverages as provided by members of the American Legion. NO outside concessions permitted. Admission is $10 per person (minimun 18 years of age). Show time is 8 p.m. until midnight. (Acadia Parish Today)

facebooktwitter