Shawna Russell: News and Notes

Shawna Russell to be Special Guest Star at Drumright, OK July 4 Event

Drumright to Host "04 July Summer Oil Patch Festival” Featuring Day-Long Concert Event, Children’s Fair, Great Food and Huge Fireworks Display

Free-to-the-Public Family Event Sponsored by Keystone Gas Corporation, Pacer Energy Marketing and Budweiser to Present Classic Rock Band, Head East, along with Special Guest Star, Shawna Russell, and Featuring Bruner & Eicher, Bo Phillips, Jason Savory and a "Surprise Guest"
 
For Immediate Release:

NASHVILLE, TN (June 24, 2010) - Keystone Gas Corporation, Pacer Energy Marketing and Budweiser will co-sponsor the 3rd annual "04 July Summer Oil Patch Festival” on Sunday, July 4, at the Sellers Ranch, north of Drumright, Okla. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and the event will run from Noon until Midnight.
 

The free-to-the-public family-friendly celebration will feature a full day of live music, including everything from Rock to Country, and Americana to Red Dirt.
 
Classic rock band, Head East (pictured) will headline the show, along with special guest star, Shawna Russell, featured artists, Bruner and Eicher, Bo Phillips, Jason Savory and a "Surprise Guest."
 
A special children’s fair area, free barbecue and refreshments, and a host of unique entertainers including skydivers and magicians will add to the spectacle of what has become one of the state’s largest and most diverse Independence Day events.
 
“Bring your lawn chairs and your family to enjoy a fun day,” states Rick Sellers, President of Keystone Gas Corporation, co-sponsor and organizer of the event.
 
Directions to Sellers Ranch in Drumright: Go 2 mi. north of the Hwy. 33/16/99 Junction on Hwy. 99, then turn left on 101st and continue for ¼ mi. – follow signs.
 
For more information, please contact: (918) 352-2443 or CDA Promotions-Nashville at CDAnashville@aol.com

Shawna performs at Rodeo Opry

For Immediate Release:

Rodeo Opry Presents Shawna Russell with special guest, Kylie Morgan on March 13

Show to be Emceed by FOX 25 News Air Personality, Matt Austin

The Rodeo Opry, located in the historic stockyards district of Oklahoma City, will present Country artist, Shawna Russell and special guest, rising teen singer Kylie Morgan, on Saturday, March 13. The show will be hosted by FOX 25 News air personality, Matt Austin. Also appearing will be Matt Johns, Ariel Faith and other Rodeo Opry favorites.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $6.00-$12.00, and may be purchased online at http://www.rodeoopry.com, and at the Rodeo Opry box office at 2221 Exchange Ave. (Agnew and Exchange), OKC, OK 73108. (405) 297-9773.

The FOX 25 News morning show will host Russell and Cindy Scarberry, Executive Director of the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma, on Wednesday, March 10, to discuss the concert. The focus of the appearance will be to interview Scarberry, who will discuss the roles that the Rodeo Opry and Granville Community Music School play in the development of Oklahoma's local talent. And, to spotlight two artists who have benefited from the organization: Shawna Russell, the professional veteran and nationally-recognized artist from Okemah, whose 2008 debut Way Out West Records CD, Goddess, won rave reviews from Country Weekly, CMA Close Up and Music Row Magazine; And, Kylie Morgan, a freshmen from Newcastle, who recently released her holiday CD, Christmas with Kylie Morgan, with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. She has just been recognized by the Country Music Association as a "Who New to Watch" artist in 2010.

About the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma:

The Rodeo Opry, “Oklahoma’s Official Country Music Show” as declared by Governor Brad Henry, is one of the projects made possible by the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma, a non-profit organization founded by Granville “Grant” Leftwich and a board of directors. Mr. Leftwich had produced the best in family entertainment for over 30 years and had helped many artists get their start in a family-friendly environment. Therefore, in 2004 the non-profit organization was established in order to continue his mission of developing talent and the music industry in Oklahoma. The Opry Heritage Foundation continues Grant’s legacy by providing artist development training and workshops and recently opened the Granville Community Music School to provide musical training to children from low-income families for just 50¢ per lesson. For more information, please contact Executive Director, Cindy Scarberry, oprystaff@ohfo.org  (405) 297-9773.

About Shawna Russell:

Shawna Russell was introduced onto the national music scene with the release of her debut CD, GODDESS, on Way Out West Records, in early 2008. But her reputation as a world-class talent had already caught the attention of many folks in the music industry. Prior to the release of the CD, Shawna made her national television debut on the popular show "INSIDE MUSIC ROW" and the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION named her as one of their "Who New To Watch in 2008" artists.  Since then, Shawna’s music has received rave reviews from the CMA Close Up, Country Weekly, The Oklahoman, and esteemed Music Row critic, Robert K. Oermann. She has also earned International acclaim from some of Europe’s top music publications, including Maverick Magazine (UK) and DreamWest Magazine (France). Visit Shawna Russell online at: www.ShawnaRussell.com and www.MySpace.com/shawnarussell878.

About Kylie Morgan:

Kylie Morgan is a 14-year-old singer/songwriter, and a freshman in high school in Newcastle, Oklahoma. By age seven, Morgan was training in gymnastics and would go on to win over 100 medals in the sport. Later, she began cheerleading and her squad won numerous State and National titles, as well as ‘All American Cheer’ awards.’ She also attended Artworks Academy and landed several lead and supporting roles in local theatrical plays where she discovered her love for singing and performing. Morgan excels academically. Her achievements include the Principal’s Honor Roll, Citizenship Award, Reading Achievement, Newcastle's Top-Ten Achievement Award, Oklahoma Explore Scholars Award, and she has served as Class President. Singing professionally since she was age 12, Morgan has since assembled a band; signed a record deal with LandRun Records; recorded a Christmas CD; and written songs for her forthcoming official debut CD. Visit Kylie Morgan online at www.kyliemorgan.com.

 

Stardom E-Magazine features Shawna with an in-depth interview

Shawna was featured in Stardom E-Magazine in 2009:

Click here to read.

Shawna will be Featured Guest Star at OK City Star Competition

From the official OK City Star news release:

The OK City Star Contest is now accepting entries for 2010.  The contest allows singers age 16-25 to compete for a prize package which includes an original song composition and professional recording session along with a $2000 Visa gift card.  Open Auditions will be held at Quail Springs Mall on Saturday, Jan. 16th beginning at 9:00 am.  Contestants who register in advance may schedule an audition time.

Walk up registrations will be accepted for any remaining spots on the morning of the contest.

The contest is hosted by the OK City Chorus, an Allied Arts Member Agency.  Contest sponsors include KOMA Radio, Deep Fork Grill, Sonic and MK Production Studio.  In its fourth year, the competition is done in four rounds.   For the Open Audition, singers will perform a short section of a song a cappella (without accompaniment) for a three man panel chaired by Kent Jones, KOMA Program Manager.

Those receiving a callback will be scheduled later the same day into the main stage at Quail Springs Mall to sing one minute of the song of their choice before a panel of music experts.  The callback audition may be done a cappella or with accompaniment.

20 to 25 singers will advance to the semi-finals on Saturday, Jan. 23rd on the main stage at Quail Springs Mall beginning at 2:30 pm.  Semi-finalists will perform a full song for a distinguished panel of judges that will include Kevin Smith from Lyric Theater and Cimarron Opera, Country & Western performer Jennifer Maynard, Choreographer and Director Lisa Fox, and award winning Musical Theater star Brandon Adams.   This panel will select 10 finalists to compete the following Saturday.

The finals of the 2010 OK City Star competition will take place at Herrick Auditorium on the campus of SNU on Saturday, January 30th at 7:30 pm.  Each audience member will receive a ballot to vote.  The results of the audience vote will combine with the semi-final scores to determine a winner. 

Following the performance of the ten finalists, 2009 OK City Star, Alex Hall will sing her original song and the world-medalist OK City Chorus will showcase some of the music it is preparing for the upcoming international competition in Seattle.  Finally, the audience will be treated to a special guest performance by Oklahoman Shawna Russell, who was named as one of the “Stars to Watch” in Nashville last year.

For Finals Ticket Information, Contest Rules and Guidelines, and Registration Forms go to www.okcity.org or call  (405)720-SING (7464).

Shawna and "Rumor" featured in the Direct Buzz

Shawna and her song "Rumor" are featured in a Songwriter Profile on page 4 of the November edition of the Direct Buzz digital/interactive magazine.

 

http://www.thedirectbuzz.com/issues/nov_09/

Shawna featured in SING magazine - December 2009 issue

Check out Shawna in SING Magazine's December issue.

Download PDFs below:

Download SINGMagShawnaArticle2009
Download SINGMagShawnaArticlepagetwo

Shawna is Featured in the November Edition of the Edmond Outlook

Click here for the story:

 

http://www.edmondoutlook.com/edmond_ok/689/shawna_russell_storms_country_music_world/

Shawna Russell Fires up Her Home Base

Headline OKC Concert Appearance, Media Coverage, Endorsement Deal and Team Building Make a Busy Week

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (October 13, 2009) – Oklahoma singer/songwriter Shawna Russell drew attention in the Sooner state last week when she ignited her home base in Oklahoma City with a headline concert, television and magazine interviews, an endorsement deal, and additions to her Way Out West Records team.

With news of her first Oklahoma City headline concert appearance and a new endorsement deal with Sheplers Western Wear/OKC as talking points, the Country-Rocker spent time with the “Fox 25 News” morning show on Wednesday for an interview and performance.
 


Shawna Russell on KOKH TV “Fox News morning show”
(l-r): co-host, Angie Mock; Russell; co-host, Matt Austin
*photo credit: Clif Doyal
 
On Thursday, Russell appeared for an in-store CD and autograph signing at Sheplers.  Afterwards, she and her band were treated to a shopping spree. Later that night, she headlined at the OKC Farmers Market concert hall, a storied and grand venue which in its day has hosted Hank Williams Sr., Count Basie, George Thorogood & the Destroyers and many others.
 


Shawna Russell endorsed by Sheplers Western Wear/OKC
(l-r): Sheplers’ office accountant, Robin Wingo; assistant mgr.,
Brandon Charlton; Russell; Sheplers’ GM, Kevin Lofton; clothing consultant, Carol Daniel *photo credit: Clif Doyal
 
The local print media also jumped on the Russell “love-train” with the Oklahoma Gazette giving the starlet their “staff pick” for the week of musical events. In addition, she interviewed with the Edmond Outlook and Sing magazines, which will both carry feature stories about her in the coming months.
 
Russell and her Way Out West Records team also finalized an alliance with Joe Burris, of OKC-based Gilead Productions, who will assist with regional publicity and marketing for the label. Burris will report to Russell and label/artist co-managers, Clif Doyal and Tim Russell, and will also provide non-exclusive booking and sponsorship acquisition services for the artist.



Shawna Russell and Way Out West Records forms alliance
with Joe Burris, Gilead Productions
(l-r): Way Out West Records’ President/Artist Co-Manager, Tim Russell; Russell;
Gilead Productions President, Joe Burris; Way Out West’s V.P/Artist Co-Manager, Clif Doyal *Photo credit: Patti Doyal
 
Russell has been busy touring and preparing for the release of her forthcoming single, which she recorded recently in Nashville. She shot the video for the song at the Freeland Center, in Bristow, Oklahoma.

Shawna at OKC Farmers Market

Shawna Russell to Perform in Concert at OKC Farmers Public Market on  Thursday, October 8

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (September 29, 2009) – Oklahoma Country Rocker Shawna Russell is scheduled to perform in concert at the OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein, in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, October 8. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with an 8:00 p.m. showtime. The Turnpike Troubadours and Clint Osmus and the Bushmills will open. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door and may be purchased online at www.ticketstorm.com. For more information, call (405) 830-7087.

Owner Burt McAnally states, “The OKC Farmers Public Market has a long history of hosting great musical artists, including Hank Williams, Sr., Count Basie, Bob Wills, and George Thorogood & the Destroyers, among many others. We are excited to continue this tradition by presenting Shawna Russell in concert.”

According to their website, the historic venue has recently been re-modeled, adding central heat and air, an elevator, new bathrooms and a sprinkler system.

Also on Oct. 8, Russell will appear from noon until 1:00 p.m. for an in-store meet-and-greet and CD signing at Sheplers Western Wear, 812 S. Meridian Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73108-1604 (405) 947-6831.

Russell has had a very busy year thus far. With the release of her third single, “Fire In The Desert” from her acclaimed debut CD, Goddess, she has continued to maintain a busy performing schedule of concert and casino dates and has  drawn strong media support, both on a national level, and from her homestate. In June, KOCO TV featured her in their special, “Most Fascinating Oklahomans” and included her as part of their recent special coverage of the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. An Oklahoma City billboard with her face on it also garnered news coverage in Country Weekly magazine and on several Oklahoma media outlets in July. Russell recently recorded new music and showcased for top radio industry professionals in Nashville, and shot footage at the Freeland Center in Bristow, for her forthcoming single and video.

Shawna Russell Rocks the CRB Board Meeting Breakfast

August 2, 2009

 

(l-r): Ed Salamon- CRB Executive Dir.; Michael Osterhout-MCC Radio; Shawna Russell; Carole Bowen-WKIS Radio; Mike Borchetta

NASHVILLE, TN (July 30, 2009) – Shawna Russell rocked the Country Radio Broadcasters Board Meeting Breakfast last week in Nashville. She and her band wowed the gathered radio and music industry luminaries with a tight 6-song showcase set which drew strong praise for the Oklahoma powerhouse performer.

Russell’s label, Way Out West Records, of which she is a co-owner, sponsored the event, which was emceed by the label’s radio consultant, Mike Borchetta.