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Crystal Shawanda is the "Artist To Watch"

Posted by amyclark on 08/24/2008
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3/14/2008 Meaghan Mitchell

Country newcomer Crystal Shawanda is the featured artist on Clear Channel’s new “Artist To Watch” for March. The show is featured on nearly 500 radio station websites nationwide, the program includes Crystal’s debut single, “You Can Let Go.”
 
Crystal, of Native American and Canadian descent, was born in Ontario and grew up on the Wikwemikong reservation on Canada’s Manitoulin Island. She grew up with images of hopelessness and despair of which she puts in her music, something she credits for saving her life.
 
At age 13, Crystal had the opportunity to perform at Nashville’s famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Her father drove a truck and let Crystal tag along for his North-South run that went straight through Nashville. Her Tootsie’s performance earned Crystal her first standing ovation. 
A few years later Crystal had a permanent gig at Tootsie's and carreid out her powerful, high-energy performances, which eventually lead to a record deal.  In Ojibwe, Shawanda means "Dawn of a New Day," and this is also the title her debut album bears.  Her album was produced by Scott Hendricks and is set for a summer release.