Meet: Shanna Jackman from Uxbridge, MA
(photograph by Justin Mayotte)
Shanna Jackman packs a punch in a petite package. Her vocals are strong, her presence powerful and her passion off the charts. It seems she was born to perform. But performing is not enough for Shanna. Her love of this country and respect for our military has lead her to a life of service, as well. Working full time as a public safety dispatcher is still not enough. Jackman often donates her time volunteering, and performing our National Anthem at many Military events. You may have seen her singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Garden for Bruins and Celtics games, or at Fenway Park for Sox games. (See Shanna perform it in the video below). She also mentors aspiring artists. It all started as a toddler, when Shanna would sing along to commercials. She couldn’t help herself, music was part of her upbringing. It was always in her home, as her mother and grandmother were singers. Her mother loved singing to her and Shanna says, “her passion became mine.” Shanna’s is all in, whether it’s working as a public safety dispatcher, performing, or volunteering. Which is why she was named the 2016 recipient of the Unsung Hero Award by Limelight Magazine!
Jackman Jam Session
Look and listen to this talented New England powerhouse vocalist on a recent visit to our studios to share some new music!
Here’s Shanna’s “Answer the Call,” a patriotic song she co-wrote with Lance Carpenter (“Love Me Like You Mean It”) and Ayla Brown
Shanna’s latest is called “Be With Me”
Since Shanna is so well known for singing our National Anthem, I asked her to sing it for her Local Catch feature
Here’s the official studio recording of “Answer the Call”
Shanna Shares
- Describe your sound: Blend of country, rock and soul
- Plays: Clarinet, drums and guitar
- Biggest influences: Patsy Cline, Mariah Carey, Jewel, Alanis Morrisette, and Martina McBride, among others
- Has opened for: Blake Shelton, Sara Evans, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Brice, Dierks Bentley, Jo Dee Messina, Ronnie Dunn, Little Big Town and more!
- All-time favorite country songs: “Crazy” by Patsy Cline, “Independence Day”- Martina McBride, “Peter Pan”- Kelsea Ballerini, “I Would Have Loved You Anyway” by Trisha Yearwood, “The Champion”-Carrie Underwood, and “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott and The Scott Family
- Favorite country concert: Seeing Martina McBride last minute, by myself. I didn’t have a ticket but after some talking to the staff, they let me in!
- First country concert: Darryl Worley, when I opened for him back in 2009
- Now playing on Country 102-5 favorites: Everything! But I particularly love that Country 102.5 honors the country everyday by playing the National Anthem at noon
- If you weren’t a musician: I am a public safety dispatcher and love my job
- Most proud moment: When a young girl performed my song for her Jr. High talent show and I got to come and watch!
- Crazy career moment: I’ve been asked by a male fan or two, over the years, exactly what was my age, as they had bets going with their friends! I also had my zipper down when performing the National Anthem once! Thank God I don’t think anone noticed!
- Fun facts: Got my first tattoo this year (along my spine), it says “God is with her, wh will not fall.” I have a “bug out bag” in my vehicle, with supplies and food. I can feed a family of four for weeks! Love watching the Kardashians (sad, I know). I’ve owned 5 wedding dresses in my lifetime, and I’ve only been married once. (And yes, I’m working on a song about it)!
Shanna Shows
- This Friday, May 11: Toby Keith’s in Foxboro, MA
- Saturday, June 16: National Anthem performance at SAC Park in Shrewsbury, MA
- Sunday, July 22: opening for Lee Brice at Indian Ranch, Webster, MA
Join Jackman
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
If you would like to be considered for Catch of the Week e-mail your information and a sample of your work to localcatch@country1025.com.