One of California’s best-kept secrets, Shawn has been vocalizing up and down the coast since the age of 14. Influenced by Americana, Jazz, Celtic, Folk, Pop Blues and Choral music, she is often compared to artists such as Alison Kraus, Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy and Judy Collins.

While it’s difficult to confine her into one category, her unique vocal sound and style deliver across many genres in the musical spectrum. Critics describe her as having “the sort of voice that is emotive and vulnerable, yet rich and smoothly accessible.” She is well known for creating an intimate, inclusive musical space, often stirring emotion in listeners through both recordings, and live performance alike.

     “I believe the most important role for me as a vocalist is to honor each song in a way that makes it believable and hopefully, takes the listener to a different place in time. Whether a song is happy or melancholic, music can be so healing for it touches the parts of our soul words cannot express. So when I hear the music has moved someone to tears, its truly an honor as an artist…” 

At the moment, Shawn is involved in a local project, “Cali-Americana vol. 3” with Santa Barbara Records and renown musician/producer Tarigh Akoni. That album is due to be released in late Spring and features four other local artists, including Glenn Phillips from “Toad the Wet Sprocket” paying tribute to the late and beloved David Crosby. Each artist will also showcase an original song on the album, so stay tuned- there will be a live performance at the Granada Theatre May 24th 2025 backed by special guests and the Santa Barbara Symphony under direction of Nir Kabaretti!

“One More Dance” released in August 2024 is her latest album featuring a collection of songs written by M. Brinkenhoff and co-produced with David West of The Million Cellar in Santa Barbara.   Shawn’s previous album, “A Song of You, (2019)” features original songs written by author Monte C. Schulz, through a project called “Seraphonium.”  Both albums reflect contemporary Folk and Americana sounds with a twist of Country, Celtic and Pop, weaving stories of love and loss, hope and regret, joy and sorrow.

After an 8-year hiatus from the music scene, Shawn produced and released her first album, “New Beginnings at Christmas” in 2004-a timeless collection of original and traditional holiday songs with Folk, Celtic and Americana influence. Her title cut “New Beginnings at Christmas” won First Runner–up in VH1’s Folk song-writing category in 2005. Every year, she holds a Christmas concert featuring songs from the album and more favorites.

Accompanied by exceptional touring and session musicians in live and recorded performances, Shawn works on multiple recording projects singing lead and arranging complex vocal harmonies, producing and arranging songs as well. She has  collaborated with some of the most highly respected producers and musicians in the business, including Producer David West (the Million Cellar, Cache Valley Drifters , and famous for his "Pickin' On" projects),  Sound Designer Randall Tico, who has produced for Jeff Bridges, among many others; and Brian Mann, renowned producer of Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald.

Aside from music, Shawn enjoys gardening, rock-combing at local beaches, loves to cook and bake and most of all- loves sharing life’s blessings with friends and family. She is also passionate about end-of-life care and has been working in the that field for the last 10 years.