Rockin’ around the U.S.
Who: Brittany Shane
When and where: 5-8 p.m. tonight at Burke & Riley’s and 8-10 p.m. Saturday at Blue River Bistro, Breckenridge
Where’d the name come from? Brittany Shane is my name, and I’m the singer-songwriter (I say this line like I’m in an old Western movie, squinting my eyes from the bright sun and about to get back on my dusty horse after a long day of fighting cowboy crime).
Home base: Bay Area, Calif.
Type of music: Rock, pop, alt-country blend. People have compared me to Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, The Bangles, The Sundays and the Cowboy Junkies a few times. I love writing catchy songs that tell a good story.
If your music were a tangible item, what would it be, and why? A kitten. Frisky, daring — but sweet and lovable in-between.
Why do people love ya? I’ve been on my first U.S. tour since November 2009. I left the day after Thanksgiving, and this July is my last set of tour dates before I head back into the studio (what we musicians call rest??!). Hmm. Most people are just learning who I am. Friends and family are impressed that I have circled the U.S. four times through rain, snow, you name it. Three band mates in an SUV. I’ve waited my whole life to tour, so I’m ready to share my music with everyone and anyone. I guess I won’t ask if you love me; I’ll just play your city first.
How do you keep it fresh? I clean out the tour van. Seriously, I’ll write new songs or add new cover songs to the set. That usually wakes up any band mate getting too comfortable.
Claim to fame: My music is featured in the award-winning independent film, “The Village Barbershop.” The Village Barbershop is currently playing on Showtime 2 and Encore and is available on Netflix.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done/weirdest experience? I performed at a hookah bar on the first leg of my tour. I was told I’d be paid for my performance with one hookah and three flavors. The owner, who looked like Ron Jeremy, was really high, so we only saw him once before we played. He went into his office, which was filled with smoke, and never came back out. It looked like he stepped into another dimension, or into the doorway that Kelly LeBrock stepped out of in the 80’s movie “Weird Science.” After our set, the band and I gathered around our free hookah and celebrated with a few flavored puffs. We couldn’t decide if this was cool and different or just plain dumb. I just wanted the owner to open his door and walk out as Kelly LeBrock.