A Saskatchewan girl all her life, Shelly loves the prairies, its big sky and that wide open feeling. Another of Shelly's loves is jazz music, since she was a young girl.she's been listening to Gene Krupa, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald. Her interest in spoken jazz was piqued by hearing Billy Holiday's Strange Fruit. Shelly's involvement with the Saskatoon Jazz Society and contemporary influences include mentors in the jazz vocals stylings of Rita de Ghent, Molly Johnson, Lisa Lindo.

Born in the 50's, Shelly brings a seasoned touch and genuine flare to her performance of the Beat poets. Shelly has a huge passion for life; a school teacher by day, a mother of four sons by night and a spoken jazz performer by late, late night. Her jazz work is accentuated by a strong knowledge of the history and influences of the Beat era. Her interest in performing Beat poetry grew out of a weekly jazz show that Shelly hosts - Swingshift @ CFCR 90.5 FM.

Shelly gives a sensual and vocally haunting performance of classic Beat poetry and provides her audience with a glimpse of her special understanding
of reality through her original poetic works.

Shelly has traveled extensively throughout Canada, USA, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Costa Rica. Meeting people is one of Shelly's favorite pastimes.