Crystal Shawanda rocks Lac Seul

As a performer, Crystal Shawanda brings warmth, vitality and a lot of energy to every performance she does and her Dec. 7 concert in Lac Seul was no exception.
The audience consisted of people both young and old who cheered and applauded every song she did. Performing songs ranging from her new single, “Closer” to the haunting ballad “You Can’t Let Go,” Shawanda also included many others from her wide-ranging repertoire including, “My Roots Are Showing” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas.”
She finished the show with rousing, foot-stomping version of Johnny Cash’s “Orange Blossom Special.”
After the show Shawanda said it is important for her to perform in smaller communities such as Lac Seul and relate her experiences to youth that normally do not have much in the way of entertainment.
“I remember what it was like coming from a small town and no concert came around and I always said I would do it differently, that I would do the small towns,” she said. “I do the places where a lot of artists won’t go, they are always happy to have us, and it is always a celebration.”
Judging by the reception Shawanda and her band received in Lac Seul, they certainly achieved the goal of having a celebration.
A large proportion of the audience were youth, something Shawanda said makes for a great experience.
“I love talking to kids, I try to encourage the youth to chase their dreams through my music and stories,” she said. “I am not the perfect role model, I have made mistakes, but I never
stopped trying, I think that’s relatable.”
After the show was over, Shawanda, her band and a supporting new artist, Tinsel Korey, held a meet and greet and signed autographs for audience members. Many youth in attendance had their pictures taken with her, some even got autographs on their faces.
The idea for the concert in Lac Seul originated in a telephone call from Wayne Manson from Pacific Entertainment agency, who spoke to Chris Southwind from the Lac Seul Band Office. As Southwind said, “Lightning only strikes once.”
Following the phone call the Crystal Shawanda performance was organized and out of the show has come an organization called Obish Nish Entertainment.
Obish Nish Entertainment consists of Southwind and five others from Lac Seul. They are working on organizing and presenting other events in the immediate future.
“There has been a lot of talk and people are excited. It is a very good opportunity and a positive alternative for something for people to do on a Friday night.” Southwind said.
“We want to showcase Anishinawbe entertainers,” he added. “At the moment, we are looking at putting on other musical acts but are eventually looking at branching out and featuring Anishinawbe poets and writers to come out and conduct workshops, speak about what they are doing and to recite some of their works.”
Southwind said the grand opening of the arena in Frenchman’s Head earlier this year has sparked the opportunity for more entertainment offerings.
“To me, it is a sign that Lac Seul is growing and what a great place it is for entertainment,” Southwind said. “What we have to offer with our many facilities is the opportunity for everyone to come and enjoy the activities that we are planning for the future.”