2 singers to share stage at SCERA

OREM — Veteran folk singer, recording artist and Springville resident Shane Jackman shares the SCERA Center for the Arts stage with singer-songwriter Greg Simpson for two shows Jan. 15.

Jackman frequently represents Utah on the national stage, surpassing 150 concerts a year at colleges, festivals and grass-roots halls. He also seeks to strengthen the scene in Utah by inviting area artists to an event called Songwriters in the Round. Featured with him have been Peter Breinholt, Julie de Azevedo, Ryan Shupe and Anke Summerhill.

Jackman's first album, "Rhythm of the Land," debuted in the Americana Top 40 and rose to number 23 on the Gavin radio chart. His second, "Looking West," captures the lure of the West, while his most recent, "Sanctuary," received acclaim from critics, who describe his music as "sophisticoustic," referring to its lyrical depth added to his traditional sagebrush sound.

Acoustic Musician Magazine recently reported: "Jackman presents material that is substantive, soulful and artfully phrased. He has the ability to shift from songs of grim import to a jazzy fishin' tune, from vulnerability to a gusty rendition of the outlaw on the run."

Jackman won a medal last year in the Utah Best of State Award's Individual Vocalist category and a Pearl Award nominee for Male Recording Artist of the Year. He has appeared at the Kerrville, Texas, Folk Festival and on stage with artists including Howard Jones, Michael Martin Murphey, Shawn Colvin, Trisha Yearwood and Peter, Paul and Mary.

Greg Simpson has written and performed professionally since he was 18. Highway Records referred to Simpson as "electrifying," regardless of whether he's on stage with a band or performing solo with his electric guitar. In addition to a busy schedule of individual shows, Simpson has performed with Julie de Azevedo and country group SHeDAISY.

He won two nominations with his debut album, "Seven Wonders," from the Faith Centered Music Association, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Recording of the Year. His newest release, "Unspoken," furthers his folk-rock tradition.

Simpson also works as a producer and has been the creative force behind several albums for the Especially for Youth program. Along with spending time with his wife and four children, he is a full-time seminary teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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If you go . . .

What: Shane Jackman/Greg Simpson concert

Where: SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State, Orem

When: 7 and 9 p.m., Jan. 15

Cost: $10/$8 children

Phone: 225-2569

Web: www.scera.org