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FYI

A Podcast Conversation With ... Shawnee Kish

The Indigenous singer/songwriter was the 2020 winner of CBC's national talent search Spotlight, and is a 2021 Allan Slaight Juno Master Class winner. Learn more in this FYI podcast.

A Podcast Conversation With ... Shawnee Kish

By Bill King


Edmonton-based Indigenous singer/songwriter Shawnee Kish has been making a name for herself since she stepped out onto the stage at 12. Since then, Kish has earned spots on Billboard's 2019 list of Musicians You Need To Know, MTV's list of Top Gender Bending Artists and CBC's Top 100 Playlist. In addition, she was named the 2020 winner of CBC's national talent search, Spotlight, and is a 2021 Allan Slaight Juno Master Class winner, a prestigious program that sees four emerging Canadian musicians each year receive specialized advancement sessions.

As a performer, she has shared a stage with international talents such as Lady Gaga, Madonna and Alicia Keys. Kish uses her music to empower and inspire youth, LGBT2Q+ and Indigenous youth. Her extensive work and involvement in these communities through national campaigns with organizations such as We Matter and Kids Help Phone confirm that her passion and career are driven by empowering young people.

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Learn more in this FYI podcast.

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Coco Love Alcorn
Courtesy Photo

Coco Love Alcorn

FYI

Music News Digest: Music Community Rallies to Support Coco Love Alcorn Through Cancer Journey

Also this week: more trouble for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Toronto scene veteran Paul James turns 75 with a free hometown show at The Phoenix and a date is set for the first Canadian Blues Music Awards.

Canadian pop and jazz singer-songwriter and choir leader Coco Love Alcorn has just revealed that she is fighting an aggressive form of cancer. This will involve a long period of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and further surgery. Alcorn explains that "I have had to cancel all my touring, teaching, and performances for 2026 and my local choir is on hiatus till further notice. I also had 3 trips planned to BC this winter/spring to record my new album and that project is also on hold."

A GoFundMe campaign to assist her has been set up. Donate here. The rapid and generous response to her campaign reaffirms the peer respect she enjoys.

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