Sep. 8: Party with Sheila Shahpari

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

CD release parties are always fun, especially when a local artist is involved. And that's exactly what will be happening at Off Broadway on Saturday night as Sheila Shahpari will be celebrating the release of her debut album, 'What is Real'.

Shahpari has been playing shows around town for a while, but this one will be different (aside from the obvious). Her "all-star" band will feature the following musicians: Clayton Kunstel (So Many Dynamos), Chris Turnbaugh (Groupthink), Phil Ring (The Gorge), Asako Kuboki (S.L.S.O.), Ranya Iqbal (Serenade Strings). Don't expect a somber solo-acoustic affair. No, this should be a rocking good time.

If you aren't familiar with Shahpari's music, it's sort of Ani DiFranco meets Janis Joplin, if that makes any sense at all. I do know that she's self-taught on guitar, so her style is her own. And from listening to some of her new tunes on MySpace, she seems to have more than enough sass. I'd say that if you're planning on checking her out on Saturday, expect to be on your feet and in a grooving mood. Don't miss your chance to go out and support an up-and-coming local artist!