By JEANNI RITCHIE
I stopped by El Paso last Friday night after seeing that Shawn Christian would be playing live. Christian had been popping up on my social medias for a few weeks and I knew if I couldn’t get back to Nashville anytime soon, seeing him live would be a close second.
When I arrived, he was taking requests and fielding offers for private parties. Christian plays restaurants, bars, campfires, tailgates, and private parties. He’s also competed in local competitions but he prefers gigs. They give him a chance to connect with his audience.
Outlaw country is his preferred genre, though he comes well-prepared for a variety of tunes including some originals. I requested some Johnny Cash and after a toe-tapping rendition of Folsom Prison Blues, we had a conversation about Cash’s Hendersonville home and the joys of visiting Nashville.
Christian is an authentic country boy down to his guitar roots and 5-year old mini-me son. His values line up with up with every hard-working Southerner out there.
“What’s the dream?” I’d asked him.
He answered immediately. “To keep doing what I love and provide a future for my son.”
With that voice, I have no doubt his son will have an amazing life.
Check out Christian’s upcoming gigs on https://www.facebook.com/
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.