biographical info
Shy-Anne Hovorka is an Aboriginal
singer/songwriter from Northwestern Ontario. She was a nominee for the 2008
Aboriginal Music Awards; best new artist, best song writer, and single of
the year. This year, she is in the
running for best new Pop album, best new Folk album, and best International
album. In addition, Shy-Anne’s album Black
Thunderbird has been nominated
through the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (CAMAs). Shy-Anne Hovorka is a former foster
child, placed into care on and off from the ages of 3 - 6, till she was adopted
by the Hovorka family in her 6th year. Many of her songs reflect the
feelings she had as a child, growing up, as an adult, and her interactions with
her students.
Shy-Anne Hovorka has been
singing since she was three, and performing since nine. Enjoying a wide
variety of musical genres, Shy-Anne performs blues, pop, contemporary and folk
music. Her first love is singing, but also accompanies herself on piano. These days Shy-Anne is joined by guitarist
Jordan Elcheson and percussionist Rob Benvegnu.
Jordan and Rob help to complete Shy-Anne’s live sound by adding fullness
and excitement to the music.
Shy-Anne has had the
opportunity the past two years to open for Tomson Highway. She was a spotlight performer for the
Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards in 2008 at the Winnipeg MTS Center.
Shy-Anne also was the Master of Ceremonies for the 2009 Aboriginal Youth
Achievement Awards, and has been the keynote for a number of youth events. To
add to the list of Shy-Anne’s accomplishments, she was also selected by
Lakehead University as one of 3 most successful graduates in the last decade.
She is now part of their nation wide branding campaign for her musical and
educational accomplishments.
She has performed as the
featured soloist for the Thunder Bay Symphony under David Bowser, and has won
numerous awards for her performances in Classical Musical Festivals. However,
given Shy-Anne's eclectic musical interests, her performances have broadened to
include a wide assortment of venues.
Shy-Anne has competed in
contests for Canadian Idol, Rotary Center Stage, and 807 Back Beat Take the
Stage; and has performed as lead singer for a variety of bands. She has
appeared on various television shows and radio stations across Canada, and
performed at countless venues. Having studied music at Lakehead University and
received her Honors Bachelor of Music degree, Shy-Anne received her formal
training in the classical tradition.
Shy-Anne's love of music
and commitment to develop her talent, and her desire to share her passion with
others, continue to direct her path in life. She has finally taken the final
steps of creating her first album self titled “Black ThunderBird” (her Spirit
Name), and is now working on her second album.
The biggest dream for Shy-Anne is that her music will help others
understand life, and realize they are not alone. Especially the children.