Crystal Shawanda’s music provides healing for many adoring fans
TORONTO—After reflecting on Crystal Shawanda’s recent performance for the 37th Women’s Blues Revue at Massey Hall the second part of my story unfolds. The highlight was to witness a woman who deeply appreciates the support and admiration from her followers. It was an emotional experience for me, as I stood to the side soaking it all in, Crystal listening intently as fans share private moments. She signs autographs and poses for pictures, all the while her grace and humility in full splendor.
As they say, music helps people heal on so many levels from reducing stress to helping us express feelings of grief, fear or sadness. Crystal’s presence is a force to reckon with and before me a scene unfolds that paints a picture of the genuine connection between stars and their fans.
With a keen sense of eyes watching, Crystal looks up, our eyes lock and we both yell each others’ names. We hug and begin to laugh like two little schoolgirls. After a quick exchange of how each of us are doing, we agree, she should get back to her fans—our private time together is on hold.
Buried somewhere in the crowd of adoring fans I can hear someone crying profusely. I discover a father trying to comfort his daughter. I walk over to the father and daughter and ask, “Are you here to meet Crystal?” “Yes!” he exclaims, “she loves Crystal!” He explains, “she has an anxiety order which causes her to freeze up.”
Studies have shown various genres of music, has for the listener, a transformative calming effect, that can reduce stress, anxiety, depression and even chronic physical pain. I return to Crystal’s side and point out the little girl, crying on the sidelines. Crystal immediately approaches the little girl, stoops down so she is eye-to-eye and speaks quietly to her. The little girl cries louder and begins to shake, but with a nod from her father, Crystal puts her arms around the girl and immediately she calms down. Only after she has the little girl laughing and talking, poses for pictures, does she return to the folks patiently waiting for her.
Music can also serve as a catalyst for social connection and support. As I revel in the excitement of the crowd, I strike up a conversation with a group of women. They ask me how I know Crystal, as they observed us talking. I tell them, “We are from the same reserve, Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island.” I ask them if they would like to meet her, ‘of course’ they chime in.
As soon as Crystal has a moment, I tell her about the four women sitting in the corner waiting their turn to meet her. We devise a plan to surprise them. Crystal walks over unassumingly and ask, “Do you mind if I sit here?” motioning to a space in the middle of them. Well, you should have seen their saucer eyes and smiles from ear to ear, as they echo in unison, “Yes!”
This group of close friends agree that music has always held a special place in their friendship and Crystal’s music “brought them to a common ground of shared joy and expression,” said Christina. “Crystal, she rocked, she was on fire. She kicked off the show and pulled everyone in.”
Jennifer stated, “We are all Crystal converts. She is our First Nation Janis Joplin and sings with so much heart, like Stevie Nicks in a soulful way,” she says.
For many in the crowd, engaging in music not only shapes our personal and cultural identities it plays a role in mood regulation.
On this particular evening, whether intentionally or not, the mix of Canada’s female blues shakers, along with Crystal Shawanda magnified a message of diversity and inclusion; as it introduced the audience to new voices of marginalized artists, thereby enhancing our understanding and appreciation for their diverse roads to the stage at Massey Hall.
Each artist of the evening’s platform shared various snippets of information from their roots in marginalized communities, their challenges of injustices, and how music, performing and singing help them challenge societal norms and inspired collective action. Crystal in my opinion and metaphorically speaking, will always carry the seven sacred teachings, of humility, honesty, bravery, truth, love, respect and honour–for her ancestors, mentors, fans, family and friends to the front of the stage for healing. Chi’miigwech, Crystal, for all that you do, say and sing, we are blessed.
Back stage at the Women’s Blues Revue Gina catches up with powerhouse star and award winning internationally renowned blues and jazz vocalist Diana Braithwaite.
Chris Whiteley and Crystal Shawanda. Chris is a multi-instrumentalist and nine time Maple Blues Award Winner for Best Horn Player of the Year. He admits, “I am a great fan of Crystal’s, her fashion her singing. It has been a wonderful evening and Crystal was fabulous!”
Crystal and I have a precious moment to catch up. She invites me to Sunday afternoon performance at a local Toronto blues club, unfortunately I have to catch my plane. I wish her luck on the release of her new single, ‘Would You Know Love’ and we part ways.
by Gina Gasongi Simon
