The magic of musical performance lay in its capacity to entertain, delight, inspire, challenge and express thoughts and emotion – too deeply felt, to be entrusted to mere words. Shirley Lannen spent a lifetime expressing thoughts and emotions through music and audiences; the Kawarthas have been the richer for her passion, and talent.
Shirley spent her formative years playing and singing in church, school choirs and at community events. By the late 1950’s, her talents were on display with area dance bands. Her broad love of all genres of music made her the Kawarthas’ unofficial ‘wedding singer.’
In the 1970’s, Shirley began a 28-year love affair with the St. James Players and her natural affinity for Musical Comedy contributed much to the enviable reputation the St. James Players enjoyed over the years. With the Players, she served as director, pianist, choral and musical director, costume director, producer and leading lady.
She served as organist at Donwood United Church and enjoys participating in church musical fundraisers.
Whether in church, on stage or before a dance band, Shirley Lannen always said it best with music.