Local singer-songwriters Shannon Moan and Frank Deresti have been friends for a long time.
During most of that time, they have performed, written songs, and recorded together.
“We are friends first, musical collaborators second,” says Frank Deresti.
"Writing and working on songs together definitely takes our friendship to the next level. We are very open and honest with each other about what’s happening at any given moment in our lives, and recently this has really blossomed into the creation of some very honest and open songwriting.”
The duo has certainly shared the stage together many times over the years, with the last time being in 2019.
Moan and Deresti recently announced that they will be putting on two special performances at The Loft on April 28 and 29.
At these particular shows, Moan will primarily be taking the lead vocal and guitar role.
“Frank will be singing harmonies and accompanying me on guitar, banjo or mandolin,” she says, noting that Deresti may also take lead vocals and sing a song or two solo.
“The set is a mix of brand new songs as well as previously released material.”
The performances are expected to be “stripped down and minimalist” affairs with the goal of putting the songs at the forefront.
Deresti notes that The Loft is a perfect venue for this type of performance.
Speaking to either songwriter, it is obvious they have a great admiration for each other’s talents.
“Frank has such extraordinary depth and an unwavering willingness to be completely vulnerable in his music-making process,” says Moan.
“He is the epitome of an artist who is always creating, always growing, and that way of being has always inspired me to dig deep and keep writing even when it feels hard.”
Moan says watching Deresti perform always brings her joy.
“He lives and breathes this stuff and he’s just so insanely talented. Even after all these years, and maybe more than ever, I feel extremely grateful to have the friendship and the musical relationship that we do. I wouldn’t do any of this without him and I mean that.”
For Deresti, he admires Moan’s ability to weave an emotional storyline through her lyrics and melodies that is instantly “engaging.”
“She is incredibly talented, incredibly genuine, and she writes and sings from the heart,” he says.
“This endears her to audiences, myself included, in a powerful way.”
The new songs the duo has written together over the past few years are a reflection of their friendship and musical connectivity.
“The new music delves deeply into those inner processes and complex relationships, both with others and with ourselves, that mark and transform us,” says Moan.
“Coming together post-COVID to write together has been such a healing process and we’re really excited to share this new music.”
The “Algoma Conservatory Concerts: Singer-Songwriter Series” presents:
Shannon Moan and Frank Deresti
Live at The Algoma Conservatory of Music’s The Loft (75 Huron St.)
Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, 2023
Doors open at 7:00 PM. Shows begin at 7:30 PM
The shows will also feature an opening performance by local singer-songwriter Tianna Legacy.
Tickets for the shows are available here.
For more information on the artists, visit Frank Deresti and Shannon Moan’s Instagram pages.