About
Singer/Songwriter
A singer/songwriter based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Shae has been singing, playing guitar and writing songs since stumbling upon his mother’s guitar tucked away in a closet as a child.
Songs by Shae are autobiographical, satirical and honest with a traditional roots, folk, blues and Americana musical style. A multi-instrumentalist, Shae also plays mandolin, banjo, bass, piano and percussion. Shae has subsidized his musical passion as a sign maker/painter, radio broadcaster and even served on his hometown's town council and as its Vice Mayor.
Wordsmithing his adventures in life, work, family and friends Shae composes songs full of insight, passion and honesty.
Background
"I'm a man of many talents and a master of none", Shae says of himself. With a resume that includes, radio broadcaster & journalist, sign maker, small business owner, Town Councilman/Vice Mayor, artist & musician/songwriter his talents are quite vast, but he is a bit modest on the mastery.
His musical pursuits started as a young teenager with an almost simultaneous discovery of his sister's Beatles records and his mother's guitar, the later hidden away in a closet. It was soon thereafter his grandfather taught him the banjo and Shae's musical bug was solidified. Despite any formal training Shae tried out for his High School Jazz band at the end of his junior year and earned a spot as the bass player his senior year.
Soon thereafter he would join Blue and the Jaded as the bass player and keyboardist. In 2006 he formed the Church Street Project as an improvisational rock group with a revolving cast of players. By 2012 the core membership of CSP was formed and for the next 4 years enjoyed a loyal following and accolades in the local music scene.
Shae has had the pleasure to play with many talented musicians over the years from Front Royal to Costa Rica.
The River Driven Band
Ingredients:
1. Americana/Folk singer
2. Southern Rock/Blues guitarist
3. Jazz/Big Band bass player
4. R&B/Jam Band drummer
mix vigerously.
Shake, Rattle and Roll.
The River Driven Band features:
Shae Parker - Guitar/Vocals
Chris Howerton - Lead Guitar
Jojo Gouda - Bass
Stacy Horton - Drums
Visual Artist
When Shae's not performing you may find him with a paint brush in his hand. Since 2004 he has been the owner and operator of the Hanna Sign Company/Shae Signs in Front Royal, VA.
Beyond signs, Shae also applies his talents to the canvas and custom woodwork.
Voter Advocacy
As a former Town Councilman and Vice Mayor, Shae is very passionate about voter participation. While in office he successfully worked to move his hometown's municipal elections from May to November and to keep them non-partisan. He has also served as an Officer of Election and volunteers his time with HeadCount, a national non-profit organization that works with musicians to promote participation in democracy in the United States.