Joanne Stacey knows talent when she sees it! While working as the musical director for a local show, she heard Sharlene Foisy and Janine Carey-Bourke sing and wondered if they‟d be interested in forming a band. By the end of the production, Sister Girl was born. Adding Stephanie Ballendine and Mr. Sister, Russ Brackenbury on drums, Sister Girl recently released their second CD, Amazing Things Happen. Joanne‟s hunch was right and it‟s proving to be a winning combination.
A talented and accomplished singer/songwriter in her own right, Joanne knew that flawless soaring harmonies and strong musicianship were the best ways to get her songs out into the market. Her past credits include 2 solo CDs with radio airplay all over the world and two performances at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival which garnered her a star on Merritt's „Walk of Stars‟. She has shared the stage with many US and Canadian folk and country artists, such as Roy Forbes, Bill Henderson, Shari Ulrich, Mae Moore and David Essig. With deep musical roots, Joanne has the passion and drive to succeed at whatever musical path she takes.
Sharing the lead vocalist spot with Joanne, Sharlene Foisy has proven to be a talented musician and songwriter, bringing her own style to the band. With past success in local cover bands, Sharlene and Janine Carey-Bourke have been playing music together for years. Though an accomplished pianist, Janine prefers to play bass guitar, adding her pure vocal harmonies to the mix. Stephanie Ballendine adds flavour with her resonant voice, and plays a variety of instruments, from banjo, guitar, harmonica to keyboards. Russ Brackenbury lends his sultry vocals to most songs and plays drums.
It‟s not just the musicianship that makes this band. It‟s the vocal harmonies. A cut from their first CD, “Lonesome Rambler”, a lovely a„cappella song written by Joanne, earned Sister Girl a finalist spot in the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest in 2009 as well as an honourable mention by the Billboard Song Contest. “Mercy Me” was released to Canadian country radio in 2009 and “It‟s a Lonely Place”, to the European market through North County Records, earning them the #2 spot on the European country charts in Austria.
Their new CD, Amazing Things Happen, was produced and recorded by the legendary, David Essig. The songs penned by Joanne and Sharlene are captivating and singable. You can‟t help but tap your toes!
Sister Girl is the real thing, with beautiful harmonies and a vibrant hometown feel.
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