Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long

Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long are based in the interior of British Columbia. They have been creating a buzz since their start in 2006. The trio is made up of Shane Koyczan (poet), Maiya Robbie (guitarist/vocalist) and Olivia Mennell (pianist/vocalist). While Shane is responsible for the moving poetry, the band moves right along with him, setting the tone and backdrop of energy that resonates. Together they create a folk/talk-rock sound that keeps the audience wanting more. Shane Koyczan really gained recognition when he was the first poet from outside the USA to win the National Individual Slam competition in the States in 2001. He has since been gaining momentum internationally as one of the most talented young poets on the scene. He performed at the Opening Ceremonies for the winter Olympics in 2010. He has been privileged to share stages with Salmon Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Ani Difranco, and Utah Philips just to name a few. He has toured the continent and performed at both music and literary festivals around the globe. The band has played on stages at the Vancouver Island Music Fest, Vancouver’s East Cultural Centre, Guelph's Hillside Music Festival, the Vancouver Folk Fest and many more. Along with Joseph Boyden they were the first sold out event at the Sechelt Writer's Festival in 2009 selling out 600 tickets in a matter of minutes. They have received the BC Interior Music Award for Best New Artists and also been nominated by CD Baby for two Just Plain Folks Music Awards (best spoken word album and best spoken word piece). We blend the poignant words of spoken word poet, Shane Koyczan, with the emotionally engaging music of The Short Story Long