St. Augustine-based musician Billy Buchanan of Persevere Entertainment Group is releasing his latest EP, “ShagShuffleShimmyShakeSwing: Vol 1,” on Jan. 12.
According to Persevere Entertainment Group, the album is “an authentic homage to the pioneers of soul and early rock from the 50s and 60s.” The lead single, “The Pioneers,” is a celebration of the music of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, said Persevere Entertainment Group, and will take listeners back to a time of juke joint, jump jiving grooves that still move the heart and soul, and make you want to get up and dance.
“As an artist, my highest aspiration is to celebrate 50s and 60s soul and early rock artists and to educate my audience on these artists’ ginormous contribution to the musical landscape,” said Buchanan. “Their influence is undeniable on my new EP, “ShagShuffleShimmyShakeSwing: Vol 1.” Celebrate and Educate! That’s what it’s all about for me.”
Buchanan has scheduled release parties for his new EP on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. at Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach and Friday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. at San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine.
Along with recent TV appearances on River City Live and Jacksonville Buzz TV, Buchanan also performed multiple shows for the IKEA Jacksonville Grand Opening, and will be performing at the brand new One Daytona (epicenter of hotels, shopping, entertainment and more next to the Daytona Speedway) in Daytona Beach on Dec. 23 with his band, Billy Buchanan & his Rock ‘n Soul Revue, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Buchanan currently resides in St. Augustine as a fulltime entertainer and songwriter, performing 200 TO 250 shows a year. He also mentors, consults and develops aspiring artists through his music company, Persevere Entertainment Group.