Shannon McNally performs at City Winery on Feb. 13, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss)

Diners heading to City Winery in Ivy City recently to see the last performance of Steve Earle’s winter residency were treated to a wonderful musical appetizer. Singer/songwriter Shannon McNally warmed up the capacity crowd with a tasty 45-minute solo set of acoustic tunes from her catalog.

Steve introduced Shannon at the beginning of her set, explaining that he “discovered” her about a year ago sitting on an amp at different City Winery during an Emmylou Harris tribute and thought she would be a good fit for his tour.

Shannon began singing and playing guitar in clubs while a student at Franklin and Marshal in Central Pennsylvania. Her music draws influence from country, rock, and the blues. After graduation, she spent some time honing her musical chops as a busker on the streets in Paris, before getting her first big break — a contract with Columbia Records in 1997.

Through the years, Shannon has shared the stage with Stevie Nicks, Ryan Adams, and John Mellencamp, among others. She has eight albums and four EPs to her credit. Her most recent album, Black Irish, released in 2017 via Compass Records. The album was produced by Americana icon (and Steve Earle crony) Rodney Crowell who also co-wrote a few of its tracks.

Listen to Black Irish by Shannon McNally on Spotify:

Shannon’s set was punctuated at the end when Steve joined her on stage to perform a duet of “Lonely Are the Free.” In turn, Shannon joined Steve on stage during his set to provide vocal harmonies on “Goodbye.”

Shannon will continue with Steve Earle through the end of his current tour before heading to Finland in March for a three-stop mini tour. Check out Shannon’s website for more information.

Here are some photos of Shannon McNally performing at City Winery in DC on Feb. 13, 2019. All images copyright and courtesy of Ari Strauss.