| About Shelley |
Shelley Graff, a feminist singer, songwriter, guitarist, and Singing In Sacred Circle facilitator, has been sharing her songs with audiences during the past twenty-one years. Her folksy, personable approach to performing and facilitating Singing In Sacred Circle workshops, draw her audiences down a path of political inquiry, peace, healing, and transformation. Whether she is sharing her music at political events, women’s conferences, coffeehouses, or music festivals, Shelley charms her way into her listeners’ hearts! In August of 2010, Shelley released her third CD, Coming Home. Coming Home includes many new songs and chants as well as songs that Shelley has written over the past twenty years. The Coming Home CD starts with a spoken word piece called "Hope" and continues with songs/chants rich with women’s voices as well as, on some pieces, accompaniment of guitar, piano, flute, and cello. As one might expect, there are many women’s voices on this CD. The following women, who Shelley calls her Amazing Spirit Sisters, lovingly added their soulsounds to this recording: Ruth Barrett, Amy Carol Webb, Kathy Crocco, dorrie andermills, Lee Hoffman, Leslie Bevans, Cherie Ackerson, Rachel Alexander, Elizabeth Bolen, Jennifer Powers, Linda Smith Koehler and Women With Wings, the Columbus Singing In Sacred Circle, and the Cincinnati Singing In Sacred Circle. The amazing and inspiring Mary Southard shared her beautiful artwork on the CD cover as well on the back of the Coming Home CD. |
Fire On The Arrow brought together over thirty-seven amazing women from various regions. Shelley flew to Maine to sing with Kay’s Singing in Sacred Circle group, Women With Wings, to record Gentle Spirits and Sacred Women. Ruth Barrett and Falcon River from Wisconsin came to Cincinnati to record Sacred Women, Tears, and Rise Up. The “ Fab Five,” women from various cities in Ohio, came together to record many songs on the CD such as Stones, Against All Odds, and Spiderwoman. Finally, the Columbus Singing In Sacred Circle recorded You’re Not Alone. All of these women joined together on the title song Fire On The Arrow. In addition to the acappella and choral pieces, some songs such as Goddess Dreams, Flying, Lullaby, and I Wish You Stars, include guitar, piano, and cello. The many women who came together to make this CD created harmonies in hope that the listener will find a quiet, peaceful place in a fast paced, chaotic world. They found their journey to be one that soothed their souls as they bathed in the healing light and love of magical sounds. Shelley’s first CD, Moon Mama, has been successful since its release. Taking a panoramic yet “village view” approach in her politically charged songs, Shelley’s commentary on contemporary politics leaves her audiences with a heightened awareness as well as a good laugh! Energetic Old Maid Aunts and SongVoices characterize women as influential leaders who passionately call for personal empowerment and political change. White Buffalo Woman, a favorite among audiences, is a plea for change to a simpler way of life that wishes for peace among all people. Shelley’s motivational fast-paced tunes are delicately balanced by her inspiring sweet, slow ballads. Her poignant prose is at its best in the title song of the CD, Moon Mama. Whimsical images, supported by Shelley’s unique rhythmic guitar picking style, create an ethereal space for spirits to find a quiet moment of peace, harmony and healing. Personal empowerment and transformation are the common themes that Shelley’s strong and steady voice projects as she shares her stories through song. Shelley Graff is a true visionary who believes in remembering the past, focusing on the present, and dreaming about the future!
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In the summer of 2005, Shelley released her second CD titled, 
