Shook Twins, John Craigie and friends return for annual ‘Giving Thanks’ concert
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
Thanksgiving in Sandpoint is a time of community, togetherness and gratitude — and also some bangin’ live music.
Since 2010, Katelyn and Laurie Shook have gathered the community for a special concert after Thanksgiving with their band Shook Twins. This year, “Giving Thanks” will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
The twin sisters formed their namesake band in their hometown of Sandpoint, and shortly thereafter hosted their Thanksgiving concert at The Tunnel bar in 2010. It wasn’t until 2012 when they held the first show at the Panida and started a tradition that continues today.
“This has evolved into a tradition that we never saw coming,” Katelyn told the Reader. “We’re really into Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite holidays and we always have a moment giving thanks around our table. So it’s a nice show dedicated to giving thanks for what we have.”
Shook Twins includes Katelyn and Laurie Shook, along with bandmates Aber Miller, Alex Radakovich and Niko Slice.
Shook Twins playing live with John Craigie. Courtesy photo
“This is our forever band,” Katelyn said. “We’ve finally found each other.”
Returning after a yearslong break from the show is folk-singing troubadour John Craigie, who will play a full set of his original songs.
“Craigie is probably one of my favorite people to play with,” Katelyn said. “Since Shook Twins took a hiatus, he took our band — Niko, Aber and Alex — on the road for a couple of tours, so our bands are melded at this point. We know his songs super well. Singing his songs is one of my favorite things ever. I just love his music and love him.”
Craigie has toured the nation (and world) for two decades, gathering a strong following thanks to his unique songs that either make you laugh or ball your eyes out.
Also joining Shook Twins on stage will be Bart Budwig, whose “cosmic country” vibe always adds some mischief and fun to a live performance.
New this year is the introduction of VIP tickets, which are allotted premium reserved seating, as well as an invitation to a pre-party at the Little Panida Theater with free drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a special acoustic performance by Laurie and Katelyn at 6 p.m. before the main show.
As of press time, there were only about eight VIP tickets left to purchase, and about the same number of general admission tickets left before the show sold out.
“Expect a mix of new songs, some oldies, some middles,” Katelyn said. “Some people ask if there is a dress code. We’re wearing autumn colors this year, if anyone cares.”
Each year, Shook Twins donate a portion of ticket sales to the Panida. This year, their contribution will come out of the VIP ticket sales.
“This has always been a Panida benefit, or for the past 10 years at least,” Katelyn said. “This year, we’re selling the 36 VIP tickets and the difference of those tickets goes directly to the Panida.”
“Giving Thanks” is a dancing show, so the first five rows of seating might be blocked by dancing audience members.
“We’d like to thank everybody for always supporting this show and wanting to be a part of it with us and making it our favorite time of the year,” Katelyn said.
Visit panida.org to purchase a ticket (if any are left) and listen to Shook Twins at shooktwins.com.
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