Shook Twins heading home for the holidays

SANDPOINT — Katelyn and Laurie Shook have plenty to be thankful for this holiday season.

It’s been a good year for the identical twins and Sandpoint natives. They have a new album on the way courtesy of their rapidly-expanding fan base, which supplied $26,000 through Kickstarter to make it happen. The funding allowed them to work with Grammy-nominated producer Ryan Hadlock, a creative mind behind The Lumineers’ hit 2012 self-titled record. With so much excitement and potential on the horizon, however, Katelyn Shook has her sights set on a warm house, a big Thanksgiving dinner and — if she’s lucky — perhaps a day up at Schweitzer.

“I try not to have any expectations in my life, especially when it comes to working in music,” she said. “That’s a good way to set yourself up for disappointment.”

That’s why Sandpoint is so important to the twins. While Portland, Ore., has become home in its own right, there’s an intangible comfort to the North Idaho community — a ballast that keeps the musicians going through good times and bad.

“There’s definitely a feeling that we’re coming home to the cradle,” Shook said. “I love that about Sandpoint.”

Indeed, North Idaho is set to become something of a holiday tradition for the performers. Continuing an event established last year, the Shooks are coming home for the holidays, and they’re bringing the band back with them for shows at The Pearl and Panida theaters on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The twins are eager to share music from their forthcoming album with their friends and family. Written gradually over several months, it represents a balanced work of both twins’ folk-driven songwriting. Hadlock’s involvement only made the process that much more exciting, and the experience of recording at Bear Creek Studio, located just north of Seattle, was an unforgettable one, Shook said.

“It was a little like going to summer camp for our band,” she added. “It really brought us together.”

Speaking of bringing people together, that’s one of the best things about returning to Sandpoint for shows, Shook said. She tries to relax and recharge her batteries, but there’s rarely time for such luxuries.

A Sandpoint visit means a mad scramble to try and see as many friends and family members as possible within a few short days.

But that’s just part of why the Shooks love Sandpoint — and why Sandpoint loves them back. As a gesture of appreciation to all the good times, the twins aim to support local food banks during their busiest season of the year. Anyone who brings at least five nonperishable items to the show will receive a limited edition autographed poster in return.

According to the Shooks, it’s the least they can do for a town that’s given them a lot of joy. In fact, when it comes to things they’re thankful for, they say Sandpoint is right near the top of the list.

“We never want to lose our connection with this town,” Shook said.  

The Shooks first take the stage at the Pearl Theater in Bonners Ferry at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. The show will be supported by Anna Tivel, the Shook Twins’ violin player who performs under her solo project Anna and the Underbelly. Tickets cost $15 in advance at Bonners Books, Mountain Mikes and Eve’s Leaves or $18 at the door.

The Shook Twins are back for more at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint. Local singer-songwriter Justin Lantrip opens the show with his easy-going yet soulful acoustic rock. Next up is Mama Doll, a slowly percussive act constructed upon the lovely vocal harmonies of Sarah Berentsen and Austen Case and the bass-playing of Cedar and Boyer’s Jen Landis. Tickets cost $12 at Eichardt’s and Pedro’s or $15 at the door.

Tickets are also available online. Visit www.shooktwins.com for details.