SHANNON COOPER-GARLAND

Voted Southland's Entertainer of the Year back to back in '96 and '97 and again in 2009, Shannon has forged a high-profile musical career performing at countless corporate functions, festivals, weddings and international sporting events around the country and offshore.

Shannon has been a guest artist with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra five times and, when not behind the microphone herself, she has shared her experience and knowledge with others as a music tutor for the Southern Institute of Technology. Shannon has also assumed the role of musical director and conductor for three successful Invercargill Musical Theatre productions.

Corporate engagements throughout the country, and internationally, have kept this talented artist on the road for lengthy spells in her career.

Since forming the vocal trio LIPSTICK, Shannon has continued to promote Southland wherever she goes, taking with her the cream of Invercargill's talent, Maria and Toni. LIPSTICK are a hit in the corporate sector, performing for the likes of Annette Presley (Slingshot CEO), the Brightwater Wine and Food Festival in Nelson and storming the stage with Tim Beveridge at the 2009 SBS 140th birthday celebrations.

New Years' Eve 2009 saw the girls leaving our shores once again to perform at the prestigious Hong Kong Country Club. Continuing performances in Papua New Guinea have kept Shannon and her longtime ally Jason Schmidt busy this year, with plenty more exciting opportunities ahead!