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SHARI PUORTO - Singer / Songwriter / Performer/Children's author
Recently moved back to the East Coast from Los Angeles, CA
Shari Puorto is a national touring, acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and performer celebrated for her compelling fusion of blues, roots rock, and Americana. With a career spanning over two decades, she’s released multiple albums to date and is known for her electrifying stage presence. She is a powerhouse vocalist with a deeply expressive voice, Shari's performances are immersive and unforgettable.
Shari is proud to perform alongside her partner, Doug Woolverton who is a 2x Grammy nominated, 1x Emmy nominated musician from New England who is the trumpet player in the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band.
Albums & Awards
- Finalist, Top 5 in two categories @ the 2026 DC Wammie Awards: Best Americana/Country Album (Hold On) & Best Blues Song (Why Not Me?)
- Live album Live at Bogie’s earned Best Live Release at the L.A. Music Critic Awards.
- The release My Obsession received first-round Grammy nominations in multiple Americana category segments.
- Shari's song, ‘Free’ winner, Americana, Blues, Roots song of the year @ the L.A. Music Awards.
- Her latest album, Hold On, was released on March 1, 2025.
- Music charting internationally and nationally.
- Winner, best female vocalist (So Bay Music Awards)
Vocal Style & Influences
• Raised in Orange, Connecticut, Shari later relocated to California, drawing inspiration from iconic singers like Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, and Etta James. Her vocal delivery has been favorably compared to Bonnie Bramlett.
• Often described as possessing “the stage presence of Joplin with vocals akin to James,” she’s recognized for delivering emotional, authentic performances that deeply connect with audiences.
Live Performances & Collaborations
• Shari’s live shows are known for their high energy and universal appeal— attracting an all age audience drawn into her soulful vibe.
* Shari starred as a singer/ Lead actor in The Killers’ music video Blowback.
• She’s contributed to commercial soundtracks, shared stages and collaborated with legendary artists such as, Dickie Betts, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes), Slash, Ruthie Foster, Dilbert McClinton, Robert Randolph, Don Felder (The Eagles), Tommy Castro, Jimmy Vivino, and many more. Shari has opened the show for many a great artists such as, Kansas, Robben Ford, Walter Trout, Tower of Power, and many more! Whether performing in clubs, festivals, or studios, she brings passion and authenticity to every note.
• A notable project is her co-written (with Doug Woolverton) children’s music album Lightning’s Lessons, Vol. 1 (created during COVID), which introduces blues music to young audiences and features celebrated artists such as Shemekia Copeland, Duke Robillard, Curtis Salgado and many more. Their mission is clear: to create powerful, meaningful music that connects across generations. So fun they'll forget they are learning!
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At a Glance
Genre Blues, Roots Rock, Americana
Vocal Style Soulful, expressive, compared to Joplin/Etta James
Notable Albums Live at Bogie’s, My Obsession, Hold On
Awards/Noms L.A. Music Critic Awards, Grammy pre-nominations, Best vocalist (So. Bay Music Awards), Shari’s music has charted and appeared on the RMR Music Reports Top 50 in the following categories: Top 50 Blues Album, Top 50 Blues Contemporary Album, Blues Song: Home of the Blues & Sugar Daddy, Top 50 California Song Chart (Home of the Blues), Contemporary Blues Song (MY Obsession), Top 50 California Album. Shari’s music has been getting International and National airplay airing on over 200 Radio stations across the US and abroad.
Shared the stage Slash, Dickey Betts, Rich Robinson, Don Felder, Robert Randolph, and others
Children’s Project Lightning’s Lessons, Vol. 1
