Intimacy, warmth and musicality - a wonderful recording!” - Rick Gibbs

— Island Jazz

"Staggering beautiful!"

Susan's latest release Learning to Listen is a powerful body of work recorded live off the floor, with her beloved 1920's Mason and Risch baby grand. Russell Dawkins, Airborne Recording, says "This is one of the finest local recordings I have worked on - mastered in this case. I think it has serious merit both as music and poetry - simply as art." 

Known for her cinematic songs, compelling performances and her unique approach to  audience participation, Susan began performing in the early 1980's, touring festivals and coffeehouses from Alaska to Newfoundland. She's shared the stage with Joan Baez, won three songwriting contests and written two full-length musicals, one which toured Japan and the Smithsonian.  

Christine Lavin (New York) named Susan's Secret of My Happiness "one of the year's top ten albums under-the-radar" in 1998. Since then, Susan has been out of the spotlight for health reasons. Her gradual return began in 2017 with a solo acapella scripted house-concert series, Sing for No Reason, telling the story behind a remarkable song (see video below), while the audience provides her accompaniment.  

Susan's 'Yukon Women' song is a northern under-the-radar classic; her secular spiritual 'Shine On' is sung by choirs all over the world. Oh yeah, and way back in 1980, she won the prestigious Madam Trapper award at Whitehorse Rendezvous.

For more, see   /full-length-bio

Live in Concert:

Press Inquiries

Press photos:

Susan Ellenton

Susan Ellenton