Penny Shades is a four-piece alt-soul group from Nelson BC that makes music featuring three-part harmonies, dynamic lead vocals, and modern grooves with psychedelic flair. The band launched with their debut FACTOR-funded EP during the pandemic and have already found themselves sharing major stages, including Nelson’s International Mural Festival and the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival.

Their single ‘Way Back’ marked their CBC radio debut with plays across multiple programs and was featured by Exclaim! on both their Best New Canadian Music Spotify playlist and Show & Tell column. Their most recent single “Hard Lines’ has received considerable CBC airtime and was included in Billboard’s New and Upcoming Canadian Album Releases.

Led by vocalist Sarah Orton, alongside guitarist Jesse Lee, keys/synth Jeremy Sauer, and drummer Ness Benamran, the group released their Creative BC-supported second EP release in June 2024.

The Capitol Theatre