With my Taylor at Trislers in 2005

Suzanne Shea Reed

Bio

Suzanne started singing in San Diego coffe houses as a teenager in the mid sixties. In 1969 she met multi-instrumentalist Pete Varhola, and as “Peter and Suzanne” it was just a matter of weeks before the pop/folk/country/bluegrass duo started getting bookings. They were a mainstay on the San Diego restaurant-chain circuit for four years. This was a time when entertainers could actually make a living playing 5-6 nights a week, building a following in one “house” for a good steady run. After some wonderful years with Pete, Suzanne was ready to move into a solo career.

The mid-seventies found her at the Riviera in Las Vegas for a bit, then a year at the Hyatt in North shore Lake Tahoe, then on to Northern California, singing in clubs in Monterey and Carmel for four years. During the eighties Suzanne was living in San Jose and singing with house bands of the two main Country music nightclubs, Cowtown and the Saddle Rack. She worked with some of the top musicians in Northern California, many of them as well-versed in Jazz, Rock, R&B, and Blues as they were in Country music.

With Pete Varhola, 1970

Saddle Rack Riders, 1985

With Joan Baez, 1988

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In 1999 Suzanne and her family moved back to her hometown of San Diego. After twenty-five years of a full-time music career, she now enjoys time with her family (husband Dan, and sons Matthew and Mike) and working in the Public Relations department of Taylor Guitars.

Being a musician and entertainer at heart will always be Suzanne’s “center” and the reason why she makes sure to get out and play music from time to time. She fully plans to be playing guitar and singing for her 100th birthday party. You are all invited!

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