Shantelle Heiskanen (Davidson) and Éva LaPrairie

Shantelle Heiskanen (Davidson) and Éva LaPrairie are two names becoming synonymous with Fort McMurray’s live music scene, but their impact goes far beyond performance. Together, they form a unique musical partnership—a Power Duo that blends energy, artistry, and heart to create experiences that resonate across the community.

For Shantelle, music has been a lifelong journey rooted in connection. Born in Rainy River, Ontario, and having split her formative years between there and Fort McMurray, she has called the region home for 20 years. “The people brought me here,” she says. “I love the people who work tirelessly to make our community a better place to live.” Éva, originally from Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has spent the last 15 years in Fort McMurray, first moving here for her parents’ work and returning after university. Her drive to perform and connect comes from an equally personal place. “Performing has always allowed me to emote from the heart and connect with people in a compassionate, spiritual way,” she says. In addition to her musical pursuits, Éva works as an Administrator at LaPrairie Crane, balancing her professional career with her passion for music and community engagement.

Their paths crossed at École McTavish music class, where they shared their experiences with young students as songwriters and performers. That experience sparked a partnership that would become a defining element of Fort McMurray’s cultural landscape. “We started performing together at events, foundations, restaurants, pubs… anywhere we could bring music to people,” Éva explains. “It’s been super fun having a partner who understands the grind of musicianship. Shantelle and I complement each other—yin to yang energy. She’s helped me gain confidence on stage, and I’ve shared technical tricks to elevate our shows.”

For Shantelle, music isn’t just a career; it’s a vehicle for community engagement. Alongside her roles as a facility administrator at LaPrairie Crane and as a professional recording artist and songwriter, she volunteers regularly, visiting local schools, supporting Centre of Hope, Waypoints, and collaborating with the Fort McMurray Catholic and Public Schools. “Music always brings community,” she says. “Community involvement is essential for positive change. We all have something to give, and it takes a village to create a place where everyone can thrive.” Éva echoes this sentiment: “Providing entertainment for events has taught me how much heart there is in our community. From finding donors, advertising, and organizing volunteers, to the smallest behind-the-scenes contributions, everyone plays a vital role. We’re all sharing the same vision: bringing love and energy to the community.”

Their collaborative work spans charitable events, community initiatives, and local celebrations. Highlights include the Gratitude Attitude Campaign in 2017, where Éva helped compose and perform a song thanking volunteers who assisted during the Fort McMurray wildfire, and ongoing projects like the SPCA Jam and Taylor Swift-themed events supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association and Wood Buffalo Animal Rescue Committee. Shantelle and Éva have also cultivated their own creative outlet with the band LadyLuck, which blends their musical styles—country, pop, rock, and alternative—into a lively, unforgettable live experience.

Family and personal networks have been foundational to both women’s paths. Shantelle cites her husband, her mother, and her two children as consistent sources of inspiration and support. “They encourage me to be my best and continue to make music,” she says. Éva credits her mother for fostering an expressive household, encouraging her to take vocal lessons, dance, guitar, and theatre, and even supporting her audition for Berklee College of Music in Boston—a dream she pursued before eventually returning to Fort McMurray. Both women emphasize the importance of their partners’ support in performance, noting that encouragement and pep talks are often what make the difference before stepping on stage.

Their commitment to the community goes beyond performing. They see music as a conduit for strengthening connections, boosting morale, and helping residents reclaim a sense of belonging after years of environmental and economic challenges. “One of Fort McMurray’s biggest challenges is rebuilding community connection and supporting mental health,” Éva notes. “People have experienced burnout, loneliness, and a loss of belonging. Investing in local culture, creative initiatives, and wellness resources can help people reconnect and take pride in our city.” Shantelle adds, “I think spreading more love for our city rather than hate will encourage families to stay. Being present, contributing, and showing our kids what community means is how we help Fort McMurray thrive.”

Both women see their roles as more than entertainers; they are mentors, educators, and advocates. They guide younger musicians, encourage artistic exploration, and help cultivate spaces where creativity and personal expression are celebrated. “I want to guide or mentor youth and even elders through workshops or programs,” Éva says. “It’s about encouraging students to see softness as strength when pursuing their craft and to be intentional about the message they send with their art.” Shantelle aligns with this vision, emphasizing that she hopes her children learn the importance of community and giving back through her example.

Looking forward, the duo has ambitious plans. Shantelle is focused on balance, creativity, and new musical projects, including returning to acting and producing new recordings. Éva is planning high-quality releases on streaming platforms, expanding her songwriting and production work, adding acting to her creative pursuits, and continuing to push the boundaries of her performance capabilities. Together, they aim to maintain their artistic independence while fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive local music scene.

A woman-led shift of unfiltered music, energy, and passion perfectly encapsulates the essence of their partnership. Individually, Shantelle is committed to growing Fort McMurray’s live music community and nurturing the next generation of performers, while Éva champions the power of vulnerability and expression through song. Their combined efforts have created a unique synergy, one that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and connection while emphasizing the transformative power of art in community life.

Outside of music, both women remain deeply connected to their personal interests and networks. Shantelle is focused on family, travel, and presence in her day-to-day life, while Éva enjoys skiing, cooking, skating, and spending time with her husband and cat, Vanilla. Their shared experiences as performers have forged a bond built on trust, respect, and mutual encouragement, qualities that inform not only their music but also their contributions to Fort McMurray’s cultural fabric.

At its core, the story of Shantelle and Éva is one of passion meeting purpose. Through performance, mentorship, and community engagement, they demonstrate how artistry can enrich lives, foster belonging, and inspire others to step into their own creativity. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or collaborating with local organizations, these two women exemplify what it means to be committed to both craft and community. As Shantelle says, “We all have something to give, and it takes a village to create a place for everyone to thrive.” Éva adds, “Every event, every performance, every connection matters. The heart of Fort McMurray is in its people, and music is one way we keep that heart beating strong.”

Together, Shantelle Davidson and Éva LaPrairie are more than a musical duo; they are a force of energy, inspiration, and community care, proving that music has the power not just to entertain but to unite, heal, and empower.