The September Songbird concert showcased the talent and storytelling of The Shandies, Allie Vogler, and Jakob Baxter.
The September Songbird Concert brought another evening of thoughtful songwriting, memorable stories, and original music to The Focal Point, with Jakob Baxter, The Shandies, and Allie Vogler sharing the circle for six rounds of songs.
Jakob Baxter opened each round, followed by The Shandies, with Allie Vogler bringing the round to a close. As the evening unfolded, each artist brought a distinct voice and perspective to the stage, creating the kind of musical conversation that has become central to Songbird.
Jakob Baxter opened each round with songs that felt direct, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in storytelling. His honesty drew the room in quickly, giving each new round a strong starting point and inviting the audience to listen closely from the first line.
The Shandies, Shannon Stine and Natalie Wlodarczyk, brought the unmistakable chemistry of two songwriters who know how to make space for one another. Their harmonies and natural interplay added warmth to the circle, while their songs balanced personality, reflection, and the kind of small human details that make a story feel immediately familiar.
Allie Vogler closed each round with a compelling blend of vulnerability, confidence, and sharp observation. Her songs carried their own emotional weight while fitting naturally into the evening's larger conversation, leaving the room with something new to sit with before the circle began again.
Across six rounds, the night moved easily between humor and heartache, introspection and connection. Some songs quieted the room. Others brought laughter. And, as often happens at Songbird, ideas and emotions began to echo across performances in ways that couldn't have been planned beforehand.
That is one of the things we continue to love most about these nights. Four chairs, a circle of songwriters, and an audience willing to listen can create something entirely different every time. The songs may begin with the person who wrote them, but once they're shared in the room, they become part of a larger experience.
September was another reminder of why live, original music deserves this kind of space. There is something special about hearing a songwriter introduce a song, learning a little about where it came from, and then experiencing it just feet from the person who created it. Those moments are difficult to recreate anywhere else.
To Jakob Baxter, Shannon Stine and Natalie Wlodarczyk of The Shandies, and Allie Vogler, thank you for sharing your songs and stories with us.
With one more concert ahead in our Fall 2026 season, we're already looking forward to another night of songs we haven't heard yet, stories we don't know, and moments that can only happen once the circle comes together.
We'll see you in the circle.
📸: Auset Sarno
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
The Shandies
Allie Vogler
Jakob Baxter
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SPRINGFIELD, MO
The Shandies are Shannon Stine (vocals/guitar) and Natalie Wlodarczyk (vocals/guitar), a married female folk duo from the vibrant local music scene in Springfield, Missouri. The Shandies deliver intimate, harmony-rich performances shaped by a decade of traveling and performing together. Their crisp acoustic guitar textures, story-driven songwriting, and fun spousal banter leave new audiences feeling like they’ve known them for years. Their sound incorporates folk, rock, and pop influences marked by their signature “fresh-squeezed harmony” which can be heard on their four albums of original music. The Shandies have opened for Mary Gauthier, Katie Pruitt, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and Sarah Lee Guthrie and were chosen by the Springfield Sister Cities Association for a tour in Isesaki, Japan in 2019. Their song “The Bird And The Cage” was a runner-up in the 2025 Unsigned Only Music Awards and winner of the 2025 Original Ozark Folk Festival Songwriting Contest. -
ST. LOUIS, MO
Allie Vogler is an indie folk artist known for her warm, expressive voice and emotionally resonant songwriting. Blending elements of acoustic folk, Americana, and indie rock with subtle soul influences, her music creates an intimate, immersive experience that draws listeners in. A seasoned performer with over a decade of experience, she has toured nationally and opened for acclaimed artists while also making her mark as the founder of River Kittens. Whether in quiet listening rooms or larger stages, her performances carry a raw authenticity that invites connection and lingers well beyond the final note. -
ST. LOUIS, MO
Jakob Baxter is a St. Louis-based guitarist and musician known for his roots in classic rock and Americana influences. A seasoned player from a young age, he has been active in the local music scene for years, collaborating across projects and performing in both band and solo settings. His style reflects a deep appreciation for guitar-driven music, shaped by early inspirations like Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, and Duane Allman. Whether supporting other artists or stepping into his own performances, Baxter brings a grounded, expressive approach that resonates within the St. Louis music community.