Sydney is THE quintessential "Everything Artist." She embodies everything we believe in. We never hesitate to point to her as a role-model. We had the pleasure of recording her first EP, "Gypsy Life," at Hickory Arts, and hosting her easily sold-out house concert. Her success, in our eyes, has already been achieved by her character, her independence and the initiative she has and always takes. Everything else is icing on the cake. — Jeff Hartman, Artistic Director Destined for Stardom Fans love to adore multi-talented Sydney Shepherd By Stephen Brooks Hickory Daily Record Correspondent Sydney Shepherd sings for an enthralled audience. NEWTON - Sydney Torin Shepherd is everything entertainment. She’s a singer, songwriter, musician and actress. She’s so good, her admirers say she’s destined for stardom. When Shepherd took the stage last Saturday night at The Old Post Office Playhouse, she charmed the capacity crowd with her diverse and multifaceted talents. According to people who know Shepherd, they would never expect anything less than absolute excellence. “To me, the sun rises and sets in Sydney,” said Steve Flowers, Playhouse sound designer. “I have known her since she was 10 years old. I think she is the most talented young artist in the area. She can play almost any instrument, sing, dance, write—you name it, she can do it.” To him, there was never any doubt concerning Shepherd’s success. Kicking off the evening with, “Gypsy Life,” from her acclaimed self-titled EP, Shepherd relied on her trusted friend, Harold the banjo, for accompaniment. He didn’t let her down. The two of them were captivating—he with his twangy rhythm and her with perfectly pitched, passionate vocals. Accolades were many. “Sydney is one of the nicest, sweetest young people I’ve ever known,” said Sherry Butler, executive director of the Old Post Office Playhouse. “She is beautiful on the inside and the outside. She genuinely loves what she does.” Walter and Andrea Zahler have encouraged and supported Sydney for quite a number of years. Mr. Zahler was her K-6 principal at Clyde Campbell Elementary. “We are very proud of Sydney and her accomplishments. When she gets to Broadway, she better get me some tickets,” he said, laughing. Perhaps, the finest tribute to Shepherd came from Victoria Whetzel, a senior at Fred T. Foard High School. “Sydney is my role model. She is beautiful inside and out. She has an outgoing personality and is willing to help anyone at any time. She is such an inspiration.” Shepherd, who is in her final year as a drama student at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, is a trained classical cellist, but she plays a wide variety of instruments. And, she even gives each of her instruments a special name, like Harold. One of her favorites is the dulcijo, “Foxy,” a cross between a dulcimer and a banjo. Michael Fox, of Hickory, is credited for making this hybrid instrument. “I love its unique sound,” Shepherd said. “It really sounds great on some of my songs.” Shepherd has quite a repertoire of material from originals to covers, jazz to country, and concert-goers were quick to acknowledge and praise Shepherd’s versatility. They showed their appreciation through their applause and by buying all of the CDs she had for sale. Shepherd autographed copy after copy. Sold-out show, sold-out CDs and the beat goes on. “I was really tickled with the turnout for the concert Saturday evening,” Shepherd said. “It was fun to play to a full house. Even people who did not know me seemed to really connect with my music.” This summer, Shepherd will go for a different connection when she shoots an independent feature film, “After the Arc,” in the Winston-Salem area. Yes, you guessed it. She is the main character. After graduation, she plans to travel to Los Angeles and New York for showcases, where she hopes to sign with an agent. In late July or early August, she will move to Brooklyn, N.Y., to pursue her acting career in television, plays, or other opportunities that may arise. “I will be rooming with three friends and will always have my music to rely on for making money, if I don’t get acting jobs right at first. Some of that will depend on whether or not I have an agent.” Somehow, one gets the feeling that things will fall into place for the talented Sydney Shepherd. Frederick Delius defines music as an “outburst of the soul.” If so, Shepherd’s soul seems to be leading her down the pathway to artistic stardom as a musician, singer, songwriter, dancer or actress. She might find recognition and success in multiple areas. Why, she even whistles. Who’s that with her? » Shepherd has a name for each of her instruments: Orpheus, the guitar; Kinsley, the cello; Gerard, the electric cello; Foxy, the dulcijo; Violet, the dulcimer; and, of course, Harold, the banjo. Cobie and Carol Anne Hartman are big fans. “I like her songs. She is a good singer.” Cobie Hartman, 8-year-old fan “He knows the words to every song on Sydney’s CD. He sings along.” Carol Anne Hartman, Cobie’s mom Next concert Sydney Shepherd will perform at the Hickory Wine Shoppe this Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Wine Shoppe is at 238 Union Square, NW, downtown Hickory. On the Net » www.the-green-room.org » www.facebook.com/sydneytorinshepherd