A Grammy-Nominated Voice Returns to Brattleboro

When Shawn Mullins steps onto the stage at Stone Church in Brattleboro on Wednesday, October 8, it will be more than a concert — it will be the continuation of a remarkable songwriting journey that has spanned nearly three decades. Known for his hauntingly intimate ballads and soulful Americana, Mullins has carved a place in the hearts of listeners who prize honest lyrics and melodies that linger long after the last note.

His career famously took flight with the 1998 release of Soul’s Core, a record that transformed him from a rising figure in Atlanta’s indie music scene into a Grammy-nominated, chart-topping artist. The album’s signature track, “Lullaby,” became a cultural moment in itself — climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Top 40, earning a Grammy nod, and cementing Mullins’ place in the late-90s wave of singer-songwriters. But Soul’s Core was never just a one-song record; it established Mullins’ voice as a storyteller who could balance tenderness with grit.

Beyond “Lullaby”: A Songwriter’s Breadth

After the breakthrough, Mullins proved he was no one-hit wonder. His 2006 single “Beautiful Wreck” from 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor topped the AAA and Americana charts, further expanding his reach. Songs like “Shimmer” found their way into soundtracks, from the Sydney Olympics to the cult-favorite Dawson’s Creek. His writing even seeped into network television — “All in My Head” appeared in the pilot episode of Scrubs.

Mullins also found success as a collaborator. His co-write with the Zac Brown Band, “Toes,” became a No. 1 country hit, showcasing his ability to merge his folk-inspired voice with mainstream country appeal. In the early 2000s, he joined forces with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge to form The Thorns, a harmony-rich supergroup that produced gems like “No Blue Sky.”

Revisiting Soul’s Core — With Fresh Eyes

For the 20th anniversary of his career-defining album, Mullins embarked on the Soul’s Core Revival project. Rather than release a polished remaster, he chose to deconstruct and reimagine the album from two radically different angles. One version strips the songs to their essence — solo performances on guitar, piano, and even a cappella takes. The other revisits the tracks with his full band, Soul Carnival, reinterpreting them with the wisdom of two decades and a renewed creative spark.

This dual reimagining not only honors the past but proves Mullins’ songs remain living works, able to stretch and breathe with time. For audiences in Brattleboro, it’s a chance to hear both the classics and the evolution of an artist unafraid to revisit his own roots.

Introducing Jennifer Lynn Simpson

Sharing the bill is Jennifer Lynn Simpson, a Los Angeles–based singer-songwriter whose musical journey began at age nine, singing on stage with Julio Iglesias. Since then, she has cultivated a style that blends confessional songwriting with the twang and warmth of Americana.

Her collaborations include co-writing “South Walton Paradise” with Fastball’s Miles Zuniga, a song that earned accolades at the 30A Songwriter Festival. She has also worked with legendary arranger David Campbell on a track destined for a major motion picture. In recent years, Simpson has toured with Rick Springfield and built momentum toward the release of her debut album, produced alongside Grammy Award–winning Matty Spindel and Jeff Gross.

For Simpson, this Brattleboro performance marks another step in a growing career, and for audiences, it offers the thrill of discovering a rising songwriter in an intimate venue.

Stone Church: Brattleboro’s Home for Live Music

Housed in a restored New England church on Main Street, Stone Church has become a cornerstone of Brattleboro’s arts scene. Its stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings make every performance feel personal and resonant — whether it’s folk, rock, jazz, or something entirely new.

For touring artists, it’s a stop that feels like home, surrounded by an audience that truly listens. For locals, it’s where the town comes together to experience live music in a space that’s both intimate and steeped in history. The room itself reflects what makes Brattleboro special — creativity, community, and a deep love of art that thrives year-round.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
• Venue: Stone Church, 210 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT
• Doors: 7:00 PM
• Showtime: 8:00 PM
• All Ages
• Tickets: $40 (loft seating sold out)
• 🎟 Get Tickets

For fans of Americana, folk, and the singer-songwriter tradition, this concert is a chance to experience songs that helped shape a generation. “Lullaby” may have introduced Mullins to the world, but his catalog tells a broader story — of resilience, collaboration, and reinvention. Pair that with Simpson’s fresh voice and the storied setting of Stone Church, and you have the makings of a night that embodies Brattleboro’s celebration of art, culture, and community.

✨ From the Grammy-nominated storytelling of Shawn Mullins to the rising Americana voice of Jennifer Lynn Simpson, this Stone Church show promises an evening of heartfelt songs and unforgettable moments in the heart of Brattleboro.